I used to, years ago, have problems with the audio cues being soft or skipped. This is not happening anymore. I have not found any problems with the app since I started using it again this year.
I used to, years ago, have problems with the audio cues being soft or skipped. This is not happening anymore. I have not found any problems with the app since I started using it again this year.
I love this app! It really helps to break up the segments and build up to the full 5K. I like being able to play my music too. The verbal coaching is helpful.
Great app to get you running. Simple, engaging, and you will notice the difference within two weeks - going from zero to hero
I can’t speak for the free alternatives to this app. There seem to be a lot of options. That said, I definitely appreciate the absence of ads with this version. App works well and is easy to use. I started Week 3 today and the difficulty has definitely increased. However, it has never been more than I was ready for. They seem to have an effective program - not too difficult and not too easy. As for requests for improvements, I would include… 1) I would like the app to be aligned with additional audio programs. It currently is only set up for Apple Music. I use Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts. I’m sure Spotify users would agree. 2) I wish there was more guidance as to pace. I realize this is difficult because we all start from a different place and ability level. But, so far, there has been no mention of if I should moving faster over time. It has been limited to walk, walk briskly, jog, warm up and warm down. I’m not sure if “walk” and “walk briskly” are two different things. I don’t know if “jog” will some day become “run”. And, I’m not sure what an appropriate “warm up” or “warm down” looks like. Currently, my warm up looks like “get water and put on shoes” and my warm down is simply walking another few minutes at the end of my training. All in all, I like the app. In the past I have always burnt out quickly when I tried to start running on my own. This has made me feel like I have someone there to keep me on a plan which is definitely helping keep me going.
I will happily pay upfront for a good app but i’m SICK OF SUBSCRIPTIONS! thank you, devs, for creating this fabulous little app and letting me actually BUY it instead of rent it!!
I ran cross country and track in high school where it was wonderful to have a coach who planned and led workouts. This app does that by taking the guesswork out of building up your stamina. This reduces injury and increases fun. One strategy I’ve used that might help you: I’ve repeated workouts until my body feels ok with it (I have some residual injuries). Well worth it!
As someone who has completed a C25K program in the past, but had to stop running due to an injury, I decided to try this app to get back into it (previously used app was on Android). I am on week 5, and the increase in difficulty in this week is really extreme and I can see it turning off quite a few people. Jogging 3x 5 minute intervals one day, then 2x 8 minute the next day, and then a full 20 minutes straight the 3rd day is inexcusable; I had to stretch this week into 2.5 weeks to hit that 20 minute jog. The user should be able to run at least 2x 10 min or even 2x12 min intervals before attempting a 20 minute jog, in my opinion. The concept of C25K has been around for years, so my 2-star rating I believe is justified.
I would love it if you could start your training program over without having to reset all of your history.
I weighed 285 pounds when I started this.. total couch potato.. so if I can do it, you can do it too. It’s totally doable. It eases you into it so you don’t hurt yourself. It gives you so much confidence. I recommend to everyone!
Great app, but having to carry my phone is reason for star removed.
As a former fitness professional who is returning to running after injury, this app does a great job of progressing someone from potato to runner … until week five that is. The jump is too much that week. I find it odd how the app makes incremental increases for the first four weeks but then in week five has you going from two 8s with a 5 minute walk to one 20 minute run. That’s a heck of a jump. Also, a three or five second countdown to begin the next interval would be a great improvement.
I use this app to get myself to run. Hard to get myself started without the app, but with it, I am excited to go because it paces me.
It's taken me more than 10 years of on/off starts to become proficient at jogging. I was just about as atrophied and out of shape as you could be. In fact, I've never really worked out or dieted in my whole life, with the results you might expect, but this app has always patiently been there to help me get back on the horse. With just this app and 75 Hard I managed to lose 60 lbs -- 260 down to 200, in 5 months. Got off a bunch of meds, new clothes, new life. Either you want it or you don't. Andy Frisella's right. No excuses. Accept accountability and change if and when you want!
Great way for me to exercise and get a workout also amazing training I 100% recommend
I was hoping to be able to just load this app onto my Apple watch and use that on it’s own, like many other running apps let you do, but you have to bring your phone with you on the run. Misleading information on that aspect. While the prompts are helpful, trying to sign in to get a workout started is glitchy and frustrating. Wish I could get my money back honestly.
Have loved using the app but unable to follow friends and them follow me for accountability. I am training with a friend to do a half marathon in November.
This app is fine for the 5K training but after when you just want to log runs it’s really inconvenient. Every time you run you have to go through multiple annoying menus just to start a run. Decline to let it access your music library. Choose a trainer. Confirm the trainer. Start the run. HUGE pain. For free training try it but after that there are better apps.
