5K Runner: couch potato to 5K

• Lifetime Premium — $9.99
• Lifetime Premium — $19.99
• Premium Subscription — $7.99
• Premium Subscription — $9.99
• Premium Subscription — $14.99
• Premium Subscription — $15.99
• Premium Subscription — $19.99
• Premium Subscription — $29.99

Last verified 30 Aug 2026

• Free to download
• In-app purchases: $2.99 - $4.99 per item

Last verified 7 Aug 2026

4.9 118456 ratings · App Store

1. 5/5I can’t believe I’m a runner now!

   I never write reviews. But felt the need to here. I am a 54 year old male. Hated the thought of running. Thought it was for the young, skinny types. While I had been walking, the thought of picking up the pace and running was the furthest from my mind. Then I hit 240 pounds and hated myself. I had tried this app in the past, but through a combination of apathy and low self esteem, I never made it. But something clicked one day, and I thought I’d give it another shot and see if I could make it all the way and run a 5k. I started in November of last year and found myself impressed with the simple and easy progression of the app. No pressure to kill yourself just get up, commit to a half hour or so and before you know it, you’re done. Then I started to see the pounds drop. Then I started to create playlists on my phone. Then I started buying gear. Then I signed up for a 5k. Then I actually RAN the 5k. I didn’t stop, I didn’t walk. I RAN a 5k! I didn’t come in last, but came in in the middle of the pack in my age group. I came home and signed up for another 5k. And another. I am collecting shirts, medals and realizing…holy crap. I’m a runner. This app got me there. No question. And now I’m training for a 10k. With a half marathon next and hopefully a marathon by this time next year. Try it. Stick with it. You might become a runner too.

   BMore Steve · 30 Aug 2026

2. 5/5If I can do it, YOU can do it

   This app has carried me through several seasons of life & let me tell you, it’s a game changer. If you feel like you’re not a runner & the thought of running for more than a minute at a time scares the daylights out of you, this IS the app for you. I was always the slow kid in PE on those dreaded timed mile run days & continued to be that person into my thirties. One day I woke up & decided I needed to change my lifestyle. I was two babies into parenthood, weight wasn’t coming off, everything I ate stuck to me, I was tired, yada yada. I started this app in August & by October was running the full 5k. I could not believe it. I felt great. Holidays hit & I fell off the wagon. I did it again. Then I got pregnant & again, fell off the wagon. Once baby was 3 months, I did it again & maintained. One year later, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and fell off the wagon once again throughout half of my chemo regimen. But alas, I began the app again while having chemo. Then I took a short break for surgery, went back, & am about to start radiation. I’m still going strong & don’t plan to stop. If a run ragged mom of three young kids who is also in active treatment for cancer can do it, YOU can do it. Quit the excuses & just download the app and give it a try. You don’t fail unless you stop for good. YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS. Happy running!

   Mrobill1 · 30 Aug 2026

3. 5/5Life changing running journey!

   I started using a Couch to 5K app. I stuck with it for 8 weeks, running three times a week. The routine alternated between running one day, taking a break the next, and then running again. This app, combined with a treadmill, made a huge difference for me. It guides you through intervals of running and walking, beginning with a warm-up walk followed by one minute of running and one minute of walking. Over time, it gradually increases your running time. You'll be amazed at your progress! By week 8, I could run for five minutes straight, with a one-minute walk about five times. I'd pop in my AirPods, put on a TV show or some music, and let the app run in the background. It even gives you audio cues for when to run or walk, and throws in encouraging words like "good job". The only downside is that you need to stick to it. I made the mistake of taking about a month off and had to backtrack to week 6. While I was able to complete the 8 week run, I was sore due to jumping back into it too fast. While a treadmill isn't necessary, it helped me avoid pushing myself too hard. Years ago, I tried the same program without one and ended up with shin splints from overexerting myself. On the treadmill, I could control the speed – I'd walk at 2.5 mph and jog at a light, sustainable 4 mph.

   chase_whatmatters · 30 Aug 2026

4. 5/5Extremely good

   This app is great and really effective. The app (which is gorgeous) includes a program that combines walking and running and it increases the running on every workout. This worked great for me and it's how I got into running (40+ years young). The audio coach comes through the headphones and tells you when it's time to walk or run, so that you don't really have to do anything except listen and do what he says. I also love the motivational coaching that goes with it. The progress is just right, and really sets you up to making it to the end. I also enjoy their motivation thoughts on each workout and the great guidance through the app. All in all - a great great great app. Update - started running again after quitting for a year and the app still did its magic. Got me back into shape fairly easily. Actualdly it took me less than 4 weeks to do it instead of their advertized 8 weeks, but I think that this is because of muscle memory (and maybe a little bit of self belief which made me skip ahead whenever it felt right). it worked great the first time, and now but now my body was able to get back into it even easier. Happy this app is doing its magic again, and it’s time to continue to 10k!

   LiveHappy70 · 30 Aug 2026

5. 5/5Absolutely Perfect

   I’m in love with this app. I am a couch potato by nature who used to hate running with a PASSION. While I’m not overweight, I am definitely ‘under-fit’ and my endurance is quite pathetic. I am taking a health class that requires the students to come up with and implement their own fitness plan. In the pursuit of creating a workable fitness plan, I begrudgingly downloaded this app, knowing I needed to run but strongly disliking the idea. I did the first run and was amazed to find that I didn’t feel like I was going to throw up or die after it was done. I continued to run with the app, and gradually began to hate it less and less. (I might even be enjoying it *gasp*) Each new combination of running and walking is challenging yet balanced, and I’m finally starting to see results from running, unlike every other attempt I’ve made. I paid the $9.99 for full access to the whole app and so far it has been extremely worth it. I love the simplicity and workability of the app. I can usually find my way around an app fairly easily but it’s lovely to not have to guess or scratch my head trying to find what I’m looking for. 11 of 10 stars!

   madamelaurie · 30 Aug 2026

4.8 36108 ratings · Google Play

No store reviews collected for Google Play · US

Privacy

Accessibility

No accessibility labels collected yet.

Privacy

Accessibility

No accessibility labels collected yet.

• 8.3300 · 11 Aug 2025