No two runners are the same. Some only run. Others cycle, play football, go to the gym, … We know, that's why we let you switch to cross-training, swap sessions, etc.
With our newest feature (version 3.38), you can now build your own training plan from the very start, while staying within the coaching principles behind all our plans.

Not every workout has the same purpose

When you create a new goal, you'll now notice that training types, such as endurance runs, intervals, long runs, … are divided into three categories:

• Mandatory

• Advised

• Optional

This reflects the way a coach thinks about training. Some workouts are simply too important to skip, if you ask me. If you're training for a half marathon or marathon, for example, your long run is a mandatory session. It develops the endurance you'll need on race day. Other workouts are highly recommended, but there can be good reasons to replace them.

Recovery runs, on the other hand, are often optional. They add easy aerobic volume, but depending on your lifestyle and training history, you might choose something else.

More flexibility for multi-sport athletes

Let's say you play football twice a week. Or perhaps you regularly attend a HIIT class, go mountain biking or do intense indoor cycling sessions. Those workouts already provide a substantial high-intensity training stimulus.

Instead of forcing you to add another interval workout on top, Trenara now allows you to leave that session out while still protecting the overall structure of your plan. For example: if you skip the intervals, you must include tempo runs. I need you to do goal specific workouts.

Freedom within coaching guardrails

To be clear: this feature doesn't mean "do whatever you like.". Every plan is still built around the physiological adaptations required to achieve your goal.

The mandatory sessions ensure those key adaptations to happen. The advised sessions help maximize your progress. The optional sessions give you the flexibility to adapt your week to your own situation. Think of it as having more freedom, while coach Christophe still keeps an eye on the bigger picture.

Conclusion

Whether you're combining running with another sport, have a busy schedule or simply like having more control over your training, this new feature helps you build a plan that works for you.

Because the best training plan isn't the one that's perfect on paper: it's the one you can consistently follow. We're here to help you with that.