Run smarter
Make the most of Nike Run Club
One word...Exercise. For some people it’s the highlight of their day, while for others it can be a challenge searching for the motivation to walk out the door. Regardless of where you sit (or stand), new technologies have revolutionised the fitness industry, with a range of programs and devices promising to help you get the most out of your workouts. But don’t think that you need to go out and purchase a fancy smartwatch – there are hundreds of apps available for your existing smartphone, whether it’s for the gym, the pool or your living room. Over the next few months we’ll take a look at a range of apps focusing on different activities, starting with Nike
Run Club. Available for both iPhone and Android devices, this app is perfect regardless of whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned marathon runner.
The basics
Getting Started. After downloading the Nike Run Club app from the app store, pick the option to create a new account and fill in your details. You’ll be asked for your height and weight in order to provide accurate data on things like running distance and calories burned. After everything is set up you’ll be taken to the main area of the app, organised into a series of tabs located at the bottom of your screen.
Going for a Run. Once you’re laced up and ready to go, it’s time to prepare for your run. Begin by tapping the runner icon to be presented with a series of settings you can adjust prior to your workout. For example, you can choose to set a time-, distance- or speed-based running goal by tapping the button labelled ‘Basic’ at the top of your screen. Meanwhile tapping the cog icon will allow you to switch between an outdoor or treadmill run. It’s here you can also enable audio prompts to signal how far and long you’ve run, plus your current pace. Once ready, tap the start button to commence your run.
My Coach. The Nike Run Club app has been designed with all runners in mind. If you’re new to running, then we’d recommend taking advantage of the personalised coaching tool. Accessed from the run screen, tap My Coach to be taken to a page where you can pick from one of three plans – beginner, intermediate or advanced. Built based on your own fitness levels, you’ll be asked about your current activity in terms of distance and average pace, before choosing how many runs you can commit to each week. The app will then put together a schedule of runs that you can view and edit as required.
Step it up a level
Results. After completing a run, you’ll likely want to review your performance. Hit the stop button and you’ll be taken to a results screen complete with distance, average pace and estimated calories burned, plus a map of your route with highlights
Don’t think that you need to go out and purchase a fancy smartwatch – there are hundreds of apps available for your existing smartphone, whether it’s for the gym, the pool or your living room.
indicating fast and slow points.
You also have access to a graph showing pace, elevation, and heart rate (if available) over the course of your run. To see a history of your workouts, tap the graph icon at the bottom of any screen to be taken to the activity tab.
Achievements. Once you begin accumulating mileage, it won’t be long before you’re rewarded with a digital badge. As a runner you’ll earn badges and trophies for achievements including your fastest and longest run, as well as after reaching certain running streaks. To access your achievements, visit the activity tab and tap Achievements at the top of the page.
Guided Runs. If you often become bored during a workout, then you might like to try a guided run. Narrated by respected coaches and athletes, these audio-based workouts play during your run as you reach certain times and distances. Accessed from the run screen, tap Guided Runs to see a series of workouts tailored to beginner, short and long runs, along with interval and speed-based activities.
Friends. Do you know other runners who use the Nike Run Club app? If so, you can add them as friends to see their distance travelled in the form of a leaderboard. To do this, from the club tab, tap the friend icon in the top-right corner and search using their name or email address. Note that you can amend your privacy settings at any time by tapping your profile icon and selecting Settings > Privacy Setting.
Step it up a level
Music. Some people say music can make or break a run. Luckily, Nike has a series of playlists designed for the range of guided runs available in the app. To listen to one, scroll down on the description of a guided run and toggle the option labelled
Suggested Music. Note that in order to play music you’ll first need to connect your Spotify or Apple Music account – you can do this by tapping the music icon displayed on the run tab.
Challenges. Along with setting a personal goal for your workouts, you can also join communitybased running challenges. Accessed from the club tab, in addition to challenges created by Nike, you’re also able to set up your own and invite friends to partake in some friendly competition.
Shoe Tracking. As serious runners would know, running shoes only last so long. Nike’s shoe tracking feature then is extremely useful for monitoring the mileage you’ve run in different pairs of shoes. To set it up, tap your profile icon and select My Shoes.
Smartwatches. Prefer to leave your smartphone at home? Runners in possession of an Apple or compatible Android smartwatch can take advantage of the watch version of the Nike app, which has everything you need to track and monitor your runs on-the-go. You can even hear audio prompts using a pair of Bluetooth headphones.