Best Running Apps With MPH Tracking For Lap Speed Analysis

Are you a runner looking to enhance your training and track your progress more effectively? While pace (minutes per mile) is a common metric, tracking your speed in miles per hour (MPH) can provide a different perspective and valuable insights. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the benefits of using running apps with MPH options, explore some of the best apps available, and discuss how to effectively utilize MPH data to improve your running performance.

The Benefits of Tracking Speed in MPH

While pace is undoubtedly a valuable metric for runners, tracking your speed in MPH offers several distinct advantages. First and foremost, MPH provides a more intuitive understanding of your speed. Many runners find it easier to visualize and comprehend their speed in miles per hour compared to minutes per mile. This intuitive understanding can be particularly helpful during interval training or tempo runs, where maintaining a specific speed is crucial. Furthermore, tracking MPH allows for better comparisons across different terrains and distances. Pace can be significantly affected by factors such as hills, wind resistance, and surface type. MPH, on the other hand, provides a more standardized measure of your speed, making it easier to compare your performance across various conditions. For instance, a 7-minute mile pace on a flat road might feel very different from a 7-minute mile pace on a hilly trail. Tracking MPH can help you adjust your effort level accordingly and maintain a consistent speed regardless of the terrain.

Another key benefit of using MPH is its compatibility with other forms of exercise. If you engage in activities like cycling or swimming in addition to running, tracking your speed in MPH allows for easier comparisons and a more holistic view of your overall fitness. This can be particularly useful for triathletes or individuals who incorporate cross-training into their workout routines. By tracking MPH across different activities, you can gain a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses and tailor your training accordingly. Furthermore, analyzing your MPH data can reveal valuable insights into your running form and efficiency. Changes in your MPH at a given effort level can indicate improvements or declines in your running economy. For example, if you're able to maintain a higher MPH at the same heart rate, it suggests that your running form has improved and you're becoming more efficient. By monitoring these changes over time, you can identify areas for improvement and optimize your training.

Finally, tracking MPH can be a powerful motivational tool. Seeing your speed increase over time can be incredibly rewarding and provide a strong sense of accomplishment. This can be particularly helpful during challenging training periods or when you're trying to break through a plateau. By setting speed-based goals and tracking your progress in MPH, you can stay motivated and focused on achieving your running objectives. In conclusion, while pace remains an important metric for runners, tracking speed in MPH offers several distinct benefits, including improved understanding of speed, better comparisons across terrains, compatibility with other activities, insights into running form, and enhanced motivation. By incorporating MPH tracking into your running routine, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of your performance and optimize your training for success.

Top Running Apps with MPH Tracking

Fortunately, numerous running apps offer the option to track your speed in MPH, providing you with the tools you need to analyze your performance from this perspective. These apps range from general fitness trackers to specialized running platforms, each with its unique features and benefits. Here are some of the top running apps with MPH tracking capabilities:

• Strava: Strava is a hugely popular app amongst runners and cyclists, and for good reason. It not only tracks your runs with both pace and MPH, but it also boasts a strong social aspect where you can connect with other athletes, share your activities, and compete on virtual segments. Strava's detailed analytics, including splits, heart rate data (if paired with a monitor), and elevation profiles, provide a comprehensive view of your runs. The app's segment feature allows you to compare your times on specific sections of a route with other users, adding a competitive edge to your training. Moreover, Strava offers a premium subscription that unlocks advanced features such as training plans, live performance feedback, and more in-depth data analysis. The app's user-friendly interface and robust features make it a top choice for runners of all levels. Strava's social features can also be a great source of motivation and support, connecting you with a community of like-minded athletes.

• Runkeeper: Runkeeper, by ASICS, is another excellent choice for tracking your runs in MPH. It's beginner-friendly yet packed with features, offering GPS tracking, personalized training plans, and audio cues to keep you on pace. Runkeeper allows you to set goals, track your progress, and visualize your data through charts and graphs. The app also integrates with a variety of other fitness apps and devices, making it easy to consolidate your fitness data in one place. Runkeeper's training plans are particularly helpful for runners preparing for specific races or distances, providing structured workouts and guidance to help you achieve your goals. The app's audio cues can be customized to provide updates on your pace, distance, and time, keeping you informed throughout your run. Runkeeper's simplicity and comprehensive features make it a great option for runners of all experience levels.

• Nike Run Club: Nike Run Club is a free app that's known for its motivational features and challenges. It tracks your runs in MPH and pace, provides guided runs with Nike coaches, and offers a variety of challenges to keep you engaged. The app's guided runs are a standout feature, providing expert coaching and encouragement throughout your workouts. Nike Run Club also has a strong social component, allowing you to connect with friends and compete on leaderboards. The app's challenges can help you stay motivated and push yourself to achieve new goals. Nike Run Club's integration with Nike shoes and other devices provides a seamless experience for users within the Nike ecosystem. The app's user-friendly interface and motivational features make it a popular choice for runners of all abilities.

