Which running app should you use?

Every running app tracks distance with GPS. That's not the hard part. The hard part is finding one you'll actually open when it's 6 AM and raining.

The best app just gets out of the way. It makes logging a run so automatic you forget it's there. For some, that means community. For others, data. And for a few, it means outrunning a horde of imaginary zombies.

So let's skip the feature lists.

For Social Pressure: Strava

If your friends are all on one app, just use that one. It's probably Strava. Think of it as the social network for people who sweat. You track a run, it posts to a feed, and your friends give you "kudos."

That little notification is a surprisingly good motivator. So are the "segments," which turn any random hill into a race against everyone who's ever run it.

But the real reason Strava works is accountability. It’s harder to skip a run when you know your friends are watching.

For a Coach in Your Ear: Nike Run Club (NRC)

Nike Run Club is less a tracker and more a coach in your ear. It's great if you're just starting out. The best part is the library of guided runs. You pick a coach and a workout, and they talk you through it, giving you tips on form and focus.

It's a good way to break up the monotony of running alone. And it's completely free, which is rare. NRC tracks your pace, distance, and splits, but the vibe is more encouraging than competitive.

For No-Nonsense Tracking: Runkeeper

Runkeeper is the old faithful. It's been around forever because it's simple and it works. It tracks your pace, distance, time, and calories. You can set goals and follow training plans.

The audio cues are a nice touch—you can have it call out your stats at regular intervals so you don't have to look at your phone. It just does the job.

A few others worth a look

• MapMyRun: Best for finding new routes. It has a huge library of user-created paths.
• Couch to 5K: The place to start if you're a complete beginner. It's a nine-week plan to get you running a 5k.
• AllTrails: Essential for trail runners. It gives you offline maps and safety features for when you're out of cell range.

The one you stick with is the right one

When I first started tracking runs back in 2014, I was using some clunky, forgotten app on a cheap phone. The GPS was a mess—it once tracked me running across a lake. But I used it every day.

I had a goal to run a 10k, and that terrible app was the tool that kept me honest. It was less about the data and more about not breaking the chain.

The technology doesn't really matter that much. The app's only job is to get you out the door. So download one and try it for a week. If you hate it, delete it and try another.