# Ascend - Shaped by the trails > Adaptive trail running training plans with running impact analysis. (iPhone/iPad app by Albon App AS.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ascend-shaped-by-the-trails/id1577830481 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Albon App AS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1577830483) - Category: Health & Fitness, Sports - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 5.00/5 from 3 App Store ratings · 15 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 15.1 · 21 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2022-02-08 - Data updated: 2026-08-24 - Monetization: subscription - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ascend-shaped-by-the-trails/id1577830481/reviews.md ## What is Ascend? AlbonApp is now Ascend. The app designed for trail runners and shaped by the trails. Become a faster, stronger trail runner with intelligent training that adapts to you. Whether you're preparing for a vertical kilometer, a rugged mountain ultra, or your next weekend adventure, Ascend creates a plan tailored to your current fitness level and future goals. Train smart and run strong with trail-specific coaching, metrics, and tools. Sign up risk-free for 14 days! Developed by elite trail runners, Ascend was born from a real need: training that truly works for the trails. Our groundbreaking Running Impact tool eliminates the guesswork from load management by measuring how each run mechanically affects your body – not just how far you went. Beyond just a running plan, you'll get cross-training options, strength routines, strategy sessions, prehab protocols, fueling guidance, and more. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all program – it’s a complete toolkit for trail runners who want to train with purpose and arrive at the start line ready. Why trail runners choose Ascend Built Around Running Impact, Not Just Distance Trail running isn’t flat or predictable, and neither is your training load. That’s why our unique Running Impact metric tracks the mechanical stress of each run, helping you train smarter, lower your injury risk, and measure real progress based on what truly matters. Adaptive Training That Evolves With You Forget one-size-fits-all. Ascend delivers personalised training plans that adapt in real time to your evolving fitness level and goals. By analysing your workout history and integrating insights from Running Impact, Speed, and Cardio, our multidimensional model creates a truly tailored plan. Build Cardio Without Compromising Your Running Cross-training matters, but it shouldn’t skew your running goals. Ascend plans and tracks cardio training separately from running, ensuring your run progress stays visible, focused, and realistic. Trail-Smart Metrics & Insights Train with purpose using trail-specific analytics. Monitor your vert ratio, grade-adjusted pace, effort zones, and training progression over time. No fluff – just clear, actionable insights built specifically for trail runners. Fully Adaptable. Fully Yours. Plans should flex with your life. Move workouts, adjust your weekly training load, or add bonus sessions. Ascend comes with expert-backed recommendations, but you stay in control. Every Piece of the Trail Puzzle From strength training and prehab to fueling guidance and session tips, Ascend goes beyond a running plan. It’s a complete trail training toolkit designed to support you every step of the way. The Human Touch Questions? We’ve got answers – from real trail runners and world-class athletes, not bots. Whether it’s a training tweak or a race-day strategy, get guidance from people who’ve been there before. Because real advice beats algorithms. COMPATIBLE DEVICES Ascend syncs seamlessly with Strava (no premium account required), so your workouts and metrics are logged automatically – no extra steps needed. GET STARTED WITH YOUR 14-DAY FREE TRIAL Download Ascend and train with a plan that adapts to every climb and descent. Start your 14-day free trial today! ## Key features - Adaptive training plans - Running Impact metric - Trail-specific metrics - Cross-training options - Strength routines - Fueling guidance - Personalized coaching ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **Subscriptions** | Subscription | Price | Period | | --- | --- | --- | | Yearly subscription | $209.00 | per year | | Yearly subscription | $149.99 | per year | | One month subscription | $24.99 | per month | ## Recent user reviews (10 of 15) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ascend-shaped-by-the-trails/id1577830481/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Pleasantly surprised *2026-07-14* I’m not usually an app training kind of guy but this has really surprised me. It’s very specific and tailored to your current fitness aswell as current goals and you can really tell your getting the knowledge of 2 professional trail runners with the training program. It’s really indepth with a lot sessions that gets better the more you use it. Highly recommend. ### 5/5 — Second to none *2026-03-16* This app has transformed my training, it’s built by athletes for athletes of all abilities. The metrics and attention to detail are incredible and the app is continually improving which goes to show the commitment to improving the users experience and ultimately their fitness. ### 5/5 — I finally feel seen *2026-03-16* I have tried several different coaching apps. But , this one makes you feel confident and strangely seen. My fitness and overall performance is improving weekly and with ease. This app truly is for front middle and back pack runners. I can’t recommend it enough for trail and ultra distances. ### 3/5 — Interesting but needs improvements *2025-09-22, version 3.33* Very interesting app dedicated to trail running, but the user experience / design is a bit complicated and it really needs to be able to synchronise planned activités to Garmin watches. ### 5/5 — The perfect coach *2025-06-09* This app has changed the way I think, plan and execute training for trail runs and ultras. The specifity and flexibility of the plans are perfect for where I am with my fitness and performance. The app is super useable and so easy to navigate. And what’s better than having world champion ultra runners for advice on all things ultra running plus an epic community of like minded folk!!! ### 5/5 — Training app that works *2025-06-09* Great app that allows you to fit in training around your schedule. I struggled with shin splints before starting with this app and have had no problems since because of the gradual building that the app sets out. ### 5/5 — La meilleure app de running ! *2025-01-26, version 2.1.3* Vous cherchez à vous entrainer comme les pros en running et trail ?! Albon App c’est le next level pour la préparation de mes trails que j’ai utilisé en 2024 et je réitère en 2025. Bravo à toute l’équipe ### 5/5 — Great tool for training *2023-08-10* The AlbonApp is fantastic because of the variety of workouts, full-season planning capabilities, resources, attentive nature of Jon and team when responding to questions, and — of course — the results. My fitness is already changing for the better. I can’t wait to see how much more I’ll improve in the coming year. ### 5/5 — Flexible coaching and full of great workout ideas *2023-05-09, version 1.1.26* It’s my opinion that we get the most out of training when we listen to our bodies… some days, we might have a hard session planned but wake up feeling crummy, or life gets in the way. I love that with this app, you set all your goals and are given the training sessions to do in a week that will help you reach these goals, but you have the flexibility to move them around. I learned tons of great workouts and techniques from this app, too, that I feel made a huge difference in my running. Would recommend! ### 5/5 — Solid Gold *2022-02-23* To be able to follow tried and tested training plans from a world champ is amazing! Put in a race date, and the app plans out my entire training schedule running up to the event. I love how I can adapt it to suit my available time or fatigue levels in any given week, and how each session has multiple workouts to choose from that achieve the same training goal, so I’m never getting bored of repetition. This is a strategy, a methodology, a proven process, that takes the uncertainty and worry out of planning my training. ## Frequently asked questions about Ascend ### What is Ascend's main focus for trail runners? Ascend focuses on providing adaptive training plans tailored to trail runners. It uniquely measures the mechanical stress of each run with its Running Impact tool, helping users train smarter and reduce injury risk. ### Does Ascend offer a free trial? Yes, Ascend offers a 14-day free trial for all its subscription plans, allowing users to experience the adaptive training and features risk-free. ### What are the subscription options for Ascend? Ascend offers monthly and yearly subscription plans. The monthly plan is $24.99, while yearly plans are priced at $149.99 and $209.00, all including a 14-day free trial. ### How does Ascend handle training load and injury prevention? Ascend's proprietary Running Impact tool measures the mechanical stress of each run, providing a more accurate load management than distance alone. This helps users train effectively while minimizing injury risk. ### Can Ascend help with aspects beyond just running? Yes, Ascend provides a complete trail training toolkit including cross-training options, strength routines, prehab protocols, and fueling guidance, supporting all facets of a trail runner's preparation. ### What kind of support does Ascend offer? Ascend provides guidance from real trail runners and athletes, not just algorithms. Users can get answers to their training questions and race-day strategy advice from experienced individuals. ### What devices is Ascend compatible with? Ascend is compatible with iPhone and iPod devices. It also syncs seamlessly with Strava. ### How often is Ascend updated? The latest version of Ascend is 3.76, last updated on March 10, 2026. This indicates a consistent update schedule to improve the app and its features. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3.82 — 2026-08-14 Multilingual support ### 3.79 — 2026-05-18 Minor bug fixes ### 3.77 — 2026-04-11 Improved flow for new users ### 3.76 — 2026-03-10 Minor bug fixes ### 3.75 — 2026-03-09 Minor bug fixes ## Apps similar to Ascend | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Coopah: The Run Coaching App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/coopah-the-run-coaching-app/id1587165314) | 4.9 (91) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [Trenara Coach - Running Plans](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trenara-coach-running-plans/id1444773777) | 4.1 (16) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [kaizen \| Adaptive Run Training](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kaizen-adaptive-run-training/id1638679224) | 4.7 (26) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [Vert: Trail Running Coach](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vert-trail-running-coach/id1560376613) | 4.4 (72) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [TrainingPeaks Virtual Cycling](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trainingpeaks-virtual-cycling/id6480213250) | 3.8 (120) | Free | Health & Fitness | | [OpenRunner – Bike, hike, trail](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openrunner-bike-hike-trail/id1134599112) | 4.5 (15) | Free | Health & Fitness | --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-24.*