Running is one of the most accessible sports to participate in, but the road to becoming a successful runner can be challenging, particularly when it comes to staying motivated, sticking to a programme and finding events in which to participate.

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, you need the right tools and smartphone apps are a quick-fire way to receive performance-enhancing advice and inspiration.

There’s an app for that…

Fitness celebrity and Wings for Life World Run ambassador, Letshego Zulu believes that every runner needs an extra little push to reach their full potential. She shares her five favourite apps that motivate her to keep going during months of training on treadmills, tracks and on the road. She believes that using these apps will get you from newbie to pro in no time!

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Catch me if you can

This one is for the ladies. It is one of South Africa’s most popular, all-women running community, connecting ladies of all ages, shapes and size. The app encourages women of various fitness levels to join a community where they feel comfortable to find groups in their area.

From beginner to advanced, the app provides a platform for women to build lasting friendships while helping them improve their health, fitness and well-being.

Runkeeper

Every runner’s best friend, this app lets you track your workouts, set goals, follow a plan, keep motivated and stay up to date with progress. It strikes a perfect balance between keeping you focused and providing access to the entire RunKeeper network. Over and above its functionality, it provides statistics and your friends’ running feed, which is great if you are super-competitive like me.

Wings for Life World Run app

No matter where you are in the world, you can also be part of the Wings for Life World Run, taking place around the world on 5 May 2019 at 13h00 South African time to raise funds to find a cure for spinal cord injury.

Organise your own App Run in your neighbourhood – simply choose a 4km track route and the app will take care of the time tracking, complete with a virtual ‘Catcher Car’ – the moving finishing line that lets you know when your race is over. What better way to stay motivated and keep the adrenaline pumping?

Runtastic Running App & Fitness Tracker

This is the ultimate fitness tracker and monitors distance, time, speed and calories burned for jogging, marathon running and walking. Get an overview of your entire run using the mile tracker, walking distance tracker or running distance calculator. A voice coach gives you audio feedback for the first mile on your running routes and the live tracking and cheering keeps you motivated by receiving cheers from your friends.

RockMyRun

While no run would be enjoyable without music to keep you going, putting together a playlist ahead of every run can be time-consuming. For me, staying motivated is heavily dependent on workout music, and RockMyRun works with the world’s best DJs to craft mixes and playlists that react with the body’s movements to keep you going.

Run for a cause

There are many running apps to inspire, motivate and challenge any runner. Letshego is currently training for the Wings for Life World Run and if, like her, you would like to be a ‘Wingman’ or ‘Wingwoman’ in this year’s World Run, visit www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com to register today.

Push yourself and your team by aiming for a specific distance using the Goal Calculator tool to prepare for your race – how far will you run? Join Letshego and be part of the global movement!

Entries close on 1 May and 100% of the entry fee is donated towards efforts to find a cure for spinal cord injury.