Episode 3: Training for virtual races in 2020
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Hello and welcome to another episode of Chasing Life. I'm your host, Sarah Kane, and I'm very happy that you decided to join me today. I know there are many podcasts that you could be listening to, so I thank you for choosing mine to listen to.

Today's topic will be about running. Now this podcast is called Chasing Life and this is my first episode that's running centric. But I thought that the messages that I have to share with running are just important that might connect with other runners. Maybe it will inspire you to start running. But regardless, running is a major part of my life. And so I think it should be a major component of the podcast that I share. So what I wanted to talk about today was basically

why I decided to continue training for a marathon even though it got switched to a virtual race. Now for those of you who are not familiar, a virtual race is where you don't show up to a certain location, you don't have a start line and share that with hundreds or thousands of other runners. It's basically you pick your route at your time and you run the distance that you previously

previously registered for via an online form. You do have to pay a fee for a virtual race and then you have to submit your results through an online portal and you will receive your swag and the swag could range from a medal to a t-shirt to a sweatshirt, whatever it is that the race organizers have partnered with to share and reward their runners.

So it's a completely different experience than showing up to an in-person race because you could be running alone versus with hundreds of other people. You could be running around your neighborhood versus in a new city. But there's been a huge benefit for me to continue to train for these virtual races despite the pandemic and despite all of my races this year being switched to virtual like many other runners.

So the marathon that I'm training for is the Marine Corps Marathon, and I signed up for it almost a year ago in November of 2019. One of my friends talked me into signing up for the races in Washington, D.C. I signed up for the Scepter 5 Challenge, which is the historic half, which gets run in May, plus the Marine Corps Marathon.

And it was kind of a whim decision. I remember getting the text from her when I was on my lunch and I thought, yeah, what the heck? Let me just sign up for it. I had done two previous marathons, but I felt like I was ready to do another marathon. And the location of being in D.C. and hearing such amazing feedback about how wonderful

great the Marine Corps marathon is, is something that really intrigued me. And so I thought, okay, I'm going to commit to training for a marathon in 2020.

Well, come March 2020, when all the races got canceled, I wasn't sure how long the cancellations would last, but I kept training. I had a half marathon in May that I was halfway through training for when that race got switched to virtual, but I committed to continuing to train for that because it really provided me a lot of structure when everything else was changing in my life. I

They couldn't see anybody. All the restaurants were shut down. Like everything else in the world came to a pause, but running was something that I could continue to do regardless of the state of the world. And it really provided me a huge stress relief. And it also provided me just an outlet to kind of get outside and have something positive to focus on.

So I continued following a training plan for a half marathon. And then I started following a plan for the marathon, which is scheduled to be run in October of 2020. And so all along the way, I kept thinking, okay, maybe the race will still happen. Maybe things will calm down. And so I kept plugging away, following the calendar, following the training plan. And finally in October,

July of 2020, the race organizers switched it to be a virtual race. And I had to make a decision as to whether or not I would continue training or completely defer, not even run a virtual race and just defer my registration for future years.

I decided to continue with the virtual race for a couple of reasons. One, for the medal. And it sounds silly, but I had already completed the historic half in May virtually. So I had earned that medal. But as I mentioned, I had signed up for the Sceptrify Challenge, which meant I had to complete both the races in 2020 in order to get that bonus medal. And so because I was kind of already halfway through that challenge, I

I was a little bit more motivated to say, okay, well, I guess I got to do the marathon this year and it won't be the same. It won't be like running through the crowds in DC that I've heard such amazing things about. It won't be a Marine handing me the medal or high-fiving me at the end. But I felt like it was something that I still needed to do because it was again, providing structure and positive nature to my days.

And I previously run, when I was training for my marathons before, was 20 miles on my own. So a virtual race is basically on my own too. So what's another 6.2 miles?

So anyways, I've been continuing to run for the marathon and train for it. And I still feel good about it. It won't be the same as being in the crowd. But I still think of, you know, what can I add to this experience that will make it just as memorable? I've had a friend offer to ride her bike with me and join me along the way to keep me company or provide me fuel along the way. I've pictured maybe some friends joining me to run with me.

