Marathon number 15 is officially in the books, and what a journey it’s been! This year marked the 10th anniversary of my very first marathon, so running it felt like a perfect way to celebrate a decade of incredible memories. Each race reminds me why I fell in love with running—the challenge, the feeling, and the self-discovery. As I look back, it’s clear that running isn’t just a sport; it’s a huge part of my life that continually teaches me resilience and gratitude.
Preparing for the Marathon
With plenty of marathon experience under my belt, I know the importance of having a solid plan. I wanted to feel good at the start line—not necessarily to beat a specific time but to fully enjoy each mile. I’ve tried a few approaches over the years, but this time I went with Runna Coach’s 16-week marathon plan. I’d used it before and found that it balanced structured training with the flexibility to make my journey enjoyable. It took the guesswork out of planning so I could focus on running my best.
The Training Process and Key Takeaways
What stood out for me was the variety in the Runna plan. From interval runs to long, easy-paced miles, the different types of workouts made each week feel refreshing, not daunting. I also found the strength training sessions useful; they kept me consistent without adding extra planning on my part. By race day, I felt not just physically prepared but also mentally ready — which is a game-changer when it comes to marathons!
Seamless Integration for an Easy Training Experience
A big plus was the ease of syncing Runna workouts directly with my Garmin watch. No need for double-checking or planning—I’d set my training goals in Runna, and everything would appear right on my watch, from pace to heart rate targets. This worked well for me, especially on busy days where I just needed to get out the door.
Runna vs. Garmin: Comparing Key Features
For years, I’ve relied on my Garmin to track runs, monitor pace, and analyse performance, and the Garmin Connect app offers fantastic insights into metrics like VO2 max, cadence, and recovery time. This data helps me fine-tune my training and see progress in real-time. However, this marathon highlighted the unique strengths of both Garmin and Runna.
Runna’s race predictions were pretty spot on—I finished five minutes faster than its estimated time. In contrast, Garmin had me finishing in 4 hours 11 minutes, while my actual time was 4 hours 45 minutes. Garmin excels at real-time data tracking, but Runna really shines in setting realistic training expectations and race goals. The difference? Exceeding your goal is a huge motivation boost, and Runna’s guidance provided that edge for me.
Want to Try Runna and Garmin for Your Next Race?
If you’re curious about structured, goal-focused training, Runna might be a great fit. With the code RWR2, you can get two weeks free to explore everything it offers, whether you’re chasing a personal best or just looking to enjoy each mile. Check out their website for more details here.
And if you’re interested in learning more about how Garmin supported my training journey, check out my detailed Garmin reviews here: Garmin Forerunner 255 and Garmin Forerunner 55.
These tools together made a world of difference for me, and they just might for you too!
