Why not spruce up the scenery?
Virtual races are all the rage right now! So far I have not participated in one, but I might for one or two when the charity is right. Just to run? No thanks! But that’s me, everyone is different.
Maybe the weather sucks, or maybe you have to entertain babies/toddler/young children, or maybe you’re not allowed to run outside. Maybe the treadmill is the only option for you. How will you keep yourself motivated on that treadmill?
I did a little digging to find some options that might make a virtual race feel a little bit more like a real race. I haven’t personally tried any of these, but here goes:
Virtual Active
Virtual Active lets you pick videos from scenic places to run all over the world. They can be guided or unguided. $7.95 for SD, $10.95 HD. Buy multiples in a pack for a discount. Subscribe to their newsletter for 20% off your first purchase.
You’ll find the running videos here (there are also videos for hiking and cycling).
Virtual Runner
Virtual Runner seems to be trying to appeal to more hard core runners. In addition to the videos you purchase in an app, it displays elapsed time, distance, pace, HR, and cadence. Of course most of that information comes from a footpod, and it wasn’t obvious to me where you buy the footpod.
The cool thing about the footpod is that it will slow down or speed up the video to correspond with how fast you’re running.
You must be able to maintain a 15 mm pace to use the app.
There are links to Android, Apple, and Microsoft apps here.
I think most runners, unless they’ve been living under a rock, are aware of the Peloton App (which you’ll find here). Peloton includes running classes and outdoor course videos. You can try the app for 30 days free. Did you know that they’ve stopped selling Peloton Treadmills because of the installation? My 20 year old treadmill better survive this virus.
Okay, I’ll bet that there are plenty more resources, but how about running the World Major courses with the elites without having to travel anywhere? I found course videos of them all on YouTube — except oddly Boston.
- London Marathon here
- Tokyo Marathon here
- NYC Marathon here
- Berlin Marathon here
- Chicago Maratho here
Do you ever run on a treadmill using course videos?
Do you think it would make it feel easier to run on the treadmill if you did?
What can you add to my list?
Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner
This week I am also joining up with the new Runners’ Roundup linkup.
Chocolaterunsjudy 
What great ideas! I think I would pick the London marathon route – at least I would get to run it virtually!
Fortunately, I haven’t needed to get on a treadmill for many months now. I really don’t like it and I would desperately need all the distraction I could get. 😉
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It’s been quite some time since I’ve had to resort to the treadmill. It doesn’t actually bother me that much, but I do prefer to be running outside.
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i haven’t tried any of these, but it could be cool. I say “could” because sometimes videos like that make me nauseated. I’ve been OK with pretty basic animated courses on hotel gym treadmills, but I need to look away if there are sweeping camera moves.
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I have to admit I don’t think I’ll be trying any of these, but I know that there are people who have no choice but the treadmill.
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I don’t own a treadmill so I don’t know about running to a video.
I have the Peleton app but it uses too much data outdoors. Even if you download the class ahead. I do like it.
I do virtuals but not as races. I don’t even wear a watch when I run.
I do think the videos would be fun on the stationary bike.
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I just thought about the people I know who pretty much have to run on a treadmill. Always nice to have options.
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Sounds fun! I’d love to check out the London course. I have stayed at hotels where the gym treadmills have programs like this where you can pick courses or trails to run while on the treadmill. I really enjoyed those.
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Usually I’m traveling for a race so I don’t use the hotel treadmill, LOL!
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I love that there are so many options to keep our workouts interesting. I’ve been running the same route for the past few weeks but one day I ran it in reverse and it felt like a totally different run, lol. Funny how a small change like that can make a difference.
You know I’m a huge fan of the Peloton app and I’ve definitely been getting my money’s worth over these past 8 weeks!
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I love to sometimes run in the opposite way! It’s a great way to make things feel fresh.
I did download the Peloton app while it was still 90 days free (haven’t tried it yet though).
