C25K APP VS C25K Endomondo

Mawjie
Mawjie Posts: 6 Member
edited June 2019 in Fitness and Exercise
Which program is better?

C25K app takes 8 weeks to get you from Couch potato to 5k Runner
C25K Program via Endomondo takes 17 weeks to get you from Couch potato to 5k Runner

I see a lot in here recommending the C25K app - but I would like to hear arguments, pro, cons etc. for the 2 programs


Replies

  • samhennings
    samhennings Posts: 441 Member
    I did the c25k podcast, and can certainly say it worked.

    I think around week 4 (if memory serves) there is a quite a jump in the time spent running, which was tough - but it really was achievable and helped change my mentality in running (IE, I can actually do a lot more than I thought).

    Only real downside for me was the repetitive nature of some weeks, where you do the same podcast 3 times, it got boring listening to the same podcast again and again.

    A minor complaint in the scheme of things, just being honest.

    Havent done the Endomondo one, but as it takes longer I wonder if the increases in running are of smaller increments?
  • Mawjie
    Mawjie Posts: 6 Member
    samhennings wrote: »
    I did the c25k podcast, and can certainly say it worked.

    I think around week 4 (if memory serves) there is a quite a jump in the time spent running, which was tough - but it really was achievable and helped change my mentality in running (IE, I can actually do a lot more than I thought).

    Only real downside for me was the repetitive nature of some weeks, where you do the same podcast 3 times, it got boring listening to the same podcast again and again.

    A minor complaint in the scheme of things, just being honest.

    Havent done the Endomondo one, but as it takes longer I wonder if the increases in running are of smaller increments?

    The Endomondo one is longer as it teaches you to run the 5k, then increases your pace till you can do it in 40 minutes.
    And every 2 weeks there's an evaluation of your progress and then the program adjusts to your level (up or down depending on how fast your body gets this whole running thing)
    I've started on this one and I'm quite happy with it.
    I'm questioning whether to use one of the other, due to many people recommending the app (such as yourself ^_^ )
  • samhennings
    samhennings Posts: 441 Member
    I suppose its a case of what do you think?

    c25k podcast was shorter and more rigid, sounds like Endomondo is more personalised - what suits you better?
  • emmamcgarity
    emmamcgarity Posts: 1,594 Member
    I completed the traditional c25k using the podcasts in 9 weeks. I did not have to repeat weeks but I had a strong walking base before I started. There is a group planning to start c25k in July if you’d like to join others. I found it highly motivating to chat with others in the same program. I can tag you in that post if you want to join them.

    For others who might be considering the bridge to 10k podcast that takes you to 60 minutes continuous running in 6 weeks for graduates of c25k, there are a couple of us planning to start that June 30/July 1.
  • mirthegeologist
    mirthegeologist Posts: 143 Member
    emmamcgarity wrote: »
    I completed the traditional c25k using the podcasts in 9 weeks. I did not have to repeat weeks but I had a strong walking base before I started. There is a group planning to start c25k in July if you’d like to join others. I found it highly motivating to chat with others in the same program. I can tag you in that post if you want to join them.

    For others who might be considering the bridge to 10k podcast that takes you to 60 minutes continuous running in 6 weeks for graduates of c25k, there are a couple of us planning to start that June 30/July 1.

    @emmamcgarity could you tag me in the bridge to 10K group? I started the program this week, but it’d be nice to connect with others completing it, too. Thanks!
  • emmamcgarity
    emmamcgarity Posts: 1,594 Member
    msielbeck wrote: »
    emmamcgarity wrote: »
    I completed the traditional c25k using the podcasts in 9 weeks. I did not have to repeat weeks but I had a strong walking base before I started. There is a group planning to start c25k in July if you’d like to join others. I found it highly motivating to chat with others in the same program. I can tag you in that post if you want to join them.

    For others who might be considering the bridge to 10k podcast that takes you to 60 minutes continuous running in 6 weeks for graduates of c25k, there are a couple of us planning to start that June 30/July 1.

    @emmamcgarity could you tag me in the bridge to 10K group? I started the program this week, but it’d be nice to connect with others completing it, too. Thanks!

