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How to Zwift Run

How to Zwift Run?

Zwift is an online application that takes runners into a virtual world by connecting to the application. It has introduced a new concept for fitness and training, which has completely taken over the traditional way of cycling and training. It simply tracks physical movement and displays it in the application. It feels like you have entered into the gaming world.

The application allows interaction with the virtual world and includes predefined challenges for users to try them for fitness. Zwift brings indoor sports entertainment for fitness enthusiasts and enhances their productivity with the use of Zwift app. It not only motivates users to try Zwift but converts to this innovative method of training.

This innovative virtual world training opens up for everyone; they can use this with Zwift run and experience a variety of training courses. There are plenty of routes available for cycling and running for the users. Each route ranges approximately 69-100 kilometres long.

Zwift connects you with the virtual community that helps when you are looking for companions to get some motivation, and you can interact with different community members using the application.

Why Zwift Is an Ultimate Choice for Runners?

Following your dreams and goals require dedication and motivation, Zwift allows the professional athletes, runners and cyclists to get the ground-life experience at home. They don’t need to dedicate time, go to the gym or travel long routes to meet their targets. There are countless benefits of indoor training, and this application is just a perfect solution to get training in less time. 

It helps to control sessions for the training and gets better results with calculated training sessions. You can use it at home or work whenever you feel convenient and get time to meet your daily goals. It helps users to train at a constant speed and control their training sessions. 

What Do You Need to Get on Zwift?

There are a couple of things you will need to start your training sessions on Zwift. The treadmill is the most important among them if you don’t have it already. Besides, you will also need a smart tv, smartphone, or a tablet with a stable internet connection to connect with the virtual world in Zwift. You are going to need a foot pod or zwift run pod if your treadmill can’t connect with the application. It would be best if you get a pair of sports shoes that are essential to run on the treadmill.  

How to Start Running On Zwift?

You need to sign up to zwift by registering yourself on this application. Once you have completed the registration, then make sure you have connected all devices, i.e. treadmill, zwift run pods or any other type of pods available. Before you start using the app, you should celebrate your pods to zwift application. 

Now, you can access all the courses available in the zwift. There are different types of running courses available on different schedules; you can check which one is available for you so that you can join that course. You can start running by just hitting the run button in the application. 

The application allows you to move left and right while running on the routes with the help of interactive controls available in the application. If you want to enjoy running on the routes, you must have the right equipment to start your training sessions at home. You can completely control your speed, direction, routes and get all the readings like pulse rate, calories you have burned during the running session. The application displays a detailed view of your progress and distance covered. It sets scenic views on the route when running and makes the session enjoyable. 

Best Treadmills for Zwift Running

There are many types of treadmills available in the market; however, you will need the treadmill that can work with the zwift without needing extra devices. The treadmill should be comfortable running or walking and may get a feeling like a home gym feel. Check the length of the treadmill deck so that it can accommodate tall people and to make running an enjoyable experience. 

Buy a treadmill that has plenty of features like it equips a cup holder, multi-functional monitor and has a sturdy build. We have reviewed several treadmills and shortlisted some of the best treadmills that work with zwift. You can buy these treadmills for zwift running:

1. Assault AirRunner Treadmill

The company officially recommends Assault Fitness AirRunner Treadmill and it is perfect to work for zwift running. It features a motorless, curved running deck and uses a slat system for smooth running. The multipurpose machine suits all sorts of exercises and workouts, including running and light jogging. 

The treadmill comes with built-in Bluetooth technology that lets it connect with any smart device. It doesn’t consume any electricity and runs smoothly which makes it effective for indoor workouts. Assault Runner is a perfect machine for light cardio exercises. It is lightweight and portable, allowing users to move around conveniently. 

The treadmill supports weights up to 350lbs, making it suitable for all age groups. It’s a solid frame, and a stable base makes it motionless supporting heavy use. Since it is compatible with zwift, you need not worry when investing a huge amount of money on a treadmill. Its LED display showcases several readings that are helpful during workout sessions.

Assault AirRunner Treadmill

 Pros

  • Durable and lightweight
  • Extended warranty for parts and frame
  • Compact and portable

 Cons

  • It’s a bit pricey

2. Bowflex BXT116 Zwift Treadmill

This is the perfect treadmill to use for zwift running. It’s preferably built for professionals with a large deck area that lets you run all day. The machine perfectly matches the needs of runners, cyclists and joggers, who are too conscious about their health as it displays plenty of useful readings on accomplishing their fitness goals. 

Its spacious to accommodate all users and supports weight upto 375 pounds, making this suitable for overweight and obese people. It allows users to adjust inclination on the treadmill to get amazing results in workouts. 

The treadmill works well with all the zwift training courses and users can comfortably run on the preprogrammed routes in the zwift. It runs smoothly, easy to fold and move due to its portable design.

