As the COVID-19 pandemic has halted road, track, and trail races for the foreseeable future, virtual races are soaring in popularity. Runners flocked to virtual races as a solo alternative to their cancelled races. Virtual races lack many of the features that make racing special. However, they do offer an alternative to assess your fitness and indulge your competitive edge when normal races are not an option. You can maximize your virtual race experience, both from a performance and enjoyment ...
Races
What to Do if Your Race is Cancelled
At the publication time of this post, many races were electively canceling or postponing due to the rapid spread of COV-19. Yet cancelled races are not unheard of, such as when the New York City Marathon canceled in 2012 due to Hurricane Sandy. What should you do if your race is cancelled? Life goes on if a race is canceled, as does your training. Cancelled races are frustrating and disappointing, yet you can have alternative approaches to make the best of the situation. Know that ...
Tips for Racing in Cold Weather (and Actually Enjoying It)
My first half marathon was a memorable one. I exceeded my goals, placed second in my age group (it was a small race), and fell in love with long-distance racing. But most of all, I remember just how cold that race was. I hovered by the space heaters, bundled up in sweatpants until 10 minutes before the race started. Even though I wore shorts, I donned a lightweight running shirt, a jacket, and gloves to stay warm. The 25+ mph winds colored my nose pink in the race photos. Afterward, I ...
Popcorn Panic 5 Mile Race Recap (2019)
“You’re pregnant!” a spectator shouted around mile 3. “You go! Looking strong!” I ran the Popcorn Panic 5 Miler at 38.5 weeks pregnant. When I think about it objectively, I almost can’t wrap my mind around the fact that I did that. I felt great on race day - certainly not almost 9 months pregnant! Initially, I did not even plan to run this far into pregnancy. I anticipated feeling heavy and uncomfortable, so I had the contingency plan of switching to cross-training at about 35-36 ...
Ringing in Spring 10K 2019 Recap
When I signed up for the Ringing in Spring 10K back in January, I originally to race it for a PR and possibly even top 3 women. I craved a hard, demanding training cycle and a gritty race. I had just healed my metatarsal stress fracture and dealt with a chemical pregnancy (early loss at ~4 weeks). I wanted to push my body again to feel like myself. Shortly after registering for that (and a fall marathon!), we found out I was pregnant. A gut-busting training cycle and a big PR were no longer ...