For people who enjoy running, there’s nothing like lacing up the Nikes, heading out the door and hitting that stride. But every runner hits a wall at one point or another and day after day, run after run can soon become monotonous. Sometimes a little jolt to the routine is welcomed.

Whether you want to try out new routes, strive to be faster, have better endurance or even lose a little weight, runners (and want-to-be runners) can turn to the following 10 iPhone apps for a little more variety in their training regimens:

Free version is ad-supported, with banner and interstitial ads. Map My Run's workout tracking includes all the basics like pace, time, distance,. You can use RunCracker as a basic running app, but it’s most useful for the array of training programs (it’s actually a combination of several separate training apps, including Running for Weight Loss). If you want an easy-to-use training plan for a full or half marathon, this app is definitely worth the price tag.

1. RunKeeper Pro

RunKeeper Pro is probably the most well-known of the running apps on this list. This is a feature-rich app that enables GPS tracking, distance, speed monitoring, caloric output and activity history for any number of activities you partake in including sports such as running, cycling, hiking, skiing and swimming. You can also sync all the data to RunKeeper’s website to monitor progress and share publicly. RunKeeper also offers a simplified version of the app for free.

Cost: $9.99

2. Ghost Race

Sometimes, the best motivation is competition and who better to compete with than yourself? Ghost Race enables you to track your times on various routes and compare your performance from day to day. The app’s audio function also keeps you updated on your progress against your ‘Ghost’ in real-time.

Cost: $0.99

3. Livestrong Calorie Tracker

Assuming most people who run regularly are also health conscious, the Livestrong Calorie Tracker boasts more than 625,000 foods in its database and is a great app to have to monitor caloric/fat/carbohydrate/protein intake. You can also monitor your progress based on daily caloric goals that you establish and track your weight loss goals.

Cost: $2.99

4. Get Running (Couch to 5K)

Targeted more for beginner runners, Get Running provides users with a specific training regimen over the course of nine weeks, with the end goal of being able to run for 30 minutes. Audio prompts guide users through each workout and even provide encouragement along the way.

Cost: $1.99

5. iRace

iRace is a comprehensive app for locating road races near you or in any city that you choose to search. The app also enables you to preview the race route (if available) and send “challenges” to contacts, inviting them to run the race with you.

Cost: $0.99

6. Fitnio

Fitnio is another GPS-based tracking and monitoring app for walking, running and cycling. The app records your activity and then displays distance, pace, caloric burn and also keeps an ongoing log of all workouts and also syncs with its website. Fitnio also provides an emergency contact option in the event that immediate help is needed during a workout.

Cost: $1.99

7. Run Coach

Run Coach is a good app for both seasoned and novice runners who desire a little more motivation for running success. With a variety of training plans to choose from, a 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, etc., Run Coach provides personalized plans and enables you to track your progress along the way. Running and nutritional tips are also offered for quick reference.

Cost: $0.99

8. iMapMyRun

If you want a GPS-based route tracker and activity log, but don’t want to pay for one, iMapMyRun is a good alternative. Similar to some of the other tracking apps, this also enables you to save your data to the app’s website where you can monitor progress and share publicly, even via Twitter. For more features like iPod integration and photo geo-tagging, there’s a more comprehensive version available called iMapMyRun+ that costs $4.99.

Cost: FREE

9. Interval Run

For runners who like to mix it up with interval training, this app is a good way to integrate a little variety into your workout. With training plans including Tabata, Couch to 5K, Gateway to 8K and a One Hour Program, the recorded voice tells you what to do and when to do it.

Cost: $1.99

10. UltraTimer

UltraTimer is a great app to have on hand for use as a precise timer, whether it is for circuit training, sprints or just for general use. The app comes with a couple example training plans, but any desired timing schedule can be inputted and multiple timers can be run simultaneously as well.

