11 Best Running Apps To Get Your Butt In Gear

While the idea of cardio makes some of us completely miserable, others get a unique high like no other from a good run. Whether you are running because you love to or because you are forcing yourself to get more fit, running apps can be incredibly helpful in so many ways.

The best running apps can help you to track your speed, keep track of distance traveled, and even record your calorie intake. You even get help mapping your route or creating a playlist that will keep you pumped.

Exercise apps come in all forms, with all sorts of tools, but if you are ready to hit the trail, these apps are a great way to get started.

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1. Runkeeper

Runkeeper stays super-scientific by using GPS to track your running and keep track of your pace, distance, how long your workout was, and how many calories you burned while you were at it. There’s even some fun games and challenges.

2. Pacer

Pacer has a lot going on. It’s a pedometer and fitness tracker that can track your steps, keep a count of your walking and running times, view your route, and help you reach your personal fitness goals via challenges and motivational groups. Runs are always more fun when you make it feel social.

3. Strava Running and Cycling

The app keeps track of running speed and distance traveled, but makes it feel like a competitive sport via leaderboards, achievements and challenges.

4. Weight Loss Running by Verv

This app has a bunch of training plan options, depending on your various fitness goals, from running for weight loss, or 5k and 10k run training. There’s also fun features like audio coaching, running music, diet plans, and more.

5. Spring

Sometimes, a running routine’s success is dependent on something as simple as a good playlist. This music streaming app is made for runners, records your speed, and creates a playlist with enough beats per minute to match your stride. But it does all the important running tracking too, like recording your route, pace, and distance.

6. Nike Run Club

If training for a marathon, this running app can get you ready for a half-marathon in as few as eight weeks, or a marathon in as few as 12 weeks. They base their plans on distance, not time, track your mileage and pace, and provide cross-training workouts for runners.

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7. Aaptiv

With an Aaptiv subscription starting at $14.99/month or $99/year, it’ll be like hiring a personal trainer, but for a fraction of the cost, via a human trainer that can coach on form, speed, and train in treadmill runs and interval drills. These drills range from four-to-63 minutes, with outdoor runs and speed work (for 14 to 61 minutes).

8. Couch to 5K

Couch-to-5K can ease the non-runner to mastering 5K courses (with some time and effort, of course). There’s a training course of 20-to-30 minutes, three times a week over nine weeks, increasing your stamina as you go. While this app isn't free, it only costs $2.99.

9. RunGo

RunGo is a run tracker and navigation aid that can help you find new routes and has voice navigation for guiding through unfamiliar locales without messing with your stride. It also has a feature to download routes for offline use and "guided tours," which are verified routes created by local runners that point out fun points of interest.

10. Runtastic

This app works by using GPS to track and map speed, time, and distance, and plot your route in real time. It even has a cool exercise diary feature that keeps track of your various metrics, and you can view routes in a Google Earth-style view.

11. Stretching and Flexibility Plans

Running can leave you pretty darn sore. Recover those muscles (so you can get back out there) with these stretching routines. The routines are divided by factors like fitness level, time, and sport, so there are plenty of moves that will help you recover.

RELATED: 15 Best Running Songs To Keep You Motivated During Your Workout

Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer who focuses on health, wellness, and relationships. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her at alywalansky@gmail.com.