The best running apps for the Apple Watch

Strava is one of the the most famous sports apps. This app is popular among cyclists, but also among runners. The app uses the integrated GPS of the Apple Watch. The advantage is that it can measure your distance, pace, and heart rate without having to bring your iPhone. Do you have a first generation Apple Watch without integrated GPS? It might be useful to bring your iPhone and link it to your Apple Watch so Strava can use your smartphone's GPS sensor. If I want more insight into my training, I can download Strava on my iPhone. I can see a summary of my data in the app.

Runkeeper also uses the built-in GPS sensor of the Apple Watch. What's great about this app, is that it has pre-installed training sessions. If you just started running, a 20-minute training or a workout of a few kilometers during which you alternate running and walking is really useful. Once I installed the app on my smartphone, I can easily create new training sessions like a distance interval training. I can also set a desired speed or maximum heart rate. This way, I can easily create my own training schedules with Runkeeper.

The Nike+ Run Club app is an app that uses the GPS sensor of the Apple Watch. This app is especially useful if I want to improve my performance. The training schedule adapts itself, based on my goals and progress. Thanks to the rankings, I'm not just competing with myself, but also with my running buddies. After my run, I can easily share my data and compare personal records to others.