Why Current Mileage Matters
Your current mileage sets the foundation for a safe, effective training plan. By sharing accurate numbers, you help Runna calibrate the perfect starting point—avoiding injury from spikes in volume while still challenging you enough to improve.
How Current Mileage Affects Your Plan Start
When you enter your current mileage, we treat it as the distance you could realistically cover in your first week. We may adjust that baseline up or down based on your ability level, the number of days you choose to run each week, and your plan’s total duration. This ensures steady progress without burnout.
Weekly Mileage vs. Longest Run
Weekly mileage is the sum of all runs you complete in a seven-day span (usually Monday–Sunday). Longest run refers to the single longest session you’ve completed during that period and counts toward your weekly total. Both metrics work together to guide the plan’s structure—total volume for endurance and a peak effort for long-run readiness.
Determining Your Current Mileage
To get started:
Weekly Mileage: Calculate the average miles per week over the last four weeks. Include only runs—cross-training and rest days don’t count. Use the lowest mileage week in that span if you had a recovery week, so your plan won’t overload you.
Longest Run: Identify the farthest solo run you completed in the past month. This should be a run you could safely repeat today. If your mileage varied week to week, err on the side of conservatism.
Aim to be honest: rounding up may feel motivating, but setting numbers you can’t maintain risks early fatigue or injury.
Adjusting Mileage Bounds
If you see an error telling you your weekly mileage or long-run value is out of range, you’ll need to tweak your ability profile or the number of days you run per week. Runna uses these parameters to cap your plan’s volume and progression rate—ensuring you build fitness sustainably. Increasing your allowed run days or raising your ability level unlocks higher mileage bounds; lowering them does the opposite.
By following these guidelines, you’ll give Runna the data needed to craft a personalized plan that challenges you appropriately and keeps you on track for your next adventure. Happy running!