Runna review: I let the app rule my training ahead of a big race

But how does the app compare to some of the best running apps on the market, and how easy was it to sync the plan to one of the best running watches during training? To find out more, I put it to the test for the first six weeks of a marathon training plan. Comprehensive features extend beyond basic running to include strength training and mobility work.

Enhances Running Form and Coordination

Small improvements in form can help you conserve energy, reduce impact, and lower injury risk. The best way to bring all of this together is with structure. Runna will create a personalized beginner-friendly plan tailored to your goals, schedule, and preferences – guiding you through every run so you can start strong from day one. With in-app reminders and weekly runs in the diary it’s easy to follow and  break your plan into manageable chunks.

How long will it take me to prepare for a marathon?

They’re also a useful way to stay active if you’re carrying a niggle, or if you want to add variety to your week. Choosing something you enjoy makes it easier to stay consistent. Once you’re set up it will show, via the ‘training’ tab, your personalized plan, giving you a week-by-week breakdown. I’ve been using Garmin watches for years to track my runs, monitor pace, and analyse performance data. Garmin Connect gives you everything from VO2 max to cadence and recovery stats.

tips for Runna

Runna turns strength training into a clear path forward – no confusion, just structured sessions that transform how you run and recover. With synced data and clear feedback, you’ll see your strength build week after week. Tell us your experience, goals, and available equipment, and we’ll build a tailored program that integrates directly with your running plan. Just 1–2 well-structured sessions each week can make you feel stronger, more efficient, and more confident every time you hit the road or trail. Which plan is best suited for you depends on your experience, level of training, and the number of weeks you have available before your race. In fact, during a marathon your calves can absorb forces up to 11 times your bodyweight and your quads up to 4 times – over thousands of steps.

Elite coaching

You can even switch between kilometers and miles, adjust treadmill speed units, or select a perceived effort-based approach if you’re training in tough weather or recovering. And just like that, I had a custom 16-week half marathon plan—fully integrated with my Garmin watch, including pacing targets, warm-ups, cool-downs, and weekly progress checks. If you’re an experienced athlete, simply pick the plan that best suits your goals and the distance of your next race.

Runna can sync with your Garmin, Coros, Suunto, or Apple Watch, or you can use it without a watch and simply “record” the run by carrying your phone in your pocket or belt. Cross-training includes activities like cycling, swimming, rowing, or using the elliptical. These workouts improve cardiovascular fitness without the repetitive impact of running, helping you stay active while giving your legs a break. When combined with Stretch & Stability, cross-training feels smoother and more efficient, thanks to the added mobility and control you’ve built.

Pacing

Intermediate and advanced runners benefit most from Runna’s sophisticated training methods and adaptive planning. The real-time coaching helps optimize workout execution for maximum benefit. Strava excels at social features, segment tracking, and activity analysis. The mad muscle review platform serves more as a social network than a training coach. Strava’s premium features focus on data analysis rather than structured training guidance.

No matter your starting point or your goal, we’ll give you everything you need to get there. The developer, Strava, Inc., indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. And with big players like Strava now backing it, you know this isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of smart training. You can also check out Tom’s Guide Runna app review for a more detailed evaluation of our running app. While Runna isn’t designed as a weight loss app, you can definitely use running to lose weight, in combination with a healthy diet and a caloric deficit.

If you’re not sure where to start, just reach out via our in-app support channel. We’ll help you pick the right plan and share free resources that suit your goals. You don’t need to spend money to build a running habit that works for you. Runna gives you all the tools, training and support needed to get started on your own terms.

Take your running to the next level

• It’s brilliant for fine-tuning training and tracking progress in real time.
• The statistics for each run are broken down into laps, splits, pace and elevation.
• With Runna guiding you, every session teaches you how to pace better – so on race day, challenge day, or simply your next run, you’ll know exactly how to deliver your best effort.
• Without it, your body may compensate in less efficient ways, raising the risk of injury.
• Training breaks down muscle fibers – recovery rebuilds them stronger and more resilient.
• I didn’t necessarily stick to the same days that the app planned for me, but getting the reminder notifications (which can be turned off) did help me.

Tell us your goals, fitness level, and race, and we’ll build a marathon plan that fits seamlessly into your life. Our world-class coaches, including former Olympians, have guided runners of all levels to marathon success. With their expertise, you’ll train hard enough to improve – without risking burnout or injury.

Workouts

With a rapid rise in the sport, she now shares her expertise by coaching runners of all levels. For runners, lifting at 85-95% of what you could maximally lift for the given reps is the sweet spot – it allows you to build strength while still being fresh enough for your next workout. A 12-week build-back plan after pregnancy, written alongside a physiotherapist to support the return to running.

App support

Over the years, two have stood out for me time and time again, the Runna app and my trusty Garmin watch. I’ve used both through countless races and training, including my most recent marathon. I don’t have any serious reservations about the app itself, so the question of whether it’s worth the cost will come down to your opinions on the running plans it delivers. The inclusion of strength and mobility workouts is a nice touch, too.

Beep App Launches Career-Focused Platform to Help Gen-Z Turn Scrolling into Real Opportunities

Lifehacker has been a go-to source of tech help and life advice since 2005. Our mission is to offer reliable tech help and credible, practical, science-based life advice to help you live better. We’re offering a salary of £85,000 – £95,000 per year, depending on experience, plus participation in Strava’s long-term incentive (stock) programs. Strong has helped millions of people in over 100 countriescomplete over 15 million workouts. Strong has helped millions of people in over 100 countries complete over 30 million workouts.

Tracking everything manually would have been a pain, but the app made it easy. I erred on the side of caution by giving it a 35-minute 5K time. I knew that was probably slower than what I’m capable of, and sure enough a few days later the app pointed out that I’d run five kilometers (about three miles) in 32 minutes on one of my training runs. Would I like to update my Personal Best so that my plan could use this new data? No matter your experience level, training program or expertise, you can use Strong to record your progress and achieve your goals. ‍
No matter your experience level, training program or expertise, you can use Strong to record your progress and achieve your goals.

Under the Performance section, you can view your weekly and yearly mileage trends, personal records, completed plans, achievements, and all-time stats, as well as your most recent data sources. You can use it to record outdoor runs, treadmill runs, or Instant Workouts, even if you’re not following a training plan. Some weeks you’ll need more carbs to power harder sessions, others you’ll benefit from extra protein to aid muscle repair. Hydration and micronutrients (from colorful fruit and veg) also play a big role in keeping you healthy, reducing inflammation, and supporting consistent progress.