Are you an avid runner that wants to take your workouts to the next level? Our curated list of the best Apple Watch app for running intervals will help you with it.
Apple Watch is one of the best devices you can have for fitness, it can track all your activities and aid in driving you to your next fitness goal. But to fully take advantage of your Apple Watch’s capabilities, you will need an app that can help you to track, set goals and make you train optimally.
If running is your main priority then you will need a running intervals app, that can set intervals, track splits, and more. This list features the best Apple Watch app for running intervals. Read on to know more about them.
| Best Apple Watch Apps for Running Intervals | Features | Paid/Free |
| Intervals Pro | Comprehensive and powerful features Easy to use | Free/In-app purchases |
| Nike Run Club | Automatic marked intervals Records splits, pace, distance, and more | Free |
| Runkeeper | Customizable workouts Works indoors and outdoors | Free/In-app purchases |
| Interval Timer | Simple and easy to use Customizable workouts | Free/In-app purchases |
| Strava | Provides accurate data Offers real-time data | Free/In-app purchases |
| Apple Workout | Simple and easy to use Tons of stats and options | Free |
| Aaptiv | Wide variety of audio-guided workouts Clear and motivating audio guidance | Free/In-app purchases |
| MyFitnessPal | Tons of workouts and activities supported Customizable goals for running | Free/In-app purchases |
| Map my Run | Set customizable training goals Provides real-time data | Free/In-app purchases |
Also check out: 17 Best Apple Watch Games to Keep You Entertained in 2023
Best Apple Watch App for Running Intervals
Table of Contents
Intervals Pro
Intervals Pro is a comprehensive interval training app that can be used for a variety of workouts, including running, cycling, strength training, and HIIT.
It is a great choice for runners of all levels, from beginners to experienced athletes. It is easy to use, accurate, and versatile. The app’s extensive customization options allow you to create workouts that are tailored to your individual needs and goals.
You can create custom workouts with a high degree of customization. You can set the duration, work-to-rest ratio, and number of intervals for each workout. You can also add voice alerts, music, and other features.
Intervals Pro provides detailed analysis of your workouts, including metrics such as pace, distance, heart rate, and calories burned. You can also view charts and graphs of your progress over time.
Pros
- Comprehensive and powerful features
- Easy to use
- Accurate tracking
- Versatile
Cons
- Subscription required
- Steep learning curve
Nike Run Club
Nike Run Club is advertised to be “Your Perfect Running Partner” and it is. It is an excellent app for running intervals that work flawlessly on your Apple Watch too, no matter the model. With features like Quick Start, Match Your Last Run, and Complication support, it is one of the best Apple Watch app for running intervals.
The app has automatic marked intervals that let you focus on running and not worry about interval tracking. The app also keeps a record of splits, it provides you with pace, distance, GPS route, elevation, and other metrics at the end of your runs.
The app loads in an instant, and is easy to use thanks to a clean interface. The data is easy to read with big, bold screen metrics. The app can be used without an iPhone making it convenient. It is feature-rich and easy to use, earning our recommendation.
Pros
- Excellent snappy UI
- Comprehensive tracking data after each run
Cons
- Some features require iPhone
Runkeeper
Runkeeper is one of the oldest and most popular apps for running. The Apple Watch app provides you with everything you will need when you go out for a run as it works without an iPhone.
The app on Apple Watch might feel a bit low on personalization features but it works. You can set a target pace, maximum heart rate before you leave. You can create and follow workouts if you want to. There are three pre-set options, or you can create custom workouts using the iPhone app and sync them to your Apple Watch.
This makes the app one of the best and most customizable running intervals apps with the ability to set workouts to your liking. The app also works on a treadmill but it guesses the distance you have run. It works with Spotify and Apple Music to provide audio cues if needed.
While your Apple Watch will collect all the data when you run, the Runkeeper app won’t show it in detail, you need to switch to your iPhone to check everything in detail. Overall, this is easily one of the most complete and the best Apple Watch app for running intervals.
Pros
- Customisable workouts
- Works indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Some features lacking on Watch
Also check out: 17 Best Apple Watch Games to Keep You Entertained in 2023
Interval Timer
Interval Timer is a great choice for runners who are looking for a simple and easy-to-use interval training app.
The app is easy to navigate and allows you to create custom workouts with just a few taps. The voice alerts and music support are also great features for runners who want to stay focused on their workout.
While Interval Timer lacks some advanced features, such as detailed workout analysis, it is still a great option for runners who are looking for a basic interval training app.
Here are some specific examples of how Interval Timer can be used to improve your running intervals:
- You can use the app to create custom interval workouts that are tailored to your individual needs and goals.
- You can use the app to track your progress over time and see how you are improving.
- You can use the app to stay motivated and on track with your training goals.
Pros
- Simple and easy to use
- Customizable workouts
- Voice alerts and music support
- Progress tracking
Cons
- Lacks some advanced features, such as detailed workout analysis
Strava
Strava like Runkeeper is one of the most popular fitness apps out there. You probably have heard about it before if you are into running and riding. While it came from the smartphone application, the Apple Watch app is also a class apart.
