With running I like to have something to aim for otherwise, when the weather is not very nice or I have had a full-on day at work, I can easily talk myself out of going for a run. As such, this year I have entered a few virtual races to help keep me motivated and get me out the door.
I have recently completed the Ironbridge virtual half marathon, GB Ultra 135 mile virtual race and the ReAssure virtual duathlon. I am also just about to start Run Up to Christmas (with the aim to achieve a distance of your choice between 1st and 25th December).
Ironbridge Half
It is always good to support local races so it was a no brainer to complete the Ironbridge virtual half. I had intended to join a few people from work to run the route on 31st October but, as I am in the extremely clinically vulnerable covid-19 category and us going into tier 2, I decided that I would dip out and run it that day but only with my husband Darren.
The weather that day was horrid so instead of the 8.30 start we delayed to the afternoon. The torrential rain had stopped but it was still really windy, especially along the airfield by Childs Ercall. At that point, head down driving forward but not going anywhere fast, someone decided to bomb past me through a puddle and soaked me.
I was not overly impressed as you can imagine but at least I only had just over 3 miles left to go to complete the half and round the corner the wind was less strong (it was even pushing me along nicely on the last little bit).
GB Ultra 135 Miles
With all their races needing to be cancelled this year, GB Ultra have put on a number of virtual events with various distances to choose from. This virtual race really appealed due to the impressive looking medal - what can I say, who doesn't like quality bling?!
There was up to 5 weeks to complete the distance so achievable for me but definitely enough to make me get out the door when I wasn't quite feeling it that day. I managed to complete it in 4 weeks and the medal is definitely impressive.
Duathlon
Throughout lockdown, the running group where I work (that I am a founding member of) have been arranging activities to motivate people to keep active. The most recent activity was a virtual duathlon.
I opted for middle distance - 5K run followed by a 20K bike ride and the another 5K run. This was great fun and was a first for me (although I have done a couple of triathlons many years ago). I don't get out on my bike very often these days (I've probably only been on it a few times this year) I wondered how I would get on.
I was expecting either jelly or heavy legs on the second run but actually they were pretty good. It has also been great seeing people just getting out there and trying something new.