I was super skeptical about buying this app, i’m not a runner and haven’t been in over 6 years so I wasn’t sure if this app was going to be good for me. But you set your goals, your weight and how often you want to run and it’s been perfect! You can even pick your trainer (I love runicorn). Overall it was a great buy, the only thing I wish it that it was more encouraging throughout the workout, especially while you on the jogging parts like “keep pushing”, “you got this” etc. because sometimes you’re tired and you want to be done and a little push is what you need. Overall I would recommend to my friends and definitely anyone that wants to start running from scratch, I know I am.
I admittedly been using this program for over 10 years. When I fall out of running and use this to resume my work out routine. This app makes it so easy. Because of this app I’ve been successful. The coaches provide the encouragement I need also. I all have to focus on is moving. Before I had use timers and constantly look at my watch or phone depending on the era LOL.
Progresses way too quickly!!! Jumps from 5 min intervals to 8 to 20 in one week. Ridiculous. Should increase running intervals from 2 to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and decrease walk intervals from 2 to 1 minute to 30 seconds.
This app has the basics, which is all you really need to get started running. I started from very little activity and not much experience being athletic when I was younger. Run-walk was the only way I was able to build up the stamina to actually complete a full 5K. Because of this app, I’ve even worked up to running a full 10K, something I never thought I’d be able to accomplish. You’re able to listen to your music, pick the narrator you prefer to give you the audio cues, it records how much you run (and your pace during the walking and running portions separately). It’s also completely free. You could try the program for as long as you want to decide if you like it or if you want to pay and try something else. Unfortunately I don’t like the 5K to 10K program by this company as much, but once you’re at a 5K level there are much better programs and capabilities out there. It doesn’t sync with your Apple Watch and it doesn’t really update anymore but for the basics it gets the job done better than any other app which requires payment nowadays. It’s totally worth the download and try!
Like other reviewers, I stop and restart my exercise routine. I’m in my 60’s and this still provides a good, steady pattern to follow for getting in shape, allowing some flexibility as I age. Keep it up, integrate with other tools or increase visibility for links to apps like Fitbit, apple, etc. thank you for providing continued value!
This app helped me to take my life back and lose 40 pounds. I can’t thank the devs enough for creating this.
This is a great app for exercise and getting in shape It builds endurance and makes it fun.It is better than any other running apps.Thanks developers for creating it!
Don’t pay for it! The couch to 5 k part is fine. But once you finish the 8 weeks of training that’s it! Articles are all 5 years old. Looks and works like it hasnt been updated for ages. I would really like it with a few small updates, but as it is I feel ripped off. It Just feels stale.
I can’t add my friends to this app. None of us can. Please fix this!!!
I’ve always loved running but I have always been overweight and out of shape. I’d start running but never stuck with it because I never learned how to prepare for or actually run a long distance. This app has solved all those problems. This app guides you, quite literally, from couch to 5K. It is well worth the $5. Along my running journey, I’ve tried lots of apps. This is by far the best app to guide you through how much time you should run and how to split that with walking. The only reason why I wouldn’t give this app 5 stars is because I wish that there were more trainers to choose from and that they talked to you through the run (kind of like Nike Run Club) to give you tips on your breathing and your form. I would 100% recommend this to anyone who wants to get into running but doesn’t know where to start.
This app is great! It’s actually helping me jog for longer then I ever have! And I’m only 3 weeks in.
I love this app for trying to get into running. I enjoy the fact that this app allows me to listen to my music through Pandora and the coach comes through. I feel the progress is gradual enough that you don’t feel forced through the program. And if you have a bad day the app allows you to repeat that particular run before moving on!
I did not want to pay for this app!
Last time I'll pay for an app up front Couldn't sign in- tried multiple email addresses, never got a confirmation. No feedback on password selection The app's "support" function pulled my boss's rmIl address into the form and wouldn't allow me to change it. Zero stars. Refund me.
I have used this app off and on several times to get back into running. I would love it if there was a way to sync it with a heart rate monitor and if it was more friendly for use on an indoor treadmill workout.
I just finished my first 5K in nearly a decade after using this app and am very grateful for the support this app provided. It helped motivate me to keep training and keep running, therefore increasing my cardiovascular fitness. It was nice to be able to change your “coach” — sometimes, I really needed to pretend to be chased by a zombie to keep going. However, I do feel that the training program on the app advanced a little too quickly for someone who was as out-of-shape as me. Make sure you plan a couple supplemental workouts each week to help you reach your goal. And, not related to the app, but a word of advice for anyone determined to make a positive change — get yourself a good pair of running shoes!
Been using for 3 months now about to do my first 5k! It’s been a huge help! My only complaint is that recently it stopped giving me the ability to post my runs and that was always a motivating treat once I finish. Pls fix it 🥲 **** 4 months now using I’m about to upgrade to 10k but going with 10k couch potato instead of your app because I STILL can’t log in or share my runs. It randomly logged me out (done multiple times) and I can’t get back in. And you have “forgot password” but I think I logged in with apple id or a burner email and you don’t have a “forgot email “ button. So frustrating. **** final note I wish I could start from beginning and not lose my old runs! But it just saves over them????
