Why virtual races?

Well, let me start by letting you all know I signed up for my first half marathon in 8 years!! I will be running it in May sometime around Morher's Day depending on my schedule. It's the SuperMOM virtual run through Will Run for Bling and Charity, and I'm super excited!! 

It got me thinking...why virtual races? There are plenty of local races near me. Quite a sizable running community here. Prices (especially for shorter distance races) are quite comparable. So why run a virtual race instead of a live one? Well, I have a few reasons.

1. Convenience 

     My schedule of late has included many Saturdays off, which is nice, but can change at any time. And honestly, I don't like requesting time off unless it's something major. In my line of work, a request is just that, a request. No guarantees. I'm also a mom, so my schedule also includes lots of family obligations. So a virtual race gives me some flexibility to run a race when I truly have time to rest and put out a good effort.

2. Bling

    I'm not gonna lie here. I love race medals. I'll take a medal over a shirt anyday. I can go to the store and buy a t-shirt but I have to put in training and effort and RACE to get a medal. Unfortunately in my neck of the woods very few races give medals. Usually just half and full marathons with a couple exceptions. Honestly, the day some shorter races start giving out medals is the day I'll start doing more local races. Until then, I'm truly enjoying the bling (and fitness) virtual racing is helping me to earn!

3. The running community isn't limited

    Some people do lots of local races because of the friendships they make, that's cool and that is a very valid point. But the running community is truly global and I have a wonderful running family on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. We share stories, achievements, milestones, photos, and I LOVE that. I have friends that run that live near me AND friends worldwide who share my love of running...and ALL of us can "race together" through virtual racing, and that's pretty awesome!

4. Personal reasons 

     Again, honesty hour here, I live with a smoker. I'm praying for the day he quits, but until then I'm really hesitant to go to races with him. I hate to say that because he truly is my number one supporter, but I am very aware that many (I'll say most) runners don't want to be exposed to second hand smoke and I am very respectful of that! Virtual racing gives me the opportunity to push myself, earn some cool stuff and share everything with him...which means more to me than standing at a starting line with people I don't know. 

5. I race for ME!

I've had people ask me, "How do you know people don't cheat when they post their results?" And honestly...I don't. But running to compete against others is secondary to me. Do I like to place? Yes. But knowing that I've bettered my own time for a distance is even more rewarding for me. I have no problem with people who run to place at races, we all have our own goals. But being someone who used to be obese by BMI charts, someone who thought they would never be a runner, bettering my own time is enough for me!

6. Helping others while helping myself

     Many virtual races give a portion to charity, which I love. It feels good knowing that I can help others while doing something I love. 

Well, there you go...the big 6 reasons why I'm totally hooked on virtual racing.  I think everyone should give it a try at least once. Who knows, maybe you'll get hooked too! Until next time, happy running my friends!!