Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn everything you need

Learn everything you need

Learn everything you need

Learn everything you need

General

General

General

General

Trenara and power meters: why not?

When it comes to cycling, power meters are a very reliable source of data. And although it’s on our wishlist, we’re not there yet when it comes to running: – the output of data differs depending on the hardware supllier (eg. Stryd & Garmin). If 1 watt is 1 watt, how can that be the case? Because the measurements are incorrect. Research at the KU Leuven pointed out that the lower back might be the best region to measure power output regading running. – there’s no scientific consensus on the use of “watts” in the training theory of running. – the market, at this moment, is too small. We’re looking forward to future developments, so we can gather more data. Considering our ‘multi sport’ development, we can assure you that power meters are our tool of choice to measure training intensity.

Trenara and power meters: why not?

When it comes to cycling, power meters are a very reliable source of data. And although it’s on our wishlist, we’re not there yet when it comes to running: – the output of data differs depending on the hardware supllier (eg. Stryd & Garmin). If 1 watt is 1 watt, how can that be the case? Because the measurements are incorrect. Research at the KU Leuven pointed out that the lower back might be the best region to measure power output regading running. – there’s no scientific consensus on the use of “watts” in the training theory of running. – the market, at this moment, is too small. We’re looking forward to future developments, so we can gather more data. Considering our ‘multi sport’ development, we can assure you that power meters are our tool of choice to measure training intensity.

Trenara and heart rate: how and why?

Heart rate is a very difficult variable because of multiple reasons: – not everyone knows their threshold heart rate (a recent lab test is a must), which means they don’t know their heart rate zones. Tools like 220 minus or training zones derived from maximum heart rate formulae aren’t correct. – heart rate data are often only correctly measured when wearing a heart rate monitor strap. The rising usage of optical sensors is a drawback when it comes to correct heart rate data. When not measured correctly, heart rate data may jeopardize our analyses and thus the training plan. – when increasing speed, your heart rate lags behind. When executing short intervals this implicates that we can not measure the correct intensity – we’d underestimate your effort. Of course we understand the fact that heart rate based training plans are very popular as a one-size-fits-all solution. But we’re far from that. Because we analyze every second of your training session, heart rate just isn’t the best parameter out there. You should also bear in mind that the popularity of heart rate dates from a period when their were no GPS’s for runners or power meters for cyclists: it was the best thing that was available in the 80’s en 90’s. But we’ve evolved. For all those reasons we give our users the option to use heart rate as an input parameter (based on a lab test), but we don’t offer training plans based on heart rate (yet).

Trenara and heart rate: how and why?

Heart rate is a very difficult variable because of multiple reasons: – not everyone knows their threshold heart rate (a recent lab test is a must), which means they don’t know their heart rate zones. Tools like 220 minus or training zones derived from maximum heart rate formulae aren’t correct. – heart rate data are often only correctly measured when wearing a heart rate monitor strap. The rising usage of optical sensors is a drawback when it comes to correct heart rate data. When not measured correctly, heart rate data may jeopardize our analyses and thus the training plan. – when increasing speed, your heart rate lags behind. When executing short intervals this implicates that we can not measure the correct intensity – we’d underestimate your effort. Of course we understand the fact that heart rate based training plans are very popular as a one-size-fits-all solution. But we’re far from that. Because we analyze every second of your training session, heart rate just isn’t the best parameter out there. You should also bear in mind that the popularity of heart rate dates from a period when their were no GPS’s for runners or power meters for cyclists: it was the best thing that was available in the 80’s en 90’s. But we’ve evolved. For all those reasons we give our users the option to use heart rate as an input parameter (based on a lab test), but we don’t offer training plans based on heart rate (yet).

On what base does Trenara send the feedback messages?

We compare your effort to what we had planned for you in your training plan, based on the input parameter of your choice. If there’s little variation between planned and executed, you’ll get a pat on the back 😉 If there's a bigger difference, Christophe will alert you.

On what base does Trenara send the feedback messages?

We compare your effort to what we had planned for you in your training plan, based on the input parameter of your choice. If there’s little variation between planned and executed, you’ll get a pat on the back 😉 If there's a bigger difference, Christophe will alert you.

How does Trenara know where my running fitness is at?

We can’t tell you in detail, because we’d have to kill you 😉 Our algorithm helps us to analyze your historical data. Sometimes we underestimate your fitness, but when we see a new ‘best’ during a training session, you get a fitness calibration message from us. This way we get to know you better.

How does Trenara know where my running fitness is at?

We can’t tell you in detail, because we’d have to kill you 😉 Our algorithm helps us to analyze your historical data. Sometimes we underestimate your fitness, but when we see a new ‘best’ during a training session, you get a fitness calibration message from us. This way we get to know you better.

I combine running with other sports, does Trenara take that into account?

As of now our focus is 100% running. If you combine other sports, there’s a possibility that we underestimate your running fitness. In that case you’ll often see a ‘fitness calibration’ message from us. In the meantime we already developped a new algorithm that will help us to analyze other sports and take them into account for your running schedule.

I combine running with other sports, does Trenara take that into account?

As of now our focus is 100% running. If you combine other sports, there’s a possibility that we underestimate your running fitness. In that case you’ll often see a ‘fitness calibration’ message from us. In the meantime we already developped a new algorithm that will help us to analyze other sports and take them into account for your running schedule.

Can I register a training session with the app?

No, we’re not a sports tracker. You can take your favorite app or wearable to track your sessions and upload them to Strava, Garmin Connect or Polar Flow. Sync our app with one (of two) of these platforms and we’ll analyze your session.

Can I register a training session with the app?

No, we’re not a sports tracker. You can take your favorite app or wearable to track your sessions and upload them to Strava, Garmin Connect or Polar Flow. Sync our app with one (of two) of these platforms and we’ll analyze your session.

Goal

Goal

Goal

Goal

Trenara says I can't reach my goal

But you consider it as achievable? Then you might try one of the following steps: set a new fitness calibration (the FAQ in the app why this is crucial) or add a training day.

Trenara says I can't reach my goal

But you consider it as achievable? Then you might try one of the following steps: set a new fitness calibration (the FAQ in the app why this is crucial) or add a training day.

Can I adjust my number of training sessions?

Yes, but only when (re-)adding a goal. It’s the only place to tell us how often you’d like to run.

Can I adjust my number of training sessions?

Yes, but only when (re-)adding a goal. It’s the only place to tell us how often you’d like to run.

Can I select my preferred training days?

Of course! But you’ll need a premium subscription for that option. With Peak & Peak Pro you can select your training days (and prioritize them) when adding a new goal (or re-adding the same goal).

Can I select my preferred training days?

Of course! But you’ll need a premium subscription for that option. With Peak & Peak Pro you can select your training days (and prioritize them) when adding a new goal (or re-adding the same goal).

Can I adjust my goal?

Yes, but in the free version it’s restricted to once per 30 days. So choose wisely. With Trenara Peak or Peak Pro there are less or no limitations.

Can I adjust my goal?

Yes, but in the free version it’s restricted to once per 30 days. So choose wisely. With Trenara Peak or Peak Pro there are less or no limitations.

Which goal can I set up?

As for now you can get a schedule for race distances from 5k (even if it’s your first!) to an ultra. You can pick a distance, date and desired finish time. Based on your historical data, we’ll check if the goal is realistich and will provide a personalized training schedule.

Which goal can I set up?

As for now you can get a schedule for race distances from 5k (even if it’s your first!) to an ultra. You can pick a distance, date and desired finish time. Based on your historical data, we’ll check if the goal is realistich and will provide a personalized training schedule.