Zwift: Making Treadmill Runs Fun!

Disclaimer: I received a Zwift footpod in my swag bag of goodies from The Running Event for TRE Influencer Day in Austin, TX on November 29-30.  This opportunity was available to me through the BibRave Pro Ambassador program.  Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews!

I have been logging base miles the whole month of December but yesterday was Day 1 of training for Illinois Marathon.  It was a nice 32 degrees outside at 5:15 AM, but because it gets warm during the day, it gets wet and that wet turns slippery overnight.  Thankfully, I was able to finish my planned 6 miles outside, but as with any winter training, I foresee a lot of treadmill running in my future.

At The Running Event, I was introduced to Zwift.  Zwift started in the cycling world, using technology to create virtual races between you on your trainer at home and others around the world.  They have used this same technology to enter the world of running.

The basics:
1. You buy a footpod (save 15% with code BIBRAVE15) and attach it to the top laces of one of your shoes:

2. You download the Zwift and Zwift Companion apps to your phone or tablet and set up a Zwift account.

3. You get on the treadmill and calibrate the Zwift footpod through the app using their easy step-by-step instructions.

4.  You run on the treadmill which syncs to the app and shows a group like setting.  Here is a screen shot of my phone while I was running on the 'mill during a BibRave Pro group run:

Fun, right?

The app also gives you motivational quotes to keep going throughout the run, like "This should be tough but should feel good" in the screenshot above.  I did one of the custom Zwift tempo runs which made my 24:28 run go by really quickly.  My avatar ran under different arches and when she ran under an arch, the app directed me to pick up or slow down the pace.

Because you download the app to your phone or tablet, you can use this on any treadmill after re-calibrating it to the treadmill you are on.

You can sync Zwift to Strava too!

Have you tried Zwift for running or cycling before?

Follow Zwift on Instagram and Twitter at @gozwiftrun.