Zwift is bringing back Zwift Academy Run for its second year. The academy is positioned as Zwift’s biggest and most inclusive training program.
Last year, 12,000 runners joined across the globe as they tackled the group workouts and races. This year the program returns with new workouts and new features designed to… ‘help every runner unlock their personal best.’
The program officially starts on October 4th. Zwifters must complete a series of eight workouts; and, new for this year, two benchmarking runs – the Baseline Run and the Finish Line Run. These two runs will provide Zwifters the chance to see their progress through the program and attempt a new 5km PR in the Finish Line Run.
‘The Baseline and Finish Line runs are a requirement for graduation. Start and end the program with a 5K time trial for a snapshot of your performance improvements and gain insights. Based on your performance in the academy workouts, you’ll receive suggestions on which training plans would benefit your training journey. Insights are available exclusively on the Zwift Companion app.’
Also new for this year is the option to choose between short and long workouts. The short and long workouts allow Zwifters to decide which program’s training load is appropriate for their experience level.
The short workouts are 25-35 minutes long and are a condensed version of the long workouts. The short workouts are aimed at being ideal for new runners, less experienced runners, or time-crunched athletes.
The long workouts are 40-60 minutes long and offer increased intervals and tempo durations. These workouts are for returning season runners looking to improve their speed and endurance.
Zwift Academy Run also returns for 2021 with a chance to join a professionally supported team in preparation for a marathon major – part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors series.
To compete for a spot on the team, Zwifters must graduate from the Zwift Academy Run program. This means completing all eight structured workouts – these can be either the short or long versions, or a mixture of both.
In addition, Zwifters must complete the Baseline and Finish Line runs, which are scheduled events and can be found in the events calendar. For team selection, it is mandatory these are completed with a heart rate monitor and cadence sensor.
Zwift adds that… ‘The ZA Run Team will receive incredible support from some of the best partners in the industry.’
Registration for Zwift Academy Run is open now. The in-game program will begin on October 4, and will end on November 29.
