If you read my blog, you may know that I’m not really a treadmill running fan. All summer long, in spite of miserable hot and humid weather in the desert, I have still managed to run outside. I love being outdoors, feeling the wind in my face, seeing other runners, and enjoying the changing scenery. All of which you don’t get when running on a treadmill, right?
Well, until now.
How to Enjoy Running on a Treadmill
The folks at Run Social contacted me a few weeks ago to see if I’d be interested in trying out their new app. I hesitated at first, even told them that I dislike running on a treadmill, but I finally decided to give it a go. Even then it took me a couple more weeks to try it out.
Run Social is a free app (available on Apple App Store), that allows you to run the world. From Tuscany to Joshua Tree, a tropical paradise to the Swiss Alps, you can virtually get out of the gym, off the treadmill, and onto the winding lanes of a small town in Italy or the streets of London.
Run Social has about 15 video routes of various distances that are available to purchase and download for about $1.99 to $9.99. And those $9.99 ones are actually marathons! Yes, you can run either the London or the Prague marathon, virtually, on your treadmill.
Okay, now that sounds fun and all, but you might say that more and more treadmills offer virtual running routes. That’s true, but here is the difference (and the reason the app is called Run Social).
As you start your run (or walk!), you will see other runners along the route. These are all other real runners, from all over the world, using the Run Social app and running the same route that you are! As you pass them (or, in my case, as they pass you), you will see their name and country tagged over their avatar. There are also runners coming toward you in the other direction (but I couldn’t make my avatar wave, hopefully that will be coming soon).
This was what made it fun to be running on a treadmill. As people passed me, I actually picked up my speed! They provided the encouragement for me to push a little bit, plus they helped me manage to (almost) forget I was on a treadmill.
With Run Social you can even hold running events! You can create an event, name it, pick a time, invite your friends (either private or public), and you can all get together virtually for a run, no matter where you actually live! You can even run one of the marathons together!
Run Social can also be viewed on a big screen. You can hook your iPhone to your television and really enjoy the view. Not only will you see your running route in beautiful HD color, you will still be able to control the app from your phone.
There are a few different ways to track your speed. The basic one, which I used, is to start the app, set the speed, then set the same speed on your treadmill. You can use the TreadTracker (available for purchase on the Run Social website). It actually hooks up under your treadmill to track the pace you’re running. They also have a pedometer with a built in sensor, which is not quite as accurate, but still a good option.
And finally, if you’re using certain LifeFitness equipment, you can connect via Bluetooth to track your speed. What’s really cool about that option is that you can set the app to automatically control the incline on your treadmill. Then you can really enjoy those Swiss Alps!
For the first time, I can honestly say that I enjoyed my treadmill run. I think it was the chasing people down part, but, really, everything about Run Social makes running on a treadmill, well, fun! For those of you who are approaching winter weather (sorry to mention it!), you now have an option to make your indoor runs more interesting. And for those who already enjoy treadmill running, this app is going to make it even better!
Treadmill Speed Workout
Another way to make running on a treadmill more fun is to do a speed workout! Here’s one of my favorites.
Are you a treadmill lover? Or is it a dreadmill?
I received a free download, plus a water bottle and the very cool PadGrip, which is a great way to secure your tablet on a treadmill, in exchange for my honest review of RunSocial. All opinions are my own.
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Sunday Blog Hop with Jenn
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I’ll definitely have to check Run Social out! I love that you can invite friends to run with you. I’v been on a exercise kick lately (I’ve been working out daily again) and this seems like such a great way to make working out on a treadmill fun <3
I was amazed at how quickly the time went once I started trying to chase down other runners 🙂
LOVE!!! When I go to some hotels, they have the option of “hiking certain mountains” and exploring other countries which is fun, but now there is an APP FOR THAT?!?! ha ha!
Yes, and the treadmill apps don’t let you run with other runners either!
This looks like a really neat way to push yourself on a treadmill. I usually just put on some music but it gets pretty boring.
I usually listen to an audiobook, and I still get bored. I’m not sure why because I can listen to a book for hours if I’m not on a treadmill 🙂
I love to travel so this would be great for me. I’m not in a workout routine right now but keep saying I’m going to start, I may have to check this out to get started.
It’s usually pretty convenient to use a treadmill when you’re on the road, so this would be perfect.
I find it so much easier on a treadmill to get into a groove and keep moving. When I do it outside I get distracted by everything under the sun, I find terrain sometimes difficult, and its much easier inside. This would be a great way to have more excitement though without having to leave.
I hope you get a chance to try (both the app and the workout). I’m always kind of in awe of anyone who loves the treadmill. I know you all are out there, but it’s so hard for me to imagine 🙂
Chasing down people would definitely pass the time mire quickly on the treadmill. I need to constantly play with speed or incline to mix it up.
Same here. I almost always do some kind of a speed workout if I have to run on a treadmill. Good thing I don’t do it often or I’d probably run myself ragged!
The very reason I gave my treadmill away was because it was so boring and it had become a clothes rack. This app is awesome! I love that it shows other runners from around the world – no more boring treadmill workouts!
