REN classifies experience by years of consistent training, not by weekly frequency or pace. Frequency helps us tailor your plan, but it doesn’t set your category.
What counts as “consistent training”?
“Consistent” doesn’t mean perfect. It means you’ve had regular running habits across the year. For REN, indicators of consistency include:
At least 6–9 months per year where you run ≥1 time per week on average (months don’t have to be consecutive).
Periods of training that last 8+ weeks at a time (normal breaks for illness, travel, or off-season are fine).
Some structure or intent (e.g., easy runs + a longer run, occasional workouts, or a simple plan).
Optional support work (strength/core, mobility, cross-training) — helpful, but cross-training alone doesn’t count as running.
Note: Pace or race speed is not used to define experience.
Experience levels
Beginner
0 years of consistent running, or running that has been sporadic.
Examples:
No prior running at all ➜ Beginner.
“I’ve done a couple of runs here and there over the past two years” ➜ still Beginner (not consistent).
< 1 year of running, even if you run a few times per week ➜ Beginner.
Intermediate
1–3 years of running with consistency:
For each year, at least 6–9 months where you average ≥1 run/week.
Even if you’re running more frequently (e.g., 3–5×/week), if your total experience is under 3 years, you’re still Intermediate.
Examples:
18 months of running with 8 consistent months per year ➜ Intermediate.
2 years, 10–12 consistent months per year, 3–5 runs/week ➜ Intermediate (years define the category).
2 years but only ~4 consistent months per year ➜ Beginner (not consistent enough).
Trained / Elite
More than 3 years of consistent running (typically ≥9 months/year with ≥1 run/week on average).
Often includes structured cycles, regular long runs, and supplemental strength/core — but years of consistency are what place you here.
Quick chooser
No experience or very sporadic across years? ➜ Beginner
1–3 years with 6–9 consistent months/year (≥1 run/week)? ➜ Intermediate
>3 years with consistent training? ➜ Trained/Elite