Customer Reviews (500)

Awesomenoee • 2025-03-25T07:49:52-07:00

Honestly never review anything but I’ve been using Runna to train and it’s been so helpful and excede my expectations.

Jem@go • 2025-03-25T05:05:44-07:00

It helped me become a runner… from sedentary to athletic fitness. Structure plans that are easy to follow and gave me great results, and continues to improve my running fitness.

Arigold81 • 2025-03-25T03:08:35-07:00

I love the app and the workouts. It syncs to my Apple Watch and sets up the intervals. It’s great. Only been using it for two weeks so we’ll see if it actually improves my half marathon as much as it estimates.

Summary of Key Insights

Runna: Running Training Plans is generally very well-received, with users praising its personalized training plans, ease of use, and integration with devices like Apple Watch and Garmin. The app effectively helps users achieve their running goals, from completing their first 5k to training for marathons. However, some users report issues with the Apple Watch integration, the inflexibility of plans, and the robotic nature of the coaching voices. The app enjoys a high overall rating, but addressing the identified pain points could further enhance user satisfaction.

Key Strengths:

  • Personalized and adaptable training plans
  • Seamless device integration (Apple Watch, Garmin, COROS)
  • Inclusion of strength training, mobility, and Pilates
  • User-friendly interface
  • Effective in helping users reach their running goals

Key Weaknesses:

  • Apple Watch integration issues (connectivity, control)
  • Inflexibility of training plans (difficulty moving workouts, accounting for unplanned events)
  • Robotic coaching voice
  • Some users found the strength/mobility workouts lacking

Overall Sentiment: Positive Overall Rating: Not explicitly stated in text, but can be calculated based on score distribution. Score Distribution:

  • 5-star: 85.8% (429/500)
  • 4-star: 8.8% (44/500)
  • 3-star: 1.6% (8/500)
  • 2-star: 1.4% (7/500)
  • 1-star: 2.4% (12/500)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but presumably recent given the version number (7.20.1) and mentions of new features.
  • Analysis Methods: The analysis involved a qualitative review of the provided app reviews, focusing on identifying recurring themes, sentiments, and specific feature requests. Keyword extraction and sentiment scoring were implicitly performed during the review to categorize and prioritize the user feedback.

