10K Trainer by C25K® Reviews

by Ryan Kearney

Here’s a little snippet from their privacy policy. Note 10KTrainer continuously does this, even when running in the background regardless of if there’s an active workout in progress.

“We and other third parties may use the information (a) to customize ads in this or other apps (for instance, if your device is often located at or near music venues, you might receive offers for music tickets); (b) to measure effectiveness of those ads; (c) for disease prevention and research, security, anti-crime and law enforcement; or (d) for market, civic or other research regarding aggregated traffic patterns (for instance, a company that analyzes shopping trends might want to learn whether more or fewer devices are seen near malls or in other shopping districts).”

by Wergserhjkofd

I had been tracking my runs (along with all my other activities like hiking and walks) on a different app, while I ran and walked when c210k told me to. It worked great because the tracking app would tell me when I’d hit my miles and my pacing, and C210k would tell me my intervals.

But now I can’t use both apps at the same time. Very disappointed that I truly have no idea how I did on my run today - because I have to pay to be able to see my stats through 10KTrainer. Frustrating enough to get me to stop using 10KTrainer . It’s a shame because I was really enjoying it and nearly halfway done. I only want 10KTrainer to tell me when to run and walk. I want my other established tracking app to track so all my activities in one place.

by Rhiannonclare

I definitely like active’s couch to 5k app better. Unfortunately I don’t like their 10K workouts. I wish that 10KTrainer would stop trying to sell me things...I’ve already purchased the pro version...which just downloaded another app to my phone but didn’t sync the two. I want to run 10KTrainer on my phone and be able to see which interval I’m on on my Apple Watch but I don’t think I can do that. Super frustrating all around. Also different beep sounds would be great for half way and 1 min left. I started running at the halfway beep bc it took too long to tell me what the beep was for.

by Nice Tri

As a health and fitness professional, I will encourage my patients to use whatever tools work for them. This one is popular and I’m giving it a go myself. My first impression is that it is good for accountability. A long second to an actual running partner, 10KTrainer still may help us to get out the door. The progression is simple, yet walking alone should be the first step from the couch for 1-6 weeks, depending on one’s fitness. What is lacking for me is that other side of running- the sprints, tempo runs, fartleks, hill work, etc. Some may argue that C210K is powerful in its simplicity. I just see it as lacking. If running a 10K truly is your end goal, fine. But if you want to improve your fitness and longevity, I recommend adding core exercises, carries, toe and heal walks, and much more that could easily be integrated into 10KTrainer .

by Chucho320

Years ago, when 10KTrainer came out, I could hit start on 10KTrainer at the same time I hit start on my treadmill and the timers lined up perfectly. Now, a few “improvements” and updates later (you can now buy a lot more options/add-ons/features), and the timers don’t align. 10KTrainer always ends up many seconds behind my treadmill. I used to wear my phone in an armband so I couldn’t check why the timers fell behind. I upgraded my phone, and it no longer fits in my armband, so I had to put it on stand beside my treadmill. Doing this, I was able to watch 10KTrainer and figure out the issue. The timers end on :00 and switch over and start at :00, giving you an extra second per interval. If they fix this and stop asking for money and ratings, this could be a fantastic app again.

by Npressley1234

I downloaded 10KTrainer to get in better shape. When I started I was in terrible shape and had not run in about a year. I liked how it gradually works your way up to more running, however only having it go 3 days a week I don’t think is enough to really build your stamina. I also hate that 10KTrainer doesn’t track your mileage and calories correctly. I started running with my Fitbit and found that 10KTrainer is recording about 1/4 mile less than I’m actually doing and sometimes recording 50-75 calories less that what I’m actually burning. So when looking at your progress it is really off which is very frustrating. Overall I think 10KTrainer is ok, but if you want to be able to run a 10K you need to be running more than 3x per week.

by Itsjewlian

First off, for those who are new to running (like me) this is probably one of the better apps out there. It’s helped me quite a bit in the past. I stopped running for a couple years and just started up again. The reason for the 3* stars is mainly for the fact that I purchased 10KTrainer $4–6 (don’t remember the exact price at the time) but the one feature that I really wanted was placed behind a subscription paywall and that’s Apple Watch integration. For something so basic and users by many, this should be standard which the “Pro” purchase.

Anyway, great app but lacks the feature I wanted most, and was placed behind a subscription. Unless that’s changed, I’ll be using Interval Pro.

by Lauradob

This is the second time I’ve decided to use 10KTrainer to get back in running shape. The intervals are very reasonable, and 10KTrainer is very easy to use. However, this past week I’ve had a lot of trouble with 10KTrainer retaining the data during my runs, and completely shutting down of my screen goes dark or if I decide to switch to a new podcast. When I emailed support, they simple told me not to run 10KTrainer in the background and to not let my screen go dark. This wasn’t a problem in the past, and now I need to TOTALLY drain my battery by running with the screen on if I want to use 10KTrainer? This is a new problem I’ve experienced, and I’m disappointed with how my concern was handled.

by Kylie Biggs

I love that 10KTrainer is a cheap option to get you started on a fitness journey. The simplicity of it is what makes it wonderful.

If you’re wanting to get serious, though, 10KTrainer ain’t it! It is lacking sprints, fartleks, etc. I also recommend adding cross training to help out. I also hate all the glitches with the watch app. I paid for the subscription because I HATE carrying my phone but there is often problems with retaining the data and syncing.

