Rather than just pick one topic out now, this blog will bundle all requested topics to give you a quick update and insight on what to expect (+ when). 

1. Training cycles: what to do between races?

We got several questions around this very interesting topic, so we’ll tackle this for sure. What ‘small’ goal to set between ‘big’ goals that are, for example, 8 to 12 months apart? When to set a new goal in Trenara? How can you tweak Trenara to align your training cycles with your long-term goal? And what in-app developments are we planning to optimize this process? 

2. Training for ultra’s and/or mountain trails.

With the rising popularity of these type of goals, there are a lot of questions around this topic. How to add D+ to your sessions? How can you prepare such challenges when you’re living ‘low’ (mind that most of our users currently live in the low lands)? Do you still need higher intensity intervals when you’re planning on running long and thus slow?

3. Strength, technique & injuries

Last year we added strength training to the app – accompanied by a YouTube playlist to explain on the how & why.

Running technique is also important as a runner, but you can only work on your technique when your core strength is on point. And since most of us amateur runners don’t do strength – which is a big mistake! – you can’t focus on technique.
Strength is an absolute prerequisite. We’re planning on elaborating this feature with new levels (4 & 5) and improving UX/UI. But we’re also thinking how we can add technique as well. 

Injuries are common in runners, because of the mechanical impact. Strength training and strength transfer to running technique will lower your injury risk. But what when you’re injured, and what with your ‘return to sport’? Interesting topic, is on the list now!

4. Nutrition

Ah, another big topic of interest! And although I’ve placed it as fourth here, it’s second in terms of number of questions.
To summarize it: what to eat and when? That’s the bottom line of all those nutritional questions you’re asking us. I’ve already written a blog about marathon racing and fueling, but that’s just a (small) part of it.

Simply put: I’m not a nutritionist, I can’t answer those specific questions as good as people who’ve studied on the subject and are working in the field. That’s why we’re joining forces with Ien Vitse, performance nutritionist for elite/Olympic level athletes as well as for amateurs like us.
You’ll definitely hear from us, and maybe sooner than you’d think. 

5. Training types

You want me to explain the different types of training and why keeping your pace is so important. I get that: a Trenara user is a vivid runner and thus more in search of the ‘why?’. For example: most runners think that interval session need to be hard, and thus fast. That’s not true.

So, I’ll gladly write and talk about this topic. Will be interesting to put this on our YouTube channel as well, to link it to our in-app FAQ.

6. Running shoes

Truth be told: difficult subject because it’s, erm, subjective. There are virtually no more bad running shoes being sold by the main running shoe manufacturers. But there definitely are shoes to like or dislike, based on your specifics.

What I can tell you about, is the importance of owning multiple types of shoes and which pair to wear for specific training types. 

7. Miscellaneous

And then there are also ‘unique’ topics, such as ‘the emergence of Run Clubs’, ‘foot care related to running’ and ‘insights to our feedback system’.

With that: thanks for reading! I know what to focus on, next to our already planned blogs on ‘running on holiday’ and ‘running and recovery’. If you’re missing a topic: feel free to add yours via our IG inbox!