Virtual races have gone from a novel idea to essentially the only race option for many of us during the pandemic. Many runners are missing the ritual of training for a race – the build up, focus, and goal – and then race morning – toeing the line with other athlete, ready to put all that fitness to the test. While in-person races are rare these days, and not without risk, race directors and organizations are offering virtual races to help keep their finances afloat, while offering an alternative to runners desperately looking for one.
There are some major pros and cons to this new virtual boom, and both should be considered.
PROS:
- Having goals, set race distances, and a timeline can add direction to a runner’s routine right now.
- With everything being “virtual,” you can sign up for and support an organization that would typically mean flying across the country or the world.
- Virtual races usually offer a window of time in which that “race” needs to be completed. This flexibility can mean choosing the most favorable weather of that week, waiting an extra day if you’re sick or run down with work, etc.
- You can choose your own terrain.
- No intimidation from the race experience. This can be incredibly helpful for new runners just dipping their toe in the sport, or runners who suffer from performance anxiety – usually triggered by the pressure and energy of race morning.
- You can choose multiple races that have a really smart progression and that compliment one another. (For example, a 10K virtual race as a time trial, perhaps 3-5 weeks before a goal virtual half marathon).
- Less pressure to “follow through” with the race if for some reason you lose inspiration or feel it’s no longer appropriate for you. (It can be really hard to bail on a race if you have friends there, etc).
- A coach can help you create a beautiful plan to map out your virtual races, goals, and offer advice regarding ideal periodization.
- When done the right way, it’s not out of realm of possibilities you can set some personal records during a virtual race! The pandemic doesn’t mean you can’t greatly improve, and clock fast times as proof.
CONS:
- If a virtual race isn’t taken seriously, and training is incredibly compromised (or doesn’t even happen), completing that virtual race may be incredibly dangerous. A virtual race needs to still be respected the same way a non-virtual race would be. A marathon is still a marathon.
- If training is sub-par, injury risk goes up. This can also happen if you get excited and sign up for way too much. (A coach should absolutely be considered to reduce these traps).
- Finding a safe and clear course for your race. An in-person race would have a cleared course – no cars, bikes, or lights to worry about. Do you homework and take your race somewhere safe.
- There may be fueling challenges. The beauty of a race is the support of fluids – tables on cups of water, etc. Plan if you need to carry your fuel (this is a big deal for a marathon), set up a place to drop a bottle, or have someone pace you on a bike and hand you fluids.
- Motivation/passion to really give your best may be compromised. Be honest with where you are. Personally, I’ve struggled to reach for my “best” this year. My heart just isn’t in it until I know I can lace up on a legit race course. I’m still training and running – but at a more relaxed overall effort.
Every runner is going to handle the pandemic differently, so please don’t compare yourself to anyone else. The longer we experience a “pause” in in-person racing, you may find your desires and needs with running change. I’d just encourage you to be kind to yourself, to allow running to fill a healthy niche, and to be mindful of doing too much/little and the physical consequences.
I like that you said one of the benefits of virtual races is that I can choose my own terrain and the date and time that I start. Ever since the pandemic happened, I have missed running marathons. Perhaps it would be a good idea to join a virtual race soon to run again. Thanks!