The drop phrase for 2020 is ‘Virtual’. Yup, you read it right. I began to see this as a trending subject mid year 2019 while training for some races in the U.S. Virtual racing was not starting out, it was gaining speed.
Run to the Moon, run across the U.S., and all virtual. Solo, partnered, or Team. You choose how you want to do it as long as it gets done. Run, train, run, sign up, get a virtual and printable certificate of completion and some cool swag. Maybe even a really nice collectible medal to boot, or trophy if you raced in an Elite category.
I don’t know about you, but lacing up and pinning my bib on race day and walking into a starting line with other runners to gauge my competition – nothing like it in the world! It is however our reality. Would I race as I’ve raced before? Yes. I maybe alone on that starting line, but it is my choice how I live my life.
I love going for my runs, training in the park alone or with my fiance. I get weird looks now as I did before this ‘pandemic’ was here so I’m okay with it. I’m not okay with people being socially isolated, and not having a true outlet. Yes, I have made a choice to be active and to remain active regardless. Others have also made a choice to not be active. I get it. We are adults and as such we live with our choices, and also be it as it may die by them.
Being active provides me the opportunity to be healthy both mentally, and physically. How can we reach out to others to have what we have? Well, all it takes is honestly a wave when you’re running, or a funny remark while you’re suffering in the park while you workout to show that there is something that seems doable, or attainable to anyone because you made them feel like a human, made them smile or even laugh and now they’re intrigued about what you are doing.
There may be a possibility of them watching How To videos on exercise without equipment, or finding a running club or even ‘Virtual’ coaching. That’s where I come in, yes I do virtual / Remote coaching. Have been doing it for some time, and it is not going to go anywhere anytime soon. It’s actually going to pick up momentum as time goes by.
So, what are your thoughts on ‘Virtual’ coaching, racing? How will you motivate yourself, then others to help them become better versions of themselves in this environment we find ourselves in?
I’ll see you soon,
G
p.s. I’m actually contemplating signing up for some virtual races. What are you running/racing this summer?
Ruck and Field Fitness 