Disclaimer: I received an entry to the Virtual DC Wonder Woman Run and the Scooby Doo Run to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!
The first race that I was registered for that fell victim to 2020 was the NYC United Airlines Half Marathon – my favorite race, which I had ran for the last three consecutive years. My friends and I constantly checked the NYRR website for an update, and we were shocked when the cancellation hit just days before the event was supposed to take place. At the time Corona cases were rising in NY, and it made sense to play it safe. We all agreed that losing the NYC half would make the Brooklyn half that much more exciting – surely the would would have returned to normal by May, right?
Well, spoiler alert – the world did not return to normal, and cancellations continued for the rest of the year. Local races, destination races, RunDisney events and world marathon major races all were cancelled, one after another. The first ones were disappointing, but eventually it just became almost expected. I was supposed to run both the NYC and the Chicago marathons this fall, and once those got cancelled, I found myself with a big race void, missing the end goal that my training usually works towards.
Prior to 2020, I had completed one virtual race – the 2018 Star Wars Light Side half marathon, as a part of the Kessell Run Challenge that RunDisney hosted. If we are being honest, it was the Millennium Falcon medal that you earned by completing the virtual and in person half marathons that convinced me to sign up. I guess you could say I am motivated by some good swag.
With typical races being cancelled for the most part, I have come to appreciate virtual races more than ever before – the flexibility of not having to wake up at the crack of dawn combined with a reward for finishing my miles has gotten me out the door when I was feeling less than motivated more than once this year.
I like to make my virtual races an experience – here are some of my favorite ways to make things a little more special:
1. Have someone complete the race with you!
This one has to be done safely – for me, my husband has been biking along for my races, helping me keep a good pace and passing me water. Other times, I have been bringing the dog, Riley out to run with me. Riley loves it when he gets to trot along with me for a run.
2. Have a photo op setup for the finish line
When I completed the Wonder Woman 10k, I pulled out some chalk I purchased earlier this year and had fun making a backdrop on our driveway! It was a good way to cool down post race, and I loved the photos that I got.
3. Save the swag I earn for after I have completed my mileage
When I get a package in the mail with race swag, it is hard for me to not immediately start using my new goodies – and for this reason I like to save them for AFTER the race – that way I have something to look forward to earning.
4. Enjoy a sweet treat after my run
This one is pretty self-explanatory – usually I go for an Italian ice or a big cookie!
5. Share a photo on the next #MedalMonday!
You never know when your virtual race photo could inspire someone else to take on their own challenge, and for that reason I love sharing my photos with the running community and seeing all of the posts that people share of their medals and accomplishments each Monday. It is an inspiring way to start the week.
There are lots of virtual races to choose from, but two of the races I have registered for are the Wonder Woman 10k and the Scooby Doo 10k! There are so many runners participating in these races on social media, and it has been fun to see everyone’s take on their virtual mileage!
My favorite swag from the Wonder Woman race is the ¼ zip – it is comfy and high quality, and I am sure it will become a staple in my winter running wardrobe. I was so excited to get to wear it when I finally completed my 10k.
For the Scooby Doo Run, there was so much gear to pick from, but my favorite is actually not for me – it is for Riley! Don’t get me wrong, the pullover that I will earn upon completing my miles is sweet, but they included the cutest little collar for him, complete with his own medal! If you are a dog lover or have one in your life, you need to check out this bling!
What virtual races are you taking on in 2020? Up next for me is the RunDisney Wine and Dine vacirtual two course challenge!
