About Me
Every time I come accross a new blog the first thing I do after reading the post that got me there is to check out the about section. I like to know who the person behind the blog is, and it kind of bothers me if I can’t find any reference about the writer. So now that I have a blog of my own, I guess it would only be appropriate to have an about section as well.
I’m a husband and a father to two wonderful little girls. During the day I’m a software engineer for a financial services company. During the night, after kids are a sleep, I like to experiment with any new technology I can get my hands on.
Recently I decided to get physically fit and came across the Couch to 5K (aka C25K) running program. After my first run I decided to write a C25K app for the iPhone. This blog is about my attempt at completing the C25K program and getting the iPhone app published.
Happy Running!
Alex
on January 15, 2009 on 1:34 pm
Alex,
I wanted to congratulate you on an excellent program for C25K. I’d been putting off doing it because the idea of timing 60 and 90 seconds over and over seemed unwieldy (it was also just a good excuse to continue to sit in my chair)… and I’d wanted something EXACTLY like this. It’s fabulous. I did my first run/walk today.
I don’t know if you kept up with your running over the holidays, but I was wondering if you might want to be sort of virtual running buddies? We could sort of keep track of each other’s progress online (I have a livejournal) and encourage each other? If not, that’s ok too… and thanks for filling the exact niche I needed filled with your program.
Lisa
on January 15, 2009 on 9:59 pm
Hi Lisa, I’m so happy that you decided to start the C25K plan, and the though that my little app is helping you do it makes me feel great. Thank you so much for purchasing it!
I have to let you know that the app has a bug where for week 4 and later the alerts are not played at the correct intervals. An update is pending Apple’s approval and should be available in about a week. You can read more about it here And I’ll write more about it later.
Update: the bug has been fixed in version 1.1 which is available in the App Store as a free update.
Unfortunately, I fell of the wagon during the holidays, then I got a nasty cold. So I’m about to re-start it this weekend, I’ll probably do the first day on Sunday. I do like the idea of virtual running buddy! Leave you blog address here and I’ll keep in touch. If you have twitter you can follow my running progress at http://twitter.com/astankovic
on February 28, 2009 on 5:52 pm
I would also like to thank you for this app. I will be starting the c25k for my third attempt. I so appreciate the time you spent creating this program and I’m looking forward to being able to listen to my own music as I run.
Thanks again.
Nancy
on March 1, 2009 on 12:11 am
Hi Nancy, thanks for kind words. I really appreciate it. You can do it! Third time’s a charm!
on March 2, 2009 on 4:17 pm
Thank you so much for making this application!!!
I love Couch to 5 K. I completed it successfully about 2 years ago, when I successfully ran a 5K run while pregnant. But then I got more pregnant and had the baby and well, fell out of the habit of running.
I decided today was the day to pick up the good ‘ole Couch to 5 K sheet which is tattered and worn and for some reason, I decided to Google to see if someone made an app for it. I just got my iPhone 2 weeks ago and I am in LOVE with it. I can’t tell you how happy I am to be able to use it while running. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
on March 2, 2009 on 9:45 pm
Thanks for the comment Shannon. Glad to hear you are going back to running. Couch to 5K is truly amazing. I never though I would look make ti running for 20 minutes, but thanks to C25K I’m able to do it.
on April 1, 2009 on 1:04 pm
Excellent idea (c25k app), and this Web site is attractive. Nice work, Alex.
on May 5, 2009 on 3:26 pm
Thanks Bob!
on April 24, 2009 on 10:53 am
Great App Alex !!
I’ve always had an active lifestyle in different sports but NEVER had jog before. This App had help me to start from scratch.
Today I finished Day 02 of Week 4. Really looking forward to finished the program. Maybe you could star a program for 10K or even marathon length training for the iPhone.
