And if you have read my previous blog, yes, after Virtual RC, I am now doing Virtual Run. This is through Zwift, virtual training for running and cycling. Zwift is free, you just need to register for an account and connect your equipment then you're all set. They have a shop where you can buy equipment and merchandise. I won't talk on these as I have no experience with it. You can check it out at Zwift.comSpeaking of equipment, this is my rig, one of the cheapest way to start zwifting:
- Core Fitness CT-55 Treadmill - it's not a smart treadmill (I don't want to call it dumb)
- Garmin Forerunner 15 - Basic GPS running watch
- Garmin Chest HR - its the ANT one that came with my FR15
- Garmin Foot Pod - the old one and not the clip-on thing
- ANT dongle - got it from Shopee for about P500
What's good about my setup is that I have had most of them already, so the cost of setting up a Zwift-ready rig isn't upfront. I bought the ANT dongle so I can connect and transmit running data to the computer, unto Zwift. I also mentioned that this setup may be the cheapest setup you can go with to start zwifting. Excluding the treadmill, my equipment costs about P7,500 from when I bought them. If you want to get a similar set, here's my take on it: |
| Get results from both watch and Zwift |
- 2nd hand FR15 for about P3,000 - P4,000 (or you can skip the watch if you are okay in just using Zwift to record your data)
- The chest HR monitor, there are the newer Garmin ones you can get for about P3,500 for the Dual (Bluetooth and ANT) and about P2,700 for the Premium (ANT only). If you're lucky to get the older one that I have that's bundled with the FR15 then it's better.
- Garmin Foot Pod is not being sold already, last I heard is that it costs P3,500 brand new. Try your luck finding a used one for a cheaper price as low as P1,500. Alternatively, you can go with a Stryd, although this will cost you a lot with P14,500. But this is the holy grail of foot pods - it gives A LOT of data that you can use to analyze your runs and improve. I may not be a professional runner, but I did have my share of data analyses during my earlier running days.
- The ANT dongle is P500 at Shopee or Lazada depending on the platform you prefer, they are the same.
From the prices I identified above, assuming you got lucky in finding used gears with the old heart rate bundle, OR the just the Dual HR monitor, foot pod, and dongle, you spend around P6,000. Or here are your options:
- You can forget about all of the list above and just get a smart treadmill that will send the running data directly to Zwift via Bluetooth - not really cheap, but buying a smart treadmill is a smart decision. There is a nice smart treadmill from Coach Don Velasco, search for it on Facebook.
- Get a Stryd and you don't need to get the watch, foot pod, and ANT dongle (actually you can forego the watch as mentioned above) - this is double the price of my setup, but this is a good gadget to have if you're serious about running.
- If you go for either option 1 or 2 above and you still have money to spend, get the Dual Chest HR monitor so you can upload your HR to Zwift via Bluetooth
Easy right? Actually, this will only interest you if you have a treadmill or in the process of acquiring one. Just like me, Zwift added some excitement to indoor running with all the routes, challenges, training plans, and rewards that you unlock as you progress in the game. And buying a treadmill isn't something that you do on impulse. Most of the people I know who bought treadmills either sold it off or became a clothes hamper at home. Buying a treadmill means you give your commitment to using it. For me, I am deep into this. Not just because I already have the equipment, but because I have found my love for running again, and this will pay off in the long run. Keep healthy everyone, stay safe!
