With races canceled throughout the country and none planned in the immediate future, why not plan on running a virtual race? A virtual race can be done from any location and you can run, jog, or walk on a trail, track, or treadmill. You get to run your own race at your own pace and you time it yourself. You simply sign up for a virtual race online, pay the registration fee, and you choose your starting location. Once you finish running, you upload your finishing time. Within a few days, you’ll be mailed a medal.
If you’re new to virtual racing, here are some tips for planning your course.
Let Your Goals Guide You
Start by thinking about where you want to run and what you want to achieve on your virtual race day. Are you trying to run your first mile or do you want to set a new PR? Whatever your goal is, remember to be flexible for things like road closures and to have fun.
Choose Your Race Distance
Choose the distance you want to run. Do you want to run one mile, a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon, or a marathon?
Pick Your Course
After you’ve chosen your race goal and distance, think about where you want to run. Try and avoid heavy traffic, construction areas, stop lights, and people. If you’re working on a PR, flatter courses will be easier to run faster and if you’re trying to avoid people, trails are more secluded. Prior to race day, run or walk the route to ensure you know where you’re going.
Plan For Nutrition and Hydration
If you’re running in the heat for more than an hour, carry water with you to rehydrate. Also bring a source of calories like gels, chews, or a drink with calories for fuel.
