Looking for a Runna App Review ? This is a full review of the personalized training plan created for me by this virtual running coach program (along with a great discount code).
I’m not new to running. Over the last few years, I’ve gone from being a casual jogger to running multiple half marathon races (including the Run Disney Princess races and the Disneyland Half Marathon ) and my first marathon (the Every Woman’s Marathon in Savannah). But after an injury during training and feeling a bit stuck in terms of strength or pace…..I decide to try a new approach to my training journey and races. I wanted to utilize a more specific and personalized training plan.
My goal? Was to find something that actually gives me structure, keeps me motivated, and doesn’t just throw generic workouts at me. Enter Runna—an app that promises personalized training plans, expert guidance, and full integration with compatible devices like Garmin and Apple Watch. I’d seen a few people share their runna plan online, and decided it was worth a try. I set up my running goals (a solid training plan leading up to race day for my next half marathon).
Want to try Runna? code CARLY20 will give you free access to create your own runna training plan and to use it for two weeks!
Runna App Review (and Referral Code)
But does it really live up to the hype? I already knew I could cross the finish line for my next race but…. the best ways to make it easier and more fun? That’s what I was looking for!
After spending some solid time using it, here’s my full Runna app review , what I loved (and didn’t love), and whether it’s worth your money.
Runna App Review: How Runna Works
Right off the bat, Runna makes things super easy. It helps to set up a training program that works for you (and don’t worry if feels too easy or too difficult, Runna adjusts your running plan as you go). When you first download the app, it asks you about your running experience, goals, and current fitness level. It also asks how many weekly runs you are able to commit to, whether you’d like to add in strength workouts (I highly recommend for injury management and prevention), and which races you are training for. You even have the option to mark WHICH days of the week you’d like to train or skip.
Whether you’re training for a specific marathon, your next race in town, or just want to build endurance, the app customizes a plan specifically for you. No cookie-cutter workouts here!
Runna’s App : Specific Workouts and Variety
In my opinion, this is the most important part of a Runna app review. How ARE the workouts themselves.
Each workout starts with a stretch and warm up section (complete with instructor led video). And each run that focuses on speed starts with a slower warm up start.
The workouts are well thought out. They contain a mix of easy runs, speed workouts, tempo runs, long runs, and if you choose strength training. And what I really love? It doesn’t just focus on running for speed. Runna incorporates strength training, mobility work, and stretching to keep you injury-free and performing at your best. In addition to interval runs and speed work, the workout plans condition rest days and easy run days. I found this incredibly helpful, especially since I have a bad habit of skipping strength work or rest days when left to my own devices.
Another feature I appreciated is the pacing guidance both over time and during each workout. The app tells you exactly how fast you should be running for each session and adjusts your plan based on progress. It’s like having a coach in your pocket, which is pretty cool. I’ve found that mine adjusts every week or two.
Plus, if you have a Garmin or Apple Watch, you can sync your workouts directly to your device, so you don’t have to constantly check your phone mid-run. This has been incredibly helpful during runs and speed drills. I actually DO NOT use my watch, I track my pace in the app itself since I’m carrying my phone anyways. I wear Shokz headphones, and I’ve set my app to “talk” in my ears. So my Runna app will tell me to speed up or slow down and when a new section of any running session begins or ends. It’s pretty awesome (even if I do sometimes want to yell at the lady in my ears telling me to speed up).
What I Loved About Runna
- Customizable Plans: No matter your goal (from the london marathon to a local 5k), the app tailors everything to your needs. When I switched from training for a half marathon to just focusing on speed work and strength training sessions , it adjusted seamlessly.
- Device Integration: Syncing with Garmin and Apple Watch is a game-changer. The pacing cues kept me on track, and I didn’t have to manually enter my runs. It even syncs to Strava if you participate in their running community (which I also love).
- Holistic Approach: It’s not just about running. The strength and mobility sessions are a great addition, especially for someone like me who needs that extra push to actually do them.
- Motivation & Structure: Having a structured plan kept me accountable. I found myself actually looking forward to workouts instead of just winging it or adding distance without a firm plan.
- Music: YES you can play music and use the app at the same time. In fact, they even have Runna spotify playlists and apple music playlists for each type of workout.
What Could Be Better
Tough Speed Workouts: Some of the initial speed sessions in my half marathon plan felt really intense, almost like they were designed for an elite runner. I adjusted my pace and the app adjusted soon after, but it’s worth noting if you’re not used to high-intensity intervals.
Pricing: Is It Worth It?
Okay, let’s talk money and pricing. Runna operates on a subscription model, which is pretty standard for fitness apps these days. I will say, yes this is a pricey app…..but to me? It’s worth it.
Here’s the cost breakdown:
- Monthly Subscription: $19.99
- Annual Subscription: $119.99
- Free Trial: 2 weeks with code CARLY20
So my thoughts? For what you get—structured training, expert coaching, and integration with your devices—it’s a solid value. It’s way cheaper than hiring a personal running coach, but still gives you that guided training experience. If you’re someone who benefits from structure and a plan(like me!), it’s absolutely worth trying out the free trial. There is also no long term commitment with the monthly subscription, so you can commit through a specific active period leading up to a race and then decide if you’d like to continue.
Final Verdict
So, do I recommend Runna? Absolutely. It’s one of the best running apps I’ve tried in terms of customization, ease of use, and motivation. It’s not perfect—there’s a bit of a learning curve with some of the workouts—but overall, it delivers on its promises and then some. If you’re looking for a training plan that actually adapts to you, keeps you accountable, and integrates with your devices, Runna is definitely worth checking out.
I love that it’s helping me to work on speed and strength, and I especially love the coaching I get in my ears during a run. If this is your first time training for a longer race, I can’t recommend it enough. It helps you to train safety and to incorporate different types of runs into your training schedule.
Want to try it? You can use my Runna referral code CARLY20 to get two weeks free!
Happy Running!!!!