• MapMyRun: MapMyRun, from Under Armour, focuses on route tracking and discovery. It tracks your runs in MPH and pace, allows you to map out routes, and provides detailed data about your performance, including elevation changes and splits. The app's route mapping tools are particularly useful for runners who enjoy exploring new areas. MapMyRun also offers a variety of training plans and challenges to help you achieve your goals. The app's integration with Under Armour apparel and devices provides a comprehensive fitness tracking experience. MapMyRun's detailed data analysis and route mapping features make it a great choice for runners who want to explore new routes and track their performance in detail. The app's community features also allow you to connect with other runners and share your favorite routes.

• Adidas Running by Runtastic: Adidas Running by Runtastic is a comprehensive running app that tracks a wide range of metrics, including MPH, pace, distance, and calories burned. It offers personalized training plans, voice coaching, and social features to enhance your running experience. The app's detailed data analysis provides insights into your performance, helping you identify areas for improvement. Adidas Running by Runtastic also offers a variety of challenges and virtual races to keep you motivated. The app's voice coaching feature provides real-time feedback and encouragement throughout your runs. Adidas Running by Runtastic's comprehensive features and personalized training plans make it a great choice for runners who are serious about improving their performance.

When selecting a running app, consider your individual needs and preferences. Do you prioritize social features, detailed analytics, or personalized training plans? Experimenting with a few different apps can help you find the one that best suits your running style and goals. All these apps track and display your speed in MPH alongside other crucial running metrics. Choosing the "best" app ultimately boils down to personal preference, considering features, interface, and integration with other devices or services you might use. Many offer free versions with basic tracking, with subscriptions unlocking more advanced analytics and features.

Maximizing MPH Data for Performance Improvement

Once you've chosen a running app that tracks MPH, the next step is to effectively utilize this data to improve your performance. Simply recording your speed isn't enough; you need to analyze the data and use it to inform your training decisions. The first step is to establish a baseline. Track your MPH during several runs at different effort levels to understand your typical speed ranges. This will provide a point of reference for future comparisons. For instance, you might find that your easy run pace is around 6 MPH, your tempo run pace is around 7.5 MPH, and your interval training pace reaches 8.5 MPH or higher. Understanding these baselines is crucial for monitoring your progress and identifying areas for improvement.

Next, use MPH to guide your training. Incorporate speed workouts, such as interval training or tempo runs, into your routine to challenge your cardiovascular system and improve your speed. During these workouts, focus on maintaining a specific MPH target. For example, if you're doing interval training, you might aim for a speed of 9 MPH during the high-intensity intervals and then recover at a slower speed of 5-6 MPH. By monitoring your MPH during these workouts, you can ensure that you're running at the desired intensity and maximizing the benefits of the training session. Similarly, for tempo runs, you can use MPH to maintain a comfortably hard pace for a sustained period.

Another important aspect is to monitor changes in your MPH over time. As you train, your MPH should gradually increase at different effort levels. If you notice that your speed is stagnating or declining, it could indicate a need to adjust your training plan or address potential issues such as fatigue or overtraining. For example, if you find that your easy run pace is consistently slower than usual, it might be a sign that you need to incorporate more recovery into your routine. On the other hand, if your tempo run pace is not improving, you might need to increase the intensity or duration of your workouts.

Analyze your MPH data in conjunction with other metrics, such as heart rate and pace, to gain a more complete picture of your performance. For instance, if you're able to maintain a higher MPH at the same heart rate, it suggests that your running economy is improving. This means that you're becoming more efficient at using energy and can run faster with less effort. Similarly, comparing your MPH to your pace can reveal insights into how terrain and other factors are affecting your speed. For example, if your pace slows down significantly on a hilly course while your MPH remains relatively consistent, it indicates that you're maintaining a consistent effort level despite the challenging terrain.

Finally, set realistic MPH goals and track your progress towards them. Whether you're aiming to increase your easy run speed, improve your tempo run pace, or achieve a new personal best in a race, setting specific MPH targets can provide motivation and focus. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps and celebrate your achievements along the way. For example, you might set a goal to increase your easy run speed by 0.5 MPH over the next month or to maintain a specific MPH during a long run. By tracking your progress and adjusting your goals as needed, you can stay motivated and continue to improve your running performance. In conclusion, maximizing the benefits of MPH data requires consistent tracking, analysis, and strategic adjustments to your training plan. By establishing baselines, using MPH to guide your workouts, monitoring changes over time, analyzing data in conjunction with other metrics, and setting realistic goals, you can unlock valuable insights into your running performance and achieve your goals.

Conclusion: Embrace MPH Tracking for Optimal Running

In conclusion, incorporating MPH tracking into your running routine can provide a wealth of benefits, from a more intuitive understanding of your speed to valuable insights into your running form and efficiency. By choosing a running app that offers MPH tracking and effectively utilizing the data it provides, you can optimize your training, monitor your progress, and achieve your running goals. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced runner, embracing MPH tracking can be a game-changer in your quest for improved performance and overall running enjoyment. Remember to combine MPH data with other metrics, such as pace and heart rate, for a comprehensive understanding of your running performance. So, lace up your shoes, download a running app with MPH tracking, and start exploring the power of speed in your running journey!