Cost: $1.99

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Image courtesy of iStockphoto, blublaf

Why would you want to get a separate timer and stopwatch app? After all, all modern smartphones have these features pre-installed. The reasons can be different – maybe you need a special sports timer with ready intervals or you use your timer so often that you want something really special that has extended functionality. No matter what your reason is, there are plenty of options that you can look at!

Timer and stopwatch applications don’t just count down seconds. They have other great features such as beautiful widgets, a simple interface, multiple launching, circles and tasks memorizing, and others.

If you are into sports, you can use special sports timers for HIIT training. These are also on our list. Below, we offer you to look through the 11 most interesting interval timers for Android and iOS devices.

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Seconds

Seconds is a perfect interval timer for sports training. The number of the app’s downloads exceeds 3 million. Over 8,000 users have given the app five stars for its high quality, functionality, and simplicity.

Seconds has a clear interface with color identifiers. The timer’s screen is large so the time is clearly displayed – it is easy to see even from a long distance. The current and following intervals are displayed so that you were always prepared for the next step. The background has the color that you’ve chosen for the current interval so you know what to do without reading the interval’s name. The app can also voice the intervals’ names and warn you about what’s next in advance. For this purpose, you can also use built-in signals, such as whistles, pneumatic sirens, gong for boxing, various types of calmer bells and gongs.

Seconds supports heart rate sensors and displays pulse and approximate caloric intake. The app works with all screen resolutions. There are two modes – active and background. If you want to use the active mode, you need to disable auto-blocking. In the background one, you can rely only on signals and voice notifications.

Features:

• Templates for high-intensity interval training, circular training, and many others;
• The ability to create several timers with numerous intervals;
• Support for heartbeat sensors (via Bluetooth);
• The ability to adjust sound signals’ volume;
• Synchronizing music with intervals;
• Compatibility with all devices;
• Support for external display and AirPlay Mirroring;
• Background mode;
• The ability to share results on Facebook and Twitter.

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Visual Timer

Visual Timer is a great app for those who like pretty pictures. The timer is gorgeous. It can be used in many different ways – to remind you when to work, when to rest, when to eat and when to sleep. There are many useful features that allow you to use the app in any way you like. Use your imagination and think of how you can use them creatively!

In sum, this is a simple app that deals with timing. If you are looking for something of this kind, look no further!

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Runtastic Timer

Runtastic Timer is a simple and convenient interval timer app with voice notifications.

The app is much cooler than your default timer. It is ideal for all fans of interval, Tabata, circular, power and traditional training. You will be able to create an unlimited number of personal timers, save individual interval settings and launch any of your saved timers when you need to. You can also choose the duration and order of stopwatch intervals – working phase, rest phase, sets, repetitions, etc. Create your own ideal interval training!

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• Create a timer with an ideal set of intervals:
  – Working phase
  – Rest phase
  – Repetitions
  – Sets;
• Create an unlimited number of interval timers, save them and use whenever you want to;
• Choose the number of high- and low-intensity intervals as well as the number of common sets;
• Voice guidance: you no longer need to look at the display to change training phases;
• Display of the total and remaining time.

You can use this application for traditional and interval training in your gym. The Runtastic Timer is also ideal for efficient CrossFit and army workouts. Get the app now and lace your shoes for the next workout!

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Interval Timer

Interval Timer is one more sports timer designed for organized workouts. The application will be useful for you in case you want to make your workouts more intense. The app is ideal both for home exercising and gym training.

Features:

• Customizable settings of high- and low-intensity training;
• Adjustable rest intervals;
• Support for multitasking;
• A locked screen mode;
• The app can play music from the playlist you have selected;
• Ability to share workouts on Facebook or Twitter;
• Ability to save your training settings as templates.

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Tabata Stopwatch Pro

Tabata training is an interval training with lots of cardio exercises. The Tabata Stopwatch Pro timer is what will help to organize Tabata training.

