TrainPace vs. TrainingPeaks

TrainPace vs TrainingPeaks compared. TrainPace is the free, simple option for self-coached runners who do not need coach tools or training-load analytics.

TrainingPeaks is a deep, paid platform built for coached athletes and training-load analytics. TrainPace is the free, straightforward option for self-coached runners who just want paces, a plan, course pacing, and fueling.

TrainPace is free; TrainingPeaks premium is a paid subscription
TrainingPeaks offers coach-athlete tools, TSS, and the Performance Management Chart
TrainPace focuses on simple, science-backed paces and plans without the learning curve
TrainPace adds GPX course pacing and an AI fuel planner out of the box
Best for self-coached runners who do not need multi-sport training-load tracking

Frequently asked questions

Is TrainPace a free alternative to TrainingPeaks?

Yes, for the self-coached runner. TrainPace covers training paces, a periodized plan, course pacing, and fueling for free. It does not try to replace TrainingPeaks coach tools or training-load analytics.

What does TrainingPeaks do that TrainPace does not?

TrainingPeaks provides coach-athlete accounts, structured workout tracking, training-load metrics like TSS, CTL and ATL, the Performance Management Chart, and multi-sport support for triathletes.

Who should choose TrainPace instead?

Runners who coach themselves and want clear paces, a sensible plan, course insight, and a fueling strategy without paying for or learning a full analytics platform.

Training pace reference

Training paces by recent 5K time (min/km)
5K time	VDOT	Easy	Marathon	Threshold	Interval	Rep
15:00	69.6	3:45–4:30	3:23–3:42	3:15	2:56	2:32
17:30	58.2	4:20–5:12	3:54–4:17	3:46	3:23	2:56
20:00	49.8	4:54–5:53	4:26–4:51	4:16	3:51	3:19
22:30	43.4	5:29–6:34	4:57–5:25	4:46	4:18	3:43
25:00	38.3	6:03–7:14	5:28–5:59	5:16	4:45	4:06
27:30	34.2	6:37–7:53	5:59–6:33	5:46	5:13	4:30
30:00	30.8	7:11–8:32	6:30–7:06	6:16	5:40	4:54
32:30	28.0	7:44–9:10	7:01–7:39	6:46	6:07	5:17
35:00	25.6	8:17–9:48	7:31–8:12	7:15	6:34	5:41

More pacing guides

Compare TrainPace with other apps

Method and sources

The numbers on this page are computed with the same code as the TrainPace calculators, from these published methods. They are training guidance, not medical advice.

Daniels, J. Daniels' Running Formula. Human Kinetics — VDOT, training zones, and equivalent race times.
Daniels, J. & Gilbert, J. (1979). Oxygen Power: Performance Tables for Distance Runners — the oxygen-cost and %VO2max equations behind VDOT.

Other TrainPace tools

For AI agents

Every public page on this site has a Markdown mirror at the same path with a .md suffix (for example /calculator.md), and honors an Accept: text/markdown request header on the HTML URL. The calculations here are also available as callable tools through a free public MCP server — no account or API key.