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These are great suggestions, Judy! For me, though, the treadmill is not only boring, but I know it alters my stride and my form. All of the repetitious steps/strides in the exact same manner wear on my hips, which is why I prefer to be outside where the terrain is constantly changing underfoot. Plus, with my long legs, there’s the constant anticipation of stubbing my toes (and then face planting) LOL So, I don’t know if a race course video would help or not.That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it 😉
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I wanted to give options to people who pretty much have no option other than the treadmill.
I actually feel like the treadmill is kinder to my body (that soft surface) and it doesn’t bother me as much — but I also don’t use it that much. Glad to have it as an option!
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If I had a treadmill, I would definitely try this out! I’m extra intrigued by the Berlin Marathon since I visited the city last summer on vacay. I’ve been to hotel gyms that had the fancy treadmills where you could “run anywhere” and I have to admit it was pretty cool and fun to look around at the sights! Zwift is another good option for running virtually on the treadmill.
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I haven’t heard of Zwift — thanks!
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I didnt realize there were so many options! I have iFit on my treadmill so I can find courses or create them. Its nice to change up the scenery during a run!
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I actually do have iFit on my 20 year old treadmill — I never used it. Obviously it’s not video, it was supposed to be a way to use preprogrammed runs on the treadmill. You had to connect to the internet somehow, though. 20 years ago!
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I don’t have a treadmill at home so the only time I run on one is during OTF classes when that’s open. But if I did have one I’d probably use the Peloton app to keep me entertained on runs! Though those course maps sound pretty cool!
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I haven’t actually run on my treadmill in a long time. Only running 3 x week allows me to pick & choose the nicer days, LOL!
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I recently did a virtual 10k running along to the Bolder Boulder race. It was a great option and I’d definitely do another course video!
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I saw that! Maybe if I’m on the treadmill again — I’ve managed to avoid it for all of the quarantine so far.
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I actually have never watched any of the Sex and the City series, so I have been watching that while using the treadmill. I’ve not tried any of those options you mentioned – it’s nice that they are out there!
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I never watched Sex & the City, either. But I generally watch shows with my husband, so I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t want to watch that. 🙂
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That is a great idea to virtually run some of the landmark courses. That would definitely keep me moe entertained on the TM. thanks for linking up!
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I’m not sure if it would keep me entertained or not — but I knew that some people need those resources!
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So cool! Of course, I don’t have access to a treadmill right now. I am not the best treadmill runner in the best of times. I only resort to the treadmill if there is ice on the roads or if a thunderstorm is approaching, and then I always went in to the rec center. I love the idea of running the World Majors courses virtually with the elites!
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Even though I have access to a mill, even though I actually think it’s kinder to my body . . . I do prefer running outside, too.
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I must check out that Peloton app! I hear so many great things and right now I could definitely use some mixing things up!
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I did download it while it still had the 90 days free. I’ve done one workout so far, but it was nice. At least I get to see what all the hype is about now! I wish I could afford a bike.
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I’m lucky that I don’t ever have to run on a treadmill but running virtually through a city or a famous marathon course would be pretty cool.
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If I lived where you do, I might’ve given up on running! But then again, dry heat does actually make a huge difference (to me, anyway).
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Oooh these are fun! I didn’t even know they existed! Besides the Peloton app, of course… what a fun idea!!
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I just figured that some people are confined to treadmills only.
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I don’t know that it would ever be easier to run on a treadmill. Even watching a movie or show, it’s just so hard on my body.
I love the idea of having different scenery for runs, but honestly, it’s usually dark when I run, so it all looks the same.
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That’s kinda weird, the treadmill should be easier than the road — it’s a softer surface.
I never run in the dark! Ever! I used to run before sunrise (but it was already light) in the summer, but stopped doing that quite a few years ago.
I bet the neighborhood would be less crowded then. 🙂
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These are great! Now I really wished I had a treadmill. Thank you for linking up with us!
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