Runsy launches AI running coach for runners by text or voice note

Runsy has launched an iPhone AI running coach that lets runners text or send voice notes about training, then updates their plan based on pace, soreness, race goals and schedule changes. The app is available now with a paid subscription, while Runsy's website keeps training plans, pace tools and race guides free.

Why it matters: - Runsy is trying to make coaching more personal and more flexible for runners who need training to adjust around real life. - The app turns a conversation into plan changes, which could help runners stay consistent when work trips, missed workouts or minor injuries disrupt training. - Race directors, running clubs and coaches can also use Runsy's free pace calculators and race time predictor on their own websites without requiring an account.

What happened: - Runsy launched an AI running coach for iPhone that runners can use by text or voice note inside the app. - Version 1.1.1 is available now on the App Store. - Coaching requires a subscription, while Runsy's website tools remain free. - Runsy is based in Miami and is made by Leap Labs Inc.

The details: - Runners can tell Runsy what they are training for, including a 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon, a faster time, or general fitness. - Runsy builds weekly training around the runner's goal, recent runs and schedule. - Race plans count backward from race day through base, build, peak and taper phases. - If a runner misses a day, has a work trip or feels a tight calf, the coach adjusts the week. - Runsy reads workouts, heart rate and VO2 max from Apple Health. - Runs recorded on Apple Watch, Garmin, COROS and Strava count once they sync to Apple Health. - Runners without a watch can mark a run complete and enter distance and time manually. - Runsy starts plans in miles for users in the US and the UK. - Hard days are paired with easy days around them. - Before any AI feature turns on, Runsy shows what data is shared with AI providers and asks for agreement. - Runner data is not used for model training or ads, and it is not sold.

Between the lines: - Runsy is positioning itself as an adaptive coach rather than a static plan generator. - The Apple Health tie-in makes the product more useful for runners who already track workouts across multiple devices and apps. - Free public tools on the website may help Runsy attract runners first, then convert some of them to the paid app.

What's next: - Runsy says its website will continue offering free training plans, pace charts, calculators and race course guides. - The app is currently available for iPhone on the App Store with Runsy Pro priced at US$12.99 per month. - Eligible new subscribers get a 7-day free trial. - A yearly plan costs 48 percent less than paying monthly. - Users can gift one free month of Runsy Pro to a friend from the app's Settings. - The website also includes week-by-week plans from 5K to marathon at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. - Other free tools include pace charts for 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon goal times, plus calculators for race time prediction, VDOT, VO2 max, heart rate zones, age grading and treadmill pace. - Runsy's course guides cover 20 US races, including Boston, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia and Marine Corps marathons, with mapped routes and elevation profiles for Boston and Chicago. - The site also includes an index of Boston Marathon qualifier courses.

The bottom line: - Runsy is betting that runners will pay for an AI coach that can adjust on the fly while keeping a broad set of free training tools on the web.