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Train for your next race with Zwift

How you can incorporate Zwift into your training plan

Zwift is a virtual training ground that was once inhabited only by cyclists. In the summer of 2018, Zwift brought runners into its world. On Thursday March 8, Zwift ran the first-ever bicoastal treadmill race. The event pitted two run crews, the Koreatown Run Club of Los Angeles and the Black Roses of NYC against each other to see who could complete five miles faster. Both teams were on either side of the country, but competing real time against one another. 

Photo: Kevin Hatt

One of the best parts of the sport are running miles with your training partners, and if you live in a climate where certain days aren’t runnable, you can end up on the treadmill. A season of treadmill workouts can wear on a person, especially if you get a lot of motivation from training with others. Zwift allows runners to choose between various group runs and races, where you can see where you stack up against your real life training partners. 

RELATED: Zwift for runners: how to do group runs on the treadmill

Photo: Kevin Hatt

All you need is a treadmill, a foot pod and a computer, TV or phone to Zwift on. The app can be downloaded onto your computer or ISO device (it’s also available in the app store for Apple TV). The runpods go for $29.99 USD and easily pair with Zwift via bluetooth. The pod will show your speed, cadence and distance. Zwift allows you to explore different terrains and run new roads in its virtual world.

RELATED: Zwift hosts first-ever bicoastal treadmill race

Knox Robinson is the co-founder and captain of the Black Roses run crew. He thinks that Zwift is bringing something important to the running community. “Zwift is innovative and running needs innovation. We’re racing people 3,000 miles away and they’re hearing our music and trash talk and we’re hearing theirs. There are lots of people who might never be able to make it to New York but Zwift allows them experience the city in some way.”

Photo: Kevin Hatt

On top of being a platform for athletic connection, Zwift has training tools for runners who are looking for some guidance during their race prep. The app allows you to pre-program a workout or choose a curated workout, depending on what you’re training for. If you’re looking for an entire plan, no issue, the app has that functionality as well. 

Click here to give the app a try. 

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