If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know that I really do not enjoy running on the treadmill at all. In fact, I will avoid it at all costs really. When I was asked by Run Social to check out their new treadmill running app, I was a little hesitant but with winter coming I know there will be days I will need the treadmill. So I took to the ‘mill to test out Run Social a few times all in the name of public service. LOL Anything for you all!
Run Social is a free app that allows the user to run virtually on 15 different routes in locations all over the world. You create an account, choose an avatar and then select your route. The app allows you to do a short “test run” to get the feel of each location and then you have the option of purchasing the full route from Run Social. Routes are anywhere between $1.99 and $9.99 depending on length.
Cool features of Run Social:
-You can set either a time or distance goal for your run.
-After you set your pace on the treadmill, you can calibrate Run Social at the same pace. That way, when you look a the screen it is, in theory, moving at the same pace that you are.
-As you are running, you will see other “runners” avatars running the same route. This is great motivation to pass them or just run up at the same pace i.e. “Run Social”.
–Run Social allows you to create virtual runs with friends so that you can actually be running the same routes at the same time on your own treadmills.
-The full London marathon & Prague marathon routes are available to download and run so if you are training for those or would like to do a marathon course, Run Social is a great training tool to have in your arsenal. Not ready to run the full 26.1? You can run smaller segments of the routes as well.
-The App is easy to navigate and will store all your information and also upload it to MapMyRun.
Some of the other iconic locations you can run in are: Death Valley, Tuscany, Banff & The Swiss Alps. All of the locations have different distances associated with them which ends up giving you lots of choices to spice up your treadmill runs.
I was given a great ipad holder to keep my ipad in place while testing out Run Social in exchange for an honest review. I was also given access to the full 1ok Swiss Alps route which kept me entertained for a few miles as I watched the scenery. I even passed by a few cows and dogs along the running trail before being passed by a few other runners.
If you’d like to check out the full Swiss Alps 10k route free of charge on your next run use the code DeborahRS12 at RunSocial.com/promo. You must first download the app on i-tunes.
Run Social provided me with some much needed entertainment on the treadmill. It was fun to see the other “runners” and the explore The Swiss Alps from my basement if only for an hour.
Who knows if I will ever run the real London Marathon or have the opportunity to explore the Swiss Alps on foot but with Run Social I can at least pretend for now. If you are looking for some treadmill motivation this winter give Run Social a test run.
Linking up with AnnMarie, Angelina Marie, Nicole & Michelle
This is interesting. The gamification of individual training really has taken off. This interface reminds me of Zwift for the bike trainer. I will have to check it out!
I haven’t heard of the bike app I will need to check that out too. I am not a treadmill runner, but this does make it more bearable.
How cool! What a great way to make treadmill running interesting!
It does help to make it more interesting!
I love that you can create routes to run with friends. I have iFit on my treadmill which does a lot of similar things but I love the social aspect of this, how cool!
The social aspect is really interesting especially with winter coming it would be a great way to connect when you can’t get outside
The reached out to me but I don’t have WIFI in my gym 🙁 also, I don’t know what the status of my running of any type will be for a long time!
What an interesting concept for an app! I’m curious to see what this would be like because I get SO BORED on the treadmill!
Oh my so do I! Check out the free Swiss Alps download and let me know what you think
This looks like a fun app. Maybe I’d like treadmill running a little bit more?
It can’t get any worse can it? LOL Check out the free Swiss Alps download and see what you think
Now this could make treadmill running tolerable? I dread running on the mill it’s so boring and blah but I can see this making it more fun who doesn’t like to play games?
Exactly! I dread it too but it was fun to check out the scenery and watch other runners zoom by
Interesting…. I fortunately very rarely have to resort to treadmill running, but good to keep this in mind as I loathe treadmill running when I do have to do it, and can never get more than a few miles in on it because I get bored.
Ah yes I guess with your weather you are not forced to use the treadmill too much.
This sounds like a great app to help runners connect virtually with others. Running on the treadmill can be such an isolating experience, but this sounds like a great way to not feel like you’re running “by yourself.”
Exactly! Check out the free Swiss Alps download you can also walk it which is nice.
This app sounds so awesome!!
It’s a fun way to mix up your treadmill for sure
I’m not a treadmill runner either, but this app does sound like a great option for those freezing cold, icy snowy days we will have this winter! I definitely need to check it out!
And they are coming aren’t they?!
This is actually pretty cool! I missed my run today due to all the snow and slush, and didn’t want to suffer on the dreadmill at the gym. I think this app would’ve made it more interesting for sure!
oh yes definitely hope you download the free Swiss Alps route and let me know what you think
Well this seems very entertaining! If I had known about it this past winter, I may have decided to keep my treadmill. I gave it away. GAVE. Argh.
ha ha yes! maybe you will give it a go sometime it does make it more fun for sure.
This is such a cool idea, Deborah! Reminds me of the bikes they have at they gym, that are “virtual” rides.
Yes exactly! It just makes having to be inside more enjoyable 🙂
Sounds fun. I haven’t run on a treadmill in ages because mine is dying. I don’t really miss it.
I know I try to avoid it at all costs!
How fun is that!? Im all for anything that makes the treadmill more interesting! I will have to check it out. Thanks for the review
Thanks! Check out the free Swiss Alps run
I avoid the treadmill if possible, but since I don’t run in the rain, nor when its dark, I can’t avoid it. Never seen or heard of run social here.