I’ve had this app as long as it’s been out. I’m in my 40s and have had 2 kids and several moves and then of course COVID hit the world. So I’ve started and stopped running many, many times. Each time I want to restart running I try a new app to help me pace myself so it doesn’t feel too hard and I give up. But I already go back to this app. It just works for me - easy at the beginning and it gets harder slowly so you always feel like you can do it and you’re making progress. HOWEVER - I beg that you update the app so that it syncs with your Apple Watch. I run mainly on a treadmill now - easier on the knees and the rest of the joints. And I can never blame weather for skipping. But since it only tracks your phone, which sits stable on the shelf, there is no tracking. It doesn’t track my distance or improvement or HeartRate… and it could, so easily. So please please please upgrade!
Things to please change. I shouldn’t have to listen to Constance every time I go for a run (Hi, my name is Constance…). The log should be most current run listed first. It should log your run automatically(I’ve lost runs when I didn’t hit “log run”). The graph should continue after the nine weeks. I’d like the visual if the graphs, but it makes me sad they stop after 9 weeks so I can’t continue to see my improvement on the graph. Otherwise love it. Your program helped me become a runner at 52!!
This app is a great, gradual build-up to running for 30 minutes. I say 30 minutes, because it’s a little misleading as far as distance. The 10 minutes of walking during the warm ups and cool downs does add a small but significant distance to your total. I’ve thought that I’ve surpassed 5k in distance, but after subtracting my walking distance, I still had about 0.6 miles to go. With my pace, I’ll need to work up to running for longer than 30 min so I’m actually hitting 5k running alone. A little annoying, but because it’s been such a gradual build in running time, I think I’ll have no problem adding another 6 or so minutes on my own over the course of a few weeks. In general, I have very much enjoyed this process and I believe that I’ll continue to run using the app with the free run option!
I immediately delete apps that do not let me key in my date of birth. If I have to keep clicking on arrows that means the program was written by amateurs. I don’t have time.
I bought this on a whim and have really enjoyed it so far. I like that it can go in the background while I listen to a book or something and give me little cues as to when to walk and jog
So, how good is an app that can’t even work well enough to allow you to set up account. Check out the internet, numerous issues with the app, wish I would have checked before buying.
This app is worth every cent after the download purchase! My husband and I have been using this app since the pandemic started (on and off, due to laziness!) I was never a runner, mainly because I never enjoyed it or thought I could handle it. This app builds up your confidence and stamina in your ability to run and continue to “beat” your recent personal record. I am up to running 20 minutes straight with little to no troubles! Trust me, this is by far the best running app for those looking to build their confidence and those wanting to prove to themselves that they can do it!!!
I love this app! Anytime I’ve fallen off, I use this app to help me get back in shape. It does a great job starting you off and pushing you to a good pace.
Great app. I start and restart constantly trying to get a faster time. Only complaint would be that sometimes the audible cues change volume settings on music played. Other than that it’s great.
I’ve been using this app for 2 weeks and am happily making progress. My only issue is with how the audio is lowered at the halfway mark. Usually I watch a show while I run on a treadmill. For every other transition, the app lowers the volume of my show for just a second to announce the transition, then returns it to normal volume. But at the halfway mark it lowers the volume until the next transition, which for me in week 2 is 90 seconds. It’s just really frustrating because I need the distraction of a show to keep running and I can’t hear it. Otherwise though I’ve had no problems.
I’m a 49 year old woman who has gotten painfully out of shape and haven’t been exercised regularly in at least 5 years. It’s taken me about 10 weeks to get to week 5 on the app but that is ok as I paused a couple times when I injured my calf. I generally like the app, including the very conservative pace, but the app has 3 main flaws. First, I can’t stand the trainers and it’s annoying that you have to start the trainer anew each and every time. Second, I really wish the app would keep tracking distance/pace after the workout ends — sometimes I’m not quite home and I’d like to know the total distance of my workout. And third, I really wish I could preview the walk/run schedule of each week beforehand instead of while actually doing the run.
The phone app works fine. The Apple Watch however, usually does not work. When I open the app, it will say “start the workout on your iPhone”. It will say this during the middle of a workout. I keep my phone tucked away in a belt while I run, so it would be really great to know how much time is left on an interval. I have the latest iPhone Pro and watch, and iOS is updated on both.
I havent ran in years but have always wanted to but told myself I wasn't a runner. Well, if youre in the same boat- tell yourself you are a runner and get this app. The badges, the little coach that tells you you are doing great and you are halfway is so motivating. Cannot recommend this app enough.
Love love love the program.. we have used this to build pace and speed.. however I get frustrated that while using the app. the voice will cut in mid segment to say great job.. which cuts my music.. there is no way to turn this off.. and when building time, forces me to stop and put the app in the background to bring back my music. I find this extremely frustrating… while letting me know when the next interval stops or starts.. the “cheerleading” in the middle of an interval is frustrating
Whenever the coach pops in the music dims until that running or walking segment is done