This Old Runner Writes About Running

The Pros and Cons of Virtual Racing: My Virtual Hot Chocolate 15K

4/5/2021

Back when we were all racing in person, a virtual race could feel like a lesser option. But when in-person racing disappeared due to COVID, virtual races became the only option.

One by one, events elected to go virtual when they couldn’t hold live races. It was disappointing, but a decent option for runners who were trained and eager to race.

While the rules vary from race to race, there are common elements. After a year of virtual races, I have thoughts. Keep reading for a breakdown on the pros and cons of virtual racing.

Virtual Race Basics

Each virtual race sets it's own requirements. The registration costs and fees range from free to the same price as an in-person race.

The Hot Chocolate Race sends you a real bib, jacket, hot chocolate, chocolate squares and a finishers medal. (Credit: This Old Runner)

The 2020-2021 Allstate Hot Chocolate Virtual Races have a flat rate of $40. It's the same price if you run a 15K or 5K.

After you register a SWAG bag is shipped to you. Mine arrived at the beginning of race week.

It included:
• Deluxe Full-zip Fleece Jacket with Detachable Hood and Lots of Pockets
• REAL (Not Digital) Race Bib
• 2 Packets of #HC15K Hot Chocolate
• Dark Chocolate Squares
• Race Sponsor Samples (i.e., Nuun)
• Downloadable Training Plan
• Finishers Medal with Chocolate Inside

Race Results

Most virtual races have a way for participants to submit their results to see how they compare to the competition. Some races require official tracking or posted finish times before sending your medal.

You're also encouraged to post to social media with the race hashtag to engage in the virtual race community! Hot Chocolate racers interact on social media using #HotChocolate5k and #HC15k hashtags.

Disclaimer: I received a Triple Crown of Running registration as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

The Pros of Virtual Races

Some cancelled races are better than others at engaging in a virtual way. As the year of no IRL racing continued, race directors honed and improved the virtual race experience.

The Allstate Hot Chocolate race team increased online interactions and improved race swag bags. They encouraged runners to keep training to reach their race goals. They also added their delicious chocolate and hot chocolate to the mailed swag bags.

1. SWAG and Bling

If you're in it for the bling, you'll love virtual racing. Some events offer great SWAG.

If you're not interested in stuff, look for races that let you opt out of a real medal. Some events are free if you don't choose the bling.

The Hot Chocolate Virtual 15K was one of my favorite virtual races ever. As always, they offer an outstanding race jacket instead of a race shirt. This year's model is my new go-to jacket. It has plenty of pockets and a detachable hood.

Virtual racers get this awesome jacket and a real race bib. (Credit: This Old Runner)

#HC15K racers received the official secret recipe hot chocolate to make at home. (Credit: This Old Runner)

The Hot Chocolate races are known for their finish line treats. At a live event you get steaming hot chocolate, chocolate fondue, and other treats when you finish. Virtual racers received two packets of hot chocolate, plus chocolate squares.

FYI: This is THE BEST HOT CHOCOLATE I've tasted.

The Hot Chocolate races always have quality finisher medals. (Credit: This Old Runner)

This year the medal opens to reveal a sweet treat inside. (Credit: This Old Runner)

2. Flexibility to Run When and Where You Want

A virtual race is super convenient because you don't have to travel (unless you want to) and you race when it fits your schedule.

I know a lot of people who run the original race course for their virtual event. That's fun if you live nearby. You'll often see other runners doing the same thing.

When travel isn't possible, you can run your virtual race anywhere. Run out your front door. Run on your treadmill. Go to a favorite park, downtown area or trail to log your miles.

Some events even let you to break the race down into smaller portions.

You don't have to get up at 3 am to reach the starting line in time. Run before or after work. Run during your lunch hour. Race during the week or on the weekend. Start early or late. It's your choice.

Run with friends who live near you or virtually with everyone else who's participating.

Boyd Hill Nature Park offers lots of shady trails. (Credit: This Old Runner)

There are lots of interesting creatures in this park. See more below in the gallery. (Credit: This Old Runner)

I completed my Hot Chocolate 15K Louisville in one of my favorite local parks instead of downtown Louisville. Yes, I would love to see the sights and sounds of Louisville during a race, but I had a wonderful time taking in the views on my trail.

(You can see more photos from my 15K in the gallery at the end of this post.)

3. Extra Training and Motivation

Virtual races are an easy way to add races or runs to your overall training plan. I've added virtual events in the middle of a training cycle to help me maintain focus.

Sometimes, a 10K race is more motivating than a traditional training run. I used my Hot Chocolate 15K as part of my training plan for an upcoming half marathon.

If you're in a training rut, try a virtual race. Registering for a race gives you an extra reason to log those miles!

