5K Runner: Couch Potato To 5K Negative Reviews

5K Runner: couch potato to 5K App Complaints & User Negative Comments 2024

5K Runner: couch potato to 5K app received 55 complaints, negative comments and reviews by users. Have you ever had a bad experience using 5K Runner: couch potato to 5K? Can you share your negative thoughts about 5k runner: couch potato to 5k?

5K Runner: couch potato to 5K for Negative User Reviews

✓ Few things to fixFirstly, this app is no good for anyone with an Apple SE watch. I either have to have th volume right up on my watch for it to tell me when to walk or I need to take my phone and headphones. Next, the app wouldn’t sync with my phone. So I started my run on my phone then had to stop it so that I could use my watch (as I didn’t bring my headphones). It would’ve made life easier if there as a vibration to notify me when to walk. I also would’ve liked to have my distance and heart rate available. I dont particularly rate this app as it does what I can set up on my Apple Watch. Minute on minute off. If you want something to tell you what specifically to do then go for it but if you need something to help with variables it’s not great..ChskdmdnrVersion: 9.3610

✓ ScamI bought this app a while ago and started using it again to get back into running. Only allows me to got to week four before buying it again.DogdiggggydoggyfogyVersion: 9.3500

✓ Great motivator but needs sync tweakingI have started the program to get to a 5k run. So far so good. The only problem I have with it is that I do my workouts using my watch not my phone and they only show as completed on my watch but not my iPhone app. This means I can’t view an accurate history via my phone etc. I also can’t access motivational badges etc. A better sync between devices would have given 5 stars..Kerrie…Version: 9.3500

✓ Rip off!Not actually a free app. Gives you 4 runs and then charges you to use it. Beware.Marlyse16Version: 9.3500

✓ Pretty expensiveNo free version and it's like $50. My motivation to run instantly gone. Damn.Arin8256Version: 9.3600

✓ Program is terrible but the app works fineThey gave up on having a program for actual beginners to instead have a program that they can claim can be done in eight weeks. Sure, if you say a workout was hard they will optimize your next one. And by optimize your next one I mean that they will just make you redo the one that you just said was too hard. The leaps that they expect you to make are pretty ridiculous if you’re actually a beginner and new to running or especially if you’re new to fitness all together. Day one was too hard for me and their response was for me to just keep trying to do it and hope that I get better. And to clarify, I believe, day one has you running for a total of six minutes and doing so in sixty second intervals. For someone who hadn’t run at all, that was impossible. And the way it’s structured, I just ran some and then walked and had no real way to measure if I was getting any better..Joe BlitzerVersion: 8.411

✓ Needs a lot to workIt’s a good start for new runners, but I found it’s lacking in the eighth week. The app is less about completing a 5K and more about building stamina. It starts with walking-running intervals (good) and ends your 5K journey with a 45 minute nonstop run (bad). At some point during the training, it should make more sense to measure how far you’re running. Which brings me to the next problem… All the bugs and incompatibly issues with Apple (even after going back and forth in emails with support). It almost never measures and records heart rate. It fails to tell the Apple watch that I’m working out so Apple is recording its own data as well as 5K’s so my KCAL and exercise time doubles after a run. Well— Almost doubles. Apple and 5K record different amounts of KCAL (maybe because 5K fails to differentiate between total and activate calories). And as a nitpick, I like leaving my phone at home to run. With just the watch, an accurate map isn’t recorded. Overall, it got me started on my 5K journey and I can recommend it as a timer for new runners. But I won’t be finishing the 5K journey with it..CompassKiddVersion: 9.2000

✓ False advertisingUnclear when downloading the app that is a 7 day free trial but that the actual app is $70…. Probably all worth it etc etc but did not realise until you are at the final page of details..JemerskyVersion: 9.3610

✓ Ok. But poor integration with apple health & workoutsThe app is generally ok for getting you running again. For the price it is very basic - It lets itself down with poor apple integration. • Heart rate is only sporadically monitored, which is probably why the app is unable to graph. If after immediately finishing a run you turn on a workout in IOS, the heart rate monitoring in the watch shows quadruple the number of measurement's. The lack of measurements in 5K means that calorie data is off. • The warmup and warmdown time are not measured at all. And no credit is given for that time in activity under workouts. The route tracking as advertised does not show on the iPhone app, nor anywhere else for that matter. The map screenshot should be removed from the App Store advertising..KolskyVersion: 9.010

