Occasionally, I receive word about exciting new products that are about to hit the market, and this one sounds pretty cool. Full disclosure, I HATE running on the treadmill, and will avoid it at all costs, so I was interested to learn more about the treadmill that Wahoo claims will “revolutionize indoor running in the same way that the KICKR did for indoor cycling.”
Wahoo Fitness will unveil the KICKR RUN Smart Treadmill at the Boston Run Show this weekend. Although I can’t be there in person to check it out, (I live in FL.) I was interested to learn more about the RunFree Mode that allows you to change pace without touching the controls…
Wahoo’s founder, Chip Hawkins, says he’s been working behind the scenes with a group of Wahooligans to develop the treadmill for the past seven years. “As passionate runners, we wanted to create the most realistic experience and create a tool that helps people improve, become better athletes, and achieve their goals,” he says. “The KICKR RUN will revolutionize indoor running, in the same way that the KICKR did for indoor cycling over a decade ago.”
Hawkins is talking about the Wahoo KICKR, the direct drive trainer that pretty much revolutionized indoor cycling when it first came out in 2012. This version Matt and I use for our indoor workouts is the KICKR Core. It features flywheel technology and controlled resistance, so when it’s connected to a smartphone, computer, or app like Zwift, it automatically adjusts the resistance depending on the route you select, so you feel like you’re riding outside. Also, my coach can create workouts in Training Peaks and upload them directly into Zwift for a truly custom workout.
Whether the KICKR RUN will change indoor running the same way that the KICKR did for indoor cycling years ago, remains to be seen. The KICKR RUN launches in the US in 2024 and will roll out globally in 2025.
What makes the KICKR RUN different from other treadmills is it will provide a “truly immersive indoor running experience” with hands-free changes in pace. Like the KICKR, it has full integration capabilities with Zwift Run, so a runner will be able to feel changes in gradient as they explore different routes.
Instead of the standard touch controls you might use to change speed and gradient, the KICKR RUN has a high-speed motor that reacts in milliseconds to a runner’s position, allowing for more natural pace changes. It’s called RunFree mode. The treadmill also features “nudgeable control paddles” that provide complete control for fine-tune adjustments during challenging sessions.
Apparently, it also has a “time-of-flight” sensor that will help keep a runner centered on the treadmill. (That would be awesome for me, because I always feel like I’m about to run into the front or slide off the back…)
Other features include a responsive surface for natural energy return, a stable realistic platform, and innovative lateral tilting, which should all combine to create a dynamic run experience. The tilting functionality can also be used to automatically level the treadmill, which should be helpful when setting it up at home.
The treadmill goes up to a 4:00/mile (great for those with elite running capability). It integrates with all Wahoo heart rate monitors, smart watches, and accessories. There’s also smart treadmill functionality for structured workouts, and it can connect with platforms like Zwift and Wahoo SYSTM for virtual training.
There’s an integrated laptop/tablet shelf to hold your device while you’re exploring the virtual run world, as well as a USB-C port to charge your device. The treadmill has WiFi connectivity, as well as a direct connection port. And don’t forget handy bottle holders to keep your favorite hydration close by.
Overall, it sounds pretty cool. It will be interesting to see the response it receives from runners when it hits the market.
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