*Disclaimer: The Weav Run app is currently free, but I will be receiving a lifetime subscription in January 2018 as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
Last month I was informed about a new running app called Weav Run. I was a little hesitant to try it because I’m not super techy and sometimes technology in general can be frustrating. But, I decided to go ahead and give it a try because YOLO (do the kids still say that?) 😉 I’ll explain how Weav Run impacted my running, #ButFirst, let me tell you what makes the app so unique.
The Weav Run app uses Weav Music to sync to your running speeds. There’s a lot that goes into this as the music composition changes in real time without impacting the quality of the song. There’s also the issue of music licenses and such…which is why the playlist on the app isn’t huge, but more songs are being added all the time. There are even less songs available outside of the U.S. (because of licensing), but that will also evolve over time.
Let me break it down for you: Let’s say you are out for a morning run and you want to run a steady pace of a 10 min/mile (the steps/minute will be different for everyone based on cadence). You fire up the Weav Run app and the music will stay in sync with your steps! But then, your neighbor’s dog gets loose and chases you down the street – increasing your speed to an 8 min/mile. Oh no! Have no fear, the music from the app will speed up with you! Finally, the dog gives up but your hot neighbor is out working in the yard and maybe you want to slow down a bit 😉 like to a 12 min/mile. The music will slow down to your tempo so you don’t lose any precious running time. Did I mention, this all happens with the SAME song? And the song still sounds great – either fast or slow – without sounding like a band of Darth Vaders or chipmunks!
So now that you know a little bit more about the app, I’ll explain how this technology impacts your running.
From the Weav Run website:
Studies show that running in sync with music can:
- Boost performance by an extra 15-20%**
- Decrease your perception of effort by 10% (erasing pain & making running more pleasurable)
- Motivate you to get out the door, or stick to your routine
I can honestly say that after using this app for the last month – I have experienced all of these things! I even ran one of my fastest miles this year!
I have also been running more negative splits, enjoying my runs, and getting motivated everyday! And I literally mean everyday, because I have been participating in Weav Run’s #WeavStreak this month! 30 days of running to finish the year!
Streaking is hard during the winter because it’s cold and the days are shorter. Streaking during Christmas is harder because I just want to drink hot chocolate and watch Hallmark movies, but the Weav Run app has definitely made me lace up and get out the door for at least one mile each day! In case you’re wondering, I’m on day 21 now – follow me on Instagram @theswagmama to see me finish out the streak!
The app has 2 different modes (Indoor and Outdoor) and you can choose to either enter your desired steps per minute or have the app detect your cadence.
I also beta tested the interval mode on the treadmill and really enjoyed my experience! The change in tempo of the music prompted me when to speed up and slow down during each interval and it made the time pass quickly.
But, with all new technology there are always a few hiccups. I did have a few technical issues with the app:
- Sometimes the app measured that I was running longer distances compared to my Garmin.
- The time was a little off with the interval mode. The app said I ran 34 minutes, whereas the treadmill said I only ran 30 minutes.
- You can’t go back and edit your runs.
- I had issues sharing my runs to Twitter. It acted like I could upload my run to Twitter, but then there wasn’t an actual upload button to click.
- The music takes up a lot of space. If you download the music to your phone, it will take up a lot of memory.
- It’s only available for Apple iPhone users. Sorry Android friends!
However, I believe these are all things that will be improved with time!
You can also check out some frequently asked questions here.
Another added bonus is that the Weav Run app team is pretty awesome! They are quick to respond to your questions about the app and they are dedicated to improving your Weav Run experience!
Overall, I really loved this app and will continue to use it to improve my running performance! I learned that my cadence is not that great, so I’m looking forward to setting a new cadence goal for 2018!
Until then, I’ll keep on streaking! 😉
The app is currently free on the IOS app store. Check it out and let me know what you think!
Join me on #BibChat on Twitter on Tuesday, December 26th at 8pm CST to learn more about the app and to chat with some fun folks from the running community! See you there!
I’m off to work on my next review!
~SM
The Swag Mama 