virtual races/challenges - help and advice please ...

I've been looking into these since entering the Blenheim 10k race for end of September, but there are so many that it's confusing. Of those of you who do virtual runs, which do you like the best and why? And admin and other experienced runners, I ran 40 miles this month so far: would I be pushing it to enter a 50 mile challenge for August? x

[quirkybee]

I love the virtual races Flick. I've done a couple of 5ks, but I also did a 100 miler and that was a combo of running and walking. Just done the 5k Mojito for June, lovely medal, lol.😂 But I just remembered I've signed up for the 1000 miles over 12 months. This won't be very much running, but walking, but they really motivate me and get me shifted, plus its good that a mixture of exercise is allowed.

You're so brilliant to have done 40 miles, I'd say without hesitation yes, do the 50 miles, you will definately do it. At least you're running these miles and not half walking them like me, lol xx

[Hidden in reply to quirkybee]

Ah, thank you sweet, I think I will have done nearly 50 miles this month as I have two more running days left. It will motivate me to keep going on those runs when I think getting back and reading my book would be preferable to pushing on a bit further 😂 xx

[quirkybee in reply to Hidden]

The thought of chilling with a book would be tempting for me too, but yes, keep going with it, you'll do it. I'm routing for you 🥇🥇🥇 xx

[Hidden in reply to quirkybee]

You are fab ❤️Xxx

[Designbod in reply to Hidden]

Just jumping in, I'm trialing listening to audio books or buying the whispersync option of a kindle book as means I can switch between reading the book on a kindle/iPad and listening to it on a run. They sync as you switch between. Reason I'm trialing it is I don't know if I pay enough attention to the book when I'm out running as I run on lanes without pavement so am constantly on the look out for cars and switching sides of the road but if you have a less mind-absorbing route it might work for you.

Well done on all your mileage, by the way! I've only just graduated so 5k is still a goal for me! 🏃

[Hidden in reply to Designbod]

Oh, I don’t listen to books or music when I run, I find the surroundings too interesting. Let us know how you find it. I guess when I run out of new routes to explore it might be useful

[Designbod in reply to Hidden]

I keep thinking I should try just going out and enjoying the moment. Keep thinking I'd get bored but probably a great idea to rest your mind and just 'be' 🙏🏻

[Hidden in reply to Designbod]

I love the running so much, all the sights and sounds. It can be really magical, especially off road in summer

[Tbae]

I think if you are feeling good and I know you run on extra consequitive days in a week, yes go for it.

Mike’s post and link on the LU research was interesting , and their discussion of running limitations , 20 miles / week.So presumably 80 miles per month.

It puts you comfortably within their advice and forward plans.

Mike’s link was yesterday.

Think it is a very helpful piece of information.

You are doing fantastically well and hope you are comfortably resettled.💥🏃‍♀️💥🌟👏👏

[Hidden in reply to Tbae]

Oh, thanks, I must have missed that. I will look. I need to get fit for the Blenheim 10k race anyway as I don’t want come in last behind the wheel chairs!

[Hidden in reply to Tbae]

Was it this forum or c25k? Do you have a link please?

[Tbae]

Sorry Flick, it was over on Marathon.His post One fifth only have marathon gene.

Loads of stuff from Loughborough University, including on weekly mileage.

Sorry I am a techie 🦕.

Very interesting items maybe at least four.🤔👏👏

Also Abi’s two links in her reply to the same post.Particularly the Telegraph article.👍👏👏🌟

[Hidden in reply to Tbae]

Thank you I will take a look 😊

[Hidden]

Haha, I now seem to be a member of the marathon forum 😳

[Sqkr in reply to Hidden]

...you know what happens now 😁

[Hidden in reply to Sqkr]

Gulp! Actually there’s some good advice on there so I’m going to spend an evening reading the posts. I would like to do a half some time. My only concern is how slow I am, I can keep running for two hours or thereabouts without stopping or walking so far, but I’m pretty sure my pace (averaging around 9min/km at present up and down hill) would leave me outside the cut off time. Not sure how much I can improve with my wasted left leg.

[Jay66UK Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I’m sure those of us too afraid to look over there would appreciate any summary you care to give us.

[Hidden in reply to Jay66UK]

Well basically half of this forum seem to be over there too. They are much more grown up sounding on there though! 🤨 not all of them are running marathons or halfs, but those that have are giving advice on how to break your distance into manageable bite sized portions. The biggest surprise was misswobble who doesn’t have an ounce of fat on her and has the most elegant collar bones on the planet, so if she wobbles, I’m at a loss to know where.

