INTVL - The best running app to ever exist
I've been running for most of my life. The last few years I dealt with injuries and got out of shape and have struggled to find ways to be motivated to run again. Like most runners, I've tried just about every popular running app out there.
Strava.
Garmin Connect.
Nike Run Club.
MapMyRun.
They all do a great job of tracking your runs, recording your pace, and keeping your workout history organized.
But after a while, I realized they all left me feeling the same way.
Once the run was over...that was it.
I'd upload the run, maybe look at my stats for a minute, and move on.
The app wasn't changing how I trained or influencing where I ran. It was simply recording what I'd already done.
I can honestly say it's changed the way I think about running more than any app I've ever used.
What is INTVL?
If you've never heard of INTVL before, think of it as a combination of a running tracker, a strategy game, and a worldwide competition.
Every run you complete can capture territory on a real-world map by running loop routes. The larger the area you surround with your route, the more land you control. Other runners can challenge you by stealing that land, and you can take it back or expand into new territory. You can compete as an individual in Solo mode or join a club and work together to climb the global leaderboard.
It's completely free to download, and while there is an optional Premium membership, you can experience the core game without spending anything. Download INTVL here
If you'd like a more detailed breakdown of how everything works, check out my How to Play INTVL guide.
Every run has a purpose
The biggest difference between INTVL and every other running app I've used is simple:
Every run matters.
Instead of asking myself, "How far should I run today?"
I find myself asking,
"Where should I run today?"
That one change makes a huge difference.
Maybe today I want to capture new land.
Maybe I want to steal territory from another runner.
Maybe I want to defend land someone took from me.
Maybe I want to help Team USA climb the global rankings.
Whatever the goal is, I have a reason for choosing my route beyond simply getting my miles in.
That keeps running fresh.
Long runs become adventures
I train for marathons, triathlons, and eventually an Ironman.
Long runs are a huge part of that training.
Sometimes a 20-mile run can feel like...well...a 20-mile run.
INTVL changes that.
Instead of thinking about how much farther I have to go, I'm thinking about how much land I can capture.
I'll spend time before a run looking at maps, planning routes, and figuring out how to maximize the area I'll claim.
I've even started driving outside of town because I know there are fewer runners competing for territory there.
I never thought a running app would have me studying Google Maps before a run.
But here we are.
It rewards exploring
Before INTVL, I probably had five or six routes that I ran all the time.
Now I'm constantly looking for somewhere new.
I've explored neighborhoods I never would've visited.
I've run roads I didn't know existed.
Whenever I travel, I make sure to bring my running shoes because it's another opportunity to capture territory somewhere completely different.
The app gives me a reason to explore instead of repeating the same routes every week.
Competition actually motivates me
I've always been a competitive person.
Not necessarily against other runners...
But against myself.
INTVL scratches that itch perfectly.
Seeing yourself climb the leaderboard is incredibly motivating.
Watching your territory grow is motivating.
Trying to hold onto land you've captured is motivating.
Trying to steal land from someone who stole yours...
Okay...that's pretty motivating too.
It turns every run into a challenge.
The strategy makes it even better
One thing I love is that there isn't one "right" way to play.
Some people spend all their time defending their hometown.
Some people chase the global leaderboard.
Others focus entirely on helping their club dominate.
Personally, my favorite strategy is claiming new land in places where very few people run.
That's why you'll sometimes find me driving 20 minutes outside the city just to start a run.
It might sound crazy...
But when you see your territory growing week after week, it makes perfect sense.
If you want to learn more about the different strategies, I wrote an entire guide on How to Play INTVL.
Club mode makes running a team sport
Running is usually an individual sport.
INTVL changes that.
Instead of only chasing personal goals, you can work together with runners all over the world.
I'm currently part of Team USA, and one of my favorite things is seeing teammates capture land in places I'll probably never visit.
Everyone contributes to something bigger than themselves.
That's a pretty cool feeling.
Should you download it?
If you're looking for another app that simply tracks your pace and distance...
You probably already have one.
But if you've ever wanted running to feel more like an adventure...
If you've ever needed a little extra motivation to get out the door...
Or if you're competitive enough to want to own a piece of your city...
I don't think there's a better app out there right now.
It's free to download here, and I'd love for you to join Team USA. If you decide to upgrade to Premium, using my code KYLEGOTT helps support the content I create at no additional cost to you.
Who knows...
Maybe someday we'll end up fighting over the same piece of land.
