iRun
For a few months last year, I stopped wearing my Apple Watch. Nothing happened that made me want to stop wearing it—I just stopped out of the blue. Around that time, I had started exercising regularly again, and I went for a run one day with just my phone. I always carried my phone with me when I ran anyways, so it was just one less thing to deal with. I started going to the gym without the watch, too. For some reason, not wearing the Apple Watch felt liberating. It was a strange feeling because, if I'm being honest, I would say that the Apple Watch is my favorite product. I think part of the reason was because I wanted less of a do-it-all smartwatch with a full-fledged operating system and was (still am) dreaming of a more health and fitness focused wearable, but that's a conversation for another day.
Current apps
I downloaded the Nike Run Club app as well as Strava. I'd used the NRC app before and had heard good things about Strava, but I was immediately turned off by the fact that both of these apps have tab bars and home feeds. I can't help but feel like these apps are filled with features not everybody wants or needs. They seem to be designed for communities, which is great if that's what you're looking for and are trying to participate in, but what if you want a simpler, more personal running experience?
My running app concept
When I open the app, all I want to see is a big START button. After warming up, this is what I want to see before I begin my run. No clutter or ornamentation. Just a giant call to action.
Swipe left to edit settings.
Swipe right to see previous activity.
While running
These are the four metrics I care about most while running.
Tapping on either of the metrics will put it in focus.
Swipe left to access music controls.
Swipe right for a map view.
When you stop running, the session will pause, and you can either resume or end the workout.
When you finish a run, you get a simple summary. Tap on it to see a map view of your run.
Tapping the X on the summary screen will take you back to your activity page.
Should you choose to share your run with friends, you can, but this running app is all about you.
This is where you'd close the app and go on about your day.