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

My cheeky little lad’s nickname for me when I as fat. He called it me after Miss Wobble the Waitress, the children’s book character. She got fired for being too wobbly ☺️

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

Ah, I haven’t come across her. I can’t believe, looking at you now, that you were ever fat.

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Well ,put it this way, upon my losing weight, the guy on the next plot to me said he “would miss the total eclipse that every time I bent down” ☺️😄

I lost 64 pounds, which is quite a lot for a short arse.

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

That’s amazing. You are obviously very determined. Well done!

[AnnieW55]

I've done some virtual so with virtual runner uk

virtualrunneruk.com/how-it-...

Really easy pick your challenge, pay your money, show the proof (photo of totals on watch will do) and await your medal. The medals have all been great. 20% goes to the charity promoting your particular challenge.

I also occasionally do Race at your Pace - doing the 100 mile run this month to keep the motivation going for the marathon training - going out regularly from 0500ish drains the enthusiasm at times 😄. There are different challenges on there, running, walking, cycling etc and it's £10 medal only or £14 for medal and compression vest. Same methodology choose, pay,do, provide proof, await the postman

raceatyourpace.co.uk/

And, yes go for it but take care in the heat (as I know you will).

[Hidden in reply to AnnieW55]

Thank you, great advice. By the time you posted, I had already signed up to do the 50 mile challenge on race @ your pace and paid for compression vest as well. Will take another look at virtual runner too 😊

[Tasha99 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I do race at your pace Flick. Just signed up for my 3rd 50 mile. Hopefully one day we’ll get to 75 miles do you reckon?

[Hidden in reply to Tasha99]

There is no doubt in my mind that we will, seriously absolutely no doubt 😊

[Tasha99 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

You can just screenshot your list of runs as evidence 💪🏽

[Hidden in reply to Tasha99]

Yes, garmin connect helpfully lists them.

[limberlou Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

The tops are really nice and it’s a very meaty medal. Lol, my daughter, signed me up for the top and medal for the May 25 mile challenge.

[Hidden in reply to limberlou]

Ooh, good, it was a good choice then 😊

[Ripcurlrana71 Graduate10]

I’ve just booked my 1st two VR races for August via RMR. After all this hardwork with my running I want BLING!! 🥇🥇😬 x

[Hidden]

I looked at the RMR ones as I’m a member of their Facebook group, but I didn’t see one that grabbed me. Next month!

[limberlou Graduate10]

I should think you could Flick I did 43.49 miles in June and prob would have done 50 easily in July if I hadn’t hurt myself on June 30th. I’d signed up for a 50 mile virtual run for July. I use virtual runner, where a percentage goes to a chosen charity... and also Medal Mad I’m not sure if they do or if all the money goes to the medals

[Hidden]

Ooh thanks, medal mad is one I haven’t come across yet. And thanks for encouragement re 50 miles. It’s ridiculous as people over 100 are running marathons, but a little voice in my head says: you’re 71, you’ve got to be careful. An ageist gremlin👹

[limberlou Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I’m the same ... a little voice in y head saying “ you’re 65 now you should be settling in with your knitting and cats” . Well I do that in the evenings so I can do what the hell I like in the daytime!!!

Mind you as my 74 year old sister said to me the other day “ you might be getting older but you still haven’t grown up!! And I don’t think you ever will!!”

I was a bit of a rebel in my youth , ran with the biker lads, then the hippies and married and divorced one, then the surfer crowd but married an “ old before his time “ lad and then settled down a bit and set a comparatively good example to my kids and now I can do what I want to do.

[Hidden in reply to limberlou]

Well I’m not sure about the knitting and cats, but the bikers and hippies sound fun 😉 The one thing I’ve learned since taking up running again is that age and physical disability are no bar- heck, there are people in here running after heart attacks and strokes, or with asthma or fybromialgya, and the only reason most people can’t run is because they don’t bother to try, so the age gremlin needs to get back in its box.

[orangeguy Graduate10]

I can't see 50 miles being much of a problem for SuperFlick 😂 😂😂

[Hidden in reply to orangeguy]

I hope your faith in me isn’t misplaced 😂

[orangeguy Graduate10]

I'm sure it isn't even though you have one of those "things" sitting on your desk 😂

[Hidden]

Took me a moment to work that out 😂 Yes, fraid so! With a lovely big screen for editing photos and doing digital artwork. As for the 50 miles, I’ve paid up now so I’ve got to do it! Anyway, I want the bling! 🏅

[Lorijay Graduate10]

Hi Flick, I've signed up for 50 mile August just as a challenge and a bit of fun, love having short term goals.

