In today's climate of race cancelations due to a worldwide pandemic, what are race directors and race lovers left to do? We must embrace the virtual race! When this pandemic hit the country in March 2020 and a few races got canceled, we all may have thought for sure races would be back by fall. As the uncertainty continues about the virus, races are still being either canceled or turned virtual. For both directors and participants alike, we must embrace the virtual race! In this week's blog/podcast we will discuss 5 steps participants can take to prepare for a virtual event.

Listen To Podcast

Continue Reading (Scroll Down)

Determine Your Distance - Would this be your first race? Then a 5k (3.1 miles) race is the right event for you. If you have been chomping at the bit to do a marathon one day, but your first step was to complete a half marathon this year. Don't let canceled live events stop you. Train and complete your distance goal race virtually. And yes, there are even virtual full marathons that you can sign up for. The one thing that you don't have to worry about when participating in live events is where to run the race. You just show up and run the predetermined course. Here you have determined your own course. How?

2. Decide Where To Run - This of course depends on which distance you have chosen. Perhaps you live near a bike path, nature trail, or even a straight away like the boardwalk. These are great locations for your virtual 5k distance. To map out your course you can use a GPS running tracking device. Runners may use a GPS watch like a Garmin or Apple Watch. While some carry their phone and use Map My Run or Nike Run Club. To keep the course simple, I like a simple out and back course. 1.55 miles out and 1.55 miles back for the 5k. 6.55 out and back for the half marathon. All of the tracking devices will tell when you hit the halfway point. When you are planning where to run, you want to make sure the route is safe with little to no traffic. This is even more important as you plan your long-distance run. Half and full marathons take creativity to make sure you get your miles in. This is all the more important to make sure your route is safe. So no running on highways, railroad tracks, or airplane runways.

3. Research Your Options - What virtual races are out there just waiting for you? There are many virtual events popping up on social media. Your running friends may know a few, and would love your company. Some race goes towards good causes like the Humane Society or Children with Disabilities. For experienced runners, another good reason to support the virtual races would be to help keep the race alive! Some of our favorite races may disappear forever if we don't continue to support them should they turn virtual. Regardless of which event you pick, make sure it makes sense for you.

4. Register For Event - Next, check the calendar, make sure you don't have to work and go for it. Some virtual events have to be run on a particular day. While other virtual events, you may have more time like a weekend or full week to complete the event. Make sure of the details before committing to anything.

5. Prepare Properly - Life as we know it may have changed, but our will to fight cannot change. We must continue training, eating well, and running races. Do not let your guard. Stick to a schedule designed for your distant event. Get proper rest. Select the time of day you plan to run the event. Do not forget to choose a time with less car traffic. If you are concerned about the virus, this may mean choosing a time of day when there is less foot traffic on the bike paths, streets, and boardwalks. When doing long-distance courses, run the courses, run the course several times in practice. A pro tip for staying hydrated would be to see if there are areas in which you can stash some water. Some run courses near a nearby friend or family home in order to grab a quick drink.

Additional Points: If your virtual event comes with a race bib, make sure you print it out and have it ready for race day. I recommend setting out your race clothing the night before the event along with your bib. Don't forget the safety pins. Listen, everything that I’m telling you is the same thing that I do to prepare for live events. I treat virtual races no different. You got to be a little crazy to get yourself worked up for this. Instead of the word crazy, I like to say, having a good imagination!

If you listen to music, set your playlist up the night before. What music do you want to hear as you walk up to your virtual starting line? Imagining all of this and having all your gear prepared in advance will add to your experience.

Run To The Best You Crew -

Al Mackler Cancer & Humane Society Virtual 5k’s

Another way to add to your virtual experience is to run an event with your family. Sign up as a team and run together. As long as it's allowed in your area, small groups may still be able to meet for runs. Grab a small group of friends to run the virtual event with. The energy that your friends will provide will help you feel like you are at an event. Especially if your friends set up a DJ booth for music and your children are at the finish line with a bull horn announcing names as you cross the virtual finish line.

Don't forget to submit your time to the virtual event. Email the race or follow the races’ results instructions.

We leave you with this…. Many run races for so many different reasons. Some run races to support a cause, to support a friend, to improve health, to feel accomplished, to challenge themselves and the list goes on. Whether you are a race director, beginner or experienced runner, we don't know how long we have to social distance. Now is the time to lace up and embrace the virtual race! -Coach Tadris