What is Virtual Running & How to Prepare for a Virtual Race

What is Virtual Racing

No official starting line, no crowds, no parking issues, no start gun, and no nervousness that’s how flexible virtual running is and is a new trend popping up in the running industry. However, with the current state of affairs, countries and respective racing authorities are cancelling races and marathons and replacing them with virtual races.

And until things go back to normal, most runners will prefer virtual running if they want to remain fit and want to keep racing. In this blog, you will learn more about virtual racing, how to run on a virtual race and the tips to preparing yourself for a race.

What is Virtual Race?

It is a competitive race that competitors register online and later runs the distance required at their own time and later uploads the finish time and race data. This race enables the runner to choose their starting point and finishing point.

One massive impact of a virtual race is that it eradicates all barriers that stop runners from running comfortably. With this race, runners get the opportunity to pick their route and running time that suits them perfectly. Thus, the runner does not need to travel to a specific country to race and run according to their schedule.

However, one major drawback that affects virtual running is that it is difficult to police. Since every runner runs in different weather and underfoot conditions, it isn’t easy to get accurate results.

The Benefits of a Virtual Race

Many people would want to participate in physical races but experience several challenges that hinder their needs. You do not have to experience challenges such as poor weather, traffic, or parking issues that might make you miss the race with virtual racing.

With virtual running, you get to run any day and any time you want. Unlike traditional racing that needs you to be there on a designated time, you can run any day you want; hence, you will not have a schedule conflict.

Unfortunately, traditional races require runners to run in designated paths or trails. But with a virtual race, you can spice up your racing experience by picking your desired place. It can be your local park, hill or neighbourhood; it all depends on you.

You can run with friends and family members regardless of the distance and location. All you have to do is start racing at the same time. You can also opt to face time with each other when you run and encourage each other.

How do Virtual Race Work

Almost all virtual races work similarly: runners pick the distance they want to run, sign up for the race, and pay some fee. Depending on the racing company, the company may opt to give a certificate of participation and medal to the participants regardless of location.

After completing the race, participants update their racing details and finishing time, and the running company mail them a runner’s medal. For some runners, virtual racing is not a physical running substitute, but an inclusion to the traditional race.

Tips for Training and Running a Virtual Race

Virtual running requires strategizing and planning since you play two roles: participant and race director. Like traditional races, you must prepare if you want to be successful and remain motivated.

Come up with a Goal for Your Race

Setting up a goal or target can give you a reliable structure and remain motivated during the training period. And although most runners tend to focus on the performance, you can try and twitch it slightly and pick something like sprint running the entire race. You can also choose to run for charity since most nonprofit organizations are struggling at the moment.

Come up With The Best Course Well-Suited for You

Many people worldwide are running in their backyards, indoors, and other creative areas to maintain their fitness. And since virtual running enables you to be your race director, you can call the shots. Remember, the most crucial part of racing is enjoying yourself and having the best course. Thus, you can opt to run on a hill, a flat surface, or a treadmill.

Come up with a Training Plan

Pick a training schedule that is appropriate for you and stick to it. The training plan should incorporate the amount of distance to run, when you should run, and your nutrition and hydration diet. Knowing what to eat, how much and when to run will improve your running spirit, enabling you to stay on track.

Have a Virtual Running Mate

Running mates must not be people, you know. You can pick a running mate from your virtual races to keep you motivated and help you attain your goals. You can find runners on running social media platforms.