Eight weeks ago Ironman, USAT and local clubs started to implement virtual racing into their platforms to keep athletes engaged and motivated.  At that time I was asking myself WHY an athlete would choose to do them. The event I was training for was a local 50 mile trail run on May 16th, with no other race planned, I had no desire to do any virtual event, I just wanted to continue to run on the trails. Then mid April, all county, state and national trails closed. 

Fast forward to mid May, I have completed 10 virtual duathlons and two 30 day fitness challenges, after it became official that my event was canceled. Maybe athletes started substituting a virtual event in place of a canceled event, that was not my reason. I was looking for structure since the trails were closed and biking indoors was the best activity to do to maintain physical distancing. And, I just wanted to do something different and participating in virtual events satisfied the challenges I participated in.

I enjoy the ability to complete the events on my now schedule!

I find the virtual challenges useful to keep me and the athletes I coach on track with their training, to continue to prepare for any events that might happen in 2020 or 2021.  They provide a mental and physical assessment that continues to change during uncertain times.

If you have questions about your training or race schedule, reach out to me, [email protected]