The app since its introduction has evolved into something more complete and much more capable. The app can work alone without the need for an iPhone and it also offers real-time data which is super cool. The app is also more accurate when it comes to data collected, even better than the iPhones Workout app.
Strava can track both indoor and outdoor running offering stats. It also lets you know how hard you are working using the heart rate sensor on Apple Watch. The app supports audio cues if you need them.
While the app is free to download and use, a Strava subscription will provide you with training plans and workouts. Finally, you can move data to the Workout app if you want to. All this makes the Strava app a package to beat.
Pros
- Provides with accurate data
- Offers real-time data
Cons
- Some features require a subscription
Apple Workout
Apple’s fitness app, Apple Workout is quality. It is great for running intervals and the Apple Watch version is excellent too. The app offers workout modes for indoors and outdoors. You can find plenty of data and details on the watch itself.
The app over updates has added features like automatic exercise detection, cadence tracking, and more. The app is also intuitive to use as the main screen shows your stats, swiping to the left opens up music, and swiping to the right lets you pause or end workouts.
You get comprehensive stats like distance, time, calories, pace, heart rate, and more. The app comes installed on your iPhone and Apple Watch making it easy to jump into. It also works without your iPhone making it a good standalone workout companion. It is worth giving a try as you already have it on your Apple Watch.
Pros
- Simple and easy to use
- Tons of stats and options
Cons
- Some features require iPhone
Aaptiv
Aaptiv is a fitness app that offers a wide variety of audio-guided workouts, including running intervals. It is one of the best Apple Watch apps for running intervals because it offers a number of features that make it ideal for this type of training.
To use Aaptiv for running intervals, simply open the app on your Apple Watch and choose a running interval workout. The app will then guide you through the workout, providing audio cues and tracking your progress.
Not only does this app have audio guides and support but you can connect the Aaptiv app to your music player and play some of your favorite tracks on the Apple Watch during your workout.
Pros
- Wide variety of audio-guided workouts
- Clear and motivating audio guidance
- Seamless integration with the Apple Watch
- Heart rate monitoring
- Music integration
- Affordable subscription price
Cons
- No video demonstrations for all exercises
- Limited focus on nutrition
- Some users find the music to be repetitive
MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal is one of the most complete fitness apps you can get for your Apple Watch. Anyone who has used it on their iPhone would know that it is an app that lets you track calories and activities. For running, the app allows you to set goals and track progress.
What makes MyFitnessPal for Apple Watch unique is that you can track calories based on the food you eat and the exercise you do, giving you more control over your exercise routines. You can set customized goals for running or even choose from prebuilt routines if needed.
The app also allows you to connect with other members and trainers of the community. The app is intuitive and easy to use on your Apple Watch. MyFitnessPal is not only one of the best Apple Watch apps for running intervals but also one of the best fitness apps out there.
Pros
- Tons of workouts and activities supported
- Customisable goals for running
Cons
- Not the best app for just running
Map My Run by Under Armour
Unlike MyFitnessPal, which is aimed to be a complete fitness app for all popular exercises and workouts, Map My Run is developed for runners. Map My Run offers all the tracking and training tools you’ll need for running.
The app allows you to set and track all your activities straight from your Apple Watch. You customize training plans and get tips from trainers and other users. The app provides audio coaching, GPS tracking, and data like pace, distance, and elevation.
The app is free to download and use, but with the Premium subscription, you get access to live tracking, heart rate analysis, and more. If you are looking for an all-in-one running app then Map My Run should fancy you.
Pros
- Set customizable training plans
- Provides real-time data
Cons
- Some features locked behind subscription
Best Apple Watch App for Running Intervals – FAQs
How does Apple watch track runs?
Apple Watch has multiple sensors that allow it to track runs. The accelerometer, gyroscope, and GPS track distance traveled and pace while the heart rate and SpO2 sensors calculate calories, heart rate, and more. If you want something else, then our curated list of the best Apple Watch app for running intervals will help you.
Can you set running intervals on Apple Watch?
The Workout app on your Apple Watch can set running intervals, track your activity, provide you with real-time data, and more. If you are looking for a third-party app for running intervals, then you can choose one from our list of the best Apple Watch app for running intervals.
Does The Apple Watch Track Running Split?
Yes, you can use the Apple Watch to track running splits. You can use the Workout app to track running splits on your Apple Watch. Check out our list of the Best Apple Watch App for Running Intervals.
How Do You Record Running Splits On Apple Watch?
You can easily create and record running splits on your Apple Watch by double tapping the screen to split workouts into two segments after you complete the first segment.
Does Intervals Pro work on Apple Watch?
Yes, Intervals Pro works on Apple Watch and it is one of the best Apple Watch app for running intervals. It has custom interval training and is recommended by fitness instructors, trainers, and coaches all over the world.
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