Buzz
As part of my ongoing series on top running apps (check out Runna and going app-less), I revisited Nike Run Club this week, an app I’ve always adored. Nike’s design has always drawn me in (yes, you can laugh), and this app remains a frequent go-to for me. It features guided runs, structured training plans, and an outstanding Apple Watch integration.
What is Nike Run Club?
Nike Run Club is available on both iOS and Android. It can monitor runs via an Apple Watch or directly through your phone (place it in your pocket or running belt, and rely on your phone’s GPS). The app includes a collection of guided runs and several training programs, but it also allows you to log independent runs (as long as they’re tracked through the app).
Nike Run Club boasts a top-notch Apple Watch application
The iOS version includes a comprehensive Apple Watch app. Beyond tracking your runs and playing music, the app allows you to review your workout history, select a guided run, follow your training plan, or initiate a new run with specific time or distance targets. It features a 'speed' option with a lap button for custom interval workouts and a 'match it' function to replicate previous runs.
The Apple Watch even offers exclusive Nike watch faces and charming complications, such as one that tracks your weekly training plan runs.
Strengths of Nike Run Club
Guided runs featuring diverse durations, styles, and coach personalities
A fully functional Apple Watch app
Large, clear metrics to highlight essential data, such as interval timings during runs or weekly mileage in the app
Minimalist yet effective training plans
Weaknesses of Nike Run Club
Lacks full compatibility with Garmin and other wearables—only supports Apple Watch
Training plans lack personalization and don’t allow selection of guided runs
Insufficient customization options for advanced runners
Setup
Unlike Runna, Nike Run Club doesn’t require personal details, training plan creation, or subscription selection. All you need is a free account, and you’re set.
To monitor shoe mileage, you can input your shoes into the app. While many running apps offer this feature, Nike stands out by including images of all its shoes and displaying an icon of your current pair on the Start Run screen. It’s a bit quirky, but I found it helpful to confirm whether my pink or black shoes were being logged—ensuring I switch if necessary.
Navigating the App
The app features five tabs at the bottom:
Home, displaying articles and updates on new guided runs or challenges. (This tab is easy to overlook.)
Plans, where you can track your current training plan progress (more on this later)
Run, the hub for starting a run and accessing the guided run library
Club, offering challenges and a leaderboard to compare your weekly mileage with friends
Activity, showcasing completed runs and earned badges
Typically, you’ll launch the app and head directly to the Run tab or, if following a training plan, the Plan tab. To explore guided runs, select one of the suggestions on the Run tab or tap 'Guided Runs' at the top to browse the full library. Folders are automatically generated for downloaded runs (required before use), saved runs, and completed runs.
Training Plans
Nike Run Club offers a straightforward training plan feature. Choices include 'get started,' 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathon distances.
When setting up the plan, you’ll input your race date if applicable, and that’s all. Your plan is now ready. Enjoy!
The app doesn’t customize the plan based on your schedule or fitness level. It assumes that selecting the 10K plan means you’re prepared for most of its scheduled runs. Thankfully, skipping unwanted runs is simple, and the app encourages this with a reminder: 'You’re in control of your plan, so take days off as needed. Adjust workouts to fit your schedule or modify pace and distance based on how you feel.'
Completing a run from the training plan screen earns you an orange checkmark. Each workout includes a suggested guided run, though you can opt for an unguided run. So far, so good.
However, the plans have two significant flaws beyond the lack of personalization. First, you must use the specified guided run to earn the checkmark. With a vast library of guided runs, it’s disappointing not to explore alternatives. Additionally, training for multiple 10Ks in a year means repeating the same guided runs.
The second issue, a dealbreaker for many serious runners, is the lack of Garmin sync. While the app can import Garmin Connect runs, it doesn’t export data to Garmin. These runs also don’t count toward your training plan. Nike app users with Garmin watches must use both devices simultaneously and log runs twice.
My Experience Using Nike Run Club
If you keep your expectations simple, the app delivers a seamless experience with many considerate features. As previously noted, the Apple Watch app is excellent, and the guided runs are exceptionally well-crafted.
You can select from coaches with distinct personalities (Coach Bennett is frequent, but my personal favorite is Coach Frankie) and varying tones (the 'Don’t Wanna Run Run' is perfect for those mornings when motivation is low).
The app supports pairing with a heart rate chest strap for runs without a watch. If using both your phone and watch, you must start the watch from your phone to view metrics on both devices. This is particularly useful for interval runs, as the app displays a detailed screen showing times and paces for all intervals completed during the workout.
Social Features and Privacy
You can connect with friends in the app, and their names will appear on the weekly mileage leaderboard. You have the option to make your profile and activities public, private, or set to 'friends (social),' where friends can find you but won’t see your activity until you accept their friend request.
For sharing runs on other platforms, Nike offers stylish templates that overlay details like pace, an abstract route map, or elevation onto a photo from your camera roll. While the options are limited, I find them visually appealing. (Feel free to tease me about it.)
Features Available With and Without a Subscription
Great news: This app doesn’t require a subscription! All features are available for free, with no premium tier.
Strengths of This App
Nike Run Club is ideal for runners who don’t need complex workouts or rigid training plans. If you enjoy spontaneous runs and are open to last-minute choices about what to listen to, this app is perfect. It’s also an excellent choice for Apple Watch users.
Let me highlight the guided runs again. The coaches alternate between motivational speakers, meditation guides (Andy Puddicomb from Headspace narrates a few), and straightforward trainers (especially for interval workouts). The motivational talks might seem cliché, but they resonate with me. I recall Coach Frankie saying during a run: 'I admire your dedication and how effortlessly you’re maintaining this pace.' It’s a scripted line! He doesn’t know me! Yet, I felt acknowledged, valued, and motivated.
Limitations and Drawbacks
Avoid this app if you’re seeking personalized training programs or if you want the app to integrate your independent training into a structured plan. (It does, however, track your weekly mileage.)
This app isn’t ideal for Garmin enthusiasts. You’ll need to log activities on both devices simultaneously. While the Apple Watch app is impressive, it won’t satisfy data-driven runners as much as a Forerunner would. You’ll receive basic pace stats and a route map, but it lacks the detailed analytics or in-run metrics you might expect.
Final Verdict
If you’re new to running or prioritize enjoyment and consistency, this app is an excellent choice. The same applies if you enjoy guided runs; while other apps offer them, Nike Run Club excels in this area. Serious runners, however, may prefer apps with a stronger focus on performance metrics and tailored training plans.
