5 Things I love about Running with a Virtual Running Coach

I’ve been using a virtual running coach for the past couple months in partnership with Vi Trainer. The membership was gifted to me but all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Fixed to Thrill. 

Two months of running with a virtual running coach, Vi, and my running style has completely changed for the better. I’ve been running as a preferred method of working out for most of my life but I’ve never been the strongest runner. I’m more of a “run for two songs, walk a song, repeat” type of runner. & don’t get me wrong, I don’t think there’s really anything wrong with running that way but I’ve always wanted to be able to conquer longer distances. Almost every year starts with a “run a marathon” resolution on my list that inevitably goes unrealized.

Whatever. I run for relaxation, not to add stress to my life.

I was a little nervous to start Vi because, as I mentioned, I’m not the strongest runner so I didn’t know if I’d be able to keep up and to what extent she’d really adapt to my level. My fears were quickly dissipated once I browsed the app and saw the range of runs and walks available for me to choose from . That’s right, for me to choose-every run allows you control over how hard (or easy) you want to train, Vi just curates new runs every week for you to pick from.

I started with an easy walk-to-run to get acquainted with Vi and she was hilarious! I’m not kidding, the app is actually funny, I’ve lol’d multiple times now running with her. Plus, never do I feel out of place or ashamed of my results while working out with the Vi app and I LOVE THAT. There is actually so much to love about this app and in order to truly get it, you have to experience her yourself. The folks at Vi offered me a discount code for you guys to try it out for 2 weeks for free, keep reading!

But before I give you guys the link to try it out I wanted to share 5 things that have stood out to me about the app, 5 reasons I really love using it. 

1. Mental Preparation, I think part of the reason I never see the results I want is that I hate working out so finding the energy is hard to muster up when you don’t really want to be there in the first place (….. am I right?!). With Vi you choose the workout before you start, like I mentioned earlier. On long days where I come home stressed out I like to use the walk/run workout; this gives me time to decompress while not overdoing it. On days where I really want to kill it I can choose an intense run or light run all the options are there.
2. Helpful Tips, not everyone is meant to be critiqued. Sometimes hearing critiques while working out can be frustrating and I think Vi really did a great job spinkling in little running tips like; “Keep your chin up”, “There’s nothing for you on the ground”, “Bend your arms at 90 degrees”, “Keep your hands loose”. These are such small things but they always seem to be sprinkled in timely. Plus, I never realized before that what I considered a jog was actually a light to moderate running pace and part of the reason I was tiring myself out prematurely. Vi is great about keeping you at the correct pace throughout your workout.
3. Variety, every Monday Vi provides you with a brand new set of runs to choose from for the next week. It’s refreshing to not have to think about it, just log in to the app and pick a run that fits your mood for that day.
4. Control, I love that some days I’m able to tune in to the playlist provided and get all of the helpful tips and tricks from Vi and on days I feel like tuning out and just listening to an album I can minimize her interruptions and turn the app’s playlist off but still get all of the other functions during my run.
5. Stats, at any moment I can ask Vi about my heart rate, pace, distance or calories burned and she’s there in my ear, hands free. Well, essentially, you just press your right earbud and then ask with the Vi Sense headphones.

Running has now become my favorite part of the day, even more so than before and it’s all thanks to Vi.

So if you’re interested in running harder, stronger and longer then click the link here to try Vi for two weeks. Drop me a message or DM on Instagram if you do download the app so we can run together!

W E A R I N G

Quarter Zip-Avalanche | Pants-Forever 21 | Shoes-Puma | Phone Case- Lumee

  Xx Sylvia