TOOLS THAT FIT YOUR REAL WEEK

Marathon training apps.
Start with the job, not the hype.

Compare official options for schedules, guided running, and training records. Features and costs change; check the provider before relying on a subscription or device connection.

Official feature summaries checked September 22, 2026. Not hands-on reviews, performance rankings, or affiliate links.

NRC
Guided running and a published plan

Nike Run Club

Nike’s marathon resources combine an 18-week plan with guided runs in Nike Run Club. Explore the official material and inspect the starting demands before adopting the schedule.

Before choosing: Check availability on your device and the full plan instructions.

R
Scheduling and supported-device workflows

Runna

Runna describes personalized running plans and scheduling features, with connections for supported devices. Review its current feature list and compatibility for your exact setup.

Before choosing: Check your specific watch model, subscription terms, and how changes affect the plan.

HAL
A calendar built around Hal Higdon programs

Run With Hal

Hal Higdon’s app offers training plans and scheduling tools, with additional features in Hal+. The official page distinguishes the included options and paid upgrades.

Before choosing: Check the included features, current upgrade terms, and how the opening week fits your baseline.

A BETTER COMPARISON

Six questions before committing.

Training-app decision checklist
DecisionWhat to check
Starting pointRead the opening week and the plan’s assumptions. A target finish time does not establish readiness.
SchedulingTry moving one workout in an ordinary busy week. Understand what changes elsewhere in the plan.
Watch connectionVerify your exact watch, phone, and workflow. Sending a workout and receiving a completed activity are different functions.
Cost and exitRead billing, renewal, trial, and cancellation terms. Check what remains accessible after a subscription ends.
PrivacyReview route sharing and every connected service. Look for clear export and deletion information.
Offline behaviorCheck what remains accessible without mobile service. Keep a simple fallback that does not depend on the app.

A notebook is a valid option.

An app is useful only when it makes a real task easier. A suitable program, a simple calendar, and a short log may already solve the main problem. You do not need a subscription or a connected watch to use our planning resources.

Define the full workflow before adding more services: where the schedule lives, how you record a change, and where completed sessions are stored. Keep a way to retain useful information when you stop using a product. A smaller system that you understand is often a better planning choice than a collection of features you rarely use.

Keep your judgment in the process.

Notifications and charts do not replace your experience or individualized advice. A scheduled run may still be inappropriate when you are unwell or the route is unsafe. Treat the tool as a way to organize information, not an authority that overrides a health concern.