The Virtual Run

COVID-19 HAS forced us all to look at how we are living our lives and how it could be done differently.   Some have been really effective and some not so good.   One thing I am going to take away when all of this does come to an end is "simplicity".    We all live complex lives but it doesn't always have to be like that.   When you are forced to simplify things then everything becomes easier.

The vitual run has sprung up everywhere and personally I am not a big fan of it.   However, due to COVID-19, the lockdown and social distancing it has been a way to run events in a simpler and easier way and I am thankful that people have taken the time to plan and execute them to such great effect.

It doesn't replace meeting people at the events, looking and talking to the sponsors, running with groups of likeminded people, the crowds who help motivate you on or crossing that finish line.    But with the times we are living in it does keep you motivated and engaged with the running community who are so isolated at the moment.

I have managed to compete in three virtual runs over lockdown.   There were other ones that I wanted to run but I couldn't work out the cross country routes and I needed some assistance with places that I have never run before.   So I put those to one side and perhaps when lockdown ends I can reconsider them again.

The Surrey and Sussex Healthcare (SASH) was the first one that I entered.   It's run by the people who organise Run Reigate and Run Gatwick aka Run Series.    The aim was simple but very effective you pay to enter and then record your mileage on their website with evidence (screen shot of Strava) to show you did the run.    Everybodies mileage is accummulated and is then turned into cash.   All money goes to SASH which means the NHS.   It was a great idea and I recorded all my training and normal runs adding to the accumulated miles.   The final result was an amazing 122,000 miles run by everybody (the target was 30,000) and £13,224 for the NHS.

The other two were arranged by Haywards Heath Harriers for the senior endurance groups.   Three 5km and 10km runs.   The window of opportunity was opened over three days allowing runners to take part at any time over the days that they wanted to run it.    The route was set up on Strava as segments which recorded and created a leader board for each event.   This was a great idea and a real race allowing people to particiate when they wanted without a lot of runners turning up at the same place and time.   Great work in planning, organising and executing by Haywards Heath Harriers.

Over the last few weeks Haywards Heath Harriers have returned to training.   Due to lockdown it has been by invitation only, ensuring that the numbers are kept manageable and team leaders taking people for specific run training.   Again the planning and organising has been amazing.

I may not be a big fan of virtual runs but they certainly have their place and have kept people motivated and running during this very difficult time.

Safe running.