Could you all let me know which C25K app you are all using? I am using the BBC one but I keep seeing "Laura" mentioned and am curious. My app doesn't fade the music into the background when my trainer (Jo Wiley) talks to me, so she can be difficult to hear.
Just wondering if I would be better with a different app.
Before smartphones were invented, and before our lives were enhanced with smartphone apps, we had podcasts. Many of us old timers used the NHS C25K podcasts. Nowadays many newcomers to C25K use one of the many 'C25K' apps on their smartphones, but the podcasts are still available and obviously run on smartphones, and also older MP3 players.
One benefit of the podcasts is the delightful Laura, whose confident voice, at just the right time got many of us running for 30 minutes. The voice prompts and music in the podcasts are very well mixed, so that you always hear Laura's prompts. Also, the music has been carefully chosen to give the correct mix of tempo, uplifting tracks, and relentless 'I've just got to get on with it' tracks. Another upside of the podcasts is meeting Julie. Finally, since the podcasts are downloaded onto your phone, they don't use up any data when you are running.
I guess that the only downside of the podcasts is the slightly eclectic mix of musical styles (but it is only for 9 weeks of your life). They are quite varied and every week is different.
For Variety, although sometimes I feel like I missed out, I use rundouble. There are others similar I have no doubt. Rundouble tracks your speed and run on a map, has the same C25K schedule as far as I remember. The disadvantage is you have to pay for it after week 2, costs £2 as far as I remember. Another advantage is it will fade out you music to announce things. One thing though I used it last week to get my dad started and some of the announcements were missed out, I was using bluetooth headphones, that may have caused it. My dad used the same app and could hear all the announcements. So definitely test the free version with your headphones. Or go with Laura! I think I started with Jo Wiley too.
I downloaded the NHS C25K app using the Google Play store for my Android phone. This app, featuring the now-famous 'Laura', is GREAT! It automatically mutes my music when Laura speaks, so no fiddling with my phone and no missing any vital info! Leaves me free to choose my own running tunes. Go on, give it a try. Laura will be your new running bestie. 
Marky and Oldfloss said it all. Another vote for Laura and the Nhs podcasts from me..😊
Wharever you decide..keep going the plan works and running is just brilliant.x
I have used a few of the apps on my phone mainly because I wanted to play me own music, however I found that I had problems with all the ones I tried. With some the music would stop half way through a session or the music wouldn't fade when I was being given some instructions. I reverted back to the podcast with Laura for two main reasons; 1. there were no problems with the link between the music and instructions and 2. She was the most encouraging and motivational couch out of all those I tried.
I used the One You C25K & had Michael Johnson as my coach. I had no problems with the music fading when he spoke and I could choose my own music. I tried Laura a few times a couple of years ago & just could not get on with it - I found her really annoying & didn't like the music either. I suppose it is whatever suits best, some love her & some of us don't.
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