Couch to 5K is a beginner running training plan that can transform you from a couch potato to someone who can successfully run five kilometers. Those who have heard of Couch to 5K before will know that absolute beginners love this fantastic program.

The reason that so many people love Couch to 5K is that it can help with weight loss, mood improvements, and overall endurance by start making small but healthy changes. Use these Couch to 5K mobile apps to help you cross that finish line.

1. 5K Runner

Slow and steady is exactly how the 5K Runner app works. The app guides you through an eight-week training program that combines running and walking. During your training, you can earn numerous badges and achievements as you advance. Moreover, you can use the History tab to track your overall training duration and progress.

As a rule of thumb, every training day begins with a five-minute warmup and ends with a five-minute cooldown. This is the Couch to 5K method of training, and it is the most effective and safest way for newbies to run. Additionally, on slow days, tap the Inspiration button to receive a motivational quote.

Download: 5K Runner for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)

2. Just Run

The Just Run app features a nine-week workout plan that involves three training days a week and sessions that are no longer than 30 minutes. When you start running, you'll have the ability to lock your smartphone and still receive progress notifications. This feature can save battery life, which may be important if you want to listen to music or a podcast and forgot to charge your phone fully.

After completing your first 5K, you'll be ready to move on to Just Run's intermediate program: 5K to 10K. During your runs, you can also select a different voice for the trainer and receive a helpful halfway notification.

Download: Just Run for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

3. C25K

The C25K app has assisted so many beginners to achieve their running goals with their basic eight-week training program. Keep yourself entertained while running and listen to your favorite music or free podcast clips on topics ranging from world news and sports to lifestyle and tech.

With so many awesome features like the ability to track your total miles and total workouts completed, C25K is the ultimate app for inexperienced runners. The C25K app even has a community forum that you can join to chat with other newcomers and share your goals and plans.

Download: C25K for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)

4. RunDouble

Getting started with a 5K run would be a worthwhile goal for someone who is new to running. RunDouble is a straightforward app that makes it simple to reach that 5K goal. Using the app, you can enable a pace alarm that sounds when your pace drops below the specified minimum limit that you've set for yourself. Note that the pace alarm only works if you enable your GPS.

The RunDouble app even links directly to your MyFitnessPal app account so that you can post and track your total calories burned. RunDouble has several running plans including zero to 10K, 10K event training, and half-marathon event training. Moreover, you can create a custom fun run where you can adjust the warm-up time, total run distance, and cooldown time.

Download: RunDouble for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

5. Zombies, Run! 5K Training

This app's story takes place in the same universe as the Zombies, Run! mobile app. However, Zombies, Run! 5K Training is for total beginners who want to improve their fitness. The app takes you through a thrilling eight-week training program with a coinciding zombie survival story.

Besides the exciting zombie story, the app features a progress report where you can view your weekly growth and your longest runs. Even better, you can tap Settings to integrate your fitness device and easily view and control your workouts and stats from your wrist. Zombies, Run! 5K Training is one of the top apps that make running and jogging more enjoyable using game-like elements.

Download: Zombies, Run! 5K Training for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)

6. Runkeeper

Runkeeper is an app that is designed for all skill levels, but beginners can really benefit from personalized training plans and various fun challenges. Usually, the challenges require you to move a certain distance before the end of the month, but they vary from month to month. The September 10K Challenge, for instance, challenges you to run for a total distance of 10K during a single month.

Runners interested in the community aspect of running can use the app to share their achievements, follow friends, and even form their own running groups. To get started on your first workout, tap Guided Workouts and select My First 5K. This beginner plan consists of 18 workouts with sessions ranging from 24 to 41 minutes.

Download: Runkeeper for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)

7. Start Running for Beginners

Start Running for Beginners is one of the best running apps that can make getting up off the couch so much easier. The app is painless to use and genuinely easy to understand. If you're a newcomer, pick level one, in which the goal is to jog for an overall duration of 20 minutes.

To learn more about your runs, tap on the Statistics tab to view details about your training, such as your distance, speed, and pace. Additionally, you can set the app to conveniently track your route and send daily notifications to remind you to keep going. It even gives you the option to create your own custom running workout, but a one-time payment is required for this feature.

Download: Start Running for Beginners for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

8. Run With Hal

Hal Higdon is a well-known runner, coach, and author who is famous for his amazing training plans. With the Run With Hal app, your ideal training plan is customized based on your experience, pace, goals, and schedule. After each workout, tap Edit to log your distance, duration, overall effort level, how fatigued you felt, and any additional notes.

Run With Hal is like having a personal trainer in your pocket, providing you with in-depth statistics on your training progress, total distance, running pace, personal records, and training status. The training status refers to whether you are training too little or too much and if you're following the daily workout sessions accurately. In addition, you can set up the app to send you a daily reminder to run or log your miles.

Download: Run With Hal for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)

Couch to 5K Apps That Will Help You Earn That 5K Medal

So many people enjoy Couch to 5K training plans because they're simple, approachable, and have a solid goal at the end. Oftentimes, it's easy to overdo it, especially for new runners. However, the Couch to 5K training plan eases you in slowly to avoid feeling overwhelmed or even injuring yourself. These Couch to 5K apps can help you increase your physical activity, improve your overall fitness and health, and get you to that finish line.