Apps Watch to 5K: Couch to 5km Apple Watch App. *10K plan now available*

[bencallis]

@Mackilroy Thanks for sharing that. I hope the open run has been helpful in getting you to your first 5K!

I'm currently working on creating a 10K plan and hope to get this out to beta testers in the next couple of months.

 

[Mackilroy]

It did, not too long after you posted the update I ran a 5K. I wasn’t very fast but I made it!

 

[madmads]

Just wanted to say I’ve been using the app and I’ve been really enjoying it, so easy to use. Im on week 5 and dreading run 3! 😂

 

[Mackilroy]

I felt the same way before I did it - you can do it too! It seems harder than it really is (and it’s definitely hard - but doable). I had never run regularly before and I made it. 🙂

 

[bencallis]

Just wanted to say I’ve been using the app and I’ve been really enjoying it, so easy to use. Im on week 5 and dreading run 3! 😂

How did you get on?

Week 5 Run 3 looks very daunting but the plan has gradually built you up to the point where you can run for 20mins without stopping.

 

[madmads]

How did you get on?

Week 5 Run 3 looks very daunting but the plan has gradually built you up to the point where you can run for 20mins without stopping.

Not braved it yet. I’ve been repeating a week 5 run 1 as I’ve not been comfortable enough in those runs to feel ready to progress.

 

[Mackilroy]

I’d encourage you to try it anyway, worst case you repeat a previous day.

 

[BlankStar]

I beta-tested your app back in 2020 and while it wasn't exactly what it should've been especially that it didn't have a companion app, but it seems the app matured enormously and got that companion app. Nice work. Stopped running over a year ago and have been wanting to start again. Gonna buy the app and get at it!

And if you'd like me to betatest this summer, just let me know. Will be installing the Dev Beta's of WatchOS 11 and iPhone OS 18 next week.

 

[bencallis]

Thanks for the kind words.

I've just about wrapped up feature development of the new 5 - 10K expansion plan and would love to get feedback from existing and new users to help shape the release and identify any bugs/issues before the store release.

Whats new in Version 6.0​

8 Week 5-10K Expansion Plan
Transition from running 30 minutes (~5K) to a full 10K with an additional 8 week program.



3 different runs per week

Each week has 3 runs made up of new run types: base runs, long runs, and recovery runs.



Distance goals
In this expansion plan runs can have distance based goals where you run for a certain number of kilometres rather than a certain amount of time. Time based based are also used within the plan to add variation to your running.

Voice coach
Receive progress updates at every kilometer during distance runs.

Improve your 5K time
Run further and faster with a plan designed to improve your 5K time

Who can take part in the Beta?​

I'm looking for Apple Watch users who currently use Watch to 5K and have completed or nearly completed the plan. I'm also looking for Apple Watch users who have completed a 5K plan but would like to train for a 10K. If you'd like to help in testing this new version of the app, your feedback on the latest features and reporting any issues encountered would be greatly appreciated.

If you are an existing or previous user of Watch to 5K then your help would be greatly appreciated. Simply installing the beta and making sure all your completed runs show as they previous did (and as expected) would be a great help!

The beta is free of charge and easy to join. During the beta the 10K plan can be accessed for free. You can start the plan from any point so if you're new to Watch to 5K or part way through the couch to 5km plan you can get involved! Simply reply to this thread, and I'll send you instructions to join the TestFlight beta.

 

[Mackilroy]

Not braved it yet. I’ve been repeating a week 5 run 1 as I’ve not been comfortable enough in those runs to feel ready to progress.

Did you make it?

 

[madmads]

Did you make it?

No, not yet…… hope to get it done at some point.

 

[bencallis]

The 5 to 10K expansion pack is now live in the store!

Here’s what’s in the 10K plan:

• 8 Week Plan: This new plan is designed to help you transition from running 30 minutes to a full 10K over eight weeks. Perfect for those ready to push beyond the 5K mark.
• Three Runs Per Week: The plan includes a variety of run types—base runs, long runs, and recovery runs—spread out over three days each week to help you build endurance and speed.
• Distance Goals: Unlike the initial 5K plan, this expansion introduces distance-based goals (you'll run a certain number of kilometers) along with the usual time-based ones, adding a nice mix to your training.
• New Achievements: Unlock new achievements as you hit distance milestones.
• Voice Coach: You’ll now get progress updates at every kilometer during distance runs. It’s a feature that has really helped me stay on track during my own runs!
• Improve your 5K: Running further will help build up your fitness leading to faster 5Ks
• New 10K Icon: A small but fun update—there’s a new iPhone app icon to celebrate your progress to 10K!

A Quick Note on Cost:
The 10K expansion is available as a one-time in-app purchase for £3.79. You can grab it anytime from the settings menu in the iPhone companion app.

I hope this new plan helps some of you reach new running goals, whether you're just finishing up your Couch to 5K journey or have been looking to tackle that next challenge. I'd love to hear any feedback from those of you who give it a try!

Happy running! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

 

[kiranmk2]

I was generously sent a promo code a few years ago, but only started a new C25K session this year. The app is fantastic and easy to use (I'm currently fast approaching the dreaded week 5...). It's so nice not having to run with a phone. Over the years, this has changed from a 3.5" 3GS to the current 6.1" 15.

I've encountered one bug which is reproducible for me. When listening to a podcast through Apple Podcasts, most of the coach voiceovers work fine (the audio is paused, the voiceover plays and the audio restarts from ~1-2 seconds prior) but the voiceover after the final run (immidiately before the cooldown walk) does not play. I get a brief pause in the podcast where I guess the voiceover should be but the podcast picks up a fraction of a second later (with no 1-2 seond rewind). Interestingly, the end of cooldown voiceover 5 minutes later does work.