    Yes we are creating a thread in the c25k group. I will create it now and tag you
  • grimendale
    grimendale Posts: 2,153 Member
    I did the C25k app at the beginning of the year, and then the 5k to 10k on the same app. I wanted to ratchet up to half marathon, but wasn't willing to shell out money, so I ended up switching to Nike Run Club, which I think I prefer. They have preset plans for common distances, but you can also set custom plans for the distance you want and the time you want to achieve it in. There's a nice mix of distance and speed work, which has noticeably increased my pace over a 10k. It's also adaptive, based on your run distances and speed, which is nice, and completely free.
  • Pearl4686
    Pearl4686 Posts: 918 Member
    Hi there
    I'm on week 5 run 2 on C25K. I was really worried about the jump from 5 minutes to 8 but I actually found it ok (surprisingly!)
    Now I noticed w5r3 has you running for 20 minutes straight but then week 6 is back to run/walk intervals. This has me confused. Is this a glitch or intentional? Also, how realistic is it for me to be able to run 20 minutes? It feels impossible to me but I continue to surprise myself.
    @emmamcgarity is there a C25K group I can join?
  • mirthegeologist
    mirthegeologist Posts: 143 Member
    It’s intentional to have you run 20 min and then go back to intervals.

    With intervals, you are gaining endurance—that’s how you will safely build your running time and distance to a 5K. The 20 min running period I think is a way to show you how far you’ve progressed, as well as give you a good run.

    It’s do-able when the time comes, but go really slowly (remember, you’re aiming for time instead of distance), and if you want/need to repeat the week, you absolutely can. Do what works for you, not what works for anyone else.

    As for groups, there’s a group called Couch to 5K Running program C25K. They have a group of people who started C25K July 1 which is behind where you are, but should still be helpful. There are also a lot of pinned posts about beginning to run which are helpful to review. https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k

    Good luck!
  • emmamcgarity
    emmamcgarity Posts: 1,594 Member
    Perla4686 wrote: »
    Hi there
    I'm on week 5 run 2 on C25K. I was really worried about the jump from 5 minutes to 8 but I actually found it ok (surprisingly!)
    Now I noticed w5r3 has you running for 20 minutes straight but then week 6 is back to run/walk intervals. This has me confused. Is this a glitch or intentional? Also, how realistic is it for me to be able to run 20 minutes? It feels impossible to me but I continue to surprise myself.
    @emmamcgarity is there a C25K group I can join?

    Congrats on your progress so far! The 20 minute run was a mental hurdle for me. But remembering to run slowly helped a lot. You are a little ahead of some in the July thread. I found it very helpful to chat with others even though I had started a month ahead of the March group.
  • Pearl4686
    Pearl4686 Posts: 918 Member
    Thank you both, I've joined the group.
  • SummerSkier
    SummerSkier Posts: 5,145 Member
    I did the regular couch to 5 k in 2017 summer. after I switched to map my run to keep track of my pace and distance better. But this year I started using the c25K again just as a rest day type of app. I find that doing 2 or 3 of them (and actually jogging the warm up and cool down) is a nice change up and gets my heart rate up. The endomondo things sounds intriguing tho. Let us know how it goes. 17 weeks should be a nice ramp up. Esp if you are also working on losing some weight during the process. One thing I love about any of these programs is that even on my laziest days I can still decide that doing 30 minutes of running/walking is No... BIG... DEAL.... :)
  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,522 Member
    I used the Zen Labs C25K app a few years ago and liked it.

    Note that it is supposed to be self-paced: you stay at a particular workout for as long as it takes to make it reasonably comfortable. For me, it really took a year before I could do a comfortable 5K run without stopping.

    I'm now working on 21K (half-marathon) for October. It will not be fast!
  • Mawjie
    Mawjie Posts: 6 Member
    I've been on Endomondo's C25K for 3 weeks now and had my first test on wednesday to see where my fitness level was and, as promised, the program adjusted, which is great!
    I've decided to stick with the Emdomondo program, partly because I've paid for it but also because I can feel and see the progress and it's quite enjoyable!

    am I a terrible person for slightly enjoying the fact that my running partner falls a little behind when we run? ..

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