✓ Not for beginnersThis is not for beginners. I’m a healthy 48-year old. The first couple of weeks of this program were challenging but no problem. I’m now in week three and have ‘optimised’ (repeated the same day) three times, because the app wants to increase by one-minute increments every day now. I cannot do one-minute increments at this stage. The one time I tried I nearly fainted. There is no way to change this, all I can do is repeat the same day over and over. I really regret buying this, because now I’m going to have to find another running app and pay for that as well..Olivia TwistedVersion: 8.410

✓ The worst type of cash-grabThe app presents itself as free to use and for what it’s worth, it is free to use. Not, however, for its intended purpose. Should you wish to use this app to enable you to run 3 times a week until you’re able to run 5K without breaks, this is not the app for you. After week 2 day 1, you’re expected to upgrade the app to continue. In my opinion, it’s sleazy. The app has a lot of potential. The developers need to make a choice. Either offer the app for free and allow users to use the full potential of the app for free, or make the app a paid app so users can make an informed decision. I do not agree with potentially attracting thousands of users to download the app (thereby making some form of profit from the free downloads?) and then forcing users to pay if they wish to continue beyond week 2 day 1. However, you can simply repeat the first 4 runs if you wish. Personally, I would (and have) download a different app..JLimerick94Version: 8.057

✓ Very GlitchyFor $30 for 3 months, this app is very glitchy. The voice sometimes tells me I’ve been running for 5 minutes when I’ve actually been running for 15. In addition, I have zero idea how they track the runs. Does the total distance include our walking breaks and our warm up? I just have so many questions and I can’t find answers anywhere. After I complete the program I will be changing app to train for my 10k..MsE1295Version: 9.3610

✓ Can never manage a run without something going wrongI really want to like this app. It’s definitely got me off the sofa and looking forward to each run BUT, and this is a big but, I have yet to do a full session with it working as it should the whole way round. When I’ve tried linking it with music, half the time it won’t bleep to tell me to change from running/walking. Annoying but not the most irritating part. What really has frustrated me the last couple of sessions though, is I’ll notice it’s gone quiet, get my phone out of my pocket to see it’s paused? Click to continue and it’s restarted the whole thing back to the warm up?! It’s incredibly frustrating.Emmabaho1Version: 8.180

✓ Not freeI used to have this app, it was free. It really helped me! Now I have to pay for it? No thank you. I’ll hang out on my couch..The Real ElfVersion: 8.180

✓ Latest update requires location access to startThe latest update will not allow a run to start unless you enable location access. Unacceptable breach of privacy. One star review until it is changed back.._energythief_Version: 8.200

✓ Won't sync with WatchFollowing all instructions - app says it's set up but Watch says go to the app for set-up. Makes a seemingly great app fairly useless..C***^^^Version: 8.411

✓ MISLEADINGI feel like this app has been misleading. I’ve been running for the past 4 weeks and really have enjoyed it and completed what I thought was a good distance in a good time. However, someone please correct me if I’m wrong, when you’ve finished your work out it shows the distance you run, The calories you’ve burnt and the time you did it in, however, it looks like the distance you run includes your warm up and cool down, but this isn’t reflected in the time, so how are you ever to know what distance you ran in what time!? I don’t really do the warm up to be honest but I always do the cool Down so I’ve essentially got to add another 5 mins to my time which is a big difference. I feel really gutted by this..BohdaggerVersion: 8.550

✓ Needs more personalizationLove this app, but the interval sound almost bursts my eardrums every time I hear it. Needs an option to control the volume so I can listen to music without damaging my hearing..Periodic870417Version: 9.3500

✓ Someone needs to stop your app!!!I have tried to unsubscribe from your app so many tines but it keeps taking my mo ET and not letting me this is crazy! Someone needs to sort it out before I report you.SimonsandraVersion: 8.052

✓ Not the best app availableHi I’ve recently started your running app and couldn’t help comparing it to the others. My main criticism is just the lack of coaching and motivation. Although I have this switched on during my runs my ‘coach’ barely utters a word. There is no encouragement to keep going, or well done this is your last run today. I chose a training app so that when my energy is running low someone telling me there is only 30 seconds left is exactly what I need. I have only heard one sentence from her which is well done you are worth it. I need more than that, please increase your coaching. Thanks.Nicolar123Version: 8.004

✓ This app is not freeApp is advertised as having a free version. It does not. I completed my first four runs & then wax left with no option but to purchase or quit. I have downloaded an actual free app. Very misleading..JeannineC.Version: 9.3300

