The “Race a Virtual Athlete” functionality is great fun, but can also be a serious training aid. The parameters of the race are set using the easy to use PC software [see tab at the top of the page].
Pace Mode: A goal finish time for the virtual athlete is selected and the athlete progresses at a steady speed.
Race Mode: The virtual Athlete`s finish time is selected secretly by the software from between two finish time parameters selected by you. The speed is variable also so watch out, it may have a sprint finish! A name can be designated to the athlete to further personalise the race.
Because the VR1 headphones do not rely on GPS they can be used indoors as well as outdoors, making them perfect for indoor cycling turbo trainers, rowing machines, gym bikes, running machines, cross trainers and track running. The VR1 is especially unique for swimmers.
The VR1 Race is based on the idea that in many situations GPS is not needed to measure distance and speed. Running machines have these parameters displayed, as do gym bikes. Cyclists usually have cycle computers of some sort already to measure distance and speed. The VR1 therefore voices the progress of the virtual athlete and the user simply compares this to their own progress on their own measuring device. For swimming, a swimmer knows themselves how many lengths they have completed and can therefore compare their progress against the virtual athlete`s progress. If you have completed 17 lengths and the virtual athlete has completed 16.5 lengths, you are ahead!
Many of us can squeeze that little extra out of ourselves once the competitive element kicks in. The VR1 creates this in training. Rather than just analyse performance post workout, the VR1 tries to get a better performance out of us during the workout.