Saturday, August 1, 2020

Racing in the pandemic era

Lisa Beck original article:

2020 sure hasn't turned out like we thought it would.  I'm sure you would agree that almost every aspect of life has been impacted by the Coronovirus.  For me, I started 2020 having decided to train for my first marathon, the Indy Monumental Marathon in November.  I completed more than 300 training miles before learning how racing events would likely change, if they would be held in person at all.  Much of what I love about racing - the crowds, the hugs, the medal being put around your neck at the end, the party atmosphere, the camaraderie at the starting corral was being impacted by the virus.  You know me - I need ALL the hype and having realized much of what makes a race fun for me would no longer be part of the actual event, I decided to pull the plug on my marathon training and just focus on running for fun and for health in 2020.

Maybe you've considered a race (Chicks Run, Fort 4 Fitness, Pink Ribbon Run, Rat Race, etc).  Here are some ways racing has changed in 2020 and likely into and through potentially 2022:

1.  Many races have been cancelled.  If you are planning on registering for a race, be sure to double check options as far as what happens if they cannot hold the live event.  Would they offer refunds (very rarely is this done)? Will they defer your registration for a year (less common but becoming more common the further along the pandemic goes)? Would they reschedule it (very common to have the date kicked down the calendar again and again and again)- and can you afford the risk that you may not be available for the reschedule date?  Also what does that do to your training when the date is significntly changed (there have been many spring half marathons moved to the fall - ex: Geist, Caramel Half, Sunburst, etc).  Would they allow you to complete the race virtually (see next item for more about that)? With so much of the actual in-person events so much in the air, take a little extra time before registering to find out the race director's contingency plans.  If you are traveling for your race, be mindful of the hotel and/or airline cancellation policy as well should the race be cancelled.

2. Virtual racing.  If you are a person who enjoys the accountability of a training plan, a scheduled distance to complete on a specific date, and getting a medal and/or shirt for your accomplishment but don't need the water stations and hoopla, then virtual racing might be the very best thing ever for you.  Search "virtual races" and you'll find THOUSANDS of options.  Many donate part of the registration fee to awesome charities (I just completed one with money going to the WHO's teen depression program).  Many races are covid-themed with super cute medals like toilet paper or in the shape of the virus with actual sanitizer hanging off the ribbon.  There are so many benefits to virtual racing.  First, they often offer a lot of flexibility.  You can complete the race distance within a frame of time (usually a 1-3 months) making it awesome for scheduling to accommodate weather, life, etc.  Unlike an actual race day where you're at the mercy of the weather....virtual races have more flexibility. Second, races that would be too cost prohibitive or inaccessible due to geography are suddenly 100% available since you complete the mileage wherever you want.  You want to run the Paris Marathon? As a virtual race, you can complete it on the Bluffton River Greenway and earn the medal all the same!  You will need to be able to verify your distance and time which is typically submitted as a screenshot of your Running watch or GPS phone app (I like MapMyRun or RunKeeper or the Fitbit app, but any will work so long as you it shows you did the specific distance and the time it took).  Once you've completed your mileage, most races just ask that you upload a picture of your race data (time,distance, etc) using a link on their website and then they mail you the medal and race goodies within a few days to weeks. Doing the mileage alone may feel isolating or boring.  Grab a friend or a group and complete the distance together. Unlike an actual race where every participant must be registered, in virtually racing, that is not an issue. 

3.  Less participants.  In-person racing will have less crowds and less participants. Often, localities have restrictions on the number of people allowed to gather in a place.  For example, races which normally have more than 1000 racers may be capped by state or local regulations to 500 or maybe even 250.  Some races may have waves to accommodate more race participants while keeping the group size within regulations.  You may find that a race starts at 8:00 for group A, at 8:45 for group B, and 9:30 for group C. Each group may have 500 participants.  If you are a person who loves huge races (like I do), those days are unfortunately over until the pandemic is well in the rear view mirror. 

4.  Smaller Crowd Support.  With social distancing requirements, you are likely to find less spectators cheering on race participants. If that's not an issue for you, then running in the "new normal" will be fine.  If you are like me and pull energy from the crowd, then this change in atmosphere may take some getting used to. 

5. Race amenities - Water stations.  These are likely going to be a big change as a result of the pandemic.  Gone are going to be the half block long lines of volunteers holding water cutps shoulder to shoulder.  I always loved the energy they brought to a race.  Now, social distancing will be critical. Water stops may be completely gone from a race (an environmentally good thing) meaning you may need to carry your own water/gatorade with you.  Other races may stock water stations with offer  bottles of water rather than a single use disposable half filled cup.

6.  Race amenities - medals and finish line parties.  One of my favorite parts of a race is getting handed that medal at the end of completing the growling miles.  It's an indescribable feeling of accomplishment and joy.  Let's be honest...I mostly run for the medals!  Because of social distancing, there is a lot of talk in the racing world that medals will be mailed to finishers much like what happens for a virtual race.  I have recieved 3 medals by mail and honestly, t's pretty anticlimatic.  If getting the medal as you cross the finish line is not a big deal for you, you'll be fine with the new normal racing.  Also, at the finish line of many races, are parties of various sizes.  Food and drinks are common as well as musical entertainment and gear check.  Because of social distancing and local/state restrictions preventing large gatherings, most races will be doing away with much of the post-race amenities.  For many races, this includes gear check.  To be honest, I never cared about gear check until I did a November race when I had wished I had checked my winter coat because I had a 1.75 mile walk back to the hotel and it was pretty cold...especially after being sweaty from running a a half marathon.  It's just something to consider when thinking about racing in the new era.  A quick word about packet-pick up as well.  Pre-race events such as fairs, vendors, autographs, lectures, shopping, pasta dinners, etc are likely gone.  As sad as that is, also gone will be the long lines to get your bib and shirts.  Most races are offering to send those packets in the mail to avoid the exposure risk associated with large in person crowds.

7.  Masks.  Some races are highly encouraging participants, while others are requiring participants, to wear masks during their races especially when social distancing isn't as easy (ex: the starting corral and maybe the first mile or two as well as the last part of the race and finish line area). Running in a mask definitely ups the cardio-respiratory challenge so know the race policy before registering and if needed, speak with your physician. 

I'm sure racing will change in other ways and we will resiliently take on the challenge.  I have zero doubts it will look very different both for the near and long term, but safety of the runners, the race volunteers, and the spectators should always be central to all racing decisions.

Good luck! See you at the next starting line!

1 comment:

  1. You don’t need to look any further than the skin on your face to know that what you put into your body makes a difference in how you look and feel. That’s why many people choose to take Vitamins and Supplements to supplement their diet or boost their immune system—even though there has not been conclusive evidence that they work! Regardless, here are the best vitamins and supplements you can use to maintain your skin’s beauty through various aspects of your life.

    ReplyDelete