Comparison

NSA Running vs Threshold

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

NSA Running

Features
Read full description

Run Smarter (and harder) with the Norwegian Singles Approach (NSA) Calculate personalized training paces based on the proven Norwegian Singles Approach. Science-backed paces tailored to your fitness. WHAT YOU GET - Sub-threshold interval paces (3, 6, 10 minute reps) - Easy running pace that's actually easy - Distance-based equivalents (800m, 1600m, 2km+) - Race predictions (5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon) - Training structure guidance WHY IT WORKS - 3 sub-threshold workouts per week - Truly easy running on other days - One long easy run weekly - No brutal VO2 max intervals - Sustainable intensity Build fitness without burnout. Quality volume while staying fresh. THE SCIENCE Based on elite Norwegian methods, adapted for everyday athletes by James Copeland. Sub-threshold training just below lactate threshold maximizes gains sustainably. FEATURES INSTANT PACE CALCULATOR Enter 5K time, get personalized paces. Time-based and distance-based options. Heart rate guidance included. TRAINING GUIDANCE Weekly structure, rest intervals, heart rate tips, adjustment strategies. EDUCATION Interactive tutorial, comprehensive FAQ, race prep guidance. PERFECT FOR Competitive runners, intermediate/beginner runners, recreational athletes, former cyclists/triathletes, 4-8 hour/week training volume. HOW IT WORKS 1. Enter 5K time 2. Get personalized paces 3. Follow: Easy → Sub-T → Easy → Sub-T → Easy → Sub-T → Long 4. Time trial every 4-6 weeks 5. Update and improve BEAUTIFULLY SIMPLE No subscriptions. No complicated plans. Just effective training paces. DISCLAIMER Not affiliated with James Copeland. Based on "Norwegian Singles Method: Subthreshold Running Kept Simple." Consult healthcare professional before starting training. Educational purposes only. Purchase the book for complete methodology and detailed plans.

About

Threshold

This app creates personalized, periodized running plans based on your goals, fitness, and schedule. It adapts to your progress, incorporates Norwegian threshold training principles, and offers coaching support. Track your runs, adjust your plan, and prepare for races with structured guidance.

Highlights
  • Adaptive training plans
  • Norwegian threshold sessions
  • Precise training paces
  • Progressive training weeks
  • Log, edit, and adjust workouts
  • Coach chat support
  • Apple Health integration
Features
Read full description

The Norwegian running method, adapted to your life. Threshold builds a complete, periodized running plan around your goal, current fitness, training history, and weekly schedule. It applies the principles behind Norwegian threshold training while scaling the dose to your level. This is a connected training plan rather than the same week repeated. Your training moves through base, build, peak, taper, and transition phases, with progressive volume and recovery weeks built in. HOW IT WORKS Tell Threshold about your running background, race goal, available days, and current training. The app creates a multi-week plan with clear warm-ups, intervals, target paces, recoveries, and coaching notes. WHAT YOU GET Adaptive Training Plan Your next sessions and weeks respond to what you actually complete, the effort you report, schedule changes, and missed training. Norwegian Threshold Sessions Controlled threshold work inspired by the Norwegian Method, including double-threshold days when they fit your experience, volume, and recovery capacity. Precise Training Paces Training zones and targets use your race results and current fitness so every easy run, threshold session, and interval workout has a clear purpose. Progressive Training Weeks Volume and intensity develop across real phases. Recovery weeks and guardrails help keep changes measured when your training load increases. Log, Edit, and Adjust Record completed sessions, correct the details later, skip or move a workout, and continue into the next block without losing your history. Coach Chat Ask questions about the plan, report fatigue, and get answers grounded in your completed training and current week. Apple Health Import Connect Apple Health to import completed runs and relevant workout details into your training history. WHO IT IS FOR - Runners preparing for a 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, or longer race - Runners who want a structured plan without hiring a full-time coach - Experienced athletes who want to apply Norwegian threshold principles with a practical weekly schedule - Developing runners who need the method scaled to their current training ABOUT THE METHOD Norwegian threshold training centers on accumulating high-quality work near threshold while keeping intensity controlled enough to recover and repeat. Threshold turns those principles into a plan you can understand, complete, and adjust week by week. Threshold provides training guidance and is not medical advice. Privacy Policy: https://thethresholdapp.com/privacy Terms of Use: https://thethresholdapp.com/terms Support: https://thethresholdapp.com/support

Screenshots

NSA Running4 screens
Threshold4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: NSA Running at none against Threshold's 3. NSA Running also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Threshold sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days. NSA Running asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

NSA Running ships an update every 4 days, Threshold every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
NSA Running versus Threshold: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNSA RunningThreshold
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 daysEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.1 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size33 MB33 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperByoung Hun MinAthlete Mindset Inc.

In-app purchases

None

NSA Running

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Threshold

Subscriptions3
  • Threshold Pro$7.997 Days
  • Threshold Pro7 Days trial$49.991 Year
  • Threshold Pro7 Days trial$69.991 Year

Questions

Is NSA Running free?
NSA Running is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Threshold free?
Threshold is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do NSA Running or Threshold have ads?
Neither NSA Running nor Threshold shows ads.
Which is updated more often, NSA Running or Threshold?
NSA Running ships an update every 4 days, and Threshold every 2 days. Most recently, NSA Running was updated on October 6, 2026 and Threshold on October 20, 2026.

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