Couch to 5K® - Run training

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!