Marathon number 15 is officially done and dusted, and what a journey it’s been! This year marked ten years since my very first marathon, so running it felt like the perfect way to celebrate a whole decade of memories. Every race reminds me why I fell in love with running, the challenge, the buzz and all the little lessons about myself along the way. Running isn’t just a hobby anymore; it’s become such a big part of my life that keeps teaching me resilience and gratitude.
Preparing for the Marathon
With plenty of marathons behind me, I know how important it is to have a solid plan. This time, I wasn’t chasing a specific finish time, I just wanted to feel good and enjoy it. I went with Runna Coach’s 16-week marathon plan again because it takes away all the guesswork so I can focus on running my best without stressing.
The Training Process and Key Takeaways
What I really loved about this plan was the variety. From intervals to long, easy runs, every session felt fresh, not boring or overwhelming. The strength workouts were a win too, they kept me consistent without any extra hassle. Plus, it’s super easy to shuffle your week around in the app if life gets busy. By race day, I felt ready, both in my legs and in my head, and that mental game really makes all the difference.
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 was a lifesaver on those busy days when I just wanted to get out the door and run.
Now you can even add in a B-race!
I love having other races in my training block because they keep me motivated – especially on those long runs. These “B-races” are like little tune-ups before your big A-race. The latest Runna update now lets you add these B-races directly into your training plan, giving me extra motivation and keeping things interesting.
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 want to smash a PB or challenge yourself to a new distance. 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!
