Approximately every five to seven months, I am possessed by a desire to “see if I like running.” I suit up in activewear and my best shoes, jury-rig my apartment keys into the hair tie holding up my ponytail, and optimistically set off down Manhattan’s FDR Drive. After some time, the results of my experiment are clear: I still hate running and remain convinced anyone who says it’s “euphoric” or “relaxing” is a Nike-sponsored liar.
Some things do impact the enjoyability of running, however, like listening to guided runs. Peloton’s guided runs have increased my likelihood to get (and stay) on the treadmill in the gym, for instance, and I have been choosing running over cycling as my cardio far more often than I did before discovering that section on the Peloton app. Baby steps—or, rather, baby strides.
If you feel like I do about running, guided runs are the way to go. Peloton and other running apps can be pricy, so I found some great guided run channels for free on YouTube. The only thing better than a little help is a little free help.
Get Fit Done: for straightforward motivation
Get Fit Done is a small but mighty channel with 12,000 subscribers that, unlike a lot of others I used, requires almost no fiddling around to find the guided runs. GFD has compiled a bunch into a playlist.
They’re about 30 minutes, use popular songs, and guide you through the entire half hour clearly. A narrator tells you when to speed up and slow down, gives you a few tips here and there, but also shuts up so you can hear the music, which I appreciate. The audio quality on the narration isn’t incredible, but you can hear it just fine. This is my favorite one because it’s straightforward and no-nonsense while still being fun and motivational. Bonus: The channel also includes other kinds of videos, like guided cycling workouts. I love a good YouTube spin class and these are up there with my other favorites in terms of quality.
müüv: for getting technical
When you follow along with müüv, which has just under 4,000 subscribers, you’ll notice there’s no music or anything. It’s just pure instruction, which is great if you want to focus only on your running or listen to your own music (though you’d need two devices for that, so this is best for when you’re on a treadmill).
Certified trainers take you through interval walks and runs of varying lengths, plus there are also cycling and other kinds of exercises available. With these, the goal isn’t getting lost in music; rather, you’re following an expert-led plan that keeps you on track with your progressive running goals.
The Run Experience: for scenery and guidance
Everyone responds differently to different motivators, so even though I’m not someone who enjoys virtual scenic cardio sessions, I know plenty of people do; the scenic rides on Peloton are massively popular. You can replicate that experience with running by following along with The Run Experience, where coaches take you on a jog through beautiful scenery, giving guidance, tips, and motivation along the way.
With nearly 700,000 subscribers, this is one of the more popular ones I found. Generally speaking, the videos are probably better suited to be played on your iPad while you jog on a treadmill, so you can focus on the footage, but even if you’re running it on your phone while you hit the pavement, you still get the benefit of being guided through your intervals by a running coach.
What do you think so far?
EatMoveRest: for great production
Does a video need amazing production and top audio quality to deliver useful fitness information? No, but it’s nice, which is why I like EatMoveRest. The guided runs are designed for treadmill use but can be taken outside and the video and audio are crisp, so you can hear and see precisely what you need to be doing. With 174,000 subscribers, this channel is well-rounded. You get a variety of workouts, recipes and food tips, and even some family vlogs, if you’re into that kind of thing.
Virtual Running Videos: for pure scenery
Maybe you don’t want any guidance, any words, or any music. Maybe, you just want to zone out and pretend you’re on a mountainside or jogging by the river when you’re actually in your crowded gym. If that’s you, I recommend Virtual Running Videos, the aptly named channel with a little under 100,000 subscribers.
They are typically about 45 minutes to an hour long, but you can go as long as you want because there’s no guidance on intervals or anything like that. You get to go at your own pace, which might be best for you if you’re just starting out or having an active rest day.
IBX Running: for quick hits
Many of the channels above are full of 30- or 45-minute runs, but what about when you only have a few minutes or you just want a running warmup before you get to other exercises? IBX Running, with about 60,000 subscribers, can help you out.
With videos for beginners, HIIT routines, endurance runs, and more, this channel has it all, but it also offers these up in varying degrees of time. Why not hop on the treadmill for a 10-minute HIIT run? If you want or need, there are longer ones, too, making this a solid one-stop shop.
