Podcast and App Reviews

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Replies

  • Jenlwb
    Jenlwb Posts: 682 Member
    Help! I tried the c25K free app (android) from zen labs, but it kept crashing then killed my phone. now it won't open. I need a simple app, that doesn't involve GPS (that would REALLY kill my phone), that runs with my music, and is free (I can't buy paid apps in my country).

    Any ideas?

    Thanks all!
  • A few people have mentioned it, but I'll add my vote to the NHS podcasts - they're free, and narrated by the lovely Laura, who gives hints and tips and is always calm and encouraging. I'm a bit in love with her.
  • Rindy12
    Rindy12 Posts: 215 Member
    I installed the beta version of RunDouble a couple of weeks ago because I noticed on Google+ that they have a sync with MFP. At first that feature wasn't working at all. Earlier this evening they put in the fix for it and now it's working. I realize this is a beta version, however I haven't had any issues with it tracking my runs.
  • Rindy12
    Rindy12 Posts: 215 Member
    The production version of RunDouble now syncs with MFP, yeah!!

    https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/2013/09/24/meet-our-new-partner-android-app-rundouble/
  • Lupiemomma30
    Lupiemomma30 Posts: 140 Member
    I'm using the Android Couch-to-5k app by Active. There's so many free stuff out there that I'm reluctant to pay for apps, but this one is the only app I've actually purchased and to me is worth the €1.50.

    The app has GPS tracking and after completing your run it sums up your total time and distance. It also breaks up your data for walking/running distance and walking/running average pace. The info is kept in a log, where you have an overview of each week/day. When completed it shows a checkmark, the date and the distance at a glance.

    The trainer voice tells you when to walk, when to jog, and when you're halfway there. There are 5 trainers: a drill sergeant, 2 female trainers, a dog, and my favourite: Johnny the zombie.

    You can listen to your own music while running this app. You can actually go into the playlist and simply move around the sequence of the songs. This way you can change up your music without having to create a new playlist. On a note: if you use the shuffle option, the app will give you the exact same sequence of songs every time =/

    The app has a search option for 5k event, but I can't review that since it's no use outside the USA.

    NEW UPDATE:
    With the latest update (I think it was last week or so) they added the 'Free Run' option. It simply tracks your run on GPS and this data is also kept in your log. I haven't tried it yet so I don't know if the trainers give you a cue as to time passed while you're running. But I think it's a nice addition so you can still use this app after completing the c25k program.

    I have this on my phone too. When I start the program, this is what I will use.
  • i use Get Running. Use your own music. I like the timer visual. Try not to look at it during my run, but sometimes i just need to see that I am almost done!
  • desireecl
    desireecl Posts: 73 Member
    Just started (again!) W1D1 completed today, whoo! I have oldish equipment...a 3 year old android LG Thrive and an even older iPod nano (from maybe '06-'07?) I like to use things til they die, what can I say? I use runkeeper on my cell to track stats and upload to MFP and use the Nike+ on my nano while playing Robert Ullrey's podcasts in the background. I think I may try run double as well. Would love to download the Chubby Jones podcasts, but my laptop died and I haven't been able to afford a replacement. Thanks for all of the recommendations and tips!
  • derrickyoung
    derrickyoung Posts: 136 Member
    I am just starting out and will be starting Week 1 of C25K. I have run keeper on my phone and was using that for mapping my walks/runs to this point.

    I noticed runkeeper offers training programs that you can purchase as addons. Has anyone tried these? Are they worth the money? They seem to be 20.00-30.00 us dollar each which seems a tad high compared to the other apps. Just wondering of anyon knows their value
  • nicca_jb
    nicca_jb Posts: 1,278 Member
    Reopening this thread because I was going to start a new one. :)

    Androider here, and I'm using Active.com C25K with the various trainers, ability to save data on your Active.com account, integration with your local playlist (or playlistS), GPS mapping. I've switched from the oh-so-friendly starter trainer to the "get movin'" trainer (lol), as the first was just too gentle to get me motivated.