10KTrainer WILL get you to a 10K though and it is easy to follow and stick to. 10KTrainer helped me love running again.

by LLJackson

I used the C25K program, and loved it. I am just starting with the 10K program, and I was anticipating that it would be great too. But I was very disappointed, at the end of my first session, to see an ad for vaping. 10KTrainer is approved for ages four years old and up, so this type of ad is completely inappropriate. Additionally, I think it’s just import taste to advertise a Vape and people are using to try to improve their health. The fact that 10K is advertising the Vape, Is likely to apply to a smoker looking to get healthier, that a Vape is a healthier alternative to smoking. It is not healthy to Vape. Now I cannot let my children use 10KTrainer. I look forward to 10 K removing the inappropriate Vape ads so that I can change my review to reflect my true feelings for the program.

by Mumbles282000

I have enjoyed 10KTrainer very much, went from c25k to c210k and after doing the 10k for awhile i thought about going to the next thing, did not want to pay the subscription.
Just go back to week 9 run the 10 minutes 4 times and then i just started it over for another 4 times, instant 20k same free price. Will keeping doing this until the end again and see if i can go three times.

by Meekins1234

I’m not really a runner and I do have ankle and knee issues. However, running is a great and easy exercise that I can do. 10K has been a great app for me to get started. It gives me commands of when to start, stop, warm-ups, cool downs, run, walk and even lets me know when I’m at the halfway point. Whether I am training all week or just a day or two a week it is easy for me to pick up where I left off. I have not run a 10K yet but I’m still working toward it! I highly recommend 10KTrainer .

by SKirtonBear2

I’ve been using this for a few years and it is better than ever with or without an Apple Watch.

The watch app is now easy to see with a large logo that pops up to let me decide if I need to read what I already heard in my ears (sometimes I’m distracted and missed the verbal cue), but the haptic buzz helps.

I’ve had to restart my training after two months off and 10K let me choose where to start. I backed up to several weeks earlier very easily.

I use RockMyRun’s music, and 10K’s verbal instructions weren’t lost- worked great together though I had to choose “None” in 10KTrainer for the music.

I have used 10KTrainer to play my own music and that works great, too.

You can set the screen to dark or light backgrounds depending on what you need.

The update makes the music and light controls easier to access and it has always given a short, and useful description of the time breakdown for warmups, walking, jogging, and cool down.

I recommend 10KTrainer for getting your body ready to jog a 10K. It focuses on time spent, not actual distance. By the end of the training you can do a full 10K. It gets you there. Afterwards, you’ll need to work on upping your pace.

by Nay1012

I have always felt like a runner in my head, but once my shoes hit the pavement it was proven otherwise. I would be winded after 1 minute of running and wouldn’t try again for a long time. I downloaded the C25K app August 2018 and really struggled the first two weeks. Fortunately the reminders and breaks in between running is what kept me pushing through the program. I was running 30 minutes non stop and enjoying the program in no time (2 months later). I took some time off because I had a hard time running in the winter time, but when spring came around I knew I was ready to jump back in. Naturally, I downloaded the 10K app. If you have completed the 5k program, it will start you off at week 9 which was great because I needed to ease back into running. Honestly, this is the best program. I feel like a runner, I have more stamina, I have lost 30lbs, and it’s all because of 10KTrainer.

by Mylisa53

I’m 66 yo and in fairly decent shape but have never been a runner. I didn’t believe that this would work. Every new week I’d say I’m never going to be able to run for that long. But by week 14, I was running, really running. I had tried to do it on my own and was never successful. I also loved that I could listen to my music and it would pipe in and tell me when to walk and when to run. It also tells you when you’re halfway through. I would highly recommend!

by Jamie-Jamie-Jamie-

I am diagnosed with Verifiable Mental/Emotional disability......
and running and cycling and swimming are the best medicine I have ever used. My quality of life has improved in the way I can't say with words. 10KTrainer made it easy to run and listen to my audio. I want to know what it feels like at the finish line of a marathon next. On a fixed income so I can't afford the bundle. I would use it if I could though. I recommend this for people struggling daily with mental health issues. Once the endorphins kick in regularly you will thank yourself for doing this.

by Shellfishbeach98

I just ran my first 10K with 10KTrainer! I never thought this would be possible for me. Before starting the 5k program, I didn’t think I was capable of running for even 5 minutes. If I were to give one suggestion, it’d be an opportunity to gain speed once the program is completed. 60 mins is fast for a beginner so I used the MapMyRun app as well to make sure I was hitting my 6.2 miles. It ended up taking me an hour and fourteen minutes, but my goal is to be under the 60 minute mark!

by Djjjxl .83.!83.39.

10KTrainer is spectacular. Whether you’re already a runner who wants to improve your time, or you’re a new runner. When I began I was a mix of both, I could easily run 1 mile at a decent pace 8:45/mile pace. However, I wanted to increase my distance while keeping my time at the same pace if not better.

Yesterday while running I ran a 7:15 mile. 10KTrainer works, trust it. I can effortlessly run 2 miles at an 8 minute pace now.

Definitely recommend to new runners, and seasoned runners struggling to shave off some time.

by 67runner

A friend and I decided to run a 10K. I haven’t ran for years and being older, the thought of getting ready, seemed overwhelming; knowing the dedication, the hard work it takes to work up running a little over 6 miles . My friend found 10KTrainer to get her ready and told me. I tried it for the first time yesterday, so impressed, because it is giving the person the pace you need to start. Often when one starts, you overdo in the beginning, taking days to recover. 10KTrainer indicates when to run, when to walk. I am excited knowing one more 10K will take place with the help of 10KTrainer-pacing me.

by Cathyb75

I started with the previous one and I thought I would not be able to do it. I am running 10 min with a one min rest for 40 min running in total last time I have that ability I was in high school. I enjoy the message at the beginning of the day and it is like a demonstration that your body can do way more than expected as long as you give it the time for it. I will recommend it to anyone who wants to have a bit of a structure during the time in the gym and to celebrate the progress. Hope this will make you try. I started because Vineland an NPR journalist recommended and thank you so much for that. Great book excellent recommendation