In the running community – I am seeing alot of virtual races pop up. Many runners are addicted to race bling, but really there are many great reasons for participating in a Virtual Race.
With the cost of travel and race fees ever increasing, a virtual run is very easy on the budget in comparison. Runners in remote areas do not have as many options for racing as those living in more heavily populated areas, a virtual race gives them options to earn a medal and compete.
I think all runners have days where they don’t want to get out the door…I know that is me. A race medal is a GREAT motivator as it gives you a physical feeling of accomplishment.
Benefits of Virtual Races:
- You can run it anywhere – Flat or Hilly, you set the course
- You can run it any time of day
- You can run alone or with a group of friends
- You can earn your race Bling
- Great for those who don’t like crowds
- Race Often Support Charity
Downside of Virtual Races – really aren’t any, but if I had to name something:
- You don’t earn an “official qualifying time” for many of the bigger races for start wave placement
- No Expo to shop at – not necessarily a bad thing budget wise!
I have NOT participated in any virtual races before now, but happily agreed to participate in Jost Running’s Race Series for the next 3 months when they sought out running bloggers to review their races and offered me free race entry for review. Honestly, as a skeptic on this trend, I thought it would be a great way for me to learn “What’s the big deal?” and why are so many signing up for these.
This month, I opted for the Home Run 5k. With the 5k and 10k in August, you get this cute Home Run Series Hot Dog Medal. The August races are benefiting the ALS Association fighting Lou Gehrig’s disease.
I got my race bib and instructions via email, yeah personalized. I printed out my bib and decided to wear it during the run. Go Julie Go!
I ran it on Saturday, a VERY hot and muggy day in here…really it was brutal. Since I was running a race, I dolled up in my finest attire: I picked a colorful Sparkle Skirt Tech and Headsweats visor as the basis for my outfit….I even got a “cute skirt” from a fellow runner on the trail. Hey when you look good you feel good!
I should have gotten up MUCH earlier, but ended up running midday. Hey I picked a nice flat trail and my goal was to JUST FINISH.
Had I not been doing the Home Run Virtual Race, I probably would have quite around 30 minutes because I was miserable- I do NOT like the heat and humidity……..but I finished with a slow time and didn’t pass out or feel sick afterwards. SCORE!
I played with my intervals too which I sometimes do on shorter distances. I did the first mile with a 3 minute walk warm up, then 1minute run/walk intervals to mile 2. I did 2 minute run/1minute walk intervals to mile 3 – which in the 80 degree temps and high humidity, wore me out, I should have stuck with 1/1. To finish up mile to 3.1, I tried to run for 1 or 2 tenths a mile and then walk for a minute. REALLY I was pooped mile 2.3 on and that last mile was sporadic, but I trudged along and finished with a time of 37.11.
I didn’t take any photos during the race – or after, I just wanted to finish because I was HOT. I was so happy to be done and proud of myself I didn’t just quit. This was the only race I have on tap for August – I really loved doing it on MY time.
I emailed Jost Running with my time – which they posted in website’s race results. As usual, middle of the pack – happy to be there! I am glad I signed up for this race, it kept me accountable and I did not have to get up early to drive somewhere to run in a race, totally no hassle.
If you would like to try out a Jost Running Virtual race, there are 3 remaining in August and I can offer my readers a discount of 15% off registration – use promo code: BaseRun.
Home Run 10k August 18-24 – Same Hot Dog Medal as the 5k
Home Run Half This week Aug 11-17 and Full August 25th through 31st.
Full and Half Participants Receive this Medal!
To sign up for any of the Jost Running Virtual races August through October, go here. You can sign up this week for the Half if you want to run it still!
My medal is being mailed to me and I will be sure to update you how it looks with pictures. For September, I am signed up for the Soaring 10k. I am looking forward to it – knowing I will get some bling next month.
Have you done a Virtual Race? Would you consider one? Would love to hear our thoughts and experiences!
Disclosure: I was provided free race entry and medal for review. My thoughts and opinions however are my own
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The You Can Fly challenge is my first. Loved it. Can’t wait to get my medal. Signed my son up for a Pokemon race. He is really excited.
That is AWESOME! I am in for the You Can Fly of course! I am doing it as 19.3 laps around the track! I did sign mini me up for a 1 mile race where she gets a Rainbow Dash Medal! We run together next week. FUN TIMES! Mini Me will love that medal.