After running 15 marathons, I’ve learned that having the right tools makes all the difference. 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.
If you’re wondering whether to use Runna or Garmin Coach for your training, or how they work together, here’s my honest review after using both side by side during marathon number fifteen.
What Is Runna?
Runna is a personalised training app designed to take the stress and guesswork out of marathon prep. Just your goal distance, race date and current fitness level, and it creates you a custom plan.
For my latest marathon, I followed Runna’s 16-week marathon plan. My weekly plan included:
- Interval sessions to build speed
- Long, slow runs for endurance
- Strength training workouts
- Recovery runs to keep my legs happy
I loved the flexibility of it. Life can get in the way so being able to swap sessions around without throwing off the whole plan made training a lot easier.
How the Training Felt
Every week felt purposeful but never overwhelming. By race day, I felt strong both mentally and physically, which is half the battle when it comes to marathon running.
Runna vs. Garmin Coach: Key Differences
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. It’s brilliant for fine-tuning training and tracking progress in real time.
Runna doesn’t just record your runs, it builds them for you. It helps you train smarter and pace yourself properly in the lead-up to race day.
Race Predictions and Results
For me, the big difference between Runna and Garmin are race predictions. Runna predicted I’d finish in 4:50m, Garmin, predicted 4:11. I crossed the line in 4:45. So Runna was pretty spot on and Garmin was a bit too optimistic.
Smashing a realistic goal feels amazing, and Runna helped me do just that.
Can You Use Runna and Garmin Together?
Yes, and honestly, this is where the magic happens. I used both together throughout training and on race day and the combination worked perfectly. Each Runna workout automatically syncs to your Garmin watch. Simply select run and your session pops up ready to record.
No planning your workouts manually – they’re all loaded in there showing intervals and pace targets. After the run, Garmin sends all the data back to Runna and it updates yout plan accordingly.
This means I could just focus on the running, while still getting all the stats and insights I love.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Feature | Runna | Garmin |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Personalised training & coaching | GPS tracking & performance data |
| Best For | Structure, motivation, realistic time goals | Data, pacing and analysis |
| Strength Workouts | Yes | No |
| Device Required | Smartphone | Garmin watch |
| Race Predictions | Realistic | Can be optimistic |
| Integration | Syncs with Garmin & other apps | Syncs with many fitness platforms |
Who Each Option Suits Best
| Runna | Garmin Coach | Runna + Garmin |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal for first-time marathoners who want structure and flexibility | Great for data-driven runners who love stats | Perfect for runners who want both coaching and in-depth data |
| Great for busy runners who need to shuffle sessions | Best for those training for shorter distances | Ideal for marathoners or half marathoners chasing PBs |
| Includes strength and recovery workouts | Free to use with your watch | Easy to sync with each other. |
Which Should You Choose?
If you want a personalised plan, tailored to you, then Runna is your best bet. If you thrive on stats and enjoy analysing every detail of a run then Garmin Coach will keep you happy!
The winning combo for me is Runna + Garmin. That way I get the structured plan from Runna and the data from Garmin. The more realistic predicted race time is a huge thing for me. It really helps my confidence during training and I know which pen to line up in on race day.
Want to Try Runna for Free?
If you’re curious to see what a personalised training plan can do for you, you can get two weeks free with the code RWR2. Whether you’re training for your first marathon or chasing a new PB, it’s a brilliant way to stay consistent and confident.
Click here to try Runna and start your free trial today!
And if you’re interested in my Garmin reviews, check out my Garmin Forerunner 255 Review and Garmin Forerunner 55 Review.
These two tools have completely transformed the way I train, and they might just do the same for you.
FAQs – Runna vs Garmin Coach
Yes. Runna works perfectly on its own, but syncing it with a Garmin watch makes following intervals and pacing targets much easier.
If you want a structured plan without hiring a personal coach, absolutely. It adapts to your progress and makes training so much easier to manage. Plus, you can try it free for two weeks with the code RWR2.
