Why This Black Level NRC User Still Keeps Strava on His Phone

Back in the prehistoric era of smartphone running apps — when dinosaurs like Endomondo still roamed free — I, like many runners, found joy in mapping my routes and bragging about my pace. When Endomondo was finally laid to rest, I was left homeless in the digital running world. That’s when Nike Run Club (NRC) stepped in, offering a sleek, runner-focused refuge that felt like it was made for people like me who genuinely care about distance, pace, and whether or not we can eat that extra donut after a long run.

I’ve been using NRC since 2015, and while many of my running buddies have migrated to Strava, I’ve stubbornly stayed loyal. Why? Well, I’ve worked my way up to Black Level in NRC, and I’m irrationally proud of it. It’s like an obscure badge of honor only fellow NRC veterans understand. It represents years of sweat, cramps, runner’s highs, and occasionally getting chased by stray dogs. That little badge feels like a quiet nod from Nike itself saying, “Yeah, you’ve put in the miles.”

The reason i still use NRC is because i had reach Black Level

One thing I genuinely appreciate about NRC is how runner-focused it is. It’s not trying to be an everything-for-everyone app. It’s built for people who care about tempo runs, long runs, and recovery jogs. Plus, it’s completely free. No sneaky paywalls, no “unlock this for $9.99 a month” nonsense. The marathon and half-marathon training programs are excellent, easy to follow, and tailored to your goals and schedule. I’ve personally followed the marathon plan twice, and while my legs hated me, my finish line photos looked glorious.

On the other hand, Strava feels more like social media disguised as a fitness app. It’s brilliant for those who thrive on community, kudos, and a bit of low-key competition. Strava tracks pretty much any sport you can think of — running, cycling, swimming, hiking, yoga, kayaking, and probably competitive hopscotch if you look hard enough. It’s perfect if you love comparing routes, joining virtual challenges, or stalking that neighbor who somehow runs a 4:30/km pace while smiling in selfies.

The catch? To unlock Strava’s full features, you have to pay a subscription. Things like detailed segment analysis, personalized heatmaps, and advanced training metrics are tucked behind a paywall. For casual runners, the free version might be enough. But if you’re chasing PRs or love diving into your pace breakdown like a running nerd (no judgment, I’m one too), you’ll feel that itch to subscribe sooner or later.

That’s why, even after flirting with Strava, I still use both apps. NRC for its simplicity, no-fuss marathon training plans, and that precious Black Level badge. Strava for its social side, the occasional virtual race, and the sweet satisfaction of seeing a “Top 10” crown on a random segment. It’s like having two pairs of running shoes: one for serious training and one for fun weekend runs.

In the end, it doesn’t have to be a fierce rivalry. Strava and NRC serve different purposes. Use what motivates you to lace up and hit the road — whether it’s chasing digital badges, earning kudos from strangers, or quietly outrunning your past self. As long as you keep moving, both apps are doing their job.