The perfect start for beginning runners – virtual racing
I didn’t become a runner until later in my life — I ran my first mile several years after graduating college. Because of my later start, I’m often asked if I have any tips for beginning runners. I’ve got a lot of opinions about this, but I’ll keep it brief with two key points:
I set out on the “pink” trail with just my pup and me!
1) Take it easy. Start with a slower, easy pace or even a walk. Then work your way up in pace and mileage. Don’t come out of the gate expecting to be an Olympian – you’ll only get frustrated with yourself when you’re breathless on minute two.
2) Run outside (my favorite advice to beginners!), preferably somewhere interesting and beautiful. The treadmill can feel like the wheel of death – especially if you are trying to “get in” to running.
This brings me to IRONBULL’s virtual racing events. Due to COVID-19, many traditional races and events have been cancelled. To provide a free, safe, outdoor activity as a replacement, IRONBULL is hosting virtual races. Several of these virtual races are marked courses that the IRONBULL team has designed in the Wausau area.
Some of these courses even give you the option to continue on that trail or try a new trail at various course check points. I decided to complete the “Choose Your Own Adventure 5k” event at Nine Mile County Forest. It was so fun, and I thought this type of racing would be the perfect way for a beginner to start running. Here’s why:
I did have my two biggest fans out on the course cheering me on - just the pick me up I needed!
Running solo on the marked trails keeps you occupied so the time flies by. Normally I prefer to follow other runners in a race but IRONBULL makes the trails easy to follow. The added intrigue of making sure you find the check points makes the time fly by.
You get to choose your ideal racing time. You can complete the virtual race truly at any time you like. Not a morning person? Go in the evening. Can’t make it in the evening, either? Check it out in the middle of the day. Running when you feel your best will make it more fun. And ready to go but rainy today? Head out tomorrow.
No pressure from other racers. Although you might see a few other folks on the trail, these virtual races are a nice way to avoid the chaos of a traditional race, and the lack of people makes the race feel low key. It’s a no pressure way to “race” for your first time without worrying about what other racers are doing. You can go as slow or as fast as you want without judgement!
So if you are interested in more beginning running tips, let me know in the comment box below! And, fellow runners, please share what made you decide to lace up those sneakers the first time.
If you are thinking about checking out a virtual race, you are in luck, IRONBULL has several new virtual events happening now:
1) Island Hop Adventure Run/Walk, urban marked trail which would be perfect for a new runner
2) Edgar edition of the Choose Your Own Adventure, marked 2.5 mile trail run/walk, great for a family nature walk
3) River Runs Wild Virtual Run which you can pick the distance 5k to 50k and you choose your own course. This one is especially good if you need to stay motivated as there is a four week challenge option.
4) Virtual Adventure Challenge, a multi-disciplinary challenge where you must come up with your own creative routes
About the author: Stephanie is a guest blog contributor who moved from Denver, CO to Wausau in fall of 2019.