How to Make Your Virtual Race Even More Fun

 

Here are some tips and ideas to help make this virtual race a fun and memorable experience! Be sure to follow Kids of STEEL on Instagram for updates, workouts, contests, and to share your training and race day photos and to cheer on your fellow runners! 

This is your chance for you to act as a race director. You can run in your neighborhood, a community park, on the treadmill, or on your favorite trail. You can design your course route however you would like so don’t be afraid toget creative. The Virtual Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh Kids Marathon is 1 mile, so use a map, activity tracker, or a phone app to help you plan.

 

Since this is YOUR race, you have access to the route and can practice it as much as you want. Get familiar with the toughest parts, learn the halfway point and other useful pieces of information so that when you run your official virtual race you will be prepared!

 

You can run your race on any day and at any time during the

month of May. Pick a day and time of your choice in advance so that you have time

to prepare for it. Remember, if the weather is bad you have the power to reschedule

your virtual run to a different day to ensure the best conditions and circumstances.

 

Since you are familiar with the route and likely have practiced it before, you know what times you are capable of running. Set a goal for yourself. This is your chance to push yourself and showcase all the hard work that you put in. There won’t be other runners to compete against, but you can still compete against the clock and use this as an opportunity to set a new personal best time!

 

Bring along your favorite post-race healthy snack and drink.

 

You want your virtual race day to feel different from all of the other runs that you do, so put on your favorite running attire for this special occasion. Look good, feel good, run good!

 

Don’t Forget Your Race Bib:

Your race bib will be sent to you as part of your event packet.

 

Some ideas for your course set up could include posting some homemade signs or writing a motivational message on the ground with sidewalk chalk. Just be sure to follow park guidelines and clean up once you are done.

 

Do something to add some flare or excitement to your race like decorate the ground where your race ends with chalk, play music on a speaker, or make signs where you will finish to celebrate accomplishing your goal. If your friend or parents are cheering you on during the race, have them hold a makeshift finish line ribbon to run through.

 

The safety and health of our runners is always our top priority. It is important to take extra precautions to take care of yourself, as well as those around you, now more than ever. This Runner’s World Magazine article is a great resource to stay educated on some of the health and safety best practices while running.