Get Running 4+

I have wanted to review this app for some years now. First bought in 2012 and it’s never left my phone since. Got me from unfit and overweight back to fighting weight and overall health. It’s simple friendly voice has seen me through many many runs. Even after completing the course I often return after illness or laziness and it never fails me. On day one you’ll feel it’s an insurmountable task, praying for a 1 minute run to be up but sooner than you think, you’ll be pounding out 20, 25, 28 and 30 minute runs. 5k programs are not new but when combined with an app it’s a life changing plan. Motivation is required, you do have to commit to it, but also don’t get disheartened if a run is tough, many of us hit a wall at some point, it took me four goes to do my first solid 20min run but stick at it and you CAN finish the program.
I owe a lot to this app, it is the best and I’ve tried others, it truly gave me my health back. I truly wished they brought out a 10K version as this is wonderfully done and others options are no where near as good.

I most certainly started off on the couch and I'm now half way through week 7 and I'm running the 25min runs with relative ease (I don't find running easy). I'm pretty amazed at what I can do now compared to how hard I found the initial weeks and I cannot recommend this app highly enough. The encouraging voice telling you that you only have 30secs, 10 secs left seems to have the right level of motivation. I did have to delay a couple of my runs by a few days but the app just rescheduled everything automatically. The only thing I would ask for is runkeeper style maps and elevation plans to keep a record of what I've achieved. Week 6 was a bit of a shock In terms of run duration increase but I'm over that now. Update: I'm now 40, still a geek (the app did not help with either of these) but I'm now happy running. I don't do long distances but a half hour 5km a few times a week keeps me happy and healthy. Thanks Get Running.

I've never been a "runner", in fact I would go so far as to say I've always hated running. This app sat on my phone doing nothing for months. Finally, after much excuse-making, one day several weeks ago I just went out and did it.
I'm now about to start week seven. It's not always been easy, and I still have a way to go, but I can't fault the results: I'm running. Sure, my technique is probably appalling, and I sometimes feel that if I were to stop focussing on my breathing for even a minute I'd just collapse in a heap. That first 20 minute non-stop run took everything I had (and a little that I didn't!). And there've been times I've actually pleaded out loud for the app to tell me I'm nearly done, but I'm still running...

Update - Two (and a bit) years later and I'm still running! I'm now a regular at Parkrun, have completed a couple of 10K races and just registered for my first half marathon. Most importantly, I'm fitter and happier than I've ever been. I've reused this app a couple of times to recover after illness/injury and it's just great. I'd recommend this app wholeheartedly to anyone who wants to Get Running.

A further update - Five years later! I’ve just used this app again to get myself back running after a big chunk of time off with an injury. I skipped over a number of runs this time as fitness returned a lot quicker than it was originally acquired - huzzah! Still a great app that I have no hesitation at all recommending.