A Practical Guide to the Best Running and Cycling Apps for Tracking Routes

When I first began running and cycling seriously, I quickly realized how useful it would be to track my routes. Not only would it help me monitor my performance, but it would also keep me motivated to keep pushing forward. Over time, I’ve explored a variety of running and cycling apps. Some have been incredibly helpful, while others left me wishing for something more. In this article, I want to share my experience with the best apps for tracking routes, offering comparisons, highlighting their unique features, and ultimately helping you decide which one might be the best fit for your needs.

Why Tracking Routes Matters

Before diving into the details of each app, I think it’s important to understand why route tracking is so valuable. Whether you’re a runner or a cyclist, tracking your routes can offer insights into your progress, help you map out future workouts, and even introduce you to new routes. You can monitor your pace, distance, and elevation, and this data can give you a clearer picture of your overall fitness journey.

For cyclists, route tracking is equally important. Knowing your speed, heart rate, and elevation changes over the course of a ride can help you improve your performance, plan better rides, and track how different terrains affect your endurance.

Key Features to Look for in Route Tracking Apps

I’ve found that the most useful route tracking apps share certain core features. Here are a few things I recommend considering when choosing one:

• Route Mapping: The ability to plan your route ahead of time or easily follow a mapped route.
• Real-Time Data Tracking: The app should track metrics like speed, pace, distance, time, and elevation while you’re active.
• Route History: A history of previous runs or rides that you can look back on to see your progress over time.
• Syncing with Other Devices: Many apps allow syncing with devices like fitness trackers, smartwatches, and heart rate monitors.
• Community Features: Some apps have built-in social features where you can share your route or compete with others.
• Offline Capabilities: Having the ability to track and navigate routes without needing a constant internet connection is useful in remote areas.

With these features in mind, I’ve tested several apps and categorized them to help you decide which one works best for your needs.

1. Strava: The Gold Standard

Strava is one of the most popular apps for runners and cyclists alike. I’ve used it extensively for both activities, and it has become my go-to app for tracking routes.

Features:

• Route Mapping: Strava allows you to map out routes before your workout, which is useful when planning a new trail or road to explore.
• Live Tracking: It tracks your pace, distance, and elevation in real time.
• Route Discovery: Strava provides a “Route Builder” feature, helping you find popular routes in your area, which is fantastic for anyone looking to try new paths.
• Syncing: It syncs with a variety of fitness devices, including Garmin, Fitbit, and Apple Watch.
• Social Features: You can share your workouts with friends, participate in challenges, and join clubs.
• Offline Capabilities: Strava allows offline navigation, though some features might be limited in this mode.

Pros:

• Excellent community and social interaction
• Great for both running and cycling
• Easy-to-understand interface
• Detailed insights into performance

Cons:

• Some features are behind a paywall
• Can be heavy on battery usage

Feature	Strava	My Rating
Route Mapping	Yes	5/5
Live Tracking	Yes	5/5
Syncing with Devices	Yes	5/5
Social Features	Yes	4/5
Offline Navigation	Yes	4/5

2. Komoot: Best for Planning Long Routes

If you’re someone who enjoys longer rides or runs, Komoot might be exactly what you need. I turned to Komoot for longer cycling trips and was impressed with how it handles route planning.

Features:

• Route Mapping: Komoot offers detailed route planning, allowing you to select the type of activity (cycling, running, hiking) and tailor your route accordingly. The app also provides elevation data, which I found useful for preparing for tough climbs.
• Turn-by-Turn Navigation: One feature that stood out to me was the turn-by-turn navigation, which worked offline. I’ve used it on longer bike rides where I lost cell service, and it was a lifesaver.
• Real-Time Data: Like Strava, Komoot tracks your speed, distance, and elevation, offering detailed insights at the end of each ride.
• Offline Capabilities: Komoot is excellent for offline navigation, and this is one of its strongest features.

Pros:

• Superior route planning for long journeys
• Turn-by-turn offline navigation
• Ideal for both cycling and running

Cons:

• Can be complex for simple runs
• Lacks the social features of Strava

Feature	Komoot	My Rating
Route Mapping	Yes	5/5
Live Tracking	Yes	4/5
Syncing with Devices	Yes	4/5
Social Features	Limited	3/5
Offline Navigation	Yes	5/5

3. Runkeeper: Great for Beginners

For runners, Runkeeper is an app I recommend for tracking simpler routes and progress without feeling overwhelmed by too many features. It’s great for beginners and those looking for a more straightforward experience.

Features:

• Route Mapping: Runkeeper lets you plot routes and track your running distance, time, and pace. I found it easy to use and understand for daily jogs.
• Progress Tracking: It provides insights into your performance over time, which I appreciate when trying to improve my pace.
• Syncing with Devices: Runkeeper syncs with wearables and offers real-time heart rate tracking, which can be useful for runners.
• Social Features: It allows you to share your progress with friends, making it an easy app for those who enjoy a little competition.

Pros:

• Simple interface for tracking runs
• Easy to use for beginners
• Basic but reliable route tracking

Cons:

• Doesn’t offer as much detail as Strava or Komoot
• Lacks advanced features for cyclists

Feature	Runkeeper	My Rating
Route Mapping	Yes	4/5
Live Tracking	Yes	4/5
Syncing with Devices	Yes	4/5
Social Features	Yes	4/5
Offline Navigation	No	2/5

4. MapMyRun & MapMyRide: Versatile for Both Runners and Cyclists

MapMyRun and MapMyRide are two separate apps under the MapMyFitness umbrella, but they share many features. These apps work well for both runners and cyclists, and I’ve used them for both activities.

Features:

• Route Mapping: Both apps offer route planning, and I appreciate the ability to map out routes before heading out.
• Tracking Metrics: They track all the essential metrics like distance, pace, and calories burned. I especially like how it provides route elevation data, which is handy for cycling.
• Syncing with Devices: Both apps sync with a wide variety of fitness trackers and heart rate monitors.
• Social Features: You can share your activities with friends and join challenges.

Pros:

• Great for both running and cycling
• Easy to use and intuitive
• Syncs with a variety of devices

Cons:

• Not as in-depth as Strava for performance tracking
• Free version comes with ads

Feature	MapMyRun/MapMyRide	My Rating
Route Mapping	Yes	4/5
Live Tracking	Yes	4/5
Syncing with Devices	Yes	5/5
Social Features	Yes	4/5
Offline Navigation	No	3/5

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing the right app depends on what you’re looking for in a route tracker. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

• If you’re looking for an app with a robust social community and detailed performance tracking, Strava is your best option.
• For long-distance planning and navigation with offline capabilities, Komoot shines.
• If you’re a beginner runner or just want a simple app to track your routes, Runkeeper is a great choice.
• MapMyRun and MapMyRide are excellent all-around apps that work well for both runners and cyclists.

No matter which app you choose, the most important thing is that you stay consistent with your workouts. These apps will help you monitor your progress, push yourself further, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. Happy running and cycling!