Strava Removed Training Plans: 5 Best Free Alternatives for Runners & Triathletes
by The Next Race
The Strava Training Plan Exodus
In July 2025, Strava quietly removed one of their most-used features: structured training plans. For millions of runners, cyclists, and triathletes who relied on Strava to prepare for their next race, the message was clear—Strava wants to be a social network, not a training platform.
If you're one of the displaced athletes searching for a new home for your training, you're not alone. The good news? There are better options available—many of which are completely free and offer features Strava never had.
In this guide, we'll break down the 5 best free alternatives to Strava's training plans, including what each platform does well, where they fall short, and which one might be right for your goals.
Why Strava's "Replacement" Falls Short
Before we dive into alternatives, let's address Strava's proposed solution: Instant Workouts.
Launched in January 2026, this AI-powered feature generates workouts on-demand based on your recent activity. Sounds promising, right?
The reality is less impressive:
- No device integration — You can't push workouts to your Garmin, Wahoo, or Apple Watch. You're stuck screenshotting your phone mid-run
- Dangerous suggestions — Athletes report "500m intervals at 'my 5K pace'" calculated at a 16-minute 5K time, or VO2max efforts on technical trails
- No structure — Random workouts don't create progression. As one reviewer noted: "Proper dumpster-fire level"
Strava's CEO says they're "doubling down on social features." For serious athletes, that means it's time to move on.
The 5 Best Free Strava Training Plan Alternatives
1. The Next Race — Best for Multi-Race Planning & Self-Coached Athletes
Price: Free
Best for: Triathletes, runners, and cyclists training for multiple events
What makes it different:
While other platforms charge $15-20/month for training plans (or $124.99/year like TrainingPeaks), The Next Race offers completely free structured planning with a killer feature no one else has: intelligent multi-race planning.
Train for a marathon in March and a triathlon in June? The Next Race blends your training phases automatically instead of piling conflicting workouts on the same day—a notorious problem in TrainingPeaks.
Key features:
- Drag-and-drop calendar that's "one of the fastest training planning experiences" available
- Database view of your training history (searchable, filterable—not buried in a social feed)
- Syncs with Strava, Wahoo, and Garmin
- Built for self-coached athletes who want structure without complexity
The catch: Analytics aren't as deep as TrainingPeaks, and coach collaboration features are still being polished. But for free? It's unbeatable.
Try it if: You want serious training structure without the serious price tag, or you're juggling multiple races.
2. MOTTIV — Best All-in-One (Free Tier Available)
Price: Free basic version; Premium $19.99/month
Best for: Athletes who want everything in one place (endurance + strength + nutrition)
MOTTIV attempts to solve the "swiss army knife" problem most training apps ignore. Unlike Strava or TrainingPeaks, it includes strength training, mobility work, and nutrition guidance—not just run/bike/swim workouts.
Key features:
- Training plans for 30+ race types (triathlon, running, cycling, duathlon)
- Strength and mobility videos included
- Nutrition guidance and recipe database
- Syncs with Garmin, Zwift, TrainerRoad, and more
The catch: The free tier is limited; full features require the $19.99/month premium. Some users find the interface slower than competitors, and the rigid structure frustrates athletes who want more customization.
Try it if: You want an all-in-one solution and don't mind paying for premium, or you're new to structured training and need guidance on strength/nutrition.
3. Nike Run Club — Best for Beginner Runners
Price: Free
Best for: New runners building consistency
Nike Run Club (NRC) is the simplest entry on this list. With guided runs, audio coaching from elite athletes, and adaptive plans for 5K through marathon, it's ideal for runners who find TrainingPeaks overwhelming.
Key features:
- Audio-guided runs with coaching
- Adaptive plans that adjust based on your progress
- Strong community features (challenges, leaderboards)
- Completely free with no upsells
The catch: It's running-only—no cycling or triathlon support. The social features can feel Strava-lite, and advanced athletes will outgrow it quickly.
Try it if: You're a runner (not triathlete) starting from scratch and want something simpler than Strava ever was.
4. TrainingPeaks — Best for Data Nerds (Paid, But Worth Mentioning)
Price: Free basic; Premium $19.95/month + $15-20/month for plans
Best for: Athletes with coaches or data-obsessed self-coachers
We include TrainingPeaks because it's the industry standard—but with major caveats. Yes, it has the deepest analytics (TSS, CTL, ATL, power analysis). Yes, most serious coaches use it. But for self-coached athletes, the cost and complexity are real barriers.
Key features:
- Unmatched data analysis and performance metrics
- Massive library of training plans (for purchase)
- Coach integration and athlete management
- Industry-standard for endurance sports
The catch: Expensive ($300+/year with plans), steep learning curve, and the multi-race planning is "chaotic." As one Reddit user noted: "If you are using it without a coach… then why are you using it lol"
Try it if: You have a coach, or you're a data obsessive who doesn't mind paying premium prices.
5. Garmin Connect — Best for Garmin Owners
Price: Free (with Garmin device)
Best for: Athletes already in the Garmin ecosystem
If you own a Garmin watch, you already have access to training plans—though finding them is notoriously difficult. Garmin Coach offers adaptive 5K, 10K, and half-marathon plans, while TrainingPeaks integration allows more advanced programming.
Key features:
- Native integration with Garmin devices
- Adaptive coaching that responds to your fitness
- Free (if you own the hardware)
The catch: The interface is clunky, plan creation is slow, and triathlon support is limited. It's functional but not enjoyable.
Try it if: You're already invested in Garmin hardware and want basic structure without downloading another app.
Comparison Table: At a Glance
| Platform | Price | Best For | Multi-Race Planning | Device Sync | Strength/Nutrition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Next Race | Free | Self-coached, multi-sport | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| MOTTIV | Freemium | All-in-one seekers | ⚠️ Basic | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Nike Run Club | Free | Beginner runners | ❌ No | ⚠️ Partial | ❌ No |
| TrainingPeaks | $$$ | Data nerds/coached | ❌ Chaotic | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Garmin Connect | Free* | Garmin owners | ⚠️ Basic | ✅ Native | ❌ No |
*Requires Garmin device purchase
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with The Next Race if: You want serious training structure for free, you're training for multiple races, or you found TrainingPeaks too expensive/complicated.
- Go with MOTTIV if: You want strength and nutrition guidance included and don't mind paying $20/month for the full experience.
- Go with Nike Run Club if: You're a runner (not triathlete) just starting out and want something dead simple.
- Go with TrainingPeaks if: You have a coach or you're obsessed with performance data and don't mind the cost.
- Go with Garmin Connect if: You already own a Garmin and just need basic structure.
The Bottom Line
Strava's departure from serious training features created a vacuum. For athletes who want more than social validation and random "Instant Workouts," the alternatives are actually stronger than what Strava offered.
The best part? You don't have to pay $120-300/year to train smart. Platforms like The Next Race prove that free doesn't have to mean "basic"—it just means "focused on athletes, not investors."
Ready to get back to structured training? Try The Next Race free →