How to prepare for a virtual race?

Prepare your mind

Perhaps one of the most difficult things about not being in a real race is having your mind ready for the activity when you are not with other runners around you waiting for the kickoff. Because of this, it can be even more mentally challenging than preparing for and running a normal race. Your training runs are a great opportunity to work on mental strategies and ways to develop your mental toughness. Try to play brain games and use pictures, visualization, and positive self-talk.

Another good idea when the big day approaches is that you tell others what you are going to do. Share it with your friends or family. Tell them the details, when you are going to do them, at what time, from where you will leave, so that if it is within their possibilities they can give you encouragement. Another way to get them involved is to talk to them on your phone while you run or ask them to wait for you at some point on the route to give you encouragement.

Find the best moment

Another important aspect is choosing the right time to do it. This aspect has to do especially with the weather. There are virtual races that establish a specific date for their completion, it may be a single specific day or a period of a week to complete the distance. One recommendation is that you organize yourself to do it during the first hours of the morning to avoid that the sun later plays against you. Now if it’s cold or rainy, it’s better to wait for the right time.
On the other hand, knowing the date makes it easier for you to get into the racing mindset.

Choose your goal

An important aspect to consider within your preparation is the choice of a goal, this can help you stay motivated to move forward and give more structure to your training. As Christine Ruff recommends in “Run for Good” it is important to make sure you choose a smart race goal, which means it must be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely.

Although some runners like to focus on performance goals, it doesn’t have to be related to their finish time. You can choose something like running the full distance without stopping to walk or running a negative division (running the second half of the race faster than the first).

Some virtual races have a large window to know when you can run the race, but you must choose a date to do so and mark it on your calendar. If you can’t set a deadline, you can keep putting off the race, as well as your training.

Sticking to a specific goal will keep you motivated and prevent you from getting bored or wanting to skip workouts. If you are able to reach your goal during the race, it will add more meaning to your achievement. And if you don’t achieve your goal, it can inspire you to keep doing more races and working towards your goal.