What is the difference between Guided and Custom?

Guided pairs a proven, ready-made plan matched to your race and level with four coaching sessions. Custom is a plan built from scratch for you, with five sessions including a planning call before it is written. Guided is faster and lower cost; Custom is fully personalized.

Do I have to schedule all the calls up front?

No. You book each session when you reach that point in your training, over your block. The package holds your sessions and you use them as you go.

How is this different from the Kickstarter?

The Kickstarter is a single 30-minute session plus a plan, to personalize one plan at the start. Guided and Custom are full coaching across an entire training block, four or five sessions, for runners who want support the whole way, not just at the beginning.

How is this different from 1:1 coaching?

1:1 coaching is ongoing, app-based coaching with continuous adjustments and messaging on a monthly basis with a 5 month commitment. Guided and Custom are a fixed block: a plan plus a set number of sessions, one-time payment, no ongoing commitment.

How long until I get my plan?

With Guided, we send your matched plan after you complete the intake form. With Custom, your coach builds it after your planning call and delivers it within five business days.

What platform is my plan on?

Custom plans are delivered on Final Surge, your Guided Plan will be delivered as a PDF.

Custom and Guided Training Plans

Q: How many calls do I get, and what are they for?

Guided includes four 30-minute sessions across your block. For example the 4 could be: a kickoff, a mid-block check, a taper call, and a post-race debrief. Custom includes five, adding a planning call at the start to design your plan before it is written.

A plan that fits you like no other

Running Explained offers two coached training plans. Guided pairs a proven Running Explained Training Plan with four coaching sessions across your training block, for $349. Custom is a plan built from scratch for your goals, schedule, and history, plus five sessions including a planning call before it's written, for $499. Both give you a real coach without an ongoing commitment.

Guided, $349

A proven Running Explained training plan, matched to your race and level, plus four 30-minute coaching sessions across your block: a kickoff, a mid-block check, a taper call, and a post-race debrief. Expert support the whole way, around a plan that already fits your goal. Best if a proven plan for your race works and you want a coach to guide you through it.

Custom, $499

A training plan built for you from the ground up, based on your history, schedule, and goals, plus five coaching sessions. It starts with a planning call before your plan is written, then a kickoff, a mid-block check, a taper call, and a post-race debrief. Up to 24 weeks of programming on Final Surge, including strength, mobility, and cross-training. Best if you want the plan itself designed entirely around you.

Sign Up For Guided

Sign Up For Custom

Which Is Right for You

Choose Guided if a proven plan for your race fits and you want a coach to guide you through it. Choose Custom if your situation is specific enough that you want the plan built around you, and you want a coaching call before it is even written. Both are a fixed block with a set number of sessions and a one-time payment, no ongoing commitment.

How It Works

Guided: buy Guided, complete a short intake form, and we send the plan matched to your answers. Then book your four sessions as you reach each phase of your block.

Custom: buy Custom, complete the intake form, and book your planning call. We talk through your goals, then your coach builds your plan and delivers it within five business days. Book your remaining four sessions across your block.

What It Costs

Guided is $349 and Custom is $499, each a one-time payment. That is the plan plus all your coaching sessions, with no subscription. The old custom plan came with two calls; Custom now includes five, so it is more coaching for the step up in price.

Guided, $349

A proven plan, plus a coach to guide you through it.

What's included:

A proven training plan, matched to your race and level
4 coaching sessions across your block
Kickoff, mid-block, taper, and post-race calls
One-time payment, no subscription

Get Guided

Custom, $499

A plan built from scratch for you, with a coach the whole way.

What's included:

A training plan built from scratch for you
5 coaching sessions across your block
A planning call first + Same Guided Calls
Up to 24 weeks on Final Surge
One-time payment, no subscription

Get Custom

Frequently asked questions

Custom & Guided

Why Choose a Guided/Custom Training Plan?

A Guided/Custom Training Plan by Running Explained isn’t just another training schedule. It’s a comprehensive program that includes everything you need to succeed:

100% Personalized: Custom Plan is written specifically for you, taking into account your schedule, preferences, and goals. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or a runner with specific challenges, this plan is made to fit your life. Guided uses our Running Explained Training Plans but with 4 coaching calls to help the plan adapt with you.
Up to 24 Weeks of Programming: Custom includes everything you need like base building, race preparation, recovery phases, and skill-building. Your plan can span up to 24 weeks, ensuring you’re fully prepared for whatever you aim to achieve. Guided delivers one plan, but through the calls guidance can be given for everything else.
Comprehensive Training Elements: Beyond just running, your plan includes guidance on pacing plus strength training, warm-ups, cooldowns, mobility exercises, and cross-training, all tailored to your specific needs. Every detail is designed to support your overall development as a runner and Custom Plans are programmed into your included Final Surge training platform account.
Personal Consultations with Your Coach: Both Guided/Custom come with 4 Coaching Consultation calls that you choose at anytime to work with you throughout your training block, ask questions, and ensure you’re ready to tackle your training with confidence. Your custom plan starts with one additional 30-minute initial consultation to discuss your goals, challenges, and preferences before your plan is crafted and delivered.
Fast Delivery: Your custom plan will be delivered within 5 business days after our initial consultation meeting, so you can start your journey without delay.

Get a Plan That Takes You Further

A Guided/Custom Training Plan by Running Explained is more than just a guide; it’s a strategic roadmap to your running success. Designed by your Running Explained Coach with your unique needs in mind, this plan will help you unlock your potential, stay motivated, and achieve your goals,whatever they may be.