Which app? Is best to use?

[west4]

Previously I've used the NHS Couch to 5k App with dear old Laura and Sarah Millican. But it seems very old now. The gaps in the comments are very long - and as far as I can see there's no way to get it to work with an apple watch?

Does anybosy still use this? If not which ones are best? I do like on that sets out a strategy and builds you up... as opposed to just Strava or Ru nGo etc...

Thanks all,

[Instructor57 Graduate]

I would suggest that most still use it !

Infact I have Just restarted the program yesterday after illness.

This forum of course is to predominantly support users of the NHS Couch to 5k programme.

Although anyone is welcome and I appreciate other apps are available 🙂

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi west4 , tbh since this forum is primarily intended for those using the NHS C25K programme, you're probably asking the wrong people if you want suggestions for other apps!

Googling suggests that the app will work on an Apple watch - see here: watchto5k.com/ No practical experience though.

Re the long gaps, I believe that most people use the app in conjunction with music, podcasts or audio books, so there wouldn't be gaps. Or maybe I've misunderstood what you mean?

Disclaimer: I'm in France so couldn't use the app myself as it's not available outside the UK.

[backintime Graduate]

I also couldn't use the app, but I did print out the programme and used my own music as a background

[nowster Graduate]

I used the app before I got a watch. In fact it was sitting on my phone for several years before I got off the couch and actually started.

I decided not to use Sarah when I did my third (successful) attempt at C25K, but had Jo Wiley coaching me instead.

One thing to check when using different apps is that they may be more demanding of you than the NHS one, sometimes requiring a 5km run as the final target instead of a 30 minute run. I'd strongly suggest avoiding those.

[BlueDee61]

I'm still using it with Sarah Milligan cheering me on and loving it.

[chrisl72 Graduate]

I used it earlier this year swapping between the app and the podcast and I got on fine!

[JeremiahObadiah Graduate]

Nothing to say to help re different apps -but I do agree that I felt I wanted MORE talking from the coach. I thrived on the encouragement and chat and felt a near constant presence would have been helpful for me. Not everyone needs an app as a new BFF I know!!!

[Adabell]

I use Watch25k as I have no pockets for my phone, but there is even less chat and encouraging comments, just things like “start running”. Mr A runs alongside with Laura the Faithful, who now feels like an old friend.

However, once you get to the longer runs, personally I don’t find it helpful to hear “you’ve run five minutes now, well done” when there’s another 15 to go and you’re bang in the middle of The Toxic Ten 🥴

Still, it is great to reap the rewarding comments when you do finish and feel proud as punch.

Swings and roundabouts; each to their own.

Good luck, you CAN do this. Slow, (no even slower) and steady.

[hoyden]

If you've finished the C25K program, another possibility is the Nike Run Club app. It has programs for different goals and coached runs. I don't think any of the programs starts as calmly and gradually as the C25K program does though.