You will do 50 miles without trying, you are brilliant at long runs and like your posts just lovely, oh and I forgot to say the forum fashionista. We'll all keep each other motivated and on target

[Hidden in reply to Lorijay]

I'm glad I'm not alone! As for fashionista, that the first time I've been called that LOL. So, 50 miles here we come

[Sarakc Graduate10]

This post inspired me to have a look at virtual races as I need a wee bit of motivation! I’m thinking of starting with the 25 miles as I often only get out twice a week but perhaps I should go for the 50! Miles confuse me a bit as I’m so used to Km now!!

Quite fancy getting a top! 😀

[Lorijay Graduate10 in reply to Sarakc]

I just googled 50 miles is about 81km.

[Sarakc Graduate10 in reply to Lorijay]

Think I might struggle to fit that many into a month!! 😕

[Hidden in reply to Sarakc]

yes, it's odd converting from km! I'm sure you are very much up for it, you are faster than me and used to knocking out 10ks. I ordered the top too. For two quid you can't complain!

[Sarakc Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Hi! Do you know if the distance includes walks too? If so then I might go for the 50 ! ( Also no idea what size top to order! I’m 5’ 9 and quite slim ish!! ) 😀

[Hidden in reply to Sarakc]

I don’t know about the walking. They won’t know from your stats anyway. I’ve ordered a medium since that seems to be my size in running gear. I think that’s round about size 12 😊

[Sarakc Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I think I’ll go for the 25 and see how I go! Don’t want to stress about trying to fit lots of runs in! Need a few days rest after a longer long!! 😀

[Hidden in reply to Sarakc]

Understandable. It’s easier for me as I don’t have to go out to work (one of the advantages of being ancient 😂)

[Sarakc Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Ha ha!! You’re not ancient!!!

I’ve just signed up for it!!! 😀

[Hidden in reply to Sarakc]

I can’t wait for August so that my runs count towards it!

[Sarakc Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I was faffing about with my application on line and trying to set up a paypal account and have got 2 confirmation emails from them so hope I haven’t entered twice!!! Might be doing 50 after all ha ha!!!! Just hope I can cope with the technology sending off my evidence!!!😂

[Hidden in reply to Sarakc]

Email them if you get two invoices. All you need to do is take screenshots from garmin connect, showing your runs, or photograph your watch with a months run total. 😊

[Sarakc Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Yes I have emailed them! Think I’ll manage somehow! I’ve got my elder son at home now so he can help me with any copy or pasting!!!! 😀

[Hidden in reply to Sarakc]

You will be fine! 😊 it’s quite exciting

[Nwrkpak Graduate10]

Rave at your pace 50 mike would be perfect. If you've run 40 this month in these conditions with a few days left you coukd definitely go for 50 for September. I found my 50 in June a real challenge but it got me out there and kept me focused. And I love my medal.

I also did a 10k one this month with medalmad that has some quirky ones but that's not arrived yet so I can't comment. Virtualrunneruk has different ones but I've not done one of there's yet. I think they are a great way of having a target and getting some bling but not always tied to times locations or conditions that don't suit.

Go for it. I'm sure you 'll live it when that bling arrives x

[Hidden in reply to Nwrkpak]

Thanks, I think Race @ your Pace seems to have quite nice medals - and £2 for a compression top! I actually think Rave @ your Pace sounds a lot more fun I wont do a virtual 10k as I'm doing the actual 10k at Blenheim in September x

[Nwrkpak Graduate10]

Race at your pace. Sorry I really need to stop using my phone to post. Too fat fingers for this keyboard

[Hidden in reply to Nwrkpak]

I hve the same trouble. I'm a thumb texter. Me and digital keyboards are a disaster area! x

[LittleNell83]

I am doing a 50 mile challenge in August as a good way of helping me keep on track with training.

I normally choose a run to help with an aim (except when I want the bling) so 10km virtual runs and monthly distance total. Never had a bad experience yet

[Hidden in reply to LittleNell83]

thanks - yes, i thought it would be motivating as i have the 10k race at the end of September. Not that i haven't done 10ks, in fact I've run further, but it's my first real race, and i want to improve my time so that I'm not coming in last!

[LittleNell83 in reply to Hidden]

Even though working up to doing 10 miles and have ran 13km, the 10km runs mean I can't wuss out on a bad run

[Hidden in reply to LittleNell83]

I understand. I won’t though because £14 is enough for one month. I wonder if keen bling collectors use the same distance in a month on different sites to get more medals!

[LittleNell83 in reply to Hidden]

I purposefully tried to choose different dates so I had to run them. August is just the festival of running 10km and the 50 miles challenge. October is the Medal Mad Bake Off collection

[Hidden in reply to LittleNell83]

I can see how this could become addictive 😊