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Strava app

Strava vs. MapMyRun: Which App Should You Run With?

Running is awesome, but tracking your runs and seeing how you’re doing makes it even better. That’s where apps like Strava and MapMyRun come in. They both help you map your runs, track how far and fast you go, and even connect with other runners. But which one is the best? Let’s find out in a way that’s super easy to understand!

Strava app
Strava app

What Do They Look Like?

Strava: Clean and Cool

Strava feels like a mix of a running app and a social network. You can easily start your run, look at your stats, and share it with friends. The app is smooth and colorful, making it fun to use.

MapMyRun: Simple and Straightforward

MapMyRun focuses on keeping things easy. It’s not as fancy-looking as Strava, but it’s clear and practical. Everything is right there when you need it, no extra fluff.

Winner: Strava, because it’s stylish and makes sharing fun.

What Can They Track?

Strava: All the Details You Could Want

Strava tracks your distance, pace, and time, just like any app. But it goes further, showing your heart rate, power (if you have the gadgets for it), and even lets you compete on segments, tiny pieces of a route where you can race against others. I personally love chasing those top spots on my bike!

MapMyRun: Everything You Need

MapMyRun gives you all the basics, time, speed, distance, and even calories burned. One cool thing is the gear tracker that tells you when your running shoes are getting old.

Winner: Strava for people who love data and competition, but MapMyRun is perfect if you just want the essentials.

running downhill
running downhill

Can They Help You Train?

Strava: Basic Plans

Strava has training plans if you go for their premium version, but they’re pretty simple. They’re good for beginners but not super detailed.

MapMyRun: Lots of Choices

MapMyRun has loads of training plans, even if you don’t pay for the premium version. Whether you want to run your first 5K or a marathon, it’s got you covered.

Winner: MapMyRun if you need a plan to stick to.

Are They Fun to Use with Friends?

Strava: Like Facebook for Runners

Strava lets you follow friends, join clubs, and compete in challenges. The best part? You can give each other virtual “kudos” (like likes) for a run well done. It’s great if you love seeing how your runs compare to others, like I do!

MapMyRun: Not as Social

MapMyRun also has a social side, but it’s not as lively as Strava. You can join challenges and connect with friends, but it doesn’t feel as interactive.

Winner: Strava for being the ultimate running community.

zone 2 training

What About Routes?

Strava: Explore and Compete

Strava helps you find popular running routes near you. It’s great if you want to explore or challenge yourself on those famous segments I mentioned earlier.

MapMyRun: Plan Your Path

MapMyRun makes it easy to map out a route before you start. It’s reliable and clear, but it doesn’t have the competitive edge that Strava offers.

Winner: Strava for adventurers, MapMyRun for planners.

Do You Have to Pay?

Here’s the best part: both apps have free versions that work just fine! Strava has extra features in its premium version, but you don’t need to spend money to enjoy it. Same with MapMyRun, you can use the basic version and still track all your runs.

Which One Should You Pick?

  • Pick Strava if…
    You love challenges, enjoy competing with others (or yourself), and want to be part of a big running community. It’s awesome for cyclists too, getting the best segments on my bike keeps me hooked!
  • Pick MapMyRun if…
    You prefer simple tools to keep track of your runs and want some handy extras like the gear tracker and free training plans.

What’s My Favorite?

I’ve been using Strava for a while, and honestly, I’m hooked. The competition part is what keeps me coming back. Whether it’s chasing segment times on my bike or seeing how I stack up against friends, it’s so much fun. But hey, not everyone loves competition as much as I do, so pick the app that works best for your style.

At the end of the day, it’s not about the app, it’s about getting out there and enjoying the run. So download one (or both!), lace up, and start tracking those miles!

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