The running community is a unique group of so many diverse members. In the best of times, we come together to celebrate our accomplishments and cheer on our fellow runners to do the same. In the worst of times, we are fiercely loyal and our bond is often felt more strongly. After major disasters like September 11th and the Boston Bombings, we came out in droves to raise money, to walk, to run, to show that we can overcome whatever is thrown our way. What do we do when we can no longer come out in droves? We run anyway. We run solo but we keep running. Right now, Virtual Runs are more important than ever here’s why.
Why Virtual Runs Are More Important Than Ever
Admittedly, until recently, I was never one to do a virtual run. I never really saw the point. If I wanted to do a race or raise money for a cause, I would sign up and run the race. With that impossibility right now, the prospect of virtual races is much more appealing. In fact, with so many cancelled races now offering virtual options, virtual races are the new running race.
What’s the point, you might ask? Right now, little things mean a lot. Staying on a schedule and staying active feels good. We all need a little more feeling good. Most large races have some sort of charity component to them. Your registration fee will still benefit those same organizations. We runners feel good about doing good. Sticking to your training plan and completing your planned race mileage can give you sense of purpose and accomplishment during a time when there is so much uncertainty. When there is so little we are able to plan for right now, having a virtual race on your schedule can be motivating and uplifting.
I am participating in Run The Edge’s Free Uncanceled Virtual Race series. Join me!
Social distancing can sure make a runner feel very isolated very quickly. Many of us are used to being part of our local running communities in some way. Signing up for a virtual run race can instantly connect you with other runners. You can feel that (almost) same sense of connection as you encourage other runners to complete their miles while getting kudos on finishing yours. You may even “meet” some new running friends in your own community.
[You may also like: Why You Should Keep Running When Your Race is Cancelled]
Virtual Runs can also give you the opportunity to try something new on your own terms. Always wanted to run a new distance race but not sure about the timing of the race or fitting training into your schedule? You now have the perfect opportunity to do so! Ironically, spring is fantastic running weather and the perfect time to test out new distances or hone in on a favorite mileage. There is no stress about pacing or walk running or anything really. Virtual Runs are more important than ever to runners. Tell me are you participating in any?
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Rachel, Smitha, Jen and Lisa
We hope this space gives our readers a place to connect and feel supported through this uncertain and stressful time.
Thank you for this uplifting post!
Like you, the idea of doing a virtual race never appealed to me. However, now everything has changed.
Wendy mentioned the Uncanceled Project last week and I have signed up for that. It looks fun!
I hope a lot of runners will join.
I signed up for that one as well “see” you there
Ive done a few virtual races in the past but they are much more important now I think! Other than giving us something to work towards, they bring us together (virtually) for something positive during this crazy time.
Yes exactly!
I am hosting virtual races for my coaching clients to keep spirits high – especially because everyone was so fit and then their races were cancelled. It’s a fun way to be competitive and enjoy the community right now!
Yes I completely agree!
I’ve done virtual races in the past but it has been some time. Now is a good time to start again! There’s so many opportunities to come together virtually right now. It’s what we need!
That is exactly what we need!
I did some virtual runs in my “early days,” (more more the medal than anything LOL). Recently, though, I’ve already done a few. A lot of people are at a loss as to what to do with all their training…well, a virtual race is perfect to capitalize on all those miles logged 😉 I’m working on organizing a “bloggers’ virtual” race 😉
That sounds like a great idea too!
Like you, I never really saw the point of a virtual race. It didn’t seem as fun. Now I love that so many people are putting them on!
Yes exactly me too
I’m doing the Uncanceled Project, but haven’t otherwise made my way through the treasure trove of virtual races. What I really like is some have tiered it at different pricing for swag/entry/donation so it’s accessible to many budget levels too
Totally agree with you too re: post 9/11, Bombings. I’m looking for that “9/12” spirit right now
Yes I remember those days well. This has affected so many more of us. I think about you in the city stay safe friend
I signed up for the Run the Edge Un-Canceled Project this morning. I also have a shirt/bib/medal from a 5K I couldn’t run from back in December, that I will treat as a virtual race.
Right now, we are trying to watch our budget, just because we don’t know what will happen, so I haven’t registered for a lot of virtual races. Truth is, I can only walk them right now, so I’m ok with holding off until the real thing. My mind may change as things settle and I continue to get stronger.
It’s a perfect challenge for you since there are so many options. feels good to have the motivation
I haven’t done a virtual run in a very long time but I just signed up to do one next week that will benefit the Connecticut Food Bank. I enjoy doing virtual runs that give back to the community!
I agree! That is a great cause.
I need to find a good series of virtual runs to do. I am lacking motivation at the moment so this would surely help!
Just sent you a link to the free one I am doing all month long. Hope you join.
Because most of my runs have been at zero dark thirty and solo for the last couple of years, if I weren’t injured and were running, I wouldn’t miss the group runs. With that being said, I used to love running with my friends and always called it a party on the trail. 🙂
A definite party on the trail!
I’ve done virtual races in the past but they’ve taken on new meaning now. I enjoy the goals of completing the distance set for the race. I don’t need medals; heck I don’t need any swag. Just grateful for the sense of community and the people who organize these things.
Yes exactly! Looking forward to completing some of these “with you”
Okay, you’ve convinced me. I’ve avoided doing virtual races because I always kind of thought what’s the point. It is true that I need a little extra motivation. I’m running but keeping it slow and easy (which has been great), but now I think I’m ready to step it up.
The great thing about them is that you can run them slow and easy or “race” them. Right now they are really motivating me. Let me know how it goes
I just took part in my first virtual run last week. And I plan on doing another one this weekend. I never thought I’d be doing virtual runs because I much prefer the real thing, but here we are…
Yup right there with you!
I’m glad that so many companies are stepping it up with virtual races (and may have a few more to share soon).
Luckily I’m a very self motivated person, and while I actually love running in a group, I’m ok running solo too.
Yes it is nice to have options right now
I am not a big fan of virtual races. Maybe cause I am either training with a coach or doing my own thing. 🙂 This month I signed up for The Un-Canceled Project and now wondering if I still want to do it.
I am doing the uncanceled project as well. I think it’s a great way to stay motivated and feel connected. good luck with yours!
This is such a great idea! I love how everyone is still trying to stay connected.
It is a great way to still feel a part of the community
I feel like I’ve been hiding under a rock. I didn’t even know virtual runs were a thing. I think this is so cool. I equally love the opportunity it brings to still support the organizations involved!
Not too late to join in!
I would love to do a virtual run. Before this, I wanted to train for a marathon. This is a good idea to stick to that goal.
It sure would be. Not too late to join in
I need to sign up for a virtual run. I have been so unmotivated since this all started!
Not too late to join in. I am finding it really is keeping me motivated
There is something about a virtual run that I don’t like – I think it was the paying to go for a run by myself that I didn’t like.. But I just joined Strava and I’m finding that the Segments part of Strava is quite enjoyable.
So I guess I do kinda like virtual runs afterall.
There are so many free ones right now and I find them a great motivation.
I got my virtual half done! And I agree – a virtual race is sure a lot better than no race!
Fantastic! Well done
Virtual workouts in general are so important right now! I’ve tuned into some live streaming classes to mix it up and feel more like I’m in a studio. I think it’d be easy to feel demotivated in workouts these days, so I’m making sure to switch things up and keep it interesting in my home gym. I’ve also been going for lots of long walks to get out of the house.
Yes me too! Hope you are all well and safe