Virtual 5Ks, 10Ks, Half Marathons, Marathons, and Triathalons

Of course I first heard about these virtual sport challenges on social media. I saw that a friend posted her finish photo of the marathon run with Donna (to finish breast cancer), virtually on Face Book. Then the same week I saw a flyer for a virtual half marathon on Andros that is a match for a half marathon in Tampa. I like the idea of these virtual runs because it seems like a good way to keep up and connect with running pals that have maybe moved or are for whatever reason separated by geographical distance. Might make running feel a little less solitary and focus the competition more on going for a personal best vs. keeping up with a bigger pack of runners. It might also be a good way to increase the number of runners willing to garner funds for a cause, like the fight against breast cancer. If your plans take you out of town you can still do the run, virtually, on a treadmill or outdoors at your own pace. You also get a bib (your race number) and certificate or whatever else goes with completing the race, maybe a t-shirt, medal, or ribbon. You can get a bunch of friends together and run too. There are lots of websites offering a variety of virtual races. I think my favorite as I browsed was Muffins to Marathons-Fit 4 Life. Right now I definitely fit in the muffin category but these virtual races leave virtually no excuse for not changing that.