New Year’s resolutions are an important practice for many people. They symbolize a fresh start, filling us with renewed hope and promises that the upcoming year will bring a more positive outlook compared to the previous one.

If running is part of your resolution, these apps will help kickstart your running journey in the new year.

Adidas Running

This is my favorite running/activity tracking app, hands down. The Adidas Running (AR) app offers a wide range of features that help and motivate us to stay active.

Every month, there are multiple challenges available that, once completed, allow you to earn between 50 and 100 points. These points can be redeemed for Adidas privileges, such as product discounts or a free app subscription for up to one year.

If you’re determined to achieve your personal best time for 5KM, 10KM, and 21KM, you can indicate it on the app and let it create a customized training plan for you.

If you prefer running in a group, you can join the Adidas Running community for their runs. However, it is recommended to sign up early as the slots fill up quickly! Active participation will be rewarded with an exclusive AR running tee.

Strava

Strava is a popular activity and tracking app among athletes. Similar to the Adidas Running app, it is free to use unless you need access to additional data. However, you can still explore the usefulness of the data during its limited trial period.

What sets this app apart from others is its large user base and running clubs. Some of these clubs even offer exclusive discounts once you achieve certain activity milestones. Strava supports a wide range of activities, including running, cycling, walking, swimming, and more.

Another notable feature is Beacon, which allows you to share a live tracking link with a designated family member or friend when you go out for a run.

Nike Run Club

Compared to the AR and Strava apps, Nike Run may be lacking in terms of its offerings. However, one key selling point is its Guided Runs feature. With Guided Runs, a Nike coach will provide intermittent encouragement as you choose from over 200 run types. Additionally, if you are pregnant, Nike Run offers dedicated runs for each trimester to help you stay fit while carrying a new life.

While you can create a plan for a specific run target, it is not as customizable. This is an area where AR and Strava also fall short.

Before you run

AR, Strava, and Nike Run are three popular choices among runners. Before downloading these apps, there are two things to consider.

Firstly, the accuracy of their distance measurements may vary by a few hundred meters, but this shouldn’t be a deal breaker. You can download all three apps and try each one to see which you prefer. Some runners even use multiple apps simultaneously, so it’s not uncommon.

Secondly, it’s important to remember that these apps are just tools to help you develop a running habit. Ultimately, it’s up to you to maintain the habit.

Enjoy your runs!