I used C25K Free. It works well, lets you use your music app, and tracks well. I also paired it up with Runkeeper, which tracks your route. I’d imagine there might be something out there that kills these two birds with one stone - hopefully someone has a rec.
I use the RunDouble app on Android, I think it’s got an Apple version as well. It had a free version that covered the first two weeks, which was enough for me to determine if it was worthwhile to try and keep going or not.
When I did C25k I used a stopwatch, but I run on public roads where listening to music or instructions rather than paying attention to your environment is a dangerous thing.
As for smartphone running apps, RunKeeper has known issues on both iOS and Android that the devs seem uninterested in correcting. Use Strava until you decide to take running seriously, then buy a GPS watch.
This is wrong. Running gear should be as gaudy and eye-gougingly bright as possible! Dismiss taste and embrace the hideous.
I’ll do electric blue, neon yellow & green, whatever. It just bugs the snot out of me that ANYthing for women seems to only come in pastels or pink. I hate pink and pastels!