Not a major problem as I know that this pause in the audio means I can stop running.

If I can get to the end of C25K and put in a month or so of 5ks I'll look to buy the new 10k expansion pack.

 

[bencallis]

I was generously sent a promo code a few years ago, but only started a new C25K session this year. The app is fantastic and easy to use (I'm currently fast approaching the dreaded week 5...). It's so nice not having to run with a phone. Over the years, this has changed from a 3.5" 3GS to the current 6.1" 15.

I've encountered one bug which is reproducible for me. When listening to a podcast through Apple Podcasts, most of the coach voiceovers work fine (the audio is paused, the voiceover plays and the audio restarts from ~1-2 seconds prior) but the voiceover after the final run (immidiately before the cooldown walk) does not play. I get a brief pause in the podcast where I guess the voiceover should be but the podcast picks up a fraction of a second later (with no 1-2 seond rewind). Interestingly, the end of cooldown voiceover 5 minutes later does work.

Not a major problem as I know that this pause in the audio means I can stop running.

If I can get to the end of C25K and put in a month or so of 5ks I'll look to buy the new 10k expansion pack.

Thanks for the feedback. I beleive this audio prompt issue started with WatchOS 10 and i'm still trying to find a workaround for it. The issue seems to be related to stopping the run workout and start a new walking workout (for the cooldown). Previously WatchOS would allow audio to play when this happened but it now seems to stop it in a lot of cases.

Once you finish the 5K plan, you can use the open run feature to continue working on your 5Ks at your own pace. And when you’re ready, the 10K expansion pack will be available for you to take your training to the next level. Keep up the great work, and best of luck with your runs!

 

[brig2221]

Way overdue follow-up, I got a code to get this for my AWU2 probably at least a year ago and sat around getting fatter and more out of shape. Finally got my fat but off the couch and I'm currently on Week 2 run 2 on the app, and I LOVE IT! Highly highly recommend!

 

[bencallis]

Well done on getting to week 2 run 2. I'm glad you are enjoying the app.


Watch to 5K has just been featured on the UK & Ireland App Store! Seeing an app I created featured alongside big names is an incredible feeling. It’s amazing that, as individuals, we can craft an app from start to finish and have the opportunity to reach millions of people.

 

[bencallis]

I've just shipped v6.0.1 that hopefully fixes the issue with the voice over at the end of the run.

@kiranmk2 hopefully this sorts it for you.

 

[kiranmk2]

I've just shipped v6.0.1 that hopefully fixes the issue with the voice over at the end of the run.

@kiranmk2 hopefully this sorts it for you.

Cool - I've just installed it. I've got the dreaded week 5 run 3 due which I'll try and do this week and let you know what happens at the end.

 

[DJP1]

Love the app, a few weeks ago I started running again. Just finished week 6!

Already bought the 10K expansion package, so I'm good for the next 10 weeks 😀

The issue with the voice at the end of the workout is solved for me.

 

[kiranmk2]

Cool - I've just installed it. I've got the dreaded week 5 run 3 due which I'll try and do this week and let you know what happens at the end.

@bencallis - I can report that the voice over at the end of the run worked for me

 

[DJP1]

@bencallis today i die the first run of the 5 to 10k program. at the end (4km) there was no sound of voice. Not even that you hear that the music volume lowers.

is it possible to change the voice? This one sounds a little bit depressed

 

[bencallis]

@bencallis today i die the first run of the 5 to 10k program. at the end (4km) there was no sound of voice. Not even that you hear that the music volume lowers.

is it possible to change the voice? This one sounds a little bit depressed

That's strange about their being no sound at the end of the 4km run. Do you have the warm/cooldown enabled?

Unfortunately the voice for the 5-10k distance based runs is using Apples Text to Speech rather than the custom recorded audio clips used in the time based runs. The reason behind this is that in distance based runs the app tells you your total run time and average pace which is custom to your run. I agree it sounds a little depressed compared to the happy Scottish voice prompts in the 5K plan.

 

[DJP1]

That's strange about their being no sound at the end of the 4km run. Do you have the warm/cooldown enabled?

Unfortunately the voice for the 5-10k distance based runs is using Apples Text to Speech rather than the custom recorded audio clips used in the time based runs. The reason behind this is that in distance based runs the app tells you your total run time and average pace which is custom to your run. I agree it sounds a little depressed compared to the happy Scottish voice prompts in the 5K plan.

Hello Ben, today I did the second 4km run (wek 11 run 2) same result as by the previous 4km run, no sound at all at the end. only the wacht vibrating a little bit. I don't use the cooldown function. I will check with the next run (5,5km) what happens at the end and come back to you with the result.

 

[bencallis]

Hello Ben, today I did the second 4km run (wek 11 run 2) same result as by the previous 4km run, no sound at all at the end. only the wacht vibrating a little bit. I don't use the cooldown function. I will check with the next run (5,5km) what happens at the end and come back to you with the result.

Do you hear the prompt for 100m remaining?

 

[DJP1]

Do you hear the prompt for 100m remaining?

Yes that one was working well. The strange thing is that during other runs at the end you hear that the music is lowered in volume, the watch vibrates and then the lady starts talking.

With the 4km run the only thing was the watch vibrating.. music volume stayed the same and no voice.

is there a way to send our check logfiles?