✓ Most Expensive App I OwnI’ve owed the app for a week, the duration of the free trial. I completed the questionnaire, and it started me on week two, no problem. After the first run, I thought about switching apps, but decided to continue using it because it had already tracked my first three runs, and I wanted to keep the data organized - I went ahead and let it charge me for three months. This morning, I was ready for run four, which is week 3 run 1, in my case. I thought I had started the correct run, but it seemed too easy when I was half way done. I couldn’t find a way to verify I was on the correct run, so I finished the run. Well, it was week 2 run 1 again. It had shifted all my previous runs to week 1, even though they were week 2 runs. Ugh. This is behavior I would expect from a free app, not the most expensive app I own. I’m definitely cancelling after three months - which I won’t need the app anymore anyway..Keith80Version: 9.3500

✓ Glorified TimerHaving the couch-to-5K program built-in is great, but that's about it. Doesn't sync your progress between devices (I like to run with my phone outside but use my iPad when on the treadmill - being able to follow my progress between them would be useful), and there's no way to mark a workout as complete. Coaching is minimal - basically no guidance re: pace or form aside from a couple of pointers on day 1, just a canned voice that says "you're awesome" once a workout..BrijazzVersion: 9.3210

✓ Not for TreadmillsThe app doesn’t calculate distance or calories accurately when running indoors!.$&@-):$/Version: 9.3610

✓ Not free anymore!Used to be free now they are charging us $50!!!! Bye-bye.FrancpeterVersion: 9.3600

✓ Horrible glitch/lag.I LOVE LOVE LOVE this app, I finished it all the way to 5k and repeated the 5k guide to keep building resistance. After that I lightly sprained my ankle and had to stop for about 2 weeks, when I started again from halfway the updated had kicked in and added optimized runs while also changing some of the walk/run ratios. I personally didn’t like this, I preferred the set schedule. I ran 3 times a week and it lined up perfectly with the app and now my days are all out of order. Not a huge deal but not my personal preference either. UPDATED REVIEW: After completing the 5k again I began repeating week 8 day 3 over and over every other day. Today it’s the second time that the app crashes horribly and I can’t use it. It’s very upsetting because I really do like the guidance of this app and I purchased the lifetime version so I should be able to use it as many times as possible. Some mornings it’s already hard for me to motivate myself to go out and run and it really makes it worse when I do get myself out there and the app isn’t working..H8YUVersion: 8.230

✓ Forced into ‘lifetime’ plan use the free NHS oneThere was no other option at the end of the setup process but to go for a lifetime plan for $70, no one or 3 month options. Why would I pay for a lifetime plan for an app that only has an 8 week plan?? Don’t get this scammy app, just google the free NHS plan that even includes podcasts..DD0209Version: 9.3610

✓ Disappointed after buying premiumThis app is missing a pace and doesn't tell the distance as you are running, which I would find helpful and motivating. Also, I'm searching for extra features during my cool down I accidentally ended my workout by forwarding to the next segment. My time skipped and did not adjust so it appears on my log that I finished the same distance in a greater amount of time, when it was actually a less amount of time. My time and distance are important to me during training. There is no way to edit the logs to adjust for this mistake. I am deeply disappointed in the $10 spent. Also.... there are no analytics besides the history log, it would be nice for paying members to see some type of basic progression chart at the very minimum. However the training program itself is manageable and the prompts are nice so I gave it an "extra" star for this..CCRunsVersion: 7.3

✓ Fairly new runnerThis app worked well until week 5, when it all of a sudden stops saving my progress or/and recording it. Often I finish the program only to find it says I‘ve run for 10 seconds only or it doesn’t save it. Quite disappointing for an app I‘ve paid for. As another user pointed out it doesn’t tell you how far you‘ve run, only how much kms you‘ve covered running and walking combined. That’s as long it actually saved or didn’t freeze and delete that you’ve done the workout..EssieF.Version: 8.180

✓ Less Than One StarI wish I could give this app a negative star review rating but... I can't. I was training to run last summer when I tore my MCL in a fall. I decided to try this app after being cleared by the doctor to return to running. The app, on the surface, had a high number of reviews and most were positive. The design was stylish and it was free, I had nothing to lose? The question mark is intended at the end of the previous sentence. Today I gave this app a try and first I found the small bits of "motivation" to be uninspiring. The app boosts you up by immediately giving you a badge for completing your first run. Then I noticed the reality...there are only FOUR, yes, 4 runs on the free version of this app. If you want to do the whole 8 or 9 weeks (it varies with couch to 5k apps), you'll have to pay. I'm not sure why the app designers don't just make it a straight forward, paid app and not waste anyone's time or data or physical investment in a plan that's only going to ask for money to complete. Yes, you CAN find another app for free after starting this one, but, these programs work on a progress system and some change the run/walk ratio over time so you are eventually doing more running than walking and complete the program as a runner able to go a distance of 5k. Having to go four runs and find out you have to pay to continue and if you can't you now have to find ANOTHER couch to 5k app to complete your goals. Hopefully someone reads this..CaliUKVersion: 7.5

