I Tried 5 Popular Running Apps to Train for My First Half Marathon. Which One Is Actually Worth It?

Two years ago, the running bug bit me hard.

When I decided to tackle a half marathon, I quickly realized that casual jogs wouldn’t be enough.

I needed a solid half marathon training plan that was manageable for a beginner like me.

But as I trained, I quickly realized that not all running apps meet the needs of someone training for a half marathon from scratch.

So here’s my honest review of these apps and what ultimately became my go-to running companion.

Keep reading to discover what truly transformed my training experience and helped me achieve my goal – it might just help you too.

#1 Nike Run Club

Nike Run Club is fantastic for daily motivation with its inspiring audio coaching and achievement badges.

However, when it came to a detailed half marathon training plan – like tailored pacing strategies and long-distance conditioning – it just didn’t deliver.

It’s great for beginners but not for those looking to seriously improve their race times.

My verdict: inspiring for regular runs, but not detailed enough for competitive race preparation.

#2 Strava

Strava’s strong suit is its community aspect, which makes every run a shared experience.

But when it comes to personal training plans tailored for a half marathon, Strava lacks.

It offers great tools for tracking and sharing but not the personalized coaching and segmented training needed for half marathon success.

My verdict: perfect for community interaction and fun challenges, but falls short on personalized marathon training support.

#3 Runkeeper

Runkeeper was incredibly user-friendly, making it easy to start and track my runs without any fuss.

The interface was intuitive, and the basic stat tracking helped me keep a decent log of my progress.

However, as my training for the half marathon intensified, I found the app’s training plans too generic.

My verdict: ideal for beginners or casual runners, but lacks the depth needed for more ambitious running goals.

#4 Adidas Running

Adidas Running offered a variety of workouts, which was refreshing and helped keep my training interesting.

The app supported multiple sports activities, which suited my cross-training days.

However, when it came to core aspects of marathon training, such as tailored nutritional advice and recovery protocols, Adidas Running didn’t deliver.

My verdict: great for variety and general fitness, but not detailed enough for focused marathon preparation.

#5 MapMyRun

MapMyRun excelled in mapping routes and tracking distances, which helped in exploring new running paths and keeping my training fresh.

The GPS was accurate, and the user interface was straightforward. 

However, despite its excellent mapping features, the app lacked a holistic training approach.

My verdict: Strong for route planning and basic tracking, yet lacks comprehensive training features necessary for serious half marathon preparation.

How an unexpected find became my go-to running partner

Frustrated by these limitations, I was almost ready to hire an expensive personal coach when I stumbled upon Joggo in a seasoned runners’ forum.

Praised as a holistic training solution, it piqued my interest.

And to my surprise, the praise wasn’t just empty talk.

Unlike typical apps, Joggo catered to every aspect of my half marathon preparation. Here’s why I liked it:

• Tailored training plans: Adapted to my progress, ensuring each run was optimized for my half-marathon goals.
• Nutritional support: Meal plans that were easy to follow and delicious, boosting my energy levels and aiding recovery.
• Whole-body fitness: Not just runs – Joggo included cross-training and meditation to ensure I was well-rounded and mentally prepared.
• Direct coaching access: It was like having a personal coach in my pocket – always there to guide, motivate, and adjust my plan as needed.
• Super affordable: All these premium features came at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional coaching.

Crossing the finish line with Joggo: an all-in-one solution

I excluded Joggo from the app rating list because it was so much more than just that.

It was my personal trainer, nutritionist, and motivator – all rolled into one.

Thanks to Joggo, not only did I finish my first half marathon, but I also set a new personal record.

For those looking to start or improve their marathon training, I highly recommend giving it a try. 

Honestly, it will make marathon training easy, enjoyable, and successful for everyone, even beginners like I once was.

Just answer a few questions below, and you’ll be good to go with your brand-new personalized training and meal plan.

Good luck, and see you on the pavement!