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The Outside Interactive Story
Learn about our company and the development of the Virtual Runner solution.
How did start
How did we start?
Outside Interactive was founded by Gary McNamee in 2011. After enduring yet another boring treadmill run in a typically harsh New England winter while in preparation for the Boston Marathon, Gary thought, “what if I could film the course and view it while I ran on my treadmill?” And just like that, Outside Interactive was born.
After compiling research about the latest technologies in videography (and a LOT of trial and error) Gary successfully filmed the 26.2 mile course from Hopkinton to Boston and other popular running routes by refining the videography and editing process to produce the smoothest views of the course seen from a runner’s perspective. Each course was filmed multiple times and the use of post-production editing allowed for multiple speeds of the video to be adjusted without either a fast forward or slow motion effect. Initially the end product was runners being able to select the pace they wished to run with pre-paced videos.
Not satisfied with this solution, Gary took the idea one step further. “What if the video speed could actually be controlled interactively by the pace of the runner?” So Gary set out to make this happen.
The Solution-NEW
The Solution?
This approach proved to be much more of a challenge. But Gary has a knack for staying on course and taking a different approach to problem solving as evidenced in his two prior companies. He determined that this solution had to be simple and not require any special treadmill. It had to work with the equipment the runner already owned.Using a dozen of his closest running friends as guinea pigs, Gary developed a software solution called Virtual Runner.
Virtual Runner is an application that works with a footpod that the runner attaches to his/her shoelace. The footpod communicates with a USB receiver attached to the runner’s laptop, PC, iPad or Tablet. Wireless data from the footpod transmits the runner’s pace and controls the speed of the video through this software. If a runner does not have a footpod, the speed can be adjusted manually for iPad and Tablet users.
For those searching for a new treadmill, today's equipment offers a wide variety of exciting new features including connected fitness, linking to your favorite applications, including us! These smart treadmills allow for two way "bi-directional" communication, allowing Virtual Runner to control incline and resistance to simulate hills along the courses, while also adjusting video speed to your exact pace on your tablet, allowing for a truly interactive immersive experience. Compatible brands can be found HERE. It's the next best thing to being there!
Moving forward, the goal of Outside Interactive is to continue offering many different popular running routes, scenic courses and marquee races. Through this interactive video experience, runners are able to preview race courses, learn the landmarks or just enjoy the scenery in an effort to improve the treadmill experience all at their own pace.