Get out and run! Top 5 marathon training apps
Image by familymwr, used under Creative Commons.
Comedian Jim Gaffigan tweeted, “What’s the difference between a personal trainer and a professional nag?” Well, maybe nothing.
The good news is, there are now a bunch of downloadable running and fitness training apps, which means you don’t have to engage in awkward face-to-face conversations about working out with such a professional nag. And hey, it turns out that if you’re training for a marathon or another race, these apps can actually be rather useful.
Here are our picks for the 5 top running apps to help you cross the finish line strong. Now, hurry up and read already!
MapMyRun
This app that features a GPS-based route tracker and log. It also has a specialized marathon training program and lets you share data on the app’s website to monitor your progress or compare with friends.
miCoach
Get this app and get a custom plan for marathon training. It comes with real-time voice coaching to help you pace yourself. You can even choose your trainer’s voice: male, female, or one of several famous athletes.
Personal Running Trainer
With this app you get coaching instruction voiced over your music, which tells you when to run, walk, and helps set your pace. It includes a 16-week marathon training program, as well as a 1 mile, 5k, 10k, and half-marathon.
RunKeeper
Turn your phone into your portable personal trainer with GPS tracking, speed monitoring, and calculation of caloric output. There’s also tracking for walking, cycling, and more.
Ghost Race
Track your time on different routes and compare your progress from day to day. You also get real-time audio updates on how you’re measuring up against the “ghost runner” of yourself from the previous day.
Zombies, Run!
Need some extra motivation to run faster? What if zombies were chasing you? This app integrates a story about a zombie apocalypse, played in between your songs through radio messages and voice recordings, in which you have to run around collecting supplies, avoiding zombies, and saving other citizens.
What races are you training for? Have you used any of these apps, or other ones? Let us know in the comments.