    On the Active.com thing, I was thrilled to be able to pull my data from the server to my new phone when I upgraded the device a couple of weeks ago. SO nice to be able to pick up from where I was.

    My question is whether anyone knows if it's possible to start a new app and jump forward to where you currently are in training. I'm interested to try others just for the sake of comparison.
  • CarlaMomOf4
    CarlaMomOf4 Posts: 138 Member
    Reopening this thread because I was going to start a new one. :)

    Androider here, and I'm using Active.com C25K with the various trainers, ability to save data on your Active.com account, integration with your local playlist (or playlistS), GPS mapping. I've switched from the oh-so-friendly starter trainer to the "get movin'" trainer (lol), as the first was just too gentle to get me motivated.

    On the Active.com thing, I was thrilled to be able to pull my data from the server to my new phone when I upgraded the device a couple of weeks ago. SO nice to be able to pick up from where I was.

    My question is whether anyone knows if it's possible to start a new app and jump forward to where you currently are in training. I'm interested to try others just for the sake of comparison.

    I have just downloaded C25K from Zen Labs, it's free and I jumped ahead to week 5 (as I have been running for awhile) and it worked no problem. I can also listen to my own music through the app. Read some reviews about the prompts being quiet but that was not the case with mine. Upgrades are great I guess. The music mutes for you to hear prompts and she tells you at the half way mark which is great so you know when to turn around if you are running out and back style.
  • caseyjarryn
    caseyjarryn Posts: 61 Member
    Zombies, Run! 5K, I just finished week 2 this morning. I'm looking forward to finishing the training and moving on to the main Zombies, Run app!
  • superraachel
    superraachel Posts: 106 Member
    I'm glad I found this thread! I started with the Zen Labs app for Android, but I found I couldn't hear the beeps/prompts to switch intervals over my music very well. I stuck it out till about week 3. I did like that it could connect to MFP and upload my data (which I could then edit to what my HRM calorie reading was).

    Then I made the switch to a podcast when I got a new iPhone, and had to get new apps anyway. I randomly picked the running mate media 5K training (free). I liked the voice over. He was encouraging, and not annoying. The music is all techno based though, not really my scene.

    After reading this thread, I decided to try the Chubby Jones podcasts. I love them. She's funny, the intervals she chimes in at are just right, and the music is sweet. It's pretty eclectic. I think I will stick with these until "graduation." I'm in Week 7 right now.

    The drawbacks on switching to the podcast option are that it doesn't record data, sync or upload anything, but I figure I was editing my posts anyway, and right now I'm not all that focused on pace (just making sure I can run for 25 min straight without collapsing into a panting pile). The podcast is nice though because the prompts have more personality, new random music is always fun, and I'm not eating up my data while running if I pre-download them.
  • candoitkaren
    candoitkaren Posts: 16 Member
    I use C25K by zen labs.it has motivational quotes, exercise tips and was totally free. You can listen to your own music throughout the run. Downloaded on itunes.
  • poshtigress
    poshtigress Posts: 8 Member
    Another vote for Laura on the NHS couch to 5k podcast. She rocks!
  • DianaLovesCoffee
    DianaLovesCoffee Posts: 398 Member
    I found Chubby Jones podcast and will try that tonight. I was not using anything but a paper version telling how long to run. This will be better!
  • DianaLovesCoffee
    DianaLovesCoffee Posts: 398 Member
    dstirratt wrote: »
    I found Chubby Jones podcast and will try that tonight. I was not using anything but a paper version telling how long to run. This will be better!

    Thumbs up for Chubby Jones! Cool music. Outside of my normal selection but was fun!
  • Jte1130
    Jte1130 Posts: 12 Member
    I just started with the C25K Free app. Just did my first day and it's ok. Although for some reason it doesn't seem to sync with MFP. Not sure if it's a glitch or because is the free version.

