Disclaimer: I received a Zwift RunPod in exchange for my review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a
BibRave Pro (ambassador) and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
Let's just throw this out there right away: I have been either on the treadmill or not running at all lately. Strep throat threw me for a loop but my motivation to run outside in the dark on icy roads has been dwindling too.
Now is the time to, first, get healthy again and then gradually build my running base before marathon training starts in mid-January. Good news here is all signs of my hip flexor injury are gone! That is a huge answer to prayer and I'm praying that it doesn't pop up again as mileage grows.
About those treadmill runs...
The treadmill (or "dreadmill") may be notoriously smack-talked by runners because it's boring but, when it comes to real life, it can be quite a "run saver". I can turn on my kids' favorite show, currently the PJ Masks, and fit in a few miles while they watch and the baby eats Cheerios. A few miles on the 'mill is certainly better than no miles at all!
As a BibRave Pro, I received a
Zwift RunPod to take my treadmill runs to exciting virtual training locations. Through the Zwift RunPod, you run in the "real world" to power your avatar across various courses all over the world.
Currently you can get
free access to Zwift on their site for a limited time, all you need is a RunPod!
{hint: discount code in this post}
To get set up, I first needed to create a Zwift account (for free) and download the Zwift app on their website. The download did take a while, so plan ahead and start the download
before it's time to run. I used my Mac laptop to do this and other BibRave Pros have used their phones and iPads as well. Zwift is compatible with many but
not every device. I was hoping to run the program on my Amazon Fire tablet but it wasn't compatible.
After I downloaded the app and logged in to Zwift Run, I was able to customize my avatar's outfit, skin color, hair and accessories. As you accomplish more goals in the game, you "earn" access to more avatar items - much like in a video game.
Oh, the places you'll go! - Dr. Seuss
When you're ready to run, choose a custom workout or just a casual run, join up with other runners who are logged in to Zwift or run solo, and then choose your route. I've been craving pizza so I headed over to this Italian Villa:
All that was left to do is RUN. From my treadmill, I ran all kinds of crazy places, which my kids thought was awesome. They even saw Santa! To see a video from my run, check out
my Instagram post and arrow right.
Though I don't see myself using Zwift regularly, I am glad I was able to experience this virtual run technology. Call me old school, my little iPod shuffle is all I need for an indoor run.
That being said, with the huge popularity of virtual games these days, virtual experiences like this that actually require the user to move their real world bodies would make for some major health gains.
For 15% off a Zwift RunPod use "BibRave15" at Zwift.com. Offer is good for the first 1000 Pods only!
If you could run ANYWHERE on earth, where would you run?
My Weekly Wrap
Easing back into running after a second degree groin pull/hip flexor strain in mid-August.
SUN: Sick
MON: Feeling much better on Day 3 of the antibiotics. Went for an easy 2-mile treadmill run with the Zwift app. 2.01 mi, 17:33 @ 8:45/mi.
TUES: Off
WED: (Treadmill) 4.01 mi, 34:41 @ 8:39/mi. 1:00 plank variations x 6.
THURS: (Treadmill) Easy-Effort 3.41 mi, 30:02 @ 8:48/mi followed by 3 x 15 front squat reps with 20#. Getting back into regular running, I'm noticing I need to be more disciplined with my paces. Like this "easy run" should have been at an even slower pace! And the workouts need to speed up. Getting back at it!
FRI: Traveling to Grandma and Grandpa's for Christmas
SAT: 6.35 mi, 55:05 @ 8:41/mi OUTSIDE in the fresh snow!!! A little hard to run in with ice underneath but I was sure glad to finally run outside again.
Let's Connect!
Linking up with Holly and Wendy's Weekly Wrap Up.
