Amanda’s favorite running apps

By Amanda Dellario April 26, 2010 9:00 am EST Comments

Another spring is here. This is the time I start thinking about fixing up the yard, beefing up on my allergy meds, and running. The first two I do because I must, but the latter, I do because I love it.

As a mother of two, I find that running is the one thing I do that’s just for me. Indirectly, taking care of myself does ensure I am around longer to take of family, but the short term gains â€” the peace and quiet, the connection with nature, and the great feeling â€” are mine alone. Sure, there are times I could use a little soundtrack. And soÂ I listen to some of my tunes on the iPhone. But when it comes to running, that’s not all the device is good for.

Let me share a few of the apps I’ve got loaded that help me get the best out of my run.

(Links launch iTunes)

iTreadmill: Pedometer Ultra w/Pocketstep ($1.99)

This one is my “go to” running app. The name is a little misleading, because many of us who love a good run are not big fans of the treadmill, and if you were on a treadmill, you wouldn’t need the app, but hey, maybe the other good names were taken. Regardless, this solid app acts like a pedometer in your pocket, tracking your time, speed distance, calories burned, etc. It also tracks your progress and shows it to you graphically. It allows you to set your stride, so it’s pretty acurate in calculating your distance. It will also alert you at the 1/4 mile or kilometer mark. I personally find that feature breaks my zen, so I shut it off.

Get Running (Couch to 5K) ($1.99)

This app is based on the popular fitness program Couch to 5K. Its simple to use, and helps to gently ease you into running. It will track your progress, verbally coach you, and take you through “interval” training (walk 1 minute, jog 1 minute, run 1 minute, etc) which is a terrific way to increase your stamina.

Runmeter GPS Running Stopwatch/Sports Watch ($4.99) This is a nice one for the competitive runner. It is focused on tracking your performance and mapping your routes. It boasts a “race” mode, where you can challenege yourself to beat your best times. The slick, easy user interface are a bonus with this one.

Active.com Reader (free)

Active.com is a popular site for running, cycling and many other athletic events and also has informative articles for every level of the fitness spectrum. From the Active.com running app, you can access that article database and peruse tips to get on top of your game, whether you’re just starting out or have been perfecting it for years.

Safety Flasher Its just what it says. This simple app increases your visbility when running in lower light conditions. Its gives you a few options in terms of color and speed, but it’s pretty basic. It’s what you want from something which will increase your safety: ease of use and reliability.

Most of these apps aren’t just for running and can be used for walking or other sports. Regardless of where you’re at â€” whether you’re new to working out or have been fighting the good fight for years â€”Â the most important thing is to simply keep moving, and find the right tools for the job. In my case, the right tools are a good pair of sneakers, any piece of open road, and my iPhone.

Have you got a favorite running/jogging app? Share it by commenting below.