8 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL RACE
Thanks for joining us for this year’s Manitoba Marathon Virtual Race!
Registered runners have the opportunity to complete this race on their own, at their place and pace of choice! Choose your own race day, your own Start and Finish Line, whether it’s a treadmill, a park, or your neighbourhood streets – it’s all up to you!
To ensure you have a fun and successful race, here are 8 tips for you:
1. Plan your route ahead of time.
It might not seem that significant, but when it comes to your Virtual Race, winging it is not the way to go! Whether you’re running loops around your neighbourhood, through quiet, secluded trails, or on a treadmill at home, have a solid race plan before you take off. Pick a route that works well for you where you can practice safe, physical distancing and adhere to the guidelines of your local health authorities.
2. Consider all race conditions.
The benefit to a make-your-own race is you have full control of the race conditions. Have a date planned but, in the days leading up, consider changing variables like the weather, time of day, traffic congestion, and more. Be flexible – if it’s challenging one day, wait it out!
3. Take safety precautions.
Aside from practicing safe, physical distancing, be alert of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Remember, there are no road closures in effect during your Virtual Race! Try to stay on sidewalks or trails as much as possible and be sure to obey all traffic signals. If you’re going to listen to music, ensure you can still hear what’s going on around you. Treadmill racing may also be an option for you.
On Race Day, runners usually wear a race bib with a timing chip and emergency contact info. For safety reasons, give someone else your race route and have an emergency contact located on your body or phone while you’re out just in case.
4. Track your timing and distance with a fitness watch or app.
There are many options to track your time and kilometres during your Manitoba Marathon Virtual Race. A participant email will come with instructions to download Runkeeper this app will automatically upload your run to the Race Roster results platform for you. Relay team captains can manually upload their team time as well for their team. Many runners tend to run with a running GPS or smart watch such as FitBit, Garmin or Apple, but others may simply opt for using a fitness app on their phone. Tracking apps such as Strava, or RunGo are free in both the Apple and Google Play store. All of these other options will allow you to manually upload your results to the Race Roster results page post race. Choose what option works for you.
5. Stay hydrated during your race.
Have a plan in place to stay hydrated and energized during your Virtual Race. Whether it be with World of Water purified H20 or a Nuun endurance fluid belt, or having a friend pass you water at a designated location, plan a way to get your own water, electrolytes and fuel during your run. You could even plan a route that includes your residence and have your cheer section set up an aid station to cheer you on! Get creative there’s still a way to socially distance and involve your fan club!
6. Get creative!
Just because we are running apart does not mean we can’t be together. Virtual does not mean boring, social distance is the key, grab your run/walk buddy, family members or even your pet and get out there and spend some fun quality time together. Seize the opportunity this Thanksgiving to focus on the things we are thankful for and be rewarded! The world has gone virtual, let’s make the 42nd running of the Manitoba Marathon the best the virtual world has seen.
7. Have fun!
This year has presented the world with challenges we haven’t previously seen. NOW is the time to keep going, keep moving, keep grinding and striving for your personal best. If you haven’t previously set a goal there’s still time. Set one for yourself, with a family member or friend, make it fun and just do it! 2020 has been memorable, now let’s come together as a community and choose to support and celebrate each other, our community, and Thanksgiving together!
8. Join us at the Virtual Finish Line on social!
After your race, share a celebratory photos on social and join us at the Virtual Finish Line! Tag @manitobamarathon and hashtag #runWpg to see how other runners have completed their Virtual Race. We’re sending virtual congratulations and high-fives to runners all around the world. While we may be distanced physically, let’s stay socially connected!
