Vi Trainer

I loved Vi from the minute I opened the (gorgeous!) box and heard her voice.... she made me laugh within 30 seconds of hearing her which was a great start! Unfortunately she arrived just days before I headed off on an overseas trip which saw me only running on treadmills for some of our early runs together - and she told me in no uncertain terms that I needed to get outside in order for us to really get to know each other. I'm not sure how much 'science' is behind some of the advice she gives me - she was rattling off about headwinds the other day - on one of the stillest mornings I've run for a long time - but I do pull in my gut and stand up taller when she tells me to, and I'm pretty sure my cadence is improving since I started running with her! What do I love? - I love that she calls me by name! It really feels personal. - I love the humour - she seems to understand that we do exercise for fun! - I love the prompts and the data - I've really enjoyed 'running to the beat' and her pace recommendations So why not 5 stars? There are clearly things that they're working on that I'd love to see improved - for example: - it feels weird talking to Vi during a group run especially - I'd like to get my stats just by pressing a button; - when I do talk to Vi - sometimes it takes a long time for her to respond or she doesn't understand what I say (maybe she doesn't understand Australian accents). - it would be good if she could check in with the weather stats and link her comments to what's actually going on where I am; - I've noticed that when she uploads treadmill runs to Strava she does so at a time that has no relationship to my location (assume it's the time for the server from which that data is sent) - but it's fine with runs with GPS; - I'm really looking forward to more functionality in the walking options (currently beta) - I'd love to see some walking meditations / mindfulness - she said a few times that she wants me to go on a mindfulness walk, but she doesn't do much to help :) - I'd love to tell her what pace I want to run at and get her to help me with that So my 4 stars should not be taken in anyway as a sign that I have any regrets about the purchase - I think she's been great value, and as the software continues to improve I think I'll be rating her at 6 or more stars very soon.

While I haven’t tested every aspect of the device and app, I’m pretty happy with Vi overall. I did have issues getting it connected and having Vi read my HR but the customer service and tech that helped was on point.

I’m a marathon runner. I know how to run. I’m good at running. Vi is good, too. Vi reminds me to watch my form, to push myself if I’m feeling a bit slow. Vi keeps my cadence on track and encourages me to do more, push harder, become better, run further, become faster. Vi is funny, sassy and a real joy to run with. That aside, the headphones are more than acceptable. They are built to tackle the weather, even the most horrible conditions a body could run in! Sweat? No worries! Extra bass, yup! Great sound? You got it! — Listen, Vi is a work in progress as well. She is getting smarter with each successive software update. She learns your running style and adapts to make you a better runner! Well worth the money.

My father got me this. Im not a person who likes running but Vi motivates me to do so. When you state you are new, she gives you tips along the way. Its also nice that you can just ask Vi instead of having to take out the phone to check your heartrate or speed. However the only issue I have so far is there's difficulty adjusting it to sense my heartrate. The customising of size is interesting but Im still trying to get the right fit. Im not sure how to keep Vi in the pouch give either... Despite that, its my third time using it. Vi makes it more enjoyable to run for a newbie like me.

I used Vi for 4 weeks (prior to an injury that’s put me out for a bit). I certainly noticed an increase in my speed and cadence in that time. I did find she tends to focus mostly on cadence during my runs and not too much else. But maybe that’s because I think I set my goal at “increase speed”. I also found the interpretation of my requests a little hit and miss. She would ask if I wanted to do something, I’d say yes and would be ignored, or as instructed, I’d tap the earpiece and say “step to the beat” and nothing would happen. Perhaps it was because I was breathing a bit hard!! But all in all, a clever interactive device that provides good motivation, and regular run stats right in your ears. As soon as my injury is better, I’ll definitely go back to using it.