Bowflex BXT116 Zwift Treadmill

Pros

  • Zwift compliant
  • Spacious running deck
  • 15 years manufacturer warranty

Cons

  • Speed sensors are too sensitive

3. Xterra TRX3500 Treadmill

Xterra is your perfect fitness partner that lets you shed extra weight and get into a shape at home. It features an extra cushioned and shock absorbent deck that makes running hassle-free and makes you feel like running on the road. 

The folding treadmill carries a large LCD display that stores preset programs to allow users to use them for their fitness. It has plenty of controls to assist in workouts, and gives more control on speed and incline. 

The best features of this treadmill are its built-in speakers and cooling fan that are mostly demanded by the users to keep them entertained and cool while running on treadmill. The machines are fully compatible with all the programs of zwift and easily connect with the application. 

Its ergonomic build and design gives better control and can sustain huge weight to run longer than expected. Besides, its large running deck makes it a top choice for the professionals and completely safe to use for running.

Xterra TRX3500 Treadmill

Pros

  • Adjustable incline level
  • Large running deck
  • Speed variation

Cons

  • Makes a little noise when it starts

As you can find plenty of treadmills on the market, but the above recommendations are based on performance and compatibility with the Zwift. These treadmills have all the essential features that improve users’ experience and let them achieve their fitness goals at home. 

30 thoughts on “How to Zwift Run

  • Thanks a lot for the video Taren. this is what got me to buy the Stryd. Unfortunatly, i am not able to use the stryd on Zwift on apple TV and also run it on my apple watch at the same time for some reason… it's a one or the other kind of deal, which is a bummer because i like to rack up miles in zwift but i also want the data from the stryd power center. any ideas on how to get it to tie into both?

  • I wonder if you can use the Peloton Tread screen for this. Or get a used treadmill and build my own single board computer hooked up to a 20" touchscreen LCD.

  • I've been doing quite a bit of indoor running this winter so after watching this video I was pumped to give Zwift run a try. I ordered a MilestonePod, since it is the cheapest. Taren's review noted that it doesn't support cadence with Zwift, I was ok with this because I can also wear my Garmin watch and use it to monitor cadence. I'm happy to report however, that my MilestonePod actually does support cadence, very exciting. I don't know if there is a newer version out and details just haven't made it downstream yet. But if you are looking to get into Zwift on the cheap, Milestone seems to be a good option. I use a treadmill at my local YMCA. Fortunately they have wifi, so with the MilestonePod, my Wahoo HR monitor and my ipad I'm good to go. I just started the Zwift 13.1 program and hope to work my way to also getting a half marathon PR. Thanks Taren, I didn't even consider trying Zwift for running until this video.

  • Good to see this. One of the key features for me on Zwift Run is the weekly group runs we have on Zwift although perhaps I am biased as organise some of them! There is Monday Run Club (usually steady progression run), Workout Wednesday Run (interval session) and Run in the Park on Saturday. Please join us sometime – would make a good follow up video. We run them up to 6 times a day to suit different time zones and there is 4 pace groups in each one. You don't need to run Zwift on an iPad actually on your treadmill. I have a large screen ahead of me with Zwift on a PC and use the iPad on the treadmill for the Zwift companion app for messaging and seeing what is coming up in workouts etc. One little trick with the Stryd is that if you pair it as a power meter in the bike pairing screen and switch back to the run one and get setup there as normal, it should record your power in the FIT file. You can't see it in Zwift but should be there to analyse later.

  • The stryd; even though you don't see the power data on screen (yet) whren the zwift run is uploaded to training Peaks you can go through and analyse it there, thats without using a garmin. It also shows up in the Stryd app. I think Zwift are a little behind on this one.

  • Am I understanding this right, that the minimum I would need to use my Zwift to run is getting a foot pod? And the treadmill would only need to pic up the pod?

  • Great vlog Taren. Really interested in hearing about the Stryd. Even though it comes out as the most accurate how have you found it tracking the distance on the treadmill please ?

  • I probably won't go for using Zwift for running just yet… BUT, that Stryd power metre looks awesome! How well does it integrate with the Garmin 935?

  • Hi Taren. Are you able to provide some advice on should have versus would be nice to have when buying a treadmill? I've started looking at treadmills but I'm unsure as to what I should look out for, which brands to stay away from or should definitely consider, and what sort of price range is reasonable.

  • I’m also using the Stryd, Garmin 935 and the Tickr rate monitor and have been really pleased so far.

    You hit the nail on the head: better than people watching at the gym, or running outside in the snow but nowhere near as immersive or fun as Zwift biking.

  • I have a projector and 120" screen in front of my bike and treadmill and the same foot pod set up for my Zwift Running. Its epic! Big advantage is treadmill running is much less pounding on the joints…

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