NordicTrack proudly partnered with elite runner, Zach Bitter, to set a new 100-Mile Treadmill World Record, as well as a second World Record for most miles ran on a treadmill in 12 hours, to beat the current record of 95.57 miles. His run streamed live all day on May 16, 2020 from 6:30 a.m. to approximately 7 p.m. PDT.
Bitter ran on the premier treadmill, NordicTrack X22i Incline Treadmill, which was built and tested to perform at extreme use. Bitter broke the current 100-Mile Treadmill World Record of 12 hours and 32 minutes with 12 hours, 9 minutes, and 15 seconds AND ran a total of 98.64 total miles for 12 hours from his Phoenix home.
“Before the spring race season, I was running my absolute best,” Bitter said, whose key race was an April 100-mile Ultra London race, which was canceled due to COVID-19. “Instead of losing out on all of my training, I decided to redirect my efforts to setting new world records.”
Bitter is already known as the fastest 100-miler on track (11:19:13) and trail (12:08:36), so adding treadmills to his lists of world records is easily within reach. In addition, Bitter holds the world record for most miles on a track in 12 hours, reaching 104.8 miles after breaking the 100-mile record at the “Six Days in the Dome” event in August 2019.
“When I’m running on track and trail, I spend a lot of time thinking about pace and tracking splits to make sure I’m on target,” Bitter said. “The nice thing about running on a treadmill is that it does that hard work for you—you just set it and forget it.”
Bitter takes careful preparation for his races and is known for massive training blocks, with average weeks reaching 120 miles. He laid down two big weekend blocks on the treadmill in preparation: the weekend of April 25 and 26, he ran 20 and 15 miles. Then, the weekend of May 2 and 3, he ran 22 and 21 miles.
“Running on the treadmill is so much more forgiving the day and the week after, because of the springiness of the treadmill,” Bitter said. “I don’t experience as much post-run aches and pain in my ankles and feet.”
To relate to this uncertain time, Bitter states, “The quarantine situation is like an ultra—the first 50 miles is physical, the second is mental. This challenge is representative of the challenge the entire world is living through, I hope my event is a reminder for everyone to stay strong so you can go the distance.”
Having also partnered with Fight for the Forgotten®, Bitter chose this charity for its incredible mission and for Wren’s hands-on approach––giving great focus on empowering those who don’t have a voice, including people affected by water crises, struggling with depression and addiction, or facing the challenge of bullying.
See what Bitter has to say about his record-breaking experience in his recap video below:
We couldn’t be more proud of Bitter and all that he has accomplished, and utilizing our X22i Incline Treadmill is a compliment in itself. We thank you Zach Bitter for letting us be a part of your memorable day! We look forward to watching you take on more record-breaking runs in the future!
DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. NordicTrack assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.
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Sources:
https://www.nordictrack.com/treadmills/x22i-incline-trainer
https://www.nordictrack.com/learn/covid-19-relief-million-masks-donations-ifit/
https://www.nordictrack.com/learn/benefits-x22i-incline-trainer/
https://give.fightfortheforgotten.org/give/285108/#!/donation/checkout
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nJhwGmVtFU
https://www.nordictrack.com/learn/x22i-best-home-gym-equipment-strategist/
