Outside Interactive’s Virtual Runner 1.5 Software – the First-Ever Interactive Software Running System – Changes Treadmill Running Forever

Software features Garmin® accessories utilizing ANT+™ wireless technology to put runners on famous race courses while training on a treadmill

BOSTON (November 2, 2011) – Outside Interactive’s newly launched “Virtual Runner” software features interactive videos compatible with select Garmin® accessories utilizing ANT+™ wireless technology to put runners on iconic race courses while training indoors on a treadmill.

Virtual Runner consists of software (compatible with Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7), a Garmin footpod and USB ANT™ stick receiver that connect wirelessly, allowing runners to train viewing professionally-created high definition videos shot from a runner's vantage point. To enhance the training experience, an optional Garmin Heart Rate Monitor is also available for on-screen display. This robust training software can be used with an existing treadmill, PC or laptop, and a monitor or HDTV.

After a successful limited release introduction in August, version 1.5 was launched this week by Boston-based startup Outside Interactive and is now available online at www.outsideinteractive.com. This first-ever interactive software running system provides a needed spark to treadmill training.

“Virtual Runner offers an alternative to the doldrums of treadmill running,” said Gary McNamee, Outside Interactive’s founder. “The goal is to enable runners to view popular courses and running routes interactively and at their own pace even in inclement weather or when on the road, deployed overseas or traveling away from the course.”

How does it work?

Virtual Runner is designed to work with a runner’s existing hardware. No special treadmill is required. Virtual Runner is installed on a PC or laptop along with chosen course videos, such as a run through Central Park or around Boston’s Charles River, the included footpod is attached to a shoelace and the USB ANT stick is plugged into the PC or laptop. The footpod and USB receiver then work wirelessly using ANT+ wireless protocol.

Once the software is launched, there is a brief countdown and then the course video begins to play on the monitor or HDTV. While running, the footpod transmits the runner’s pace to the USB receiver. The receiver then sends this pace to the Virtual Runner software, which adjusts the speed of the video. If the runner runs faster, the video will speed up. If they slow down, the video will slow down.

The audio component contains the actual natural sounds captured when the footage was shot, which are not affected by speed change. A mute option can be enabled if runners wish to listen to their own music. Runners have the option of starting anywhere along a given route by selecting a mile marker so a course can be broken up and covered over several runs.

Virtual Runner is available at Outside Interactive's website, www.outsideinteractive.com, for $199.95 and includes:

• the Virtual Runner Software
• a Garmin footpod
• a Garmin USB receiver stick
• a cadence calibration video (to improve footpod accuracy)
• online and toll free technical support

An optional Heart Rate Monitor for $44.95 is also available that will display the runner’s heart rate on the screen. A growing library of race courses and popular running route HD videos designed to work with Virtual Runner are available from $19.95 to $39.95.

Also introduced this week is Virtual Runner "Lite." For those who may already own an ANT+ enabled footpod, USB receiver and optional heart rate monitor, the “lite” version is listed at $99.95

The Outside Interactive software is compatible with all ANT+ devices, McNamee added.

“The courses were shot in a wide-screen format from a runner’s vantage point with Dolby Digital sound to create a realistic experience,” said McNamee. “But the best part is you can run any pace, speeding up or slowing down along the way, and the video stays in sync with your movements, just like you’re out there learning the landmarks on the course or just enjoying the scenery.”

McNamee, a life-long Boston resident and entrepreneur who founded IPS of Boston and Laser-Fax, Inc., developed the products after getting frustrated with not being able to train properly for the B.A.A. Boston Marathon in New England’s unpredictable and often harsh weather.

“I remember thinking, what if I could film a course and view it while I ran on my treadmill,” he said. “I just took my idea and ran with it, so to speak.”

To see a sample of the videos, go to the following links:

• Central Park (http://vimeo.com/26263001)
• Charles River (http://vimeo.com/26188030)
• A Run with Bill Rodgers (http://vimeo.com/27548172)
• TD Bank Beach to Beacon 10K (http://vimeo.com/26156325)
• Falmouth (http://vimeo.com/23342639)

For additional information, visit www.outsideinteractive.com or call 508-238-9500 or 888-880-9264. A video demonstration can be viewed at http://vimeo.com/26057578.

Garmin is a registered trademark and ANT+ is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

About ANT+
ANT+ (http://www.thisisant.com) provides wireless interoperability to a complete ecosystem of over 16 million ultra low power sport, fitness and health monitoring devices. Based on the base ANT protocol, ANT+ facilitates the collection, transfer and tracking of data between sensors, hubs and mobile devices. Over 400 leading brands are members of the ANT+ Alliance – a special interest group of companies who have adopted the ANT+ promise of interoperability. The Alliance ensures standardized communications through optimized brand value and partnerships with other top tier products.

About Outside Interactive
Outside Interactive, a Boston-based startup, is a developer of revolutionary running software and DVDs that feature famous race courses and running routes throughout the U.S. Founded by Gary McNamee, an avid runner and entrepreneur, the firm’s products are available at www.outsideinteractive.com. For additional information, visit www.outsideinteractive.com or call 508-238-9500 or 888-880-9264.

# # #