App Showcase: Runna

What it does

Runna is a digital running coach that provides personalized training plans for runners of all levels. The app creates structured workout schedules for goals ranging from a first 5k to an ultramarathon. Beyond just running, it integrates strength and mobility routines, offers advice from coaches, and includes a community feature for users to connect and share their progress.

Where it shines

Runna excels at making the user feel like their plan is truly their own. The onboarding quiz (00:49) is remarkably detailed, asking about everything from weekly availability to the hilliness of local running routes. After a workout is logged (06:26), the app provides AI-powered insights, creating a feedback loop that suggests the plan is adapting. The community feature, called Spaces (13:42), is another highlight, functioning like a focused social network where users can discuss gear, races, and training tips.

UX highlights

• Deep Personalization: The onboarding quiz is extensive, covering goals, ability, schedule, and preferences to build a highly tailored plan.
• Pre-Paywall Value Summary: Before showing the subscription screen, the app displays a summary of the user's choices (02:12), reinforcing the personalized value they are about to unlock.
• Integrated Coaching: The app features messages and videos from a team of coaches (03:35), adding a human touch and expert guidance throughout the experience.
• Comprehensive Workout Details: Each workout screen (04:58) includes warm-ups, cooldowns, and detailed session info, along with options for outdoor or treadmill running.
• Engaging Community Hub: 'Spaces' (13:42) offers dedicated channels for topics like gear and events, complete with user posts, polls, and comments, fostering a strong sense of community.
• Manual Activity Logging: The app makes it easy to manually add completed workouts (06:26) or other activities like mobility sessions (12:58), ensuring all efforts are tracked.

Monetization & growth

Runna uses a free-trial model with a paywall encountered at the end of the onboarding quiz. The paywall at 02:17 clearly presents two options (Annual and Monthly), with the annual plan highlighted with a 'SAVE 50%' tag. It breaks down the cost to a weekly price to make it seem more affordable. The screen also includes social proof elements like a high star rating and user testimonials to build trust at the decision point.

Who it’s for

The app is designed for runners who want structure and guidance beyond simple run tracking. It caters to a wide range, from beginners aiming for their first 5k to experienced marathoners looking to improve their times. The inclusion of strength training and a social community also makes it suitable for fitness enthusiasts who see running as part of a holistic lifestyle.

Notes & opportunities

The app is feature-rich, but this can lead to a complex settings area. For example, 'Workout Settings' and 'Phone Recording Settings' (18:32) are separate, which could potentially be confusing. While the onboarding quiz is excellent for personalization, its length could be a point of friction for some users. Simplifying or showing a progress bar could help manage user expectations during the setup process.