If you want to record your runs, there are plenty of solutions. Each tracks your distance, running pace, and other performance metrics during your running workouts.
Even if you’re not training for a particular race, this data can be useful. This allows you to track your progress, measure your training load and get an idea of your performance.
Tools that record your running data are a great help in following a training plan. It also helps boost motivation. It’s always exciting to see what you’ve accomplished on your various outings.
Best Running Apps free
For running, there is no shortage of data tracking and logging options. Over time, you will probably have a preference for one method over another. Personally, I prefer to use a running watch to record my outings.
- Smartphone app
A smartphone app is one way to record your speed, distance, and running time when running.
There are countless running apps like RunMotion Coach, Strava or Map My Run. The majority of them are free. But they often work with in-app purchases to access additional options.
Some apps offer very advanced training programs while others are rather playful and fun. In any case, just bring your mobile phone in a pocket, in a running belt or in a running armband. An application allows you to monitor your performance and then analyze your data after exercise.
Most apps allow you to record the distance traveled, the duration and the pace of each ride. Some are also handy for finding new running routes. Others are specially designed to listen to a playlist adapted to sport with headphones for running.
When the smartphone is connected to a Bluetooth accessory such as a heart rate belt, the application can analyze data on heart rate and its target zones.
- GPS running watch
If you run regularly, a GPS running watch is a good solution to record your sessions. The most popular brands are Garmin, Polar and Suunto.
These watches have built-in GPS. There is no need to carry a phone to record workout data.
A running watch provides real-time running feedback through the information displayed on the watch. These data are generally the chrono, the distance, the pace and the heart rate.
Some models can display altitude and measure an ascent or descent rate. After an outing, the analysis of all this data is possible by synchronizing the watch with your mobile phone.
A GPS watch makes scheduling workouts easier. For example, the watch can be programmed to do interval training and warn you with an audible signal. Training sessions can be programmed on Garmin, Polar or Suunto apps.
It can be useful if you want to monitor and improve your performance regardless of your beginner or advanced level. A watch of this type allows you to analyze the evolution of your physical condition.
Finally, a GPS running watch can indicate the path to follow thanks to navigation functions. This is convenient for following a route or returning to the starting point.
- The training diary
The traditional way to record your runs is to use a training diary. You can opt for a simple notebook or for a printed running notebook.
It’s a less technological approach to tracking your performance. You can simply time your race times and write them down on paper.
If you run on an athletics track, you can find out your exact running distance. Based on your time and distance, you can calculate the pace.
If you’re looking for a free and easy way to find out your running speed, just dive back into your math lessons. Indeed, if the running distance is known, it will suffice to time the time you take to cover this distance to obtain your speed.
We remind you that speed is the relationship between distance and time. Nevertheless, you must not forget to start the stopwatch and stop it at the right time, otherwise you will have falsified results.
The final word
If you are using a GPS app or watch, there may be interference in signal reception. With these solutions, running output measurements are not always accurate. But that’s okay, because it’s more interesting to know the total time of a session rather than the distance.
And there is no need to focus on a single output. The purpose of logging all of your running workouts is to get an idea of your overall progress and make changes if needed. You will be able to set your goals easily and follow your progress session after session.