App Profile: Just Run: Zero to 5K (+10K)

Lalaladyrunstheblues

Rating: 5/5

I’ve used Couch to 5K in the past and the Just Run app was a great free journey as I (yet again) get back into running. I liked that the challenges were time focused, rather than distance focused. I built up to the “Just Run” workouts with a couple months of just walking and tracking my daily steps (with Fitbit + StepBet apps). So gradually working short runs into that routine felt very doable. Because the weekly/daily challenges were challenging without feeling impossible, I also left each work out with a huge sense of accomplishment. That’s not to say that I was able to complete every workout, so don’t feel discouraged if some days you feel stronger than others. This app helped me focus on the bigger picture and celebrate a string of wins, accumulating over time, rather than beat myself up when my body was dragging. I highly recommend this app to anyone interested in easing their way back into running. I completed my 2nd to last workout tonight, running 30 full minutes nonstop! I can’t believe that I was able to get here from just incremental bumps each week. I remember a time not so long ago when 10 minutes felt impossible. Thanks, Just Run app, for helping me to challenge and push myself to a fitter version of me. Signed up to complete my first 5K since 2018 in October. I can’t wait to begin the 5 to 10k journey!

robot_lauren

Rating: 5/5

I’ve tried (and paid) for a few other C25k apps and while they worked for me at first, over time they got bloated with features I didn’t need or converted to subscription models. I was looking for a barebones training plan that can cue me to run and walk when I needed to as I worked through the program, and JustRun is IT! I used the free version of the app for a few weeks and ended up paying for Premium, not because the app is lacking without the premium features, but because I wanted to thank and support the dev for creating such a useful app! My favorite (free!) feature is that each run has a recommended scheduled date based on when you completed your last run, and if you “miss” a day or need to push things out by a day or two, the program auto-updates these recommended dates. This reduced a lot of the friction from feeling like I was “behind” or not meeting my goal, and I’ve been able to stick with the program for over three weeks now. I’ve never been so motivated to work towards a 5k before, and I know if I ever have to take a break or life gets in the way, JustRun will be right there to help me get back on track.

SonjaLay

Rating: 5/5

I came here after finding out C25K started charging a subscription. I am getting back into running again and the app used to be free. This app is simple, to the point, and a great running companion. Because it’s completely free it’s better than C25K. I went ahead and bought the premium to support the developer. Offering extra features that are not necessary but cool to have or a fun upgrade is the way to go. This model makes people want to support an app that they love when they can. This is the same type of model for my favorite phone game Shop Titians uses. I don’t have to spend money and can play the entire game and not loose out at all. I pay for the subscription and an occasional mega pack because I love the game and find value in it. However, sometimes I have to cancel the subscription, but that does not affect gameplay at all. There are also no ads. The game advertises its own products like this app does. I can see this app growing a large and loving health oriented community as long as it sticks to a model something like this. I love what the the developer is doing here! I will be recommending this app!