It’s a new app but you can do it anywhere and “run”with people all over the world
This sounds like a fun app! I’ve been dreading using the treadmill this winter, so I’m going to keep this app in mind 🙂
I dread it too but sometimes you just have to!
I have never heard of this app. I run on the treadmill all the time. I will have to check this out.
Oh great! Check out the code for the free download and let me know what you think. Happy running 🙂
This sounds pretty cool! I also am not a big treadmill fan so I will def check this out for the winter!
Great! Hope it helps you with those winter runs 🙂
I’ve been hearing about this and it is totally something I would be down with since I run on the treadmill so much! Anything to break the monotony!
absolutely! Check out the free Swiss Alps download and see what you think
I never heard of it, but it does sound really cool and I would totally try it:)
It’s fun to break up the boredom of the treadmill
I do not enjoy running at all, maybe this app would make it less torturous! I’ll have to check it out the next time I find myself on a treadmill.
Yes do! You never know 🙂
I share your feelings about the treadmill, but it is a necessary evil during winter training in the NE. I’m going to check this out.
If you’re ever in NYC, you should check out Mile High Run Club. It’s an indoor running studio with woodway treadmills. They are so nice that it almost makes running on them enjoyable. almost. 😉
I’ve heard about the Mile High club and it’s on my list for next time I am in NYC. Hope you check out the app.
I am so glad I am not the only one who finds running on the treadmill hard.
3 or 4 miles feels like 20 miles on the treadmill. It is really hard for me to run on it – however… I will definitely check out this cool app! There will be days this winter that I may not get a run in before dark. I love the idea of running in the Swiss Alps, Prague or London. So fun!! Great post. 🙂
That’s exactly how I always feel on the treadmill!
I usually only do 20-30 minute treadmill intervals, but this seems like a cool way to make the runs seem like fun!
I like the idea of the scenery and other “people” being on the run too!
Cool review!
It definitely helps to have some scenery! hope you check out the app
I saw this post yesterday but never made it back here to check it out, now I’m glad I did. This is so amazingly cool! I hate running on the treadmill but I will do it as opposed to not getting in my run.
This would be awesome to try. Heck, I might even jump on the ol’ thing to try if even when I could run outside. Great post Deborah!
Well thanks! It does make treadmill running more fun. Check out the free download
This sounds so cool! I’ve always had a hard time with cardio on machines, so this would be a huge help to me.
I think it would be check it out!
This is a really neat app! I do not have a treadmill but I wonder if there is a similar one out there for bikes…. I would use something like this!
I don’t know but I would love that too!
Sounds like an awesome app for the treadmill! I haven’t had to do a treadmill run in a long while, but will definitely look into this app if I ever go back to it! Thanks for sharing!
Yes it’s a great option if you need to take to the mill
I hate the treadmill, and mine is currently being used as a jacket rack, LOL But I have to admit, this sounds a little fun! I can’t say I would like to do it all the time, but on forced indoor days, what a way to break up the monotony and make it fun! I especially love the friend competition part I could totally see me and all 3 of my sisters doing that together at once competing like crazy from each of our own homes, LOL
So quick question, (excluding the free ones) do you a pay a 1 time price each time you select a route and then it’s yours to use anytime as many times as you want? Or do you pay that each time you want to use it?
Yes as far as I can gather, it is a one time cost for each route and then you can use it as many times as you wish. I hate the mill too but sometimes you have to do it.
Awesome, that is great to know! Thanks! I really think I may give this a try this winter!
great! Let me know what you think!
This sounds cool! I had something similar or maybe it was this at my university’s gym for some of the bikes. They were the only bikes my friend would use cause she’d like to do the same routes and compete to the finish. Is this app on the treadmill already or used on tablets more so only? I can’t imagine using my phone for the graphics lol
I believe you really need to use a tablet to get the full experience. Hope you give it a try with the free download. Have a great weekend!
I almost can’t wait to try this!
I thought you would be interested. Doesn’t hurt to download the free Swiss Alps route so you have it ready to go
I would totally check this out. Anything to keep it fun on the treadmill! This looks pretty cool!
Yes exactly! Hope you like the app
oh man that is cool!! could’ve used it on my 3 mile treadmill run this morning. Instead I watched a food segment with Kelly and Michael, salivating the entire time!
LOL! Check out the free Swiss Alps download and let me know what you think!
I’m scared to death of treadmills. When I was analyzed for my first pair of running shoes, I put on the safety strap. The salesperson said, “You don’t really need that.” Then she told me to tell her when to up the speed and I never got past a fast walk. She asked, “Is this the pace you normally run?” I’m just so worried about face planting or falling off the back. I gotta say though if I did run on a treadmill this would be an awesome app to make your runs more interesting.
LOL I can picture that! If you ever decide to give it a go again check out the app
I can see this helping breakup the boredom of hitting the treadmill this winter. Thanks for sharing!
Definitely! Hope you check out the free download for the Swiss Alps
Deborah, how does the app work? Do you download to a device or to a treadmill?
You need to download the app onto a tablet and then you can use it on the treadmill. Hope it works out for you!
Hi from Italy! I use Runsocial app from 1 week and I hate, like you, running on the treadmill… But effectively it is fantastic. I can look at it on a old flat 46 inches Tv on the wall in front of my tapis roulant… and now I use it 3 times/week!
Unfortunately I have just bought Alps 10k run… so I can’t use your code, but thanks anyway.
Bye!
So glad to hear that you like Run Social! Sometimes you have to take it to the treadmill so you might as well have fun while doing it