The spring marathon season for 2017 is done and dusted. So we wanted to see how people are using running app data throughout the year and how they will be preparing their legs for next year’s torture fest.
We also wanted to see if users of these apps are falling into a data drain trap. Some of these apps plot routes using GPS data and connect with music streaming services like Spotify, so it’s worth looking into the efficiency of each app in order to keep our customers informed.
We looked at a subset of 100,000 corporate mobile devices in our global network to analyze the running app data usage patterns of five popular run tracking apps: Strava, Nike+ Run Club, Map My Run, Runtastic and Runkeeper.
We looked at a subset of 100,000 corporate mobile devices in our global network to analyze the running app data usage patterns of five popular run tracking apps: Strava, Nike+ Run Club, Map My Run, Runtastic and Runkeeper.
Listen to Genre Glitch now. Listen to Genre Glitch in full in the Spotify app. Play on Spotify. So when I open the guided runs on the phone app, and scroll down, each one of the guided runs (including first run and next run) have 'Suggested Music' playlists that tie directly into the run. I've downloaded each of these guided runs onto my watch, and went running with just the watch on the 'First Run,' but like you, only had voice.
What time of day are people lacing up for a run?
Our running app data analysis shows that the most popular time to go for a run is straight after work at 5.00pm.
Looking at each app’s usage individually, it’s evident that Runtastic users are early risers, typically running an hour before users of other apps. Runtastic users are twice as likely to have run before 8am than Nike or MapMyRun users.
Nike fans, in contrast, are night owls preferring to run later in the day. Users of the Nike app are twice as likely to run after 8pm than Runtastic users.
Which day are people getting their miles up?
Our running app data analysis shows Sunday is the most popular day to go running, with Friday proving the least popular – likely because people prefer to hit the pub instead of the pavement on Fridays.
This pattern is especially pronounced with the weekend warriors of Runkeeper and Runtastic. Only Strava bucks the trend, with its users preferring Tuesdays over the weekend.
Which running app is winning the data efficiency race?
Strava eats up data much faster than the others, suggesting more intense usage. This makes sense, as Strava typically attracts cyclists as well as runners, meaning distances and time spent using the app are more common.
Runtastic, Runkeeper and MapMyRun all use around a very moderate 0.5MB a day, with the Nike app consuming double that amount. This implies that either Nike users go for longer runs, or as is more likely the case: the app is less efficient in using up users’ data.
The last minute marathon trainers
Glitches On Nike Running App Wth Spotify Premium
Analysis of how regularly running apps data is consumed in general shows that February to April is by far the most active time of the year for lacing up for a run. https://newpg901.weebly.com/blog/spotify-premium-apk-for-windows-7. Collectively, running apps are used 55% more frequently in the lead up to Marathon season than they are in January – perhaps as runners start to panic about the impending race.
What can we learn from this running app data analysis?
The good news overall is these apps don’t consume a huge amount of data so you shouldn’t be too concerned next time your employees head out the door at lunch for a run.
It is important, however, to keen eye on the data consumption of each app. New features and app updates can lead to increased consumption and therefore increased cost. Wandera provides these insights and the ability to restrict access to certain content categories as well as individual apps via Content Filtering.
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It is important, however, to keen eye on the data consumption of each app. New features and app updates can lead to increased consumption and therefore increased cost. Wandera provides these insights and the ability to restrict access to certain content categories as well as individual apps via Content Filtering.
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Back in high school, I was an avid runner. You could find me out there nearly every day in rain, snow, or shine, running multiple miles and even getting a couple of half marathons under my belt. Looking back on it, I was kind of crazy. Nowadays, I can’t even imagine running when it’s colder than 50 degrees, let alone going for more than a few miles.
But now that it’s finally spring, I’ve decided to hit the pavement, throw on my favorite sneakers and wireless headphones, and try to get into this whole running thing again. One of my favorite ways to do this is by tracking my data. I don't need to get too scientific, but I do get motivated by seeing my mile splits get lower over time or watching my mileage climb because it’s physical proof that I’m improving.
The easiest way to track your runs is with the help of a running app. They can track your run path, mile splits, and elevation, and even have special features like running plans and playlists. There are a lot of running apps out there with many associated with brands like Nike, Asics, and Under Armour. Each one works slightly differently, and it can be overwhelming to choose which one is best. So, I decided to test the six most popular running apps using the same 3-mile loop to figure out my favorite, and boy, my legs are tired. Open spotify download.
1. The winner: Runkeeper
My favorite feature: Gorgeous interface and clear running stats.
I fell in love just looking at the design of Runkeeper. It has a lovely light blue color scheme, fun fonts, and an easy-to-navigate interface that made me think running was going to be fun. Runkeeper is owned by Asics, and as an avid Asics shoe owner, it added to the appeal of the app.
This app was my favorite by far because of not just its look, but also how customizable it is. When I went to start my run, I was able to choose which activity I was doing (there’s even a stopwatch mode), what audio stats I wanted, and how often I wanted to hear them. I could also connect my music through Spotify or Apple Music. Once I completed my run, the app gave me basic stats like distance, time, pace, and calories burned as well as a breakdown of my splits for each mile. The app also showed me my pace, elevation, and steps taken in fancy graphs.