Yes, they make kind of expensive clothes racks, don’t they?
I love that they have this for your Ipad now! It used to be only the people with the fanciest treadmills could do it. SUCKERS
I know. And this app is much cooler that the treadmill version. The ones we have at work have about five choices, all of them in northern California. Boring! And no friends to run with.
Thanks for the great treadmill workout. I’ll be sure to save it for the upcoming winter months!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it.
I sold my treadmill a while ago because I prefer to walk outdoors. Wish I had seen this before doing it. What a great app!
It is hard to beat outdoors, but in a pinch, this app really helps.
Looks cool! I need that thing that holds the iPad to the mill so I can watch Breaking Bad!
I hate treadmill running too and avoid it when ever possible. If you have to run on the mill those look like a great distraction. Anything to keep me from watching the seconds tick by!
I write frequently about how much I loathe running on the treadmill, but this actually looks like fun! I think I’ll try it out over the winter!
This sounds like a great program to help with staying motivated, especially since treadmill running can often feel like a very isolating experience.
I actually don’t mind the treadmill. I watch some TV on it which passes the time. I do have trouble consistently running on it so interval training is something that I definitely do. Thanks for the suggestive workout.
I’m such a “dreadmill” but it is because I get super bored when on the treadmill. This app looks amazing and may help me be more encouraged to stay on the treadmill longer. I will have to check this app out!
This is a great way to make treadmill exercise more fun! I try to hit the gym a few times a week- I agree it’s important to stay fit!
How neat is this? I have never heard of it before! I don’t do a lot of running on the treadmill but gosh this makes me want to get the app and jump on!
Well you KNOW I am a treadmill lover since I’ve trained for 2 marathons on it! I would LOVE this app!!
I hate the dreadmill, but I use it when I have to. I love interval workouts because they make the time go by!
This is an interesting concept! Running on the treadmill can be a total bore for me. Especially when there’s nothing good on the channels the gym bought for the treadmill!
Very cool! I think I’d enjoy the entertainment!
Since my 20’s, I have only run outside once per week & the rest in the gym. 🙂
OK, that Run Social app does sound really cool. Would it work with an iPad?
Definitely. It’s actually designed for an iPad.
I am with you in the not liking the treadmill but this app looks awesome! I always get bored when running on the treadmill. Now having some interactive engagement makes it so much better! Cool app!
I am so not a treadmill runner. I literally get on and then wonder how long I’ve been running (uhh, 2 minutes). This looks like such a fun app!!
Some where along the way the treadmill stopped being a dreadmill. When did that happen? Of course I prefer outside running but I don’t mind the treadmill and it’s better than not running at all.
Have a wonderful weekend Debbie!
I try to do intervals either hills or speed to mix up a treadmill run. Long runs require Netflix but these videos would be fun
How timely! I’m off to my treadmill workout and am so glad I read this first. I ONLY do interval running (Run-Walk-Run), but I think I need to step it up to make it more interesting. I love the idea of this app (and that iPad holder!) and will investigate as I continue to add mileage to the treadmill. Thanks Coach! #SITSBlogging
I’m checking this out. It would be so cool to be run with other people all over the world via the app.
I love that there is an app for this! I prefer to use the elliptical to the treadmill, but this would be fun to do with that as well.
I think this RUN Social app would definitely make running on the treadmill much more enjoyable. Great workout too!! I would love to run in Paris!
I would love to try Run Social as I live in Southwest Florida and it’s terribly hot and humid much of the year. It sounds like this would make the tread mill a lot more interesting.
i’m with you–i’m an outside runner as well. but now that i’m getting back into running after having my youngest, i have to start back on the treadmill so i can remember what running feels like. i do an interval workout similar to the one here too!
I find it so much easier to jog on a treadmill than going for a run. Your interval workout sounds great.
Great tips and I love that workout! 🙂
Oh my goodness I DEFINITELY want to try this! I have a love/hate relationship with the treadmill…sometimes I’m super into it and other times I struggle to get through my WO. I love the idea of running with others (without the hassle planning etc etc) AND seeing them on my screen literally running with me instead of just being part of the community since I’m a visual person. Thanks for introducing me to this cool app!
Finally something to make running on treadmill more fun. I never really liked the treadmill because it gets boring and I prefer being along with other people. This sounds like a nice app to try!
This looks pretty cool. I don’t mind the treadmill for 3-4 miles, but anything over that I can’t do. For some reason all my treadmill runs seem to turn into interval runs because I get so bored sticking to one pace.
I also dread running on the treadmill, it seems so long an boring. Five minutes feels like five hours but I can definitely see how this app would help give you something to focus on and take your mind off the monotony.
wow this looks really cool! I love that you can run with others around the world. I hate treadmill running but think this would make time go faster for sure. I’d love to try out those marathon courses. Thanks for sharing!
I prefer upbeat music for running on a treadmill, but sometimes I switch to podcasts too. When they’re on an interesting topic, it’s also help to make the time fly by.