Virtual Races Worth Running

You got through C25K now what? How do you stay motivated to keep running? Many runners have to have races scheduled throughout the year in order to keep running. Following a running program helps keep some on track. After C25K, I felt I needed a BIG challenge, so I signed myself up for a half marathon and followed the highly respected Hal Higdon Half Marathon plan for beginners. It is a fantastic program that also has intermediate and advanced plans. The beginner plan focus on just being able to finish the 13.1 miles (21K) by building your mileage, the more advanced plans work on increasing your speed, lowering your times.

Ok, that all sounds great, but what if you just want to run a few 5Ks, or what if you can’t afford all of the race fees? Why not try a virtual race!

The first one I want to tell you about is the Joggermom Marathon, happening this May. I know, I know, you’re thinking marathon? But isn’t that even more adventurous than a half marathon. The beauty of this marathon is that you have the entire month of May to run it! The fee to sign up is $10 but you also have the chance to win lots of great prizes perfect for mother runners.  So why not keep running the 3 times per week you worked up to during C25K or even run 2 miles every other day, you’d be in the running to finish. Make sure to read up on what info you have to provide in order to be entered in for the prizes at the end of the month.

May is the month all of us Mothers are recognized, why not do something for ourselves this month with a promise to become more fit? This year 10% of your entry will go to the American Heart Association. Heart disease is the #1 killer in women.

– Joggermommarathon.com

Next up is the Mamavation Virtual 5K on June 30. Follow along on #mamavation5k on Twitter to find out more about this free event.  One winner will get a $100 visa gift card and the camaraderie of the sistahood as a bonus.  Sign up to the spanking brand new forums and post a minimum of 10 times anywhere in the forum before June 30th to be eligible for the prize.

Ok, so this is not a virtual race but its free and open to anyone attending BlogHer in NYC this August, it’s the  BlogHer 5K. Why not put all your hard work into practice and meet up with your online buddies for a run offline in New York. I love this city and I love running here, I know you will too! I can’t wait to find out more about the route for this 5K.

How do you juggle family and running races? Have you ever run a virtual race?