Training for a career is one of the best ways to take responsibility for doing an exercise routine. Runners, cyclists, swimmers, and more exercise fanatics set their sights on the finish line to keep showing up in practice and avoid missing the registration fee.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic caused many race plans to be canceled. Almost overnight, countless events were canceled. To fill the void, some have been reinvented as virtual events, and new virtual races have also appeared in the weeks that followed.
Although virtuals have only been a small part of the racing cake in recent years, they are now part of our new normal, so we tell you everything related to this practice.
What are virtual races?
In general, a virtual race allows you to compete when you want, where you want, and provide your own tracking information for your distance and time.
You could run a half marathon on the treadmill in your basement or take a 25km bike ride through your favorite landscapes, all in a competitive spirit. Obviously, this is radically different from a normal running experience. But something is something.
When you register online to participate, you will find details about the specific event you will be joining.
Distance
While some races offer an option, most offer a range of distances, including virtual 5km, half marathons, marathons, and other common running options, as well as cycling races, duathlons, and even Ironman events.
Price
Virtual races cost much less to participate. Some are even free! Most ask for a small registration fee or a donation to charities of around € 20. Some events, such as COVID-19 Relief Races and the Just One Mile Project donate subscription money to coronavirus-related charities.
Location
Most virtual races allow you to exercise indoors or outdoors. Home treadmills and exercise bikes should be easy enough to make, but outdoor athletes must determine their routes.
I recommend starting from the door of your house, if you are going out. You can use an app to plot your route and loop back to your starting point. That way, if you’re not feeling well or need a bathroom break, or even a little cheering from the family, you can get it.
Term
In-person races have set dates and times, but most virtual races offer a longer completion window, sometimes lasting days, weeks, or even months. This is a great advantage as it allows runners to participate in optimal weather conditions and at a time of day that works best for them.
Tracing
With traditional in-person races, participants are often given a timing device to track their efforts. In most virtual races, athletes are asked to use their own devices or apps to track the race and enter that information online later.
Some virtual races have their own applications that may offer sample routes or tracking capabilities.
Awards
If you are motivated by bragging rights to win a race, or at least rank in the top three in your age group, you should know that most virtual races do not offer prizes because they depend on the honor system.
Some races ask the top three winners in each category to submit a photo from a watch or tracking device to confirm times and distances. And while this is not foolproof, it does provide some validation.
How to train for virtual races?
Virtual races attract people of all skill levels. And with good reason: New riders may feel intimidated during events in person or “fearful of coming last.” Starting to compete virtually is an easy way to dip your toe into a race with less pressure . In fact, it is common for there to be many beginning runners doing virtual races.
Beginner and veteran runners train equally for a virtual race the same way they do for a face-to-face race, with a training plan filled with daily workouts tailored to the distance you plan to tackle. You will also want to reinforce your training with a nutritious diet and plenty of rest.
Of course, you will have to do your best under the circumstances. Parks can be perfect for cycling, and the gym can help you cross the finish line, but since they will be banned during this coronavirus time, you will have to work with whatever options you have.
