A brief look at the Trenara running app

I am currently reading the book “Slimmer sporten” (Smarter Sports) by dr. Gianni Faelens. It is a clear and interesting book, but I have not gained many new insights yet. For me, it is more of a useful repetition of the principles I already know. 

Sports physician Gianni Faelens has interesting podcasts that can be found under his name. While running, I listened to the episode with running influencer Warre Plevoets. He talked about the Trenara running app. I was immediately interested in learning more about it and installed the app right away. 

There is a free version, a peak version (€3.99 per month), and a peak pro version (€9.99 per month). The app provides you with personalized training schedules based on the goal you set. They work on the basis of training data (such as from Strava). You decide how many days a week you want to train, and they give you a detailed running schedule. They also provide feedback. The pro version offers even more extensive support.

 The app is linked to a Facebook community (the Trenara community) https://www.facebook.com/groups/1055008034917011/. This community is public. I asked a few questions there and I must say that I received a quick response. The app is available in both Dutch and English. 

Probably due to my clumsiness, the app didn’t do what I wanted it to do. I reset the app a number of times, which meant I couldn’t get a schedule anymore. I considered switching to the Peak pro version, but ultimately decided against it after looking into the app in more detail. 

I believe the app creates very sophisticated schedules that are scientifically based. This was also evident from Warre Plevoets’ story. The reviews show that the app has many satisfied users.

Their choice is not to work with heart rate zones for the time being. Not many athletes know their heart rate zones. This requires a recent lactate test. Furthermore, sports watches do not always record the heart rate correctly. Personally, I am still a fan of the old-fashioned heart rate monitor. I am considering doing a lactate test in the near future. I also still run without a running watch. I started running with a stopwatch. That is still my best running buddy. 

The reason I decided not to continue with the app is because I immediately noticed that my enjoyment of running was fading. I felt too constrained. I should add that the Peak version allows you to reschedule your training days. A second reason is that it’s best to have a running watch to keep track of your pace for the intervals, but I don’t use one. 

Probably due to my clumsiness, the app didn’t do what I wanted it to do. I reset the app a number of times, which meant I couldn’t get a schedule anymore. I considered switching to the Peak pro version, but ultimately decided against it after looking into the app in more detail. 

I believe the app creates very sophisticated schedules that are scientifically based. This was also evident from Warre Plevoets’ story. The reviews show that the app has many satisfied users.

Their choice is not to work with heart rate zones for the time being. Not many athletes know their heart rate zones. This requires a recent lactate test. Furthermore, sports watches do not always record the heart rate correctly. Personally, I am still a fan of the old-fashioned heart rate monitor. I am considering doing a lactate test in the near future. I also still run without a running watch. I started running with a stopwatch. That is still my best running buddy. 

The reason I decided not to continue with the app is because I immediately noticed that my enjoyment of running was fading. I felt too constrained. I should add that the Peak version allows you to reschedule your training days. 

Over the years, I have become familiar with various running schedules, but I have found that I prefer to fill in and plan my running schedules myself as much as possible. I try to be guided as much as possible by my experiences and scientific insights.

Be sure to try out the app if you want to get to know it.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)