Virtual 10k: Shrinking Jeans Chasing Sun #runATL
So a little over a month ago, I signed up for a virtual race. My first virtual race. And it was a 10k. I signed up to use it as a goal race for the end of the month. I needed something to keep me motivated after my half marathon. (I always take a break after a race and it’s hard for me to get back into it!)
After I signed up for the race, I realized that it was going to be tougher to get a race in on Sunday. My husband is out of town and my mom was already watching the toddler on Friday and Saturday. I also needed to really spend time with the toddler. So I made the executive decision to run my race in Atlanta.
Here are a few photos from my run. (I grabbed the Fit Card from my hotel, and it outlined a 5-mile route. Once I hit the park, there were loops that I could run and add mileage.)
The downside to running in Atlanta? The traffic. And the stoplights. I was stopped for about 5 minutes at one light. It happens, and I’m not mad at my time, even though it was on the slower side for me.
I actually REALLY enjoyed running this virtual race. So much that I can’t wait to sign up for another!
The perks to running a virtual race:
Run when you have the time. You don’t have to be at a start line across town at 6 a.m.
Choose your own course (in my case, I chose downtown Atlanta!)
There is usually a cute shirt involved. And/or a cool medal. I’ve never received a medal for a 10k….until now! (I’ve only ever received them for half and full marathons.) Of course, I don’t have a photo at the moment, but hopefully I’ll add one later.
Run solo or run with your friends.
You can also walk. There are walking options.
Strollers are also allowed. 😉 I haven’t found many races that will allow my jogging stroller.
Need to change the date? Sunday morning doesn’t work for you? It’s ok! You won’t lose your registration fee.
Have you ever considered running/walking a virtual race?
I have never heard of a virtual race! Such a great idea! I also love the pictures of Atlanta- we are right up the road in Kennesaw!
I so want to do a virtual race! I am really struggling to even register for a regular race these days. I am skipping a local 5k on Friday (the 4th of July) as we are hosting my family dinner after the parade & I am afraid that prepping for a 7am 5k is putting way too much on my plate … :(( waaaaaaaa so sad as there are rarely local races!!
That sounds really neat. Like that you can plan it.
OMG, Soooooo much traffic. Where I live in GA, you can hit the Silver Comet trail, which is like running in the woods. No pressure, very few street crossings!
What a beautiful run! I have a dear friend in Atlanta who is an avid runner. She ran and came in at the top in a marathon at 9 months pregnant. She had her baby the next day!
I have never heard of doing a virtual race, but I like that you can do it your way!
I haven’t heard of a virtual race, but it is a fabulous idea! I’m still perplexed how I’ve never heard of the Fit Cards from hotels. I’d totally do it!
Now I know what a virtual race is, hurrah! Congrats on the medal!
I have never considered running a virtual race…until now, that is! I love the flexibility it offers.
This is very cool! What gorgeous photos!
I ran my first 5k event this year with my SIL and a friend and it was so much fun. I would totally do a virtual event. FUN!
I’ve never heard of a virtual race before! What a fun twist on a regular run!
That sounds so cool! Nice pictures too!
How fun is THIS? I’m just starting to run again after having our daughter….this would be perfect!
Great pictures! I have never heard of a virtual race.
Haven’t even run a ‘real’ 10K nevertheless a virtual one, but I can handle being the one at the finish line taking pictures of everyone finishing their runs, LOL!!!!
This sounds like my kind of run.I love the pictures some really nice views,I think views really help when you are doing something like this.Well done you :).
I love this! I just signed up for a half marathon, so a virtual race would be a great way to train.
I have never even heard of a virtual race until now! I love that you ran in my hometown! This is a great idea!
Here from type a!
Welcome!! (Type-A is the best!) 🙂
UGH this just makes me want to run. i hate running but I know it’s good for me
Nver heard of a virtual race before. Sounds great. I would pick Lake Eola – in Orlando
Nice Blog! I will be using virtual racing to keep me on track for my next half marathon – with everyone’s schedule, we’ve been hard press to get a group up and running! So – it’s up to me!
Great pictures.. I like that strollers are allowed. I haven’t heard of a virtual race but it sounds great
That looks like some great scenery for a run! We like doing color 5K’s and always makes it better if there is something amazing to look at while running!
I thought virtual meant in your mind! But this is a great idea for those whom get intimidated
I’ve near heard of a virtual race! What an awesome concept! How neat!
Thank you for blogging about this because the concept of this is freaking awesome. I’ve bookmarked them to participate in the next one 🙂
This is so interesting! I’ve never heard of a virtual race before!but now I’m very intrigued! So cool
What a cool concept! I love it. I may do this when I’m in DC next week. Can this count as one of my two races on my Bucket List? I just don’t know if I can fit in two legit races with other humans.
I haven’t considered it and actually didn’t know about it until now. Totally my kind of race though – thanks for sharing!
I didn’t even know these existed, but then I’m not a runner so it makes sense it slipped by me. The idea is really cool though.
Those pictures are gorgeous. I never heard of a virtual race. What a cool idea.
A virtual race is such a cool idea. Thank for sharing these gorgeous pictures.
Okay I think I like the idea of a virtual race. I need to see if they do any around here.
I’ve never heard of a virtual race before. What a great idea!
That’s very cool! You should be proud of yourself no matter what your time was!
I’ve never heard of virtual races. I think they are a fantastic idea and making races accessible to more people. Thanks for sharing about this interesting concept.
I have been seeing a lot of virtual races lately. It’s a really neat idea. Everyone can’t participate at the same time and you stil get to be a part of the race.
I have never ran in any kind of race, but I really like the flexibility of running in a virtual race. Sounds like you picked a lovely spot to run!
What a beautiful run! I didn’t know what a virtual race was until I read this post. I imagine the traffic and stop lights could be an issue in a busy city like Atlanta.
Well, I learn something new every day! I have never heard of a virtual run. Although I am not a runner, my trainer insists I run, so this would be a great option, thanks for sharing!
I’m a runner but afraid of actual races. Real or virtual! This is a really cool idea!
I have never heard of a virtual race! What a great idea. I would love to try something like this as my running ability is not what it used to be and this would get me going again!
This would be a great way to train for a mini marathon. My knees are having lots of issues though so it has been tough to run.
I love the idea of a virtual race! Also your pictures are beautiful!