4. Support a Favorite Cause or Charity

When you run a virtual race for a specific cause you raise awareness and support it financially.

I always enjoy running for a reason. You can find virtual race events to support everything form a local school to K9 Officers to a world-wide organization.

This year, the Hot Chocolate races support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Many virtual races let you create a Virtual Race Team to raise additional funds. Social media posts about training and running your virtual race can encourage other people to participate and support the charity.

5. Save Some Cash

Virtual races eliminate some of the costs associated with races. Even a local race costs time and gas money.

If you plan a race weekend in a distant location your costs include airline tickets, local transportation, hotel stays and food.

A virtual race usually involves a single fee. Some events have online race expos where you can buy branded gear, etc. if you want to spend more.

6. Treat Yourself

If you just started running a virtual race is a treat. It helps you get used to the idea of completing a race (without the starting line jitters). Plus, you score a medal for your hard work.

You can get a rewarding sense of community by connecting with other participants online. Don't be afraid to cheer someone on virtually. It's fun to give and get support.

A virtual race often includes a bib, medal, and a downloadable finisher's certificate. You'll have proof and a prize when you reach your goal.

The Cons of Virtual Racing

Most of the cons come into play when in-person race resumes. Right now, I can't think of any cons to running the Hot Chocolate 15k! Here are a few things to consider post-COVID:

1. No Race Day Environment

There's a lot of fun to be had during a race weekend. Who doesn't love the expo with free samples, photo spots, and bib pickup? The post race celebration?

We all miss the excitement of race day. Starting line energy is a big motivator. Maybe you can run your virtual with a few friends, but probably not the entire run club. In most cases, you'll be running on your own.

There aren't any spectators or crowds of runners at a virtual race. No signs, cheers or cowbells. If you're lucky, your family will acknowledge you when you return home.

2. No Course Support

Have a plan and carry your phone if you run your race alone. There won't be any EMS people out on your course. (Unless you run past a Fire Station.)

It's always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider if you're a newbie runner. Make sure a virtual race makes sense for you.

Carry water or stash it along your course. Pre-covid you could count on water fountains in parks; that's not always true now.

You can plan your route so you run past your house on the regular for water and fuel breaks. Whatever you do, make sure you have proper hydration and nutrition.

3. Different Racing Conditions

If you run a virtual race, you can't accurately compare your results to the other runners. While everyone runs the same distance, the race conditions vary.

The weather and course elevations are two big factors. You could run your half marathon on a fast, flat course. Someone else could run a hilly course. Humidity, rain, snow, visibility and temperature effect results, too.

During an in-person race everyone deals with the same situation. Virtual racing doesn't have consistent courses or conditions. It's impossible to evaluate your results compared to other runners.

4. No Running Crew

Many runners enjoy the chance to run with team mates. It can be your local running group, work or school mates, or your volunteer group. That doesn't work with a virtual race.

You can engage online with other participants, but most virtual runners race solo. Some events offer software options that let you run in real-time with other people.

Even so, it's not the same as when your crew runs together in real life.

My Verdict on Virtual Races

While no one will ever mistake a virtual race for a real one, there are plenty of benefits. That's never been truer than during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you need a reason to go outside to run or walk at a brisk pace, try a virtual race. If competition, deadlines, and swag motivate you — a virtual race is the answer.

Use code BRHC20 at registration for your Hot Chocolate Race to get this bonus tech cap added to your SWAG.

Until we're able to race safely in person, virtual races offer a fun experience that keeps people engaged and active. Add in some chocolate, a great medal and a jacket, and that's a win-win for me!

You can still register and run an Allstate Hot Chocolate race. Use my code "BRHC20" and they'll add a bonus tech cap to your SWAG bag.

Scenes from My #HC15K at Boyd Hill Nature Park

There were plenty of stops along our way, but we got it done. We ran into a Kestrel (falcon) info session, saw a baby heron, and lots of mythical creatures in the park.

Photos Credit: This Old Runner

#HCLouisBR #HCVirtualBR #BibChat #BibRavePro #TripleCrownOfRunning #Louisville #KeepMoving #BrighterDaysAhead #RunFlorida #WeRunSocial #OptOutside #FLRunner #ThisOldRunner #HoorayRunning #EverySingleStreet #EverySinglePerson #VirtualRaces #DiscountCode #FreeStuff #SeenOnARun #SceneOnARun

FYI: Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Medal has a Chocolate Surprise Inside

4/3/2021

The Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K/5K is doing an excellent job of offering virtual races during the COVID pandemic. Since everything is virtual you can run ANY CITY you want without traveling.

The race series is known for their awesome SWAG, on course chocolate treats, and a delicious finish line that gives racers hot chocolate, chocolate fondue, and more.

