If you have done any time on the Zwift running app, you probably are doing a good portion of those runs by yourself, due to nature of your workout, fitness level and the possibility of a miscalibrated treadmill that underreports your true running speed.

deviation. Instead of matching your treadmill speed to the suggested speed, input the speed on your treadmill 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower. For example, when Zwift wants you to run the treadmill at the “fast” limit of

7 mph (11.27 km/h), input your treadmill speed to 6 mph (9.66 km/h) and let it calibrate to that. Do the same thing for the other two calibration points.

• Head over to May Field and start running. Start at a very easy pace, making sure that your heart rate reading on Zwift actually is legitimate. Things like a poor connection, a dicey chest strap or even static electricity can result in either a measurement that means that a) you were late to your funeral yesterday (too low a reading) or b) you need to get to the emergency room now (too high a reading).

• When those heart rate numbers you see represent reality, it’s time for some social fun. Simply start running at a speed, and an incline, that gets your heart and legs working at the level you need for your specific session. With this “newfound speed,” you will find many, many more people who are comfortably within your running ability.

When you find someone moving at a comparable pace, run with them by adjusting your treadmill speed to match theirs. If you find the pace is too easy and your heart rate is too low, you can always increase the incline to generate more load on your legs and heart. Likewise, if you find the speed is too intense, simply decrease the amount of incline. Either way, by making these small adjustments, you will have someone to run with who has about the same level of virtual fitness, or the same goal, for their running session. In my experience, it only takes about 30 seconds or so to find a fellow Zwifter that you want to run with. With some company, you’ll find the time will pass much more quickly than if you were just running by yourself. To match the other person’s pace, don’t use a grade of more than three per cent as that might alter your running stride and the load that you are putting on your muscles. By running with someone and staying within your prescribed heart rate limits, you can enjoy more effective and engaging run workouts on Zwift.

Kevin Heinz is a regular contributor to TMC.