Or, you know, my parents waiting for me at the end of the finish line or friends and just kind of trying to imagine the spirit of the race and what it would be like to cross the finish line, regardless of not being with a massive crowd or with hundreds of other people. And I think that's an important part of what makes a virtual experience that can still make it memorable. So that's that.

You know why I continue to run. I...

Really like having something to do every day. It keeps my mind in a good place. It keeps my body in a good place. I haven't gained weight like many people have during this quarantine because their gyms have been closed or they've been stress eating or whatever the case may be. But because I continue to exercise daily, that's really helping to just keep my whole body and mind in a better place where maybe not every...

While it may not be the same as an in-person experience, running a virtual event gives you a chance to achieve your fitness goals and still run anywhere in the world. It's also the perfect opportunity for you to be your own personal event organizer. Here are some tips to help you plan your next virtual running experience.

Number one: plan your route. Stick to well-traveled routes and ensure you're familiar with the turns, hills, and intersections. You'll be running alone or in a small group, so don't put yourself in an unsafe situation. A virtual event means no waiting in lines for the bathroom, but that doesn't mean nature won't come calling. Ensure your route offers access to appropriate locations for a bathroom break. Treadmill runners: spice up your virtual run by varying your speed and adding inclines along the way.

Number two, share your plan. Give family and friends your estimated departure and return times as well as your planned route. This is as much for your safety as it is for motivation. Your loved ones are more likely to surprise you with cheer signs along the way, a phone call during the run, or a finish line party if they know your plan.

Number three, capture the moment. Carrying your phone is important for your safety, but it also allows you to commemorate your accomplishments with photos and videos. Did you run past a famous landmark? Did your family set up a water or cheer station or surprise you at the finish line? Share those memories on your social media and it will make that experience much more memorable.

Treadmill runners, don't be afraid to share your selfies either. It's just as much of an accomplishment to run on the treadmill as it is to run on the road.

Number four, have fun with it. Running alone can be mentally tough. Lay out your flat runner the night before and have a carb-loading dinner with your family or do it virtually. Listening to music, audiobooks, or podcasts at a low volume on your run can keep your brain entertained without ruining your situational awareness. If you prefer to run in silence, try incorporating sprint intervals between blocks or electric poles to keep your mind busy. Also, don't discount the importance of positive self-talk as the miles become difficult.

Treadmill runners, research some binge-worthy shows and knock out a few episodes while you run. Number five, hydrate and fuel along the way. You'll be responsible for your fluids and nourishment. Don't skip them. Have a replenishment plan that's supported by your route. Plan for stops that bring you by your car or your house. Recruit your family to hand out Gatorade or snacks or simply carry what you need.

Fight off that late race fizzle with fluid and fuel. Treadmill runners. Pre-stage your fluids and food and have a plan to decrease your speed or incline as necessary. Number six.

Brighter is better. Reflective gear and bright colors will ensure you're visible to motorists since roads and major intersections won't be closed during your race. Running apparel also has small pockets that are ideal for stashing your ID card, which you should have on you during your run. Weather can be unpredictable, so double check the forecast before departing and be mindful when running during the heat of summer. Treadmill runners. Although you're less concerned about visibility, comfortable and familiar running gear that prevents chafing will help you finish strong.

Number seven, put your health and safety first. Remember, we're still in a global pandemic. Plan your virtual event according to your town or state guidelines. If you're running in a group, practice social distancing and choose a less crowded route. Now is the time to be considerate, not just of other runners, but of medical workers currently working around the clock. So if you're not feeling well, do not go out. And if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, even if it was only minor symptoms, it's imperative that you get cleared by a doctor before attempting exercise.

I hope you found these tips helpful and thank you so much for listening today. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share with your friends and even better, leave a review. Leaving your reviews helps my podcast reach more listeners. I so appreciate it and I'll talk to you soon.