Running’s Golden Age of Technology
Running’s Golden Age of Technology
Now that almost everyone has a phone or watch that can track their physical activity, product and app designers are focusing on new ways to make running safer, more convenient and more fun. Apps for online running classes and virtual running events allow people to run when and how they want.
Running apps for mobile phones, online running classes and virtual running events mean that people can run when and how they want like never before.
When Ron Granich started running in 197 7, he did it the hard way. He began by running his neighbourhood streets in Montreal block by block, eventually graduating to early morning, all-weather runs on Mount Royal. He’s competed in triathlons and Ironman competitions since but his first run is the most memorable. “I was bitten by a dog,” he says.
We all have our challenges. Finding time to run can be a big obstacle for parents with young kids or people with busy work schedules. New runners struggle with staying motivated or getting sound advice. Bad weather can thwart even the most dedicated athletes, and it’ s always hard finding good running partners.
Today, Granich is 73, and he relies on a running app called Zwift to stay motivated in the winter. He still trains outside in summer but come October, he moves indoors to his local gym to run on what he calls the “dreadmill.” Zwift offers Granich an alternative to running in Montreal’s nasty weather while helping him fight boredom by allowing him to run with other runners online.
Now that almost everyone has a phone or watch that can track their physical activity, product and a pp designers are focusing on new ways to make running safer, more convenient and more fun. Running apps for mobile phones, online running classes and virtual running events mean that people can run when and how they want.
The biggest challenge is navigating the growing range of options. For example, treadmill apps like Nike Running Club, Adat iv, Zwift a nd devices like the Peloton Tread all offer a great indoor running experience but are designed for runners with different needs and interests. Compare Zwift and Peloton, products that represent polar opposites.
Zwift: The Runners’ Virtual World
Zwift is like a video game for treadmill runners. Users download t he app to t heir computer or t ablet , and wear an inert ia l foot pod or smart shoes equipped with Under Armour’s Record Sensor technology to track their movements. When the runner enters Zwift’s virt ual world, Watopia (or a virt ual version of cit ies like London or Innsbruck), a customizable avatar mimics their running motions as they join other runners
in virtual space.Zwi ft offers training sessions, multi-day exercise plans in addition to runs and races with other Zwifters from around the globe.
Zwift attracts runners with a keen interest in technology and a willingness to experiment. Some Zwifters create a more immersive running experience by equipping their pain caves with special setups that include dedicated computers, big screen TVs and Zwift-compatible smart treadmills. Others map out and help organize group runs and races in Watopia.
Granich is a Zwifter. He says, “Montreal is known for its huge potholes and crappy weather so Zwift has made my life easier and safer.” The retiree gets much of his motivation from Zwift’s active and outgoing online community, and he joins training runs and races on a daily basis. He says, “If it weren’t for Zwift, I’d be watching soap operas.” Zwift Run is free while it remains in beta. Sister product, Zwift Cycling, is us$ 14.99 per month.
“Montreal is known for its huge potholes and crappy weather so Zwift has made my life easier and safer. If it weren’t for Zwift, I’d be watching soap operas.” RON GR A N ICH, 73 , MONTREA L