Runna is running-first by design, but many runners also cycle, swim, play sport or do other cross-training activities alongside their plan. This article covers what non-running activities Runna supports, how to log cycling, swimming and other non-running sessions, and which planned runs you can replace or substitute with cross-training.
What Cross-Training Can I Do in Runna?
What non-running activity can I add/do with Runna?
You can add the following non-running workouts alongside your Runna plan:
Strength training: see Adding Strength Training to Your Runna Plan on how to add and manage strength sessions.
Yoga, Pilates and Stretch & Stability: see Adding Yoga, Pilates and Stretch & Stability to Your Runna Plan on how to add and manage these sessions.
Strength, Yoga, Pilates and Stretch & Stability sessions can be added directly via Plan → Manage Plan. Note: These sessions are additional workouts that sit outside the adaptive running plan i.e. they won't influence your running adherence, intensity guidance, or plan adaptations.
What non-running activity is not supported by Runna?
Cross-training workouts that aren’t Strength, Yoga, Pilates or Stretch & Stability won't be included in your plan, things like:
Cycling (indoor or outdoor)
Swimming
Rowing or elliptical workouts
Sports, games or matches (football, basketball, tennis, hiking, etc.)
Any other non-running activities
These activities can't be scheduled as part of your plan, counted toward adherence, or used to influence plan adaptations. However, you can log them as Activities once you've done them.
How to Log Cross-Training and Non-Running Activities
While you can't schedule or add cycling, swimming, or sports sessions into your running plan, you can log them as Activities to keep all your training in one place.
Go to the Activities tab
Tap + icon (top-right)
Choose your activity type: Cycling, Swimming, or Workout
Add duration, distance, effort
Tap Continue. Review the activity, add a description or notes if you want.
Tap Save
Your logged activity will appear in your activity history. Note: Logged cross-training sessions won't replace any run in your plan, count toward adherence, or drive plan adaptations.
Which Planned Run Should I Replace With Cross-Training?
While you can't swap scheduled runs for non-running activities directly in the app, you can always do it in practice. The key is to match the effort level and duration of the session you're replacing. Here are a few guidelines:
Scheduled run | Cross-training substitute |
Easy run | Light cycling, easy swim, or low-intensity sport |
Speed session (intervals or tempo) | High-intensity cycling intervals or a competitive match |
Long run | Longer, steady-state cycling or sustained cross-training |
How to convert a running workout to cycling: Match duration and effort rather than distance. For example:
Running: 5 × 1km @ 4:00/km with 90 seconds rest
Cycling equivalent: 5 × 4 minutes at similar intensity with 90 seconds rest
If your cycling involves equipment like a bike or elliptical, adjust the resistance to match the intended intensity.
How to Approach Cross-Training Alongside Your Running Plan
Many runners successfully layer cross-training into their running schedule by following a few guidelines:
Protect key runs: Prioritise your long runs and quality sessions by adding cross-training only on easier or rest days.
Monitor recovery: Scale back non-running work if fatigue shows up before intensity days.
Keep intensity low to moderate: Aerobic, low-impact cross-training (cycling, swimming) supports your development without compromising run quality.
Why Doesn’t Runna Include Cross-Training Into My Training?
Accuracy. Each sport requires different loading models and recovery timelines. Keeping plans run-specific ensures correct pacing, progression, and adaptation.
Clearer signal for guidance. Our plans are designed around running inputs and outputs - mixing modalities would reduce this precision.
FAQs
Can I add a cycling or swimming sessions to my plan?
You can't build cycling or swimming into your running plan structure, but you can log them as additional activities in the Activities tab. Logged cross-training sessions won't form part of your plan.
Will cross-training count toward my plan adherence or adaptations?
No, only scheduled running workouts affect your plan. Cross-training and non-running sessions are logged separately and don't influence Runna's recommendations.
Can I replace an easy run with cross-training (cycling, swimming, sports)?
Yes, but it won’t be reflected in the app. Keep the effort light and ensure you feel good for your next key session.
Can I incorporate football, basketball, or other sports and matches into my plan?
Runna doesn't support sports or games directly in your plan. You can replace your runs with them in practice based on effort level: a high-intensity match can replace a speed session that week; a low-intensity game can replace an easy run.
Can I replace a planned run with an elliptical or rowing session?
Yes — match the duration and effort level of the original session. Adjust the resistance to match the intended intensity. Log the session in the Activities tab afterwards.
Need support? Reach out via the in-app support tab if you have any questions.