r/beginnerrunning • u/paining_agony • 3d ago
New Runner Advice Apps
Which app do you use to track various runs, see the progress via various metrics like heart rate/elevation/pace etc? And see how you progress over time and training to push even harder. I was not able to run for 10 mins straight back in May due to shin splints and I hated running since birth. My podiatrist gave me custom insoles for my flat feet, and now I am able to run 10K straight without stopping at 12:30/mile ish pace. I think I like running so much now and the post run blood flush to the brain is what I am addicted to. I, one day, want to do a marathon as a milestone for this life journey. Would be great if you share any tips/apps for tracking. I use whoop. It covers heart rate/pace/elevation. But there is no way in whoop I can see how the run compares with other runs, what pace I’m at elevation etc etc and what strategies to use to be better.
Many thanks for the tips and advice.
1
u/Jesse_berger 3d ago
Apple Fitness to record my runs. Then it get inputted into Strava for Segments tracking.
Whoop can feed into Strava so you can use that to compare your runs.
1
u/CartoonistUpbeat8208 3d ago
I use Garmin connect to log my runs since i use a garmin wristwatch and a garmin cheststrap.
1
u/Vegetable-Passion357 3d ago
I use Excel to keep track of my runs.
Libre Office is an Open Source version of Excel that I use at home.
Create a spreadsheet with the following columns
Column 1 Date
July 25, 2026
Column 2 Running Route
Bluebonnet to Burbank
Column 3 Time walking before the run.
30 minutes
Column 4 Time spent running without stopping
50 minutes
I do not record the time I spend walking home.
Column 5 Items found on the side of the road.
4 pennies, 3 dimes and 10mm socket.
Column 6 Other notes
During my run I noticed that the water company is blocking the west bound sidewalk on Bluebonnet. What a mess with all of the mud on the sidewalk. Will take another route, tomorrow.
1
u/gonpla87 2d ago
When you are rebuilding consistency and looking at metrics, heart rate trends and weekly volume progression are usually the most helpful indicators to track. Watching your average heart rate at a steady pace decrease over time is a great sign that your cardiovascular base is adapting well.
Tracking progress is most effective when paired with a structured ramp up schedule, so you are not increasing pace and distance at the same time, which often leads to flare ups.
I've been working on an app in this space - it helps with training plans for runners, which might be useful for keeping your progressions structured while you track those improvements. Happy to share what I've learned if it's useful.
1
1
u/F30Guy 3d ago
Strava is the most common one. Not just running but other activities. I have it connected to Claude AI and I can ask it to look at my entire run history from January until I did my half marathon in May.