On this page
Runna is a paid running app. Plenty of runners looking for an alternative already have the tool in their pocket: ChatGPT or Claude can plan a training block, rework a week and explain every session. What it needs is to know you, and that's what Athmex does.
Runna and ChatGPT or Claude, side by side
Runna builds a plan back from your race, between 5K and 50K and up to 26 weeks out, from your ability, current mileage and runs per week. Sessions go to the app and supported watches, and you can move sessions, add a holiday or a B-race, or use its Not Feeling 100% option.
ChatGPT and Claude can write a plan as detailed as an app's, and change it the moment your week does. On their own they plan from whatever you remember to mention. With Athmex they plan from your race, your PBs and the days you can run.
| What is being compared | Runna | ChatGPT or Claude with Athmex |
|---|---|---|
| The plan | Built back from your race, 5K to 50K, up to 26 weeks out. | Built around any goal, written and adjusted in conversation. |
| How it knows you | Ability, current mileage and runs per week at setup. | Races, goal times, dated PBs, threshold, available days and injuries. |
| Changing the week | Move sessions, add a holiday or a B-race, or use Not Feeling 100%. | Talk it through: shifts, travel, a niggle. |
| Sessions on your watch | Sent to the app and supported watches. | Given in conversation. Add them to your watch app yourself. |
| What you pay | A Runna subscription. | Your assistant plan, plus Athmex after a 14-day free trial. |
The same question, three ways
Take Ellie, a hypothetical runner ten weeks out from a half marathon. Her PB is 1:58, she runs four days a week and does parkrun most Saturdays. She asks for a plan.
Ellie asked the same thing each time. The plan that fitted her came from the assistant that already knew her PB and her week.
You, your fitness and your activity, in one conversation
Moving away from an app means your race, PBs and preferences need a new home. Athmex keeps them ready for ChatGPT or Claude. Your runs stay with the watch or app that records them, and Athmex shows you the best available way to bring them into the conversation.
Moving from Runna to ChatGPT or Claude
Note your race, goal time and recent PBs, add them to Athmex and connect it to ChatGPT or Claude. Your runs stay on the watch or app that records them. For a head-to-head, see Runna vs ChatGPT or Claude, and if you plan to use both, see Runna with ChatGPT or Claude.
Common questions
Is there a free alternative to Runna?
ChatGPT and Claude both have free plans and can write a running plan. Claude's free plan can also connect to Athmex, so the plan starts from your real race, PBs and week. Athmex is free for 14 days, then a paid membership.
Can ChatGPT write a plan like Runna's?
Yes. ChatGPT or Claude can write a full training block and adjust it each week. With Athmex it plans from your race, PBs and availability. It won't send sessions to your watch, so add those yourself or run them from the conversation.
Does Athmex coach me?
No. Athmex keeps your athlete context ready and gives no training advice. ChatGPT or Claude does the coaching.
How does the free trial work?
Start your 14-day free trial, build your profile and connect it to Claude (the free plan works) or ChatGPT (a paid plan is needed). You can cancel at any time.