Race #9/12 - Virtual 5K

What IS a Virtual Race?

Some of you may ask, "What is a Virtual Race?" I’ll admit – I had NO CLUE what a virtual race was until just recently. So here are the basics:

• What is a virtual race? A virtual race is a “race” that can be run anywhere you are – no specific starting time or starting place. Occasionally they have specific dates, or sometimes the dates will range a week or two to give you time to finish it. Just pick your favorite path or trail and get out there.
• What is the distance for virtual races? They can be ANY distance! The typical distances are 5K, 10K, half marathon, or a marathon, etc.
  
• How much do they cost? Virtual races can either be free or cost $$ – usually if they cost $$ the money will go to a charity. You do get a race shirt, medal, or swag bag, or there could be some pretty great prizes involved for the “winners."
• What if I’m not fast? Doesn’t matter! Most virtual races do NOT go by time since there is no way to compare courses, terrain, weather, or prove distance/times are accurate. Most virtual races will just have you submit a time to show you did it – but all prizes (if any) are drawn at complete random! So technically someone that WALKS can win the grand prize – and someone that runs a 5 minute mile may not get anything at all. Works out for all of us who aren’t speed demons ;)
• Do I need a Garmin or some proof to show my time/distance? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Most work on the honor system – some require you show proof via iPod app, Garmin, Motoactv or other GPS watch, etc. if there is a big prize involved. Photos with “race bibs” (these are sent via e-mail after you register and then you print it out) and plotting your course or showing any watch (even if it’s not a GPS watch) sometimes counts – so just check with the race beforehand.
• What if I can’t complete the entire distance yet? It is never encouraged to push too hard too fast, but if you are only up to running 1 mile and it’s a virtual 5K – consider WALKING the last 2 miles!  Remember in most virtual races, pace doesn’t matter. You NEVER want to push yourself too hard too fast – an injury can sideline you for quite a while and the ultimate goal is building you up slowly.
• How do I find a good course that is 3.1 miles (or whatever the race distance may be)? GPS watches are great as are iPhone apps like RunKeeper – you can literally just head out there and RUN till the distance is half way, turn around and run back…but if you don’t have a GPS watch or iPhone, you can actually use tools like Map My Run or RunKeeper to literally plot out your run BEFORE you go!  Hit the button for “snap to roads” and it will be easier to plot.  You can even go old school and DRIVE a course. Start at the beginning of a neighborhood, reset your odometer in your car and start driving.

Since October is going to be a crazy month for me, being gone 3 Saturdays out of 4, this seemed the perfect solution for my October 5K. I decided to do my 5K in Nashville, Tennessee while vacationing with family. My mother-in-law, Judy, and I decided to walk one evening after a full day of sightseeing.  While I was thrilled to do a race with Judy, I learned that virtual races are not really for me. There is something about a race with so many other people, be it the adrenaline, the hype of the event, or the sheer excitement of a 'race' that makes it so much more fun. My time was not anywhere near what I usually accomplish in a 5K, but I got it done! Now, time to think about November's Turkey Dash.