Tabata Stopwatch Pro is also suitable for other types of interval training, including running, functional training, high-intensity interval training, and so on.

Features:

• The classic Tabata training pre-sets;
• Manual time setting for the warm-up;
• Adjustable work, rest, and recovery periods;
• Adjustable number of sets;
• Ability to switch between sets during a workout or take a pause if there is such a need;
• Locked screen mode;
• A variety of sound signals;
• Voice notifications and vibration;
• Ability to play music while training.

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Interval Timer Free

This is the simplest timer for interval training for Android devices. While most of the other apps on Google Play have lots of different functions, this one has only a countdown. And this is exactly what makes it stand out from the rest. You do not get to keep a training diary or share your data on social media. What’s perhaps most amazing – you don’t have to view advertising. Everything is pretty simple, both functionally and visually.

After launching the app, you need to set the duration of your training and rest time and the number of sets. You can turn on the sound signals that will let you know that an interval has ended. Tap on the ‘start’ button and your workout will begin. The timer clearly shows the time that has passed and the remaining time so don’t be afraid to miss the sound signal – you can always rely on the screen. You can pause the workout at any time by pressing the ‘pause’ button.

The Interval Timer app is simple and functional, yet free and completely safe. Every sportsman or amateur athlete engaged in interval training should have such program on their smartphone!

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Tabata Timer for HIIT

Tabata Timer for HIIT is a unique application for training, which will help you to free your brain and strengthen your muscles. You no longer need to remember how many exercises or sets you need to do – the app will do it for you. It can count how long you run. If you can measure your heart rate with additional gadgets, it will be reflected in the app. In a nutshell, this is one more simple application with a convenient and beautiful interface.

Features:

• Create a timer with different phases;
• Select different sounds for each phase;
• Choose your own music as a background;
• Plan your workouts and make notes the calendar;
• Use heart rate sensors (Bluetooth Smart).

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Workout Timer for HIIT

This is one more sports timer for Android. It will be useful for you if you need to increase the intensity of your training. The idea is that you do a lot of different exercises with short rest intervals. This advantage of this approach is fast fat burning and metabolism acceleration.

Features:

• Modern design;
• Intuitive interface;
• Huge numbers;
• Colored identifiers (preparation, work, rest, rest between the Tabata sets, etc);
• Ability to rotate the device as well as to fix the current position;
• The list of your saved Tabata sets with advanced settings.

Workout Timer for HIIT will appeal to people who are actively involved in sports. There is just one disadvantage of the app – advertising.

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Impetus Interval Timer

Impetus Interval Timer is a very useful app for people involved in sports. You can set the duration of your training and the number of sets. You can also have rest intervals and all the other elements of training. The app has a beautiful interface and flexible settings, which certainly makes it one of the best.

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Periodic Timer

Periodic Timer is a very pretty app, this time for iPhone users. The app has an ordinary name but the content of it is quite impressive.

Interval timer is useful in any activity that requires you to take regular breaks. It can be used in sports, cooking, studying (as a laboratory timer, speech training, presentation timing), and more.

The interface of the app is simple and clear.

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Workout Timer Free

Time is an invaluable resource so we better make sure we don’t spend it in vain! The Workout Timer application will help you to do it. With it, you can set the desired number of timers and sub-timers and monitor each of them separately. The application is completely free but there are some in-app purchases.

Timer is one of the most essential tools in life! It can be used not just in sports but also during preparation of a complicated meal, carrying out a scientific experiment, rehearsing a speech before some important event. etc. However, the most widespread timer application is HIIT – high-intensity interval training. For this type of training, it is necessary to have a sophisticated countdown that lets you set the intervals and regulate their duration.

By the way, if you use the HIIT method while running, you can look at special running apps that also include interval training. If you are interested, check this article out: 25 Best Running Apps for Android & iOS 2017.Some apps contain guided runs, which is even more convenient since you get to listen to a coach and rely on his or her commands.