I think Hot Chocolate Races is doing a stellar job of making sure runner's chocolate cravings are met. I signed up to run the Louisville race (part of the Louisville Triple Crown series).

My swag bag included two packets of hot chocolate, two chocolate squares, an AWESOME full zip race jacket, AND a beautiful medal that flips open to reveal an extra square of chocolate.

Why am I so excited? Because I love it when a race puts extra thought into their swag. And, I love chocolate! I ate the chocolate inside my medal immediately after my #HC15K virtual race!

Register with My Code to Earn Extra SWAG

You can register and run your own Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K race. The race jacket alone is worth the miles. The delish hot chocolate and chocolate makes it all the sweeter.

Use my code "BRHC20" and add a BONUS #HotChocolate tech running cap to your haul.

Visit this Hot Chocolate Races link to find your favorite city.

I took my virtual racing self to one of my favorite local trails for my 15K. I'll post a full recap soon. I can't wait to tell you all about it!

#HCLouisBR #HCVirtualBR @BibRave #BibChat #BibRavePro #TripleCrownOfRunning #Louisville #KeepMoving #BrighterDaysAhead #RunFlorida #WeRunSocial #OptOutside #FLRunner #ThisOldRunner #HoorayRunning #EverySingleStreet #EverySinglePerson #VirtualRaces #DiscountCode #FreeStuff

K9s United Returns to St. Augustine on April 17 with In-Person Races + K9 Demo

3/29/2021

Hey Runners, in-person events are starting to happen again. If you're looking for an event in St. Augustine this April, consider the K9s United races.

K9s United is hosting a 9K, 5K and 1-mile Fun Run at World Golf Hall of Fame on April 17th.

There will be a DJ before and after the race, kids activities, a K9 Photo Booth, and an amazing K9 Demonstration. You'll see lots of interesting vendors and displays in support of K9 Officers.

Run or Walk in Honor of Fallen K9 Officer Ryker

Everyone who registers by midnight April 4th is guaranteed an official race shirt. The race and shirt are a beautiful tribute to K9 Ryker (EOW 2/2/20).

When you participate, you honor Ryker's memory and help to support other K9 Officers. K9s United puts 100% of race proceeds towards supporting and honoring K9 officers.

The non-profit org, K9s United, is dedicated to providing equipment, amenities and training to canine officers. They also memorialize fallen K9s with a beautiful portrait showcasing the K9 officer with a partner and/or family.

There will be COVID protocols in place for the in-person racers. If you’re not ready to race in person, you can register and run a virtual race. You run or walk your event when and where you like. K9s United will ship your shirt and medal to you after race day.

Register now to guarantee your shirt and medal.

Note: The ONLY animals permitted are the Law Enforcement K9s participating at the event, and service dogs.

#K9sUnited #K9Partners #K9Unit #RunFlorida #BackTheBlue #K9Officers #WeRunSocial #BibChat #K9Demo #K9Handlers #OptOutside #DogsofInsta #GSD #LEO #NonProfit #K9Support #SRTT #WeRunSocial #GSD #Malinois #RunForACause #Sheriff #RunJax #GolfHOF #StAugustine #K9Ryker #ThisOldRunner #HoorayRunning #RunStAugustine #FloridaRunner

Ready to Put the Best Damn Race on Your Fall 2021 Calendar?

3/24/2021

Disclaimer: I received a Best Damn Race registration as a BDR Ambassador.

I don't know about you, but my training gets serious when there's a race on the calendar.

Now that I'm halfway through my COVID19 vaccine, I'm getting excited about in-person races happening safely this Fall. I'm encouraged, and hope you are, too.

Yes, I love, love, love virtual races. But we all know a real live race is a special thing. And I miss them.

If you're ready to make a plan, consider the Best Damn Race series. They put on an awesome event with great courses and beautiful medals. You have a couple of options for 2021.

Starting line for the Best Damn Race Safety Harbor

Who's excited about running IRL this Fall? (Credit: BDR)

Best Damn Race Orlando is September 25, 2021

If you're up for a 5K, 10K or Half join BDR in Orlando on September 25. The half marathon is just $75 at the time of this blog. Check out the medals below!

Best Damn Race Safety Harbor is Oct. 16 & 17, 2021

I'm all in for the Best Damn Race Safety Harbor Triple Challenge this year. I've run the 5K/10K challenge and the half before, but this year it's all three over two days.

Hey, it's good to have goals, right?

The 5K and 10K are on Saturday, October 16. Run them both and you earn an extra Double Challenge Medal. If you're like me, you'll spend the weekend in Safety Harbor for the Triple Challenge.

The Triple Challenge is the 5K and 10K on Saturday, followed by the Half on Sunday. Whew!