One of the things I enjoyed most was that I immediately got achievements after my first run for longest run and highest elevation, which is already encouraging me to beat them. You can also get deeper insights (for those intense trainers) and training plans for exercise or races by purchasing Runkeeper Go ($9.99/month, $39.99/year).
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2. Runner-up: Nike+ Run Club
My favorite feature: It's free!
Before trying out all these other apps, Nike+ Run Club used to be my go-to running companion. When I first started running, I exclusively used Nike sneakers (until I had a terrible experience with shin splints), so I figured I would use a Nike app as well. Now I have years of data tracked on it, which is interesting and inspiring to look over.
The #1 thing this app has going for it is that it’s completely free. Unlike other apps on the list, the Nike app allows you to set up training plans, challenges, and guided runs, which also goes hand-in-hand with their Nike Training app, at no extra cost. But unlike the apps you do have to pay for, there’s no option to get more advanced or in-depth stats.
The look of this app is electric and powerful—much like the Nike brand. It tracks your basic stats, gives you the most achievements to earn, and has fun color levels to strive for. Arguably, the coolest feature is that each run ends with a motivational cheer from a celebrity or pro athlete. My biggest complaint, however, is that the music tends to be softer to make up for the audio stats, so I have to turn my headphone volume higher to compensate.
3. Map My Run
My favorite feature: Pre-determined running routes.
There wasn’t anything too crazy about Map My Run. It tracks your basic stats, breaks your run into smaller courses, and compares runs against each other. The design initially feels clean, but there are ad bars that got in the way and were easy to accidentally click. However, you can also sync this app with Under Armour smart shoes and devices, which is definitely a plus if you own them.
Glitches On Nike Running App Wth Spotify Playlists
With an account, you’re able to go to their website to plan out running loops in advance—a great feature I love using anyway, even if I don’t plan on running with their app. There’s even a feature called “Route Genius” that maps out a loop in your area after you provide a specific mileage. For training plans and greater insights, you’re going to need to upgrade to the MVP plan ($5.99/month or $29.99/year).
4. Strava
My favorite feature: A social network for runners.
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Stava is basically a social network for athletes. You’re able to track your bike ride or run and share it with friends alongside notes of how you felt or specific training you did—so you basically get to low-key brag about your progress. I do like the idea of challenges and connecting with friends, but I’d rather keep my data more personal and challenge myself, rather than make it a competition with other people.
Glitches On Nike Running App Wth Spotify Playlist
The interface is pretty clean, but I did have some initial issues finding my splits post-run. Audio stats were read every 0.5 miles, which was way too frequent for me, and it didn’t include the last 0.05 miles on my run (which is important). The Premium version gives you plenty of perks like Beacon, which allows people to watch you on your run (not creepy?) and gives you a more in-depth look at your data ($7.99/month or 12 months for $30).
5. Runtastic
My favorite feature: Gives you a good amount of stats.
Runtastic was probably the most basic of all the apps. Its interface was easiest to use but not the most aesthetically pleasing, and like Map My Run there are a few ads that tend to get in the way. The two things that irritated me the most about this app were that it had a long countdown before starting (15 seconds) and I could barely understand the voice reading out my stats. To end the run, I had to slide my finger across the screen, which was honestly kind of difficult with sweaty fingers. Runtastic gives you a good amount of stats but makes you pay for things like training plans and routes with Premium ($9.99/month or $35.99/year), which other apps offer for free.
Runtastic was probably the most basic of all the apps. Its interface was easiest to use but not the most aesthetically pleasing, and like Map My Run there are a few ads that tend to get in the way. The two things that irritated me the most about this app were that it had a long countdown before starting (15 seconds) and I could barely understand the voice reading out my stats. To end the run, I had to slide my finger across the screen, which was honestly kind of difficult with sweaty fingers. Runtastic gives you a good amount of stats but makes you pay for things like training plans and routes with Premium ($9.99/month or $35.99/year), which other apps offer for free.
6. WeaveRun
My favorite feature: Amazing playlist options that make the run more enjoyable.
Glitches On Nike Running App Wth Spotify Account
The whole idea behind WeaveRun, available for iOS only, is to have your music sync up to the cadence your running at (mine's about 160 steps/minute), encouraging you to run faster. And honestly, it worked. I chose one of the nighttime playlists while using the app and it felt I was at an EDM concert—in a good way. My feet were literally hitting the ground to the beat of the music, which felt crazy. I probably had my most enjoyable run where I didn’t feel like stopping while using this app.
The big glaring issue with WeaveRun is that it’s not accurate. It tacked on an extra 0.2 miles to my run somehow, which lowered my overall mile time. I made me feel good for a moment, but it’s not great for seeing any progress. It also gives you the fewest amount of stats of all the apps and you can’t listen to your own music, though I would gladly listen to one of their playlists while using another app if I could.