Hello! I hope your Monday is finding you warm after this weekend’s frigid weather and snow. We got up into the 40’s today and it felt like a heatwave!

With the Resolution Run Virtual 5k coming up on January 1st, and the Holiday Burn starting December 1st to help you get ready for it, I thought I’d share some reasons why virtual races are basically the bomb. Even though I absolutely adore live races for the community and excitement, sometimes schedules, abilities, and cost get in the way.

1. There is no ridiculously early start time. Most races start around 7am or earlier, which means you have to be there around 6-6:30. Then, depending on the drive, you have to leave your house around 5:15-5:30. Before that, you have to way up around 4:30 to get up, dressed, and out the door. Virtual races have no start time, so you can run them when you want to. Early morning, mid-afternoon, midnight. It’s complete up to you!

2. They’re cheap. In fact, the Resolution Run is FREE! For whatever reason, the cost of 5k’s seems to be creeping up with each race season. Right now, they average $35-45 for a simple, local race with a t-shirt (and sometimes not). Virtual races are often much less expensive, which means they won’t break the bank and you can compete in more of them.

3. They’re open to all abilities. Some races have cut off times because the local park service needs the space back, or the closed roads need to be re-opened. This means you have to run a specific time, or else the race directors will “sweep” you off the course. In a virtual race, you can move as fast, or as slow as you please!

4. They involve a minimal time commitment. With a conventional race, you have to drive to the location, wait for the start, compete, hang out at the finish, then drive home. It can be quite a time-consuming task. In a virtual race, you literally step out your door, or step into the gym, do your thing, and head home. No fuss, no mess.

5. They are weather friendly. Because you can complete your distance on a treadmill, you don’t have to obsessively check the weather forecast for race day. Plus, you can wear whatever you’re comfortable in instead of bundling up in rain or warm clothes.

6. You don’t have to fight a crowd. With running and racing gaining popularity, some races are packed curb to curb with runners. While it’s great to see everyone out, it can  hinder a goal race by having to bob and weave through everyone. Virtual races have you on the open road, or on a treadmill with no one in your way.

7. You can compete with family and friends. Since virtual races are affordable, you can have your whole family and a few friends out to compete with you! Not only does it make the event more fun, but it’s low pressure and a great time to catch up.

8. You can win prizes. While conventional races tend to only offer prizes to winners and age groups, virtual races tend to offer raffles just for competing, not for being first place. The Resolution Run has some kick butt prizes from Skoop and ENERGYbits.

9. You don’t have to worry about getting lost. Since you’re deciding your own race course, or just hopping on the treadmill, there is no need to study a map or keep an eye out for signs. You can just focus on your movements and run.

All that being said, if you’re interested in trying a virtual race, the Resolution Run is a fun way to test one out. If you’re worried about being prepared for it, you can join the Holiday Burn (only $5) and do the 5k training plan! Additionally, I have 5-week training plan that will have you ready to kick butt by January 3.

RQ: How was your Monday? Which reason sounds like the best one to you to run a virtual race? 

Brooke Selb

I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.