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.

Another vote for Laura on the NHS couch to 5k podcast. She rocks!

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!

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.

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 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

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.

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.

I feel the need to repost the Zombies, Run C25K recommendation. Running from zombies is my reason for running