Key User Pain Points

  • Apple Watch Integration Issues: Several users reported problems with the Apple Watch integration, including connectivity issues, lack of control from the phone while using the watch, and the app not functioning properly. Impact: Frustration, inconvenience, reduced functionality.
  • Inflexible Training Plans: Users expressed difficulty in moving workouts around in the schedule, especially when unexpected events occur (illness, vacations). Some users desired more flexibility in customizing the number of workouts per week. Impact: Reduced adherence to the plan, frustration, potential for overtraining or undertraining.
  • Robotic Coaching Voice: Some users found the AI coaching voice to be unnatural and lacking a human touch. Impact: Reduced motivation, less engaging experience.
  • Strength/Mobility Workouts Could Be Better: Some users felt that the strength training and mobility workouts were lacking in quality, variety, or features (e.g., tracking weight lifted). Impact: Reduced perceived value, need to supplement with other apps or resources.
  • Pace Tracking Sensitivity: Some users reported pace tracking being too sensitive and interruptive. Impact: Distraction, reduced enjoyment of runs.
  • Bugs and Technical Issues: Some users report technical issues such as the app freezing, not recording runs, or not syncing properly. Impact: Frustration, loss of data, unreliable experience.
  • Inaccurate Pace Recommendations: A few users found the pace recommendations to be inaccurate or unachievable, especially if based solely on PRs. Impact: Frustration, potential for overtraining or discouragement.
  • Lack of Family Sharing: Some users would like the ability to share the subscription with family members. Impact: Reduced value proposition for families.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Improved Apple Watch Integration: Better connectivity, phone control, and overall reliability.
  • More Flexible Scheduling: Easier workout rescheduling, vacation mode, ability to add custom workouts, and more control over weekly workout frequency.
  • More Natural Coaching Voice: A more human-sounding and motivating coaching voice.
  • Enhanced Strength Training Features: Ability to track weight lifted, more variety in exercises, and better-quality videos.
  • Heart Rate Zone Tracking: Integration of heart rate zones into training plans and workouts.
  • Nutrition Planning: Integration of nutrition plans into the app.
  • More Race Options: Expanding the database of races.
  • Pace Count/Cadence Tracking: Ability to track and receive guidance on cadence.
  • Mid-Session Feedback Customization: More control over the frequency of audio feedback during runs.
  • Plyometric Training: Adding plyometric exercises to the strength training component.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Personalized Training Plans: Users appreciate that the app creates tailored training plans based on their fitness level, goals, and schedule.
  • Ease of Use: The app is generally considered easy to use and navigate, with an intuitive interface.
  • Device Integration: Seamless syncing with devices like Apple Watch, Garmin, and COROS is a major selling point.
  • Variety of Workouts: The app offers a good variety of running workouts, strength training, mobility exercises, and Pilates.
  • Motivational: Users find the app motivating and helpful in achieving their running goals.
  • Adaptable: The training plans adapt based on user progress and performance.
  • Strength Training Integration: The inclusion of strength training is appreciated for injury prevention and overall fitness.
  • Customer Support: Users who contacted customer support reported positive experiences.
  • AI Features: Some users have found the AI features helpful and insightful.
  • Affordable: Many users feel that the app is worth the subscription price.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix Apple Watch Integration Issues: Address connectivity, control, and reliability problems to ensure a seamless user experience. This is a recurring pain point that significantly impacts usability.
  • Improve Training Plan Flexibility: Implement features for easier workout rescheduling, vacation mode, and customization of workout frequency. This will enhance user control and adherence to the plan.
  • Enhance Coaching Voice: Replace the robotic coaching voice with a more natural and motivating one. Consider offering different voice options.

Medium Priority:

  • Expand Strength Training Features: Add weight tracking, more exercise variety, and higher-quality videos to the strength training component.
  • Integrate Heart Rate Zone Tracking: Incorporate heart rate zone tracking into training plans and workouts for more personalized guidance.
  • Refine Pace Recommendations: Improve the accuracy of pace recommendations by considering recent run data and individual variations.

Low Priority:

  • Add Nutrition Planning: Consider integrating nutrition plans into the app for a more holistic approach to training.
  • Expand Race Database: Regularly update the database of races to include more options.
  • Implement Cadence Tracking: Add cadence tracking and guidance for improved running form.
  • Allow Mid-Session Feedback Customization: Give users more control over the frequency of audio feedback during runs.
  • Add Plyometric Training: Incorporate plyometric exercises into the strength training component.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Running Form Analysis: Develop an AI-powered feature that analyzes users' running form through their phone's camera or smartwatch data and provides personalized feedback for improvement.
  • Community-Based Running Routes: Create a platform within the app where users can share and discover running routes in their local area, complete with elevation profiles and user reviews.
  • Personalized Gear Recommendations: Integrate a gear recommendation engine that suggests running shoes, apparel, and accessories based on users' running style, goals, and preferences.
  • Virtual Running Groups: Facilitate virtual running groups within the app, allowing users to connect with other runners, share their progress, and participate in virtual races.

Trends and Observations

  • Positive Impact on New Runners: The app is particularly effective for beginners, helping them establish a running routine and achieve their goals.
  • Garmin and Apple Watch Integration Key: The seamless integration with Garmin and Apple Watch is a major driver of user satisfaction.
  • Strength Training as a Differentiator: The inclusion of strength training is a key differentiator that users appreciate.
  • Desire for More Personalization: Users consistently request more personalization options, such as customized feedback and workout scheduling.

Conclusion

Runna: Running Training Plans is a highly-rated app that effectively helps users achieve their running goals. By addressing the identified pain points, particularly those related to Apple Watch integration and training plan flexibility, Runna can further enhance user satisfaction and solidify its position as a leading running training app. The app's focus on personalization, device integration, and holistic training (including strength training) provides a strong foundation for continued success.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/runna-running-training-plans/id1594204443?uo=2