How to Use and Manage Your Target Mileage Settings

Your target mileage defines the goals you’ll work toward throughout your training plan. By specifying the weekly and long-run distances you’d like to reach, you give Runna a clear finishing line, so we can build a plan that takes you from today’s baseline to your desired level.

When you enter your target mileage, we treat those numbers as the distances you aim to complete by the final week of your plan. While we can’t promise to hit those exact figures—since factors like your ability level, preferred run days, and plan length also influence progression—your targets set the tone for each phase of the plan. We structure your plan into three-week progression blocks, each followed by a lighter “deload” week to help your body recover and adapt, keeping you strong and injury-free.

Weekly mileage represents the total distance you hope to accumulate over seven days (Monday–Sunday). Longest run target is the single-run distance you’re working toward in those same seven days.

Runna offers smart default targets based on your current mileage, ability level, and plan length. If you’re unsure what to set, feel free to leave these defaults as-is—our plan will guide your progression safely. Your plan will also adapt automatically for holidays, travel, or busy weeks, ensuring you stay on track even when life gets hectic.

If you’d rather choose your own targets, use a gradual build-up: increase your weekly mileage by no more than 10%–15% above your current average, and pick a long-run distance that feels challenging but achievable. Think about any future running goals—what peak distance will you need down the road?—and set your longest run accordingly. Factor in your schedule (vacations, busy weeks) and round to the nearest mile for simplicity.

If your chosen targets fall outside the allowable range, you may need to update your ability level or the number of days you plan to run each week. Runna uses those parameters to cap safe progression rates: raising your run-day count or ability unlocks higher targets, while reducing them lowers the ceiling.

By carefully selecting and reviewing your target mileage, you’ll empower Runna to craft a personalized training progression that bridges today’s fitness to tomorrow’s achievements. Lace up and let’s go!