Run Zwift-ly

Zwift began as a cycling platform, allowing people to participate in virtual activities all over the world. Expanding to runners, the platform has become very popular, especially for those who long to travel the world but cannot do so in person every time the desire surfaces.

The Zwift footpod is a fairly simple but powerful device that allows the computer/phone to monitor our movement and to “sync” it with others on the platform. Once you have the footpod, the first thing you do is install the battery, then close the pod. Then the pod must be attached to your shoe before you can use it. (This may require you to use the top row of laces that many of us runners do not use.) My best experience in securing the footpod to my laces was to insert 4 laces into the pod. That seems to fill it up a little better and it stays attached to the shoe better. I tried it a few times with 2 laces through the pod but it fell off a few times (probably human error with me not closing the pod until it clicks). When you close the pod, make sure to turn it all the way clockwise until it clicks. Sometimes I tap on it after that to make sure the battery light is on and working.

Once you have the pod on your shoes, you will need to pair it with the Zwift app. You will want to download the Zwift app and Zwift companion app on your phone. Also the Zwift app on your computer if so you can use it with the phone and computer at the same time if you wish. Be aware that sometimes Zwift will update its software (on the computer) so arrive to your group runs a few minutes early so you can open, update, pair (if it says it isn’t paired already), and enter your event.

I ran a few virtual events (5) on my own as well as the BibRavePro group run on Dec. 18. We did a tempo run with the BibRavePros and friends. Most recently, I ran a run/walk with friends in NYC, an easy miles event in Watopia, a Watopia half-marathon interval training event, the Watopia volcanic course (fiery), and a general tour of Watopia.

When I set up the Zwift app on the computer, I set the computer at the same height as the treadmill on a table next to it. If you are integrating walk breaks, make sure you keep swinging your arm nearest the Zwift app on the computer to it knows you are still moving. Otherwise, sometimes Zwift thinks you are stopping and will show your avatar person pausing or stopping.

Make sure the bumpy side of the Zwift footpod is facing your toes, that means it is right-side up. It should show a Z when you are looking at it if you have it attached correctly.

Once you finish your run, you can upload pictures if you wish. Or you can simply save the run with photos that Zwift snapped for you and send them to Strava. I always upload to Strava so I don’t lose any data and it’s nice to have Zwift send it to Strava for us.

The app seems pretty accurate with distance (I did compare it with treadmill and Garmin-measured distance) and speed as far as I can tell. Sometimes my treadmill needs to be recalibrated and same with the Garmin. Technology is like that.

Only once did Zwift suddenly crash after a run (on my computer). I think it is because I accidentally outran the finish line without realizing it. It did save the run but didn’t get any photos of that one. No big deal.

I really enjoyed the NYC Central Park run-walk we did recently. It was very regimented, alternating between 5mph and 3.2 mph walk breaks, each interval clearly marked with bright color-coded arcs (yellow for run, blue for walk). There was a lot of bike traffic too and I was amazed how many people gave thumbs-up, high-fives, and ride on support! People from all different countries all over the world. It was fun to watch the flags fly by to see where people were in the world who participated. (You’ll notice someone typed “have a great day!” on the end of the NYC Central Park run~see the last picture below. That’s a great example of how positive, encouraging, and supportive the comments you see here on Zwift are.)

It’s a wonderful device and app. It takes running to the next level. Although it is virtual reality, it seems very striking in how close to reality it seems: for example, in Central Park, the volcano route, running through tunnels or near water, etc. My treadmill uses Google maps and so we see still shots to show the path. In contrast, Zwift shows a mobile, virtual event with all kinds of data, people, distance, speed, running tips, and comments/thumbs up from others. Just seeing that thumbs up encourages us regardless of who it’s from: let’s face it, if we’re sweating we may not be able to read who supported us.

You can follow people you ran/exercised with on Zwift and on Strava so you can keep in touch and support each other. And people follow you back too.

You can sign up to train for events like the Watopia Half-Marathon (I signed up for the training plan just to give me some variety of options from which to choose.) There are long runs on weekends, run clubs on certain days of the week spread throughout the day. You can run whenever it works for you. You can run on your own or with others, whatever works best for you.

Overall, it was a very impressive experience for me, one that I plan to continue, especially in winter or times with inclement weather. There are some special events (even races) on Zwift too like a holiday 8km race. You really have to run with it a few times to get the hang of it and you learn how to make sure you have the pod secured properly.

Want to try the Zwift footpod running experience? Please use the code “BibRave15” good for 15% off the cost of the Zwift RunPod at Zwift.com. It is good for 1000 Pods only. Supplies are limited. So if you are interested, check on it now to make sure you get the discount.