Runners looking for a structured training plan have plenty of digital options today. Two of the most well-known are running.COACH and Runna. Both offer smart training plans, but they differ in many ways. We’ve put together a comparison overview of the two tools.
| Function | running.COACH | Runna |
|---|---|---|
| Languages | English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish, Chinese, Russian, Japanese | English |
| Free Trial | 2 Weeks | 1 Week |
| Accessible | Via app and browser | Via app |
| Training goals | Fitness / Race preparation | General / Race (subcategories for goals like “Run a first 5k”, “Run a distance goal”) |
| Level | Tailored to every performance level from beginner to Olympian | Categorized as beginner / intermediate / advanced / elite (not suitable for athletes targeting sub-1:06:00 half marathon) |
| Distances | From 3km to 50km, with tips on adapting to ultramarathons | 5–50km |
| Preparation time | Starts from the moment the plan is created. The plan is shown until the end of the subscription. | Specific number of weeks selectable (max. 26 weeks). Training starts only 26 weeks before the event – no sessions shown earlier. |
| Wearables | Garmin, Coros, Fitbit, Suunto, Polar, Apple Watch and Strava | Garmin, Coros, Fitbit, Suunto and Apple Watch, Strava |
| Tracking with app | Yes | Yes |
| Number of days per week | Half days selectable (up to 14 sessions per week plannable) | Full days only (no half days), max 7 sessions per week |
| Long run | Day freely selectable | Day freely selectable |
| Intense session | Day freely selectable | Day not selectable |
| Dynamic | Yes | Yes |
| AI | Yes | Yes |
| Strength exercises | Yes | Yes |
| Injuries | Recovery plan is automatically activated after injury or illness | “Post-injury plan” can be selected as a training goal |
| Training specifications | Pace, Power, Puls | Pace |
| Heart rate | Displayed in the plan and considered in the analysis (influences plan dynamics) | The training plan is not adapted based on heart rate, and no HR targets are provided. |
| Training analysis | Displays key values like distance, time, pace, heart rate and elevation gain, plus adjusted pace for flat terrain. Run is shown on a map. Detailed view on how well the training was performed (pace, duration, heart rate, distance, load). | 1) Displays key values like distance, time, pace, heart rate and elevation gain 2) Run is shown on a map. |
| Race database | Extensive database with thousands of entries | Selected races per distance and event type |
| Gear tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Race time predictions | Yes | Yes |
| Feedback | Every time a planned workout is completed | No |
| Alternative training | Time in another sport shown for each workout | No |
Languages and Accessibility
running.COACH is available in nine languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish, Chinese, Russian, and Japanese. In contrast, Runna is only available in English.
running.COACH can be accessed via both app and browser, whereas Runna is exclusively available as an app.
Free Trial and Flexibility
running.COACH offers a two-week free trial, while Runna provides one week.
With running.COACH, the training plan starts from the date of creation and remains visible until the subscription ends. Runna allows for a maximum preparation time of 26 weeks, with training only beginning exactly 26 weeks before the target event.
Training Goals and Levels
running.COACH offers plans for general fitness and race preparation. Runna, on the other hand, provides more specific sub-goals like “Run a first 5k” or “Run a distance goal.”
running.COACH adapts to any fitness level – from beginners to Olympians. Runna uses fixed performance levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite.
Distances and Training Structure
running.COACH supports distances from 3 km to 50 km and includes tips on adapting for ultra-distance runs. Runna focuses on distances between 5 km and 50 km.
With running.COACH, up to 14 training sessions per week can be planned (including half-day sessions), whereas Runna allows a maximum of 7 full-day sessions per week. Both platforms let you freely choose your long run day, but only running.COACH lets you choose the day for intense sessions.
Wearables and Tracking
running.COACH supports Garmin, Coros, Fitbit, Suunto, Polar, Apple Watch, and Strava. Runna supports the same providers except Polar.
Adaptability, AI, and Analysis
Both platforms use artificial intelligence (AI) to dynamically adapt training plans.
running.COACH uses pace, power, and heart rate in both training prescriptions and post-run analysis. Runna uses only pace and does not adjust training plans based on heart rate data.
Both platforms offer detailed post-run analysis. running.COACH also converts your pace to an equivalent on flat terrain for better comparison.
Feedback and Cross-Training
running.COACH provides feedback after every session and each week, showing how well you met the session’s targets. Runna does not offer this feature.
running.COACH also allows you to integrate cross-training by converting the planned running load into equivalent durations for other sports.
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