✓ Good, but not a free app! Cost is £9.99 .......unless you finish it in 8 weeks in which case it’s £2.99, but it’s a 9 week course so you’d have to skip one! £9.99 is a one off charge where you get it for as long as you want. You get four free runs before it finishes and you have to buy it to continue. Don’t get me wrong, I did buy it because I think it’s a really good app. I’m on week 6 and I’m really enjoying it. There’s not so much peppy motivation that it’s annoying and it works well. BUT BE UPFRONT ABOUT THE COST!! I was in two minds whether to buy it cos in all honesty I felt like I’d been duped. People would buy this paid. Admittedly it said in app purchases but this is usually for a minimum level of usage not something you can only use 4 times. If I hadn’t felt duped would be 5 stars..AiryfairycakeVersion: 8.010

✓ Where have the audio options gone?Please, please, please make an option to get rid of the awful voice overs! A previous version had the option of just chimes for start/stop running, but now you can’t turn off the additional voice that blares in over your podcast with “START RUNNING!” or “WOW YOU’RE DOING GREAT, YOU’RE AN AMAZING PERSON!” 🤮 or “SLOW DOWN AND WALK!!!”. Please reinstate the option for no voiceovers. I’ve searched everywhere in the settings. Also while I’m complaining I should point out it’s pretty silly that 5K Runner can’t tell you how many kms you’ve run while running, and also that you can’t stop a run early (even in the cool down phase) without losing the entire thing. I use MapMyRun alongside this app to check my distance/total time as I go, but it’s just dumb having to use two apps when I already paid for one..Sheal pVersion: 9.2110

✓ Don’t pay twice!This is an ok app, but the same company makes another app for couch to 10K, which contains all the same content (0-5km), plus the extended programme (5-10Km) for a very similar price. I finished this app and as it suggests at the end, decided to keep going with the next app. However, I had to pay the full price for the 10K app and felt really cheated when I realised it contained all the content I had paid for separately in this app, included within that price. Pretty annoyed that this company swindled twice the price out of me for the same content. If you think you may want to extend your training past 5km, don’t pay twice and just get that other app instead..DifgkycmemadfcclfkfkfVersion: 8.520

✓ It’s good, but lagsIt’s been good using this app, I’am currently half way through. You can re-do the same weeks until you are ready to progress which is good. However on multiple occasions the app would skip walks and go straight to the next run. Or it would lag and you would need to run for longer. Also wish it could tell me my speed during the runs, just to see if I am getting faster. If the lagging and skipping doesn’t stop I will unfortunately have to stop using it and it would feel like I paid for an app that doesn’t do it’s job..Tara1107Version: 8.180

✓ Why can’t I see my pace?It’s ok, older version was much better where you could see your pace and it was integrated with music..Hools123Version: 8.520

✓ Expensive and missing a vital featureThings start off in a friendly and encouraging way. The voice coach is pretty annoying ("Hey there awesome runner, have a great run!") but you'll get through the first few weeks happily enough. But as you progress, you'll actually want to know how far you have run. No brainer, right? Amazingly this app can't tell you. It will only show a combined figure for walking and running. So even though the app cost me $7.99, I actually had to use another free app (MapMyRun) to work out how far I was running. Very unimpressive..Double wombatVersion: 7.3

✓ Yet another company succumbs to corporate greedIt’s absolutely despicable and disgusting how many companies are thought to themselves, “hey, we’ve got a great product that we’ve charged users for using in the past… Why not delete that product, make one that’s exactly the same but charge them continual monthly or annual fees for it despite the fact they’ve already paid for it.” Alas, you get this app. Do not download it. I paid $7 for the original app, I’m not paying almost $50 for essentially the same thing. This is nothing but despicable corporate greed..Piano man '84Version: 9.2240

✓ Unclear that it’s a SUBSCRIPTIONI’m not a fan of the subscription model for apps, in fact this was my only subscription when I just checked. I don’t remember it being a subscription, and of course there is no reminder until it shows up on your bill. Reading other reviews I can surmise that we must have gotten to the two-week point and then we were required to pony up. I only downloaded the app because it’s the one my partner chose, there are tons of 5k apps out there to choose from that don’t require a subscription. Apparently there’s a “lifetime” option that has its own caveats, buyer beware (and be sure to check out other reviews addressing this point). Does this app work? For me, it was couch to 3.22k, so that’s something. I didn’t even know I still had this app though, I paused running for the hottest part of summer and when I resumed it was with trail running and having no recollection of or need for this app. I give it two stars though because I did get to 3.22k after all..EttaLeaVersion: 8.230

