Zwift Run App – Making the Treadmill More Fun!

Disclaimer: I received a Zwift Foot Pod to 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!

The treadmill…it’s a gift and a curse. So many runners can’t stand the machine, aka the “dreadmill“. But I have always found that the treadmill is a great tool for runners, especially during the winter months when conditions can become too treacherous even for the most dedicated runner. But even with that said, I find the treadmill to be SO BORING!

That’s why I was intrigued when Bibrave offered the opportunity to try the Zwift Running App. You get to create an avatar and do virtual runs all over the world with other runners and cyclists in real time! Keep reading to hear my full review!

I’m linking up with Marcia, Patty, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run,  Debbie, Lora, and Rachel for the Running Coaches Corner and Annmarie and Nicole for Wild Workout Wednesday!

What is Zwift?

I’m so glad that you asked! Zwift is an amazing community that was originally created for cyclists but has now expanded to runners!

Whether at home or at the gym, getting up and running is simple. All you need is a treadmill, footpod, and a device to run Zwift. Or, hop on a supported Bluetooth treadmill for a seamless experience. 

Zwift.com

Check out the video below to see Zwift in action!

You can do virtual runs on your own, join in scheduled group runs, or follow a training plan with prompts from the app. Believe me when I say it’s really cool!

Using the Zwift Foot Pod

It takes a bit of effort, but setting up isn’t that bad. Here’s what I did:

1. I set up the Zwift Foot Pod. It was a little tricky to install the battery, but with careful hands, it only took a few minutes to follow the instructions.
2. I created an account on Zwift on the web. Simple and straightforward. Later on, I was able to update my avatar to look like me (read: brown).
3. I paired the device with my phone. I have an Android Samsung Galaxy S8 and I had no issues. It is also iPhone compatible.
4. I attached the Foot Pod to my shoelaces so that it can properly detect my cadence.
5. I installed the Zwift and Zwift Companion apps on my phone. The Android version is in beta, but again, I had no issues. The Companion app shows you what group runs/rides are scheduled and shows your friends’ activities.
6. I opened the Zwift app, connected the Foot Pod, and was ready to run!

For my first treadmill run, I did one of Zwift’s preset training runs to get acquainted with the device. Overall, it worked really well – Zwift introduced the features of the app and gave several prompts that encouraged me to maintain proper form and to pick up the pace. I was virtually running through London and in real time, I could see a lot of cyclists out there and maybe one other runner. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until after the fact that I realized that the foot pod flew off during my run! Because of that, my pace stayed constant and didn’t reflect my increase in speed.

My second virtual run was a group fun. Bibrave actually hosted a group run with our fellow ambassadors, but I couldn’t attend, so I found an evening 5K to participate on my own. As expected, I ran in the slowest pace group and didn’t see any runners too long – so basically it worked like every other group run I do haha! But I will say that the anticipation of starting the run was so exciting as more runners popped up and prepared to join!

My Takeaways

The Zwift app really took me by surprise – in a good way! I found myself highly entertained while using the app during my treadmill run, but I wish I had an iPad so that I could have a richer experience – my phone screen is large, but not that large! There was no way I’d be able to communicate with other runners/cyclists and run at the same time.

However, I did realize that I still prefer to listen to music on the run, so I would still use my Aftershokz bluetooth headphones and rock out while doing a virtual run in Zwift.

I also liked that the app encouraged me to pick up the pace – I could see myself doing some solo tempo runs or virtual runs with a faster-paced group to challenge myself once a week.

If you can’t avoid using a treadmill, then let’s make it great again! I highly recommend Zwift and had no connectivity issues with the foot pod.

Get Your Own Zwift Foot Pod!

If you’re interested in trying it out for yourself, you can save 15% on a Zwift Foot Pod online with code BIBRAVE15, which regularly costs $29.99.

Do you ever get bored running on the treadmill? Would you consider using the Zwift app?  Let me know if you have questions!