Zero Runner zero impact running machine Octane's NEW Zero Runner brings another runner out of retirement! Tom Riggs, runner, artist and writer living in Fort Collins, explains how Zero Runner, Octane's revolutionary new no-impact running machine has enabled him to continue running, past retirement. "The Zero Runner suspends you in air on foot pads and has hip and knee joints that allow you to replicate a natural, fluid running motion without the impact." [caption id="attachment_488" align="alignleft" width="150" class=" "]Tom Riggs runner Tom Riggs (Photo: Coloradoan library)[/caption] A couple of months ago I was told by my doctor that running was no longer something my body could tolerate. I had promised my wife if I was ever told by a doctor to stop running, I would. I never really thought that day would come, but since it has, I have to keep that promise. Today I’m happy to tell you that I am now running again, but I haven’t broken the promise I made to my wife! How is that possible? A couple of weeks ago I got a message from my friend Tonja, who works in the exercise and fitness equipment industry. She wanted to tell me about a new piece of equipment from Octane Fitness called the “Zero Runner”. The Zero Runner basically suspends the runner in air on foot pads and has hip and knee joints that allow you to replicate a natural, fluid running motion without the impact of running on a traditional treadmill. It’s a weight-bearing exercise without impact, and since the impact is the thing my doctor wants me to avoid, the Zero Runner is perfect for me. Tonja called me as soon as a Zero Runner was available for me to try out. I headed out with the Lovely Linda (my wife of 32 years) and we both gave it a try. I was hooked right away and, to my surprise, so was Linda! But this is no cheap toy, and is a serious investment not to be taken lightly. Surprising me a second time that day, Linda was as interested in hearing more about the Zero Runner as I was. We took delivery as soon as possible. What's great about the Zero Runner [caption id="attachment_491" align="alignleft" width="300" class=" "]Octane Zero Runner running machine The Zero Runner suspends you in air on foot pads and has hip and knee joints that allow you to replicate a natural, fluid running motion without the impact.[/caption] One of my favourite features of the Zero Runner is that it’s human powered. Instead of a motor setting the pace for you to keep up with, you are the sole motivator and make the machine work via your own muscle strength, as if you were actually on a run. The feel is natural and more instinctive than any treadmill I’ve ever run on, and there is definitely a learning curve. After some initial awkwardness, however, everyone gets the hang of it pretty quickly. It’s got a fancy digital display with numbers and information that seems to float on a clear piece of glass in front of you. It’s also got handles that move with your legs and keep your arms bent at a perfect running form 90° angle at waist height. You can also choose to hold on to a pair of fixed handles. I felt the most comfortable doing this, and soon found myself letting go of the right handle, my arm immediately settling into a natural swinging motion. It felt awesome! Try one out. A great choice for every runner By protecting the joints with absolutely zero impact, it means the Zero Runner is just as effective if you're recovering from injury. It's also a great solution for "rest days". With no impact, you don't need to rest your joints and can continue to run those extra miles and enhance your performance further! The Zero Runner is available to purchase from Fitness Superstore from early November 2014 but is available now to pre-order. Find out more about Zero Runner including videos. Tom Riggs is a runner, artist and writer living in Fort Collins. His running career includes more than 30,000 miles, 30 marathons and countless shorter races. He has written and illustrated a new book, "How to be a Runner: A Simple Guide to a Simple Sport". He is also a columnist for the Coloradoan. This blog was first posted on the Coloradoan Newspaper.