From the July 2012 issue of Runner’s World

Three cool running apps for your smart phone

By Jeff Dengate

With built-in GPS and always-on Internet, smart phones are powerful training tools. While there are many apps capable of tracking your every move, these three stand out for their ability to motivate and connect you with other runners – even in real time.

RUNKEEPER For: iPhone, Android, Windows Phone Cost: Free While the free RunKeeper app measures distance and pace, an “elite” paid subscription gets you real-time activity tracking and advanced statistical analysis. The additional RunKeeper FitnessClasses (available at a fee) consist of a social training program from coaches like Jeff Galloway and the ability to connect with other runners on runkeeper.com.
ENDOMONDO SPORTS TRACKER For: iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone Cost Free; pro A$4.49 The Endomondo app tracks time and distance, and is a powerful social-networking tool. Friends can follow your progress live and offer “pep talks” – text messages are translated to audio encouragement you hear on the run. The “pro” version lets you chart your data and set time and kilojoule goals.
COUCH-TO-5K For: iPhone Cost: A$1.99 The popular Couch-to-5K app helps new runners avoid injury from doing too much, too soon. Three 30-minute workouts per week get you read for a 5K race in only nine weeks. Along the way, your time and distance is tracked using GPS, and a virtual coach gives you verbal cues about your workout. After each run, your data can be logged to active.com.

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