RunTempo – Running Metronome for Optimal Cadence
Train at your ideal running cadence to improve performance, reduce injury risk, and run more efficiently.
Why Cadence Matters: Research shows that increasing your cadence by just 5-10% can reduce knee and hip stress by up to
20%. Most recreational runners benefit from a cadence of 170-180 steps per minute – the same rhythm used by elite
athletes.
Simple & Powerful:
* Set your target BPM with easy-to-use controls
* Audio runs in the background – listen to music, podcasts, or use other running apps simultaneously
* Built-in timer for interval training and gradual cadence adaptation
* Works completely offline – no internet or account required
Perfect for Apple Watch:
* Full standalone Watch app – leave your phone at home
* Background audio support on Watch
* Smart Stack widget for instant access
Cadence Training Benefits:
* Improved running economy and efficiency
* Reduced impact forces on joints
* Better form through shorter, quicker strides
* Lower injury risk from overstriding
Whether you're preventing injuries, improving your form, or training for your next race, RunTempo helps you find and
maintain your optimal rhythm. Start with your current cadence and gradually increase by 5 SPM every few weeks until
you reach your target.
No ads. No subscriptions. Just a simple, effective tool to transform your running.
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RunTempo FAQ
Is RunTempo free?
Yes, RunTempo is completely free and it doesn't have any in-app purchases or subscriptions.
Is RunTempo legit?
🤔 The RunTempo app's quality is mixed. Some users are satisfied, while others report issues. Consider reading individual reviews for more context.
There is only one choice of high/low sound and it is an annoying “beep” instead of a percussive tone. There is a time limit of 120 minutes so if you’re wanting to use this to pace a longer run (marathon) you’re out of luck. Sorry I dropped $2 on this one. Will be requesting a refund immediately.
Love simplicity but lacks ability to change tone of beat
One simple edition can make this app, super valuable by just allowing the ability to change the beat tone or allow for uploading a tone
Not Running in Background
Note that in the description, it says Run Tempo runs in the background so that you can still here the tempo while using other apps to listen to music, podcasts, etc. THIS IS NOT TEUE ON APPLE WATCH. I like to leave my phone behind while I train, using my watch to measure my workout. I also like to listen to podcasts or music while I do so. I can’t do that and use Run Tempo. I can listen to the metronome or to music/podcasts, but not both.
This is likely a device limitation and not the developers fault, but I feel this should be stated so more people, like me, purchase the app and discover it can’t be used as described/they intended.
Poor Sound Design
I’m hard of hearing and need to customize the sounds. So the low and high sounds are difficult for my use. The last thing I would expect in a metronome app for Cadence is the inability to customize the sounds by choosing a WAV or AIFF sound I created for my own use.
Apple Watch
No fitness app should be without Apple Watch Support. Especially a paid app.
Simple and perfect
Like another reviewer, I can only keep a consistent pace by listening to the same song on repeat. Once I find the song that works for my current run, I play it over and over and my cadence will be solid. I tried this app out today. Easiest set up, works in the background. I was able to sort of let my subconscious hear and respond to the tones and I didn’t even think about cadence. Worked like a charm. I agree with another review that it would be nice to have different sounds to choose from though.
Dated
Does not work with Apple Watch
Worked for a few years until now
I have used this for years and since the latest iOS update, it won’t even launch. Please update.
Exactly what I was looking for!
I have a really hard time running on a consistent cadence without listening to music. To be precise, the same song over and over. This is fine for short runs, but listening to one song for miles isn’t fun.
This app is perfect if you have any trouble keeping a steady pace. It plays in the background of whatever you’re listening to and you can adjust the volume of the app vs main volume. The beat is extremely adjustable by 1 bpm each click and you can choose between a steady sound, and a high/low or low/high sound.
I highly recommend this app because I can now listen to podcasts and audiobooks and keep a perfect pace on my long runs!
Perfect Little Gem
Every now and then, a perfect little app comes along that does exactly what you want - nothing more, nothing less. In this case, it’s “pace my run, please.” And oh yes, “do it in the background so I can run any other app in the foreground.”
That’s exactly what it does.
Set the cadence, a timer if you like, volume and the tick-tock sound (hi-lo is best), and you’re done. Off you go.
Zero learning curve.
The only “weakness”? Guilt... I can’t find a way to pay the developer. I mean, there aren’t even any ads to post to extinguish.
Perfect.
P.S. Oh yes, it immediately increased the distance of my 1 hr run by 15%, simply by not lagging off a 180 cadence, which I tended to do in the middle of runs. That results in longer, sustained elevated HRs and calorie burn. All good. 👍👍
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