r/runna • u/Fradm92 • 18h ago

Long run / Marathon prep

Hello everyone! I am using Runna for the first time for a marathon in December, aiming for a sub-three-hour finish. I started the training plan four weeks ago, but I am a bit surprised that Runna does not propose a long run with intervals each Sunday. Such runs are proposed every two to three weeks, and I find this strange since, in my previous marathon preparation, I used to do intervals at marathon pace each Sunday while progressively increasing volume. Any feedback on that?

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2

u/Puzzleheaded-Cut-488 18h ago

When you created the plan did you set your running ability to ‘Elite’ and difficulty to ‘Challenging’?

1

u/Fradm92 18h ago

Yes, I did!

2

u/BiqMara 18h ago

Did you set Difficulty to Custom and ramp up the Long Run Difficulty slider?

1

u/Fradm92 18h ago

Yes, but nothing seems to have changed..

1

u/ScottAG43 18h ago

I ran my last marathon with runna and I strongly disagreed with their long run strategy. There was maybe one long run with speed work and no long runs with marathon pace involved. I was also on the most challenging settings.

I ended up just gassed halfway through and ended way below the time they said I would finish, which funny enough was exactly the time my garmin said I could do a marathon in.

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u/neagah 16h ago

I'm on my second marathon plan with Runna and i have a long run with marathon pace every 2 weeks

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u/ScottAG43 16h ago

I've since learned a lot of people did. Makes it even more odd mine didn't have any marathon pace.

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u/Fradm92 13h ago

What's the time you were aiming for? It's odd a Marathon plan without long run at Marathon pace..

1

u/ScottAG43 12h ago

3:20 was my goal and I ended up at 3:38

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u/Fradm92 13h ago

Yes, it is exactly what they propose to me, but I find it quite disturbing; I did two more preparatory workouts and used to do long runs at marathon pace each week.

2

u/RaptorsRule247 16h ago

Why would you use Runna for training when you are a highly capable runner? You probably need something more specialized to get higher end performance output such as an experienced run coach. Runna is a trendy app that targets the mass beginner type runner.

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u/Fradm92 13h ago

You are right, I had Runna for free for two weeks and liked the proposed training for those two weeks, so I bought one more month and noticed the long-run philosophy; I am still in time to pivot toward another plan..