I tried to get a 10K PB in just four weeks with Runna heres what happened
It challenged me to run faster than I have before, and more miles each week than I have in past training plans. Unsure which one to go for, I nervously lingered between the 45- and 50-minute figures based on the app’s guidance. The personalized plans and comprehensive approach justify the premium pricing. Runna’s plans use different types of runs, such as interval and tempo training, long runs, and speed work, to help you gradually improve your performance and 5k finishing time.
Should runners lift for strength or endurance?
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Form matters at every distance, but in a marathon it’s often the difference between running strong in the final 10k or hitting the wall. It’s long enough to build endurance and strength, yet compact enough to keep motivation high. Designed to help you improve consistently while avoiding burnout. Built for runners with a strong aerobic foundation who want a focused, high-intensity approach. I was able to tell the app I was still working out from home, and the equipment I had available, and then use my resistance bands and adjustable dumbbells for the easy-to-follow workouts. If you’re familiar with running app Strava, you’ll know you can set audio cues to notify you of your mad muscles review pace every kilometer or mile to help you hit a pace target.
FAQs – Runna vs Garmin Coach
You can cancel at any time, meaning you can download it in the run up to an event and cancel afterwards, once you’ve hit the finish line. At best, you might even enjoy yourself and improve your overall bodily sensations when running. I vowed to let the app to build some structure into my tired old routine, hoping it would turn my mindset into something a little more productive.
This holistic approach addresses common runner weaknesses and injury risks. The device integration works smoothly with popular fitness trackers and GPS watches. When you finish setting up your plan, you’ll get to see the app’s main screens. There is a little card for each workout, color-coded according to type. I had an interval workout (yellow) on Monday, intended to be 2.4 miles. If you enable strength and mobility workouts, you’ll see those on your schedule here as well.
How can I improve my 5k time?
That said, Runna comes at a good price and is a great app for anyone training for a particular race or distance. I’ve already recommended it to a lot of my running and non-running friends. Whether it gets me to the London Marathon finish line in my goal time remains to be seen, but it’s definitely made marathon training more enjoyable. For one of these weeks I was hit by a nasty lurgy that saw my performance take a nosedive, and for another I took a last-minute trip to Dorset. I still squeezed my training runs in while on the Jurassic Coast, but the county’s testing topography gave a whole new meaning to my “rolling 400s” session.
Tips for your marathon training plan
- In this article, we’ve covered our top tips to help make your running journey sustainable and enjoyable.
- The plans adapt based on performance but lack the breadth of Runna’s supplementary exercises and coaching insights.
- The monthly plan costs $19.99, while the annual subscription runs $119.99 (equivalent to $9.99 monthly).
- A one-size-fits-all plan might get you started, but it won’t adapt when life happens, when you improve, or when your goals shift.
- Each session is designed for all levels, with simple, progressive movements that meet you where you are and help you improve over time.
- Just as you can imagine runners share their highs and lows when it comes to their running, allowing you to react and comment.
Review your current performance and past recommendations, and see how you’re tracking towards your goals. Push for progress with elite coaching.Be part of something big. Recovery keeps you consistent and injury-free over the full training block. Work on form during training so it becomes second nature when it matters most. Pay attention on tired legs, in longer sessions, or during speed work, when posture and efficiency are most likely to slip.
Introduction to Mobility Training for Runners
It’s not just about running more – it’s about training the right systems while protecting recovery. Strength gains happen when you gradually increase resistance over time. Once an exercise feels too easy, progress your weight to continue improving. When building your strength plan with Runna, you can select your current ability, and we’ll start you off on the right foot. When you run, your calf muscles absorb up to 11 times your body weight, while your quads take on up to four times.
Personalized plan
Runna costs £15.99 per month or £99.99 annually for a monthly subscription. The annual plan offers a significant discount, working out to roughly £8.33 per month. The app also offers a free trial, allowing you to test the app before committing to a subscription.

Marathon Training Plan
You can pick a plan based on the distance you’re training for, from 5k to an ultramarathon, and then adjust it to your experience level and number of training sessions per week. Runna is a super versatile running app that has a plan for every runner and goal out there. So, you’ve got plenty of options, based on your running experience, fitness level, goals, and schedule. A well-designed plan increases mileage and intensity gradually, allowing your body to adapt and grow stronger without risking injury.
Healthy Lifestyle Tips
It uses AI to create customised running plans, tailoring the contents to suit your goal, paces, timeframe, calendar, target distance and even the exact race you are preparing for. Each workout comes with clear instructions and purpose explanations. Long runs build endurance while teaching your body to handle race-day demands. Cross-training is any activity that builds fitness without the same impact as running. Cycling, swimming, rowing, or using the elliptical are all great options. These workouts keep your aerobic engine strong while reducing stress on your legs.
Strength Training Basics for Runners
Parker reckons the reason for this popularity is two-pronged. Some users report software bugs that affect workout tracking or sync reliability. The newer app status means fewer user reviews and community feedback compared to established competitors.