I Tried a Peloton Scenic Run and Here’s How it Went

This weekend I did an 8 mile run on my Peloton treadmill. To break up the run, I did a mix of classes and this time I decided to add in a scenic run in the middle of my stack. I had scrolled through the scenic runs when I got my treadmill and my husband had been raving about them so I was excited to try it out!

In this post I’ll share with you everything you need to know about scenic runs, the different types, and my review of them.

What is a Peloton Scenic Run?

The scenic run is a new Peloton feature that allows you to “run” through different real-life locations. There are 3 different types of scenic runs that Peloton offers: Guided, Distance and Timed. Here’s a look at what the differences are between the three

Guided

Guided runs are runs that are led by Peloton instructors, like Matt Wilpers and Jess Sims. They’re timed classes that bring you through different destinations. The instructors actually went to these destinations and shot these workouts so they’re actually “live”!. These workouts can be really fun because the instructors usually load them with fun information about the destinations. These runs are the most similar to traditional Peloton treadmill workout classes.

Distance

Distance scenic runs are run where you select the distance you want to run and the scenic run will match it. When you increase speed the video will play a little faster to make it feel like you’re actually there running! There’s also a little meter on the side that tracks your progress.

Currently, there are a few distances to select from:

1 mile

5K

10K

The playlist on these seems to be endless so no matter how long you take to complete the distance you’ll have music playing.

Related Post: How to Train for a Race on Peloton Tread

Timed

Timed runs are runs where you select the time you want to run for, and a video plays for that amount. These runs also remind me of the regular Peloton Tread classes, except in these you don’t have an instructor leading you. There are also no recommended inclines or paces. Unlike the distance runs, the video in these runs stays the same pace no matter what your speed is.

Classes can range in time from:

10 minute

15 minute

20 minute

30 minute

45 minute

60 minute

Distance Scenic Run Review

I want to start this out and say that I’m not usually a fan of scenic runs. Back in my pre-Peloton days (and really any digital class day) I tried to do a few scenic runs using my iPad and old Proform through Central Park and just couldn’t get into it. It seemed cheesy to me and if I was going to watch something while I ran, I’d rather watch TV.

So when I saw Peloton had scenic runs I knew I’d want to try them eventually, but never really got around to it until I had my long run this weekend and needed something to break it up. I decided to try a distance run in the middle of my stack.

I completed my 60 minute Becs class, and then hopped into the scenic 1 Mile Big Sur Run, still running the same pace as I was from my Becs class.

I quickly realized this was a mistake.

I don’t usually get motion sickness but coming in already running into this class made me extremely dizzy and almost had me fall off my tread. Right when this class starts out, it’s following a curvy road – and sure enough, the camera follows – twists and turns and all. Since I had come in at my running pace the camera and “road” were moving really fast, so it made me feel super off balance.

I ended up canceling the run and hopping into a 15-minute endurance class instead. I just didn’t feel stable watching the winding roads and wanted to finish my run feeling strong, not distracted about a video.

Looking back, this probably wasn’t the best time or way to hop into a scenic run for the first time. My husband loves these workouts and told me the best way to do them is to slowly ease into them with a walk and then run. I also asked around in a few of my Facebook groups and the run that I decided to try also was known as being a super curvy one and other people had similar feedback.

Related Post: Peloton Bike Scenic Rides

There are a few things, however, that I do like about scenic runs. I liked that on the right of the screen there’s a bar that tracks your distance and how much you have remaining (instead of the one overhead in regular class that shows time completed and how much remaining).

I also like that the playlists aren’t a set amount of time – they’ll continue playing music as long as you’re running. That being said, unlike a regular class where you can see all the songs on a playlist, you can just see what artists are included.

Overall I think it’s nice that Peloton has scenic runs and can definitely see how they can appeal to tread users. However, I’ve found with the distance runs I’m not a fan of them and much prefer the traditional class style. If I do another scenic run, I’d do one of the guided runs because they’re more of the traditional treadmill-style class.

Related Post: How to Sync a Garmin Watch to Peloton Tread or Bike

How to Find Scenic Runs

Scenic Runs are only available on the treadmill at this time.

On your treadmill, click on the bottom where it says “More Runs”. There will then be an option to “Just Run” or “Scenic Runs”.

Here’s a video to help walkthrough where to find them as well:

Keep in mind that both Just Run and Scenic Runs do count towards workout milestone goals.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think scenic runs are a nice addition to the Peloton workout library but they’re not my favorite. If you’ve never done one before, I recommend easing into them with a walk first and then running. Be aware that certain runs, like the one I did, can be really dizzying because of all the twists and turns so might be better to take it slow until you adapt.