Runna vs Trenara: Which Running App Is Right for You?

You're ready to train with purpose. Whether it’s your first 10K, a fast half marathon, or your tenth marathon, you want to get it right.

Chances are, besides investing in a solid pair of running shoes, you're also looking for a running app. That’s where big names like Runna come in. And hopefully, Trenara catches your eye too. Both promise personalized training plans, guidance, and real results. But which one truly fits your needs?

In this blog, we compare both apps to help you make a smart choice.
Note: We’re evaluating these apps from the perspective of subscribed users.
Runna’s free version is very limited: you only get one week of your training plan. Trenara, on the other hand, offers a fully personalized training schedule for free (up to your goal race), but without the premium extras.

What is Runna?

Runna is a UK-based running app, now owned by Strava, offering training plans for distances from 5K to ultramarathons. You set your goal, input your level, and receive a plan you can follow via integration with your wearable device. The app also includes basic strength training within its plans.

What is Trenara?

Trenara is a Belgian app that blends coaching expertise with technology. It gives you a smart, adaptive training plan that adjusts based on your recent sessions, RPE feedback, and progression. In addition to running, Trenara also offers integrated strength training and nutrition guidance.

Runna vs Trenara: Feature Comparison

Let’s Zoom In: Adaptive Training Plans

One of the biggest differences between Runna and Trenara is how they handle adaptation.

Runna lets you manually adjust training volume and progression. Trenara allows adjustments based on your running environment (like terrain or weather). But a truly adaptive training plan, like Trenara’s, goes deeper.

Or as Tyler put it in his Play Store review:

"The training plans are great and truly adaptive - unlike many other apps."

Trenara adapts your plan in two key ways:

1. Based on Your Completed Workouts

Trenara compares your completed runs with your scheduled sessions. If there's a big gap, it updates your plan.
Planned 8 km today but went for 10 because the sun was shining? No problem - Trenara will adjust a future session to rebalance your training load.

2. Based on Your Feedback (sRPE)

After every run, you rate how it felt using the session Rate of Perceived Exertion (sRPE). This adds a third layer to your training data - not just heart rate (internal load) or pace (external load), but how the session felt to you.
Had a stressful week and felt flat? Trenara picks up on that and Coach Christophe will suggest scaling back or skipping a workout.

💡 These adaptations happen on a 7-day basis, not monthly (28-day blocks). Why is that important?
Because it lets us manage acute training load (ATL) without weakening your chronic load (CTL), meaning your base fitness stays intact. You continue building strength without overreaching.

Final Verdict: Which Running App Should You Pick?

Both Runna and Trenara can help you make progress.
Runna offers clear-cut plans, perfect for those who want structure and simplicity.

Trenara adapts to your data, your feedback, and your evolution, rooted in human coaching expertise.

Looking for an app that actually coaches you?
Then Trenara is your best pick.
Download it now from the Play Store or App Store.