2013. I can still picture it now. Hobbling over the Yorkshire Marathon finish line, muttering “never again” under my breath. I was sore, exhausted and covered in chafing, convinced that was it. No more marathons for me.
Yet, here I am, training for marathon number 14.
One thing I’ve learned over the years – if you want to get to the start line feeling confident and cross the finish line smiling, you need more than a generic plan. Not a “print it off the internet and hope for the best” plan, but something that actually works and fits in with your life.
I’ve tried it all. Old-school paper plans. Running without a plan (chaotic, would not recommend). Hiring a coach (not for me). But nothing has worked as well as the Runna marathon training plan.
Why I Chose Runna for My Marathon Training
If you’ve ever sat staring at a blank calendar wondering how many miles to run, what pace to aim for, or how to balance training around work, kids, and life, Runna does the hard thinking for you.
The Runna app builds a personalised marathon plan based on your running level, goals, and schedule. Whether you’re running your very first marathon, chasing a PB, or trying to fit training around a full-time job, the app adapts to you.
The plan is also super easy to shuffle around, so if you need to swap a long run to another day or move things to fit around life, it takes just a couple of taps.
And the best bit? It syncs straight to my Garmin so my runs pop up on my wrist, ready to go.
How the Runna Marathon Plan Works
When I decided to start training for my next marathon, I switched from Runna’s maintenance plan to their full marathon program. It took less than five minutes.
I popped in my current easy 5K time, picked which days I could run, and within seconds, my personalised marathon plan appeared.
Life isn’t always predictable, and that’s where Runna shines. You can move sessions around, swap long runs, or adjust your plan if something crops up. I’ve even shifted workouts when I signed up for a surprise race, and the app recalibrated everything for me.
Does Runna Overtrain You?
One of the questions I’ve seen a lot is, “I’ve heard Runna can over train you – is that true?”
Here’s my little cheat code. When you first set up your plan, the app asks for your 5K time. Instead of putting in your all-out PB from race day, pop in a more “conversational” time – the pace you could hold if you were chatting with a friend. That way, the sessions it gives you are more realistic and won’t leave you wiped out.
And if you do feel things are too intense, there are options in the app to adjust your plan for different levels, whether you want it to be easier, balanced, or more challenging. I’ve used this a few times when life’s been hectic, and it’s made training much more manageable.
Why Strength Training is a Game-Changer
Here’s where Runna really surprised me. It isn’t just about running.
The app gives you tailored strength training workouts too. These are designed to slot neatly into your week and focus on building muscle, improving form, and reducing the risk of injuries.
Since adding these workouts into my training, I’ve noticed stronger legs, better posture, and way more power on hills. My niggles have basically disappeared, which is gold dust for marathon runners.
My Favourite Runna Features
- Clear, structured training sessions
- Flexibility to adapt around life
- Daily reminders that nudge you out the door
- Progress tracking so you can see how far you’ve come
- Plans for every level, from couch to marathon
It honestly feels like having a personal coach in your pocket, without the hefty price tag or strict schedule.
Who Should Use the Runna Marathon Plan?
If you’re training for your first marathon, Runna takes the guesswork out of everything. You’ll never have to wonder, “Am I doing enough?” because the plan builds your mileage gradually and keeps your confidence high.
And if you’re an experienced runner? The variety keeps your training fresh and helps you break out of old routines. Even on marathon number 14, I’ve found new sessions that push me in different ways.
Ready to Try Runna? Here’s my discount code
If you want to train smarter, stay consistent, and actually enjoy marathon training, I honestly recommend giving Runna a go. For £15.99 a month, you get a fully personalised marathon plan that works with your life. Use my code RWR2 for two weeks free and see how it fits into your training.
Whether it’s your first marathon or your fourteenth, the Runna marathon plan is my secret weapon for getting to the start line ready and crossing the finish line strong.
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