    On the lookout for something different. Considering the Couch to 5K from Active Network for $1.99 on the iTunes App Store. Has anyone used this one?
  • maieranne77
    maieranne77 Posts: 191 Member
    I have used Chubby Jones, Laura and Robert U podcast in the past but am currently using 5k101.com or MyRunningMate and it's by far my favorite. I didn't like Chubby Jones's music selection and Robert's was too techno. MyRunningMate is a nice middle ground with music that has a good beat but they aren't trendy songs and so far no vocals. I like it a lot. It's an 8 week program with optional extra weeks going from 4-5 and 7-8 if you choose to add a couple weeks on. I don't have a smartphone or ipod so cannot use a cool app with my own music. I had to find a podcast to use on my old ipod nano.
  • SooFab
    SooFab Posts: 10 Member
    I absolutely love the lolo 5k with Jeff Galloway app. It doesn't take you to fast for us beginners. But if your a vet then you can adjust accordingly. It lets you set your own running pace. And I love the beats technology that is added. It allows you to add a play list from your device and the beats per seconds adjust based on how fast your running to help you stay on track....That really does help a great deal. And don't worry if you don't have your own play list it has one you can use embedded in the App.

    Also, it provides days off so that you don't over do it and Jeff Galloway guides you the entire time? Plus lolo has a bunch of other awesome apps. http://lolofit.com/apps
  • KNoceros
    KNoceros Posts: 326 Member
    Another vote for "Get Running", which I'm using on an iPhone 4s.
    If you're listening to stuff through the phone's iPod it gives you the choice of fading or pausing playback during messages (good for audio books which I prefer to music). It also works with the BBC iPlayer radio app, although the pause/fade doesn't. It doesn't eat battery, even on my knackered old phone.
    Two slight niggles:
    1. it tells you at the beginning of the session what the break-down will be (so those who "don't want to know" may want to choose another app)
    2. if you want to know what distance you've covered/speed, you'll need to run something else in the backgroud.
  • rnurse82
    rnurse82 Posts: 94 Member
    Question regarding Iphone and C25k by Zenlabs. I notice it will only voice prompt me if I have my screen OPEN. If it is locked the prompts are only displayed across the screen. Does anyone know why this is? Holding a phone and running is NOT fun! LOL Help!
  • CherieQ72
    CherieQ72 Posts: 14 Member
    rnurse82 wrote: »
    Question regarding Iphone and C25k by Zenlabs. I notice it will only voice prompt me if I have my screen OPEN. If it is locked the prompts are only displayed across the screen. Does anyone know why this is? Holding a phone and running is NOT fun! LOL Help!

    hmmm i have a samsung and i seem to remember changing something in the settings so that it will not stop on lock screen.... I agree! Holding anything while running BITES! lol
  • UmmZ
    UmmZ Posts: 3 Member
    I use the zen labs10K Pro and Chubby Jones for the music and motivation, Mia is so awesome and always feel like I have a friend with me.
  • bozmo
    bozmo Posts: 177 Member
    Zombies run 5K. They modified it so you can listen to your own music or podcasts. More running than the original 5k or Chubby Jones. Entertaining. I can't wait to run again to listen to them.
  • LindsayGii
    LindsayGii Posts: 33 Member
    Start Running is great. It talks over my music so I'm running to my own playlist. During each running interval it gives me countdowns each minute so I know how much longer I have to go. Been using for about a month and am running more each time and very optimistic about my 10k race in July ☺
  • TheMrWobbly
    TheMrWobbly Posts: 2,541 Member
    For C25K the NHS programme really worked for me from pretty much a no exercise starting point. A good balance of occasional encouragement without being too interrupting. In the early stages 5 minutes seemed a very long time without a hint when actually that was just me struggling and hoping for the end of the run stage.
  • degan2011
    degan2011 Posts: 316 Member
    My favorite C25k app is the Zombies, Run! 5k trainer. it is an immersive story telling where you are a runner for a town called Abel and you are training before you start your new position. it plays your music in between the story clips. Zombies, Run! is the only reason I am a runner today. :smiley:
  • Itadakimasu7
    Itadakimasu7 Posts: 313 Member
    I feel the need to repost the Zombies, Run C25K recommendation. Running from zombies is my reason for running :+1::D