I think it's a great way to return to racing! Check out the bling you can earn for each race:

Double Challenge Medal for Best Damn Race Safety Harbor

Run the 5K and 10K on Saturday and earn the Double Challenge Medal.

Best Damn Race Triple Challenge Medal for 2021 Safety Harbor

Run the 5K and 10K on Saturday, then the Half Mara on Sunday and you'll earn the Triple Challenge Medal!

SAVE 10% on Any Race in Any City

We're all here for the discounts, right? You can SAVE 10% on ANY RACE in ANY CITY when you use my code: THISOLDRUNNER (not case sensitive BTW) when you register.

Use "ThisOldRunner" to SAVE 10% OFF Any 2021 Best Damn Race!

#BDR2021 #BDRSafetyHarbor #BestDamnRace #BDROrlando #FloridaRunner #FLRunner #RunFlorida #IRLRaces #FallRaces #5K #10K #Half #Challenges #ThisOldRunner #BibChat #BDRAmbassador #OptOutside #WeRunSocial #DiscountCode

Another Reason to Love Virtual Races OR, Stuff I Find While Running

3/23/2021

Here's one more reason I love virtual racing: It's okay to pause mid-race. You can stop running to bring home found treasures.

Last week, I ran the 2nd leg of my Louisville Triple Crown of Running series. I was 5.30 miles into my Chick-fil-A® City Run 10K when I ran down a new-to-me alley. That's when I saw a leather recliner hoping for a new home.

It looked dusty and dirty as I ran past. Half a block later I turned around and took a closer look.

The sign said, "FREE. Take It All"

I paused my watch and examined the recliner. It was well worn, but no rips or stains. There were scratches that made me think cat-owner. I checked the manufacturer: Lane Furniture.

Hmmmm . . .

Leather recliner found in an alley while running virtual Louisville Triple Crown of Running race.

Recliner in alley spotted during my 10K Virtual Race. (Credit: This Old Runner)

Cleaned up leather recliner in the Man Cave.

Cleaned and relocated to the Man Cave. (Credit: This Old Runner)

I didn't restart my watch and walked to a shady spot farther down the alley. I thought about whether or not it made sense to take the recliner home.

I calculated the Pros:

It was a well-made, expensive recliner
No major damage; just light scratches
It would fit in the Man Cave
It was free
No one would care if anyone sat in it while sweaty or dirty

I called my husband. I decided if he was nearby on his lunch break, I'd ask him to drive by with his truck. If not, I'd forget about the recliner.

Turns out, he was a few blocks away. A few minutes later we loaded the recliner and took it home. After an hour of deep-cleaning I called it good. Later, I checked the original retail price of this recliner. It was $1,600 new, $500-600 used.

To date, this is my biggest score #SeenOnARun.

Did I Finish My Virtual Chick-fil-A® City Run 10K?

Yep! I went back out and ran another mile to complete my 10K (6.1 miles). I always run all the miles to earn all the SWAG. I didn't find any more treasures during my last mile.

Photo of SWAG runners get for the Louisville Triple Crown of Running. Shirt, Hoodie, Cap, 2 Medals.

Check out the SWAG for the Louisville Triple Crown of Running! Shirt, Cap, Hoodie, 2 Medals, Hot Chocolate and Chocolates. Scroll down for a code below that adds a bonus running cap to your haul. (Credit: LouisvilleTC)

Flexiblity is the Best Part of a Virtual Race

It's your choice to run your virtual race for time, fun or the scenery. Run it all at once, break it into smaller distances or stop and start to fit your schedule.

The Louisville Triple Crown of Running is a 5K, 10K and 15K race series. I ran the 5K around a local lake. For the 10K I ran #EverySingleStreet in a nearby neighborhood.

For my final race in the series, the Allstate® Hot Chocolate 15K, I'm heading to dirt trails. That's another positive of virtual racing — you decide WHERE you want to run!

Next Up: Allstate® Hot Chocolate 15K Louisville

I'll be running the 3rd leg of the series: the Allstate® Hot Chocolate 15K on April 3, 2021.

Hot Chocolate races are some of my favorite events. Since it's virtual this year, I'll get my delish finish line chocolates and hot chocolate, medal and hoodie in the mail rather than in person. But hey, that's okay with me.

I'm hoping in the next few months we can all run together on official race courses. Until then, I'll run my virtual races and watch for treasures along the way.

Register Now and Run the Louisville Triple Crown of Running Series! Use Code: HCBR20 for a BONUS Running Cap in Your SWAG Bag.

#VirtualRaces #BibChat #BibRavePro #HCLouisBR #HCVirtualBR #LouisvilleTripleCrown #BonusSWAG #DiscountCode #GearCode #ThisOldRunner #HoorayRunning #TripleCrownofRunning #LouisvilleTC #EverySingleStreet #EverySinglePerson

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