Most Popular Running Apps for BlackBerry and Windows Phone

People are increasingly becoming aware of the need to remain physically active and stay fit. That explains the popularity of the numerous running / fitness mobile apps.

There are plenty of free running apps that allow mobile users to keep track of their workout and stay fit. So what are the most popular running apps on the different mobile platforms? Since this is Mobile Fit month, we asked our readers what their favorite running apps are. Here are the findings.

We are always exploring ways to combine a healthy lifestyle with technology. Here are the best running apps for Android, iOS, BlackBerry and Windows Phone.

Most popular running app for Android and iOS

RunKeeper is the most popular running app on iOS and Android. This app takes advantage of the powerful GPS capabilities built into your smartphone. RunKeeper will show your running or biking route on a map. It will also show your time, speeds, distance and pace. You will be able to view the route map while you are still involved in your workout. This is an invaluable feature for a hiker who might have ventured off the beaten path. On the flip side, the GPS tracking system may not work well if the sky is overcast. But this is a problem that affects all GPS assisted fitness apps.

RunKeeper allows you to measure your workout distance, track your pace and chart weight loss. It doesn’t really matter what your fitness goal is, this app makes it easy to stay fit.

Here are a few things you can do with RunKeeper.

• Calculate your running or cycling speed and the distance you cover in real time.
• Find out how many calories you will burn by engaging in a fitness activity.
• Follow pre-planned routes.
• Create your own training plans or follow workouts that already exist.
• Receive audio updates about your mileage, speed, calorie count etc.
• Measure your heart rate by syncing your ANT+ heart rate monitor or Bluetooth Smart.

The Endomondo Sports Tracker is the most popular running app on BlackBerry and Windows Phone. This GPS assisted app is built to track your biking, running, or hiking workouts. You can use Endomondo to track any kind of outdoor workout.

Features and interface

The application comes with a neat and modern interface. Time and distance are shown in large numbers. Speed and average speed are shown below in relatively smaller numbers. While running, you will have no difficulty seeing the numbers.

You can set voice alerts for distance and time. There is a PepTalk feature which allows you to receive inspiring messages sent by your friends. You can view your route, start a countdown or set distance goals on the detail page.

Endomondo is a free fitness app used by over 23 million users. Here are a few things you can do with Endomondo.

• You can track just about any distance-based fitness activity. You will be able to measure speed, duration, distance, calories and more.
• You will receive audio feedback every kilometer / mile.
• You can analyze your performance with the help of a training diary. You can also see daily training volume.