Useful tips on preparing for your first virtual race With the majority of big races cancelled, it has to be said that 2020 has been disappointing for those of us who enjoy the atmosphere and adrenaline of race day. That doesnโt mean you need to hang up your trainers, though. With an increasing number of virtual events on offer, now is the perfect time to start training for a race, whether thatโs your first 5k or your fifth marathon. Just because youโre racing virtually, doesnโt mean it will be lacking in exhilaration! Follow our top tips to make sure you get the best from your first virtual race. 1. Plan Your Route Whether itโs 5k or a marathon, you need to cover the distance and youโll need to know how youโre going to do this well in advance of race day. Using your brain is tiring, and if youโre trying to tot up how many laps of the field / lake / road you need to do in order to reach your distance, chances are youโre going to neglect other aspects of your race: such as your running form! Planning your route in advance also gives you the opportunity to work out how flat (or notโฆ) your race will be, and make any necessary adjustments in time! 2. Train Your Mind Running alone without the buzz of other competitors to spur you on, is probably the biggest difference between a virtual race and a traditional one. Donโt underestimate the effect running alongside other runners can have, not to mention the encouraging cheers from supporters or marshals along the pavements. Running a virtual race โ especially a longer distance โ can be a lonely experience. So youโre going to need to work on that mental resilience as well as your running stamina, to give yourself that virtual kick up the backside when you โhit the wallโ (or the โnever again phaseโ, as we like to call it). Donโt despair though: as well as your physical health, your mental health will receive a boost too. Just think how proud you will feel on that virtual finish line: not only will you have covered your goal distance, but you will have done that off your own back. 3. Join a Virtual Running Community While running clubs might have stopped their physical sessions for the time being, you can still find motivation in the form of virtual running buddies. They donโt always need to be people you run alongside: an online running community such as here at The Running Bug, orย local Strava groupsย can be a great way of interacting with other runners, and making sure you donโt default on your training plan. If your virtual running pals think youโre going for a 20k training run on Sunday, it has to happen! 4. Stick to The Plan Just like with any race, training for a virtual race requires a training plan. Whether youโre going in for your first half-marathon, or you have your sights set on a sub-3 hour marathon, you will need to know exactly what you need to do to get there. There are lots of online training plans, or some people prefer to create their own. Whichever you go for, the key is to stick to it. Print it out and stick it on your fridge, so there is no way to avoid it! And then take enormous pleasure in ticking off the mileage as you count down the weeks to Race Day. Speaking of whichโฆ 5. Plan Your Race Day Morning Just because youโre not surrounded by a few thousand other runners and a man with a megaphone, doesnโt mean you wonโt feel the nerves. This is still your race, and it is completely normal to wake up with a great sense of anticipation. Make sure you have all your kit ready the night before; the last thing you need on Race Day is to be hunting through the washing basket looking for your favourite running socks. If youโre running a longer race, make sure you have all the race fuel you will need, as well as your watch and phone charged. And keep things simple, breakfast-wise: donโt shock your stomach by introducing something different. Most runners swear by keeping things simple and routine; whatever you usually have for breakfast is most likely to be digested easily. You should have been drinking plenty of fluids in the days before your race, so you shouldnโt try and drink huge quantities on race morning. You could end up with a nasty stitch, not to mention needing the loo. Once youโve fueled and in your Race Day kit, all that remains, is to start the app and record that virtual race! Good luck, and make sure you enjoy it! Begin Your Online Running Journey with The Running Bug Whether you start by walking, jogging or straight into running, The Running Bug is here to help you get into running no matter what your ability. Why not have a look at our latest challengesย orย get in touchย with any questions.ย Share this blog Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on reddit Reddit Share on linkedin LinkedIn Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on tumblr Tumblr