✓ Good for rank beginnersI do wish the automated voice would give a few tips throughout the walk/run so guide us newbies on the appropriate stance and form etc..Kiwi-honeyVersion: 7.3

✓ Good but then you have to payThe first two weeks are free and good, then you have to go premium??.LaydarrVersion: 8.030

✓ Misleading descriptionMisleading description “Free Version” is actually only a free 7 day trial. You only find this out after entering all your information..Runningperson9999Version: 9.3410

✓ App access is behind a paywall after you input your infoIve never deleted and 1 starred an app this fast. how to piss off real customers : add a paywall on your entire app but make it sound like its free!!!!.Starklette364Version: 9.3610

✓ NOT FREEI downloaded the app, and after entering all my info, I have to get through a pay wall to actually do anything?? Not even a single free run! What a rip off..BlueWhiskers.Version: 9.3610

✓ Get over the gender binaryIf your app requires me to select gender but does not offer my gender then I’m gonna delete it straight away.JBM311456332211Version: 9.3210

✓ Too expensiveNot paying for this.Madeintheam5everVersion: 9.3500

✓ Misleading and not freeOnly gives you a few days free and then you have to pay.CarcanadaVersion: 9.3300

✓ DO NOT DOWNLOAD!!!You cannot do the full 5k without paying! DO NOT DOWNLOAD!!!.Frustrated’o/Version: 9.3500

✓ Does Not Work With Google Play MusicThe program is great and the app works well to keep you on track and motivated. However, it only works with your iTunes library, meaning I can't use my Google Play Account with it. Add in that functionality and I will definitely give it 5 stars..PunkrockgothVersion: 7.3

✓ No support after purchasing lifetime subscriptionPurchased lifetime subscription from app and then bought new phone and couldn't reinstall app. Emailed twice asking for support with no reply...m.nd.Version: 9.3610

✓ HorribleI’m not usually one to leave reviews, but in this case it felt immoral not to. The app looks great and the positive reviews encouraged me to give it a go. But the glitches came immediately and there were too many to ignore. First, there is no compatibility for podcasts - you can only listen to pre-organised playlists in the iTunes music player. Fine. But the real kick is that the runs kept skipping steps ahead and back, so I went from one run straight into the next, then there were three walk periods one after the other. I think this is due to the app not giving notifications if you lock the screen, so clothing or skin on the open screen make the app skip. I might put up with it if the app was free and find some way to work around it, but for £7.49 a month?! No thank you..SjdheieudbdVersion: 8.180

✓ Not actually freeNot actually free it’s 60$ to use it past day 5.Hyperion2196Version: 9.3410

✓ Very misleading and overpricedSuper misleading, it’s advertised as free but you only get 4 free runs and then you need to pay $14 for the entire program. It’s a complete rip off, there are other apps that have this exact program that are much cheaper. What a joke.AdnanserbastaVersion: 8.180

✓ Won’t honour my previous purchaseI purchased your app when it was new, and recently had to re-download. Tried to restore my purchase but it just kept telling me that I didn’t have one. My Apple ID has not changed and I cannot download the original app as your troubleshooting guide suggests. I contacted your tech support via the app, and through your website and the response I received was “we’re only available to premium users”. I understand that my puddly $4 for lifetime membership is not as great as your new subscription prices, but if it weren’t for customers like me, your app wouldn’t be as popular as it is now! Really, really poor support on your behalf!.ArissaleeVersion: 9.3300

✓ Bait and switchDoes not tell you about the 60$ payment until u have wasted time putting in all the health details to build a plan..Sam_mtlVersion: 9.3410

✓ App changedI’ve had this app for 7 years now—it’s pretty good but finicky with juggling music controls since it doesn’t perform as well in the background. It’s perfect if I use my headset to change songs. Forces you to have your phone *off* silent (isn’t able to override system switch settings). Week five jumps an insane amount but matches the official progression. I’ve never been able to do it without repeating week four at least one entire time, usually two. So why the two star rating after years of enjoyment and use? Because the app is no longer allowing me to use all 8 weeks. Either I paid for it years ago but it doesn’t care since the update or it used to be free and now it’s not. Either way, this app isn’t worth the $8 price tag when others exist for $3 with the same options. It’s frustrating to open an app I’ve used for years to have it start prompting me every time to activate “premium” only to find out it dead ends during week 2..Toolchick101Version: 8.052

5K Runner: couch potato to 5K works most of the time. If it is not working for you, we recommend you excersise some patience and retry later or contact 5K Runner: couch potato to 5K.