Thanks
JR
on May 5, 2009 on 3:28 pm
Hi Jorge,
Congrats on your C25K progress! I have a 8K app in the app store when you are done with C25K. Just search for GW28K in iTunes. I’ll be making a 10K version soon as well.
on April 30, 2009 on 12:39 pm
I just wanted to say that I really enjoy your C25K app. It’s one of my favorite apps. I don’t really know how I’d do the program without it! Thanks!
on May 5, 2009 on 3:31 pm
Thanks Allie, I really appreciate it. Comments like this are the fuel that keeps me working on this app late at night
on May 6, 2009 on 8:13 pm
Hi Alex,
I just wanted to say that I am almost finished with week 8 of the C25K. I got an iPhone about week 3 and your C25K app was the first one that I bought! I could do the C25K without your app, but I definitely DON’T WANT TO!! It’s so awesome to be able to listen to your own music and have the audio queues. The recent facebook integration is fantastic, and I have had 6 or more people take up the C25K based on the posts on my profile. I always recommend that they get your app if they have an iPhone. I was SUPER STOKED to find the GW28K app yesterday, and I bought it without even looking at it. I know it will be good. I hope you will continue and make the 10K and Beyond app!!
Cheers,
Will
Melbourne, Australia
on May 19, 2009 on 9:48 pm
Hi Alex! I am so excited to use this app! I haven’t run in years and I think this is just the thing I need:-) I do have one question that I hope you can help me with….is it possible to listen to Pandora AND have your app run at the same time? I have no clue how to really use my iphone:-)
Thanks,
Kerrin
on October 12, 2009 on 11:19 am
This is the first app I have ever bought and I am very excited to get started with it tomorrow!
on March 2, 2010 on 4:07 pm
Hi Alex! I just wanted to thank you SO much for creating this app! It’s PERFECT!
I always wanted to start jogging, but I was afraid to take the first step. But today, I DID! I’m starting off on a treadmill and eventually plan to move outside.
I love everything about your app, but if I don’t have an internet connection immediately after I’m done working out, I have to let the app just play itself out so I can post it. Or is that just me?
Also, thanks for allowing the playlist.
Again, I LOVE it and I’m SO looking forward to my first 5K.
Much success to you!
on March 17, 2010 on 11:35 pm
Thank you for this app so much. I’ve passed it on to a bunch of my friends who were also frustrated by the lack of ability to use their own music to C25K with. We all had tried the podcasts but they weren’t right for any of us. [they're still awesome, but I'm just picky about my music and like to change it up]
I’m back on the wagon after falling off and it is great!
Your app is well worth the $3, and hopefully people are not put off by having to pay for it. You did a great job with the UI, and the voice cues are perfect.
on March 18, 2010 on 1:11 pm
Thank you for your great post. I’m glad you like the program and that you decided to get back on the wagon.
on April 16, 2010 on 8:42 am
Did I see a Gateway to 8K app from you – and, if so, where has it gone?
on April 17, 2010 on 8:21 pm
It’s no longer on the App Store. But I have two 10k apps instead:
http://blog.c25kapp.com/about-bridge-to-10k/
http://blog.c25kapp.com/about-ease-into-10k/
on April 20, 2010 on 11:03 am
Hi there,
I’m considering the bridge to 10k and was wondering if it seems like a step backwards after running consistently for 30-40 minutes at a time to then start doing 4 segments of 10 minutes and the building up to eventually running two segments of 30. I guess it makes sense, I’m not a scientist or a health field professional, but could you essentially do the program to build distance and on the off days just stick to a simple 30-40 easy pace to ensure there are no losses in the level of endurance? I’m training for a half marathon and thought this might be really helpful. Thanks so much! If you have a half marathon program or even a marathon that would be awesome!
on April 20, 2010 on 12:14 pm
Kylie,
If you are already doing 30 to 40 minutes then you can start the week/day in the Bridge to 10K that is most suitable for your needs. Since you are training for a half marathon it is best to run 3 times a week with one of the workouts being a longer distance. I wouldn’t suggest running everyday. Your body needs time to recover. Try weight lifting or circuit training on your days off. We don’t have a half or a marathon program yet.
on July 7, 2010 on 11:03 am
Hey Alex!
I am an ex marathon runner who has been battling injuries over the last year and a half. After FINALLY getting healthy again, and gaining 30 pounds due to lack of activity, I have to start from scratch. The hardest part of recovering from major injuries is the knowledge that I have to build back up to where I was previously. Your app helped me get over the first major obstacle: getting started. So, THANK YOU for the c25k app that helped this marathon-again-hopeful to get her big butt off the couch and get to running again.
on July 7, 2010 on 1:30 pm
So glad that the app is getting you moving again. Keep up the good work!