This Old Runner Writes About Running

Inaugural 465 Challenge Virtual Race

3/1/2020

I love to race in person, but sometimes a virtual race is a good fit. It gives you a sense of community and accountability, plus rewards your efforts.

When some friends opted into the 465 Virtual Race Challenge, I decided to join them. The challenge was to complete a 53-mile virtual loop between January 1 and February 29.

Except for a couple of hiccups in February, my challenge went well.

My initial training plan included a 10K in January, and two half marathons in February. I figured I could run 5 or 6 Loops (318 miles) during the 60-day challenge.

But, life happened. I ran my January 10K and lots of training miles, but didn't get to race either of my half marathons.

However, I did manage over 5 loops despite being sick the last four days in February.

Race management provided a tracking sheet so participants could log their miles. My total was 282.97 miles.

Run, Bike, Swim or Walk Your Miles

The idea behind the challenge is to stay active long past the time most New Year's Resolutions last (2 weeks) to establish an active lifestyle habit.

Every participant chose how to get the miles in. Run or walk, swim or ride a bike. I ran and walked my miles. Many people added biking and swimming workouts.

Premium Challenge Participants Received:

465 Challenger Super Soft Finisher Shirt
465 Race Car Slider Finisher Medal
Super Cool Bumper Sticker
Training Program
Motivational Emails
Virtual Bib
Certificate of Completion

Basic Challenge Participants Received:

Super Cool Bumper Sticker
Training Program
Motivational Emails
Virtual Bib
Certificate of Completion

Everyone had access to training plans and mileage tracking forms. Race management sent weekly motivational emails. Lots of participants interacted in the Facebook group.

Participants Earn #465Challenge SWAG

The inaugural 465 Challenge medal has an Indy race car that moves around the medal.

My #465Challenge Medal arrived on February 29, the last day of the challenge. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

The inaugural 465 Challenge premium swag includes a shirt, medal and bumper sticker.

My Premium Challenge SWAG includes a super soft shirt, bumper sticker, and unique medal. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Race bib for the 465 Challenge Virtual Race.

Race organizers provided a bib in case you want to pin it to your shirt while running around.

The challenge is to complete 53 miles. If you ran more than one loop you're in the LOOPER CLUB!

465 Challenge Virtual Race Kept Me Motivated

Sometimes, we need help staying motivated — this challenge did that for me. I tracked my daily miles on the tracker sheet, and interacted with other runners on social media using #465Challenge. It was fun to see how people stayed active, and how many loops my friends finished.

I'd recommend opting into a virtual challenge for several reasons:

Keeps you on track with goals and a deadline
Friendly competition on social media
Sense of accomplishment and SWAG rewards

Even though I was sick and missed a couple of races, my training stayed on track. And, I earned a sweet 465 Challenge medal, bumper sticker, and a super soft race shirt. That's a win to me!

#465Challenge #VirtualRace #465BR #RunIndy #BibRavePro #BibChat #ThisOldRunner #RunStPete

Made it to Loop 5 on the #465Challenge!

2/24/2020

Yesterday's 7.3 mile run put my #465Challenge at 266.47 miles. I've completed 5 Loops of the virtual I-465 run! Each loop is 53 miles; I've been working on it since January 1st.

I'm tracking my miles on a chart provided by the race organizers.

Runners who complete more than one loop of I-465 join the LOOPER CLUB. (Credit: 465 Challenge)

I have a race on February 29, which is the last day of the challenge. That will give my total mileage a boost, but I'm doubtful I'll complete another loop in 6 days.

But...I'm not ruling it out yet!

For now, I'm all in on the LOOPER CLUB of the Inaugural 465 Challenge with 5 loops.

It's been an excellent way to keep moving, long after most new year's resolutions are forgotten!

#465Challenge #LooperClub #465BR

Join the Virtual Challenge and Earn a Medal

You can register until Feb. 29 to get credit for your January and February miles. There are Premium and Basic registration options. Here's what you get with each one:

Premium registration is $39.99; finishers receive:
• T-shirt • Medal • Bumper Sticker
• Race Bib • Certificate of Completion

Basic registration is $24.99; finishers receive:
• Bumper Sticker • Race Bib • Certificate of Completion

When you register for the premium package you get this unique medal with a race car that slides all the way around on I-465!

Use Code BIBRAVE to SAVE 10% on Any Registration

Use code: BIBRAVE to SAVE 10%
Learn more and register at 465challenge.com

465 Challenge: Loop One Complete

1/13/2020

Gettin’ it done, every day in 2020. 🏃‍♀️ As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I kicked off 2020 with two running challenges:

The 465 Virtual Race Challenge: Jan 1 - Feb 29
BibRave Pro Steps Challenge: Jan 1 - Jan 31

I entered the challenges to get motivated to run and walk more every day. I needed a kick-start for the new year. The good news is the challenges are working! I'm definitely paying attention and moving more.

Virtual races and challenges seemed odd to me at first, but thanks to social media, apps, and hashtags they're interactive and fun. I love seeing where other people run, and watching them reach their goals.

I’m headed into Loop 2 of the 465 Challenge. (Of course, I made a video. I wanted to see if I could make an emoji car 🏎️ travel I-465.)

It's interesting how much a virtual race (or two) can help me find my way back to fitness after slacking over the holidays. I'm determined to get in at least 4 loops by Feb. 29.

I registered for the 465 premium challenge. That means I'm earning a medals and shirt for my efforts. Registration is open until Feb. 29. There's a discount and picture of the medal on my Race Discounts page.

My first in-person 2020 race is next weekend. It's one of my faves, the St Pete Beach Classic. I don't expect to run fast, since I'm not fully trained, but I feel better overall thanks to the challenges.
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#RunnerMotivation #Motivation #WeRunSocial #FloridaRunner #PretendToRunIndy #RunIndy #ThisOldRunner #465VirtualRunChallenge #465BR #OptOutside #Bibchat

The 465 Virtual Challenge

12/28/2019

Vision Event Management is helping people maintain healthy resolutions with the inaugural 465 Virtual Challenge. Between Jan. 1 and Feb. 29 participants are challenged to complete 53 miles of exercise, the distance of the loop I-465 forms around central Indiana.

The idea is to motivate people to continue to exercise long past the usual 2-week lifespan of a resolution.

Run 53 Miles Between Jan. 1 and Feb. 29, 2020

I'm in for the Inaugural year of the 465 Challenge! I know it's going to help me stay motivated for my upcoming races.

On January 1, participants receive a tracking form from the race organizers. Track your exercise on the form and submit it when you finish your 53 mile loop. Join a Team for added motivation. I joined the BibRave Team. There's also a 465 Challenge Facebook Group.

53 miles in 60 days works out to less than 8 miles per day. 7.75 miles to be exact. You can do more than one loop of 53 miles if you want. For example:
• 24 Hour Club - Finishing 53 miles in one day!
• Looper Club - Complete more than one loop!
People who challenge themselves even further will get shout outs on socials.

Choose a Registration Option

There are two registration options: Premium and Basic.

Premium registration costs $39.99; finishers receive:
• T-shirt
• Medal
• Bumper Sticker
• Race Bib
• Certificate of Completion

Basic registration is $24.99; finishers receive:
• Bumper Sticker
• Race Bib
• Certificate of Completion

Use code: BIBRAVE to SAVE 10% OFF either option.
Learn more and register at 465challenge.com.

A Social Virtual Race

Remember, it's a VIRTUAL RACE: that means you can complete it on your favorite road, trail or treadmill or pool. Walk, run, bike, skip, crawl to reach 53 miles.

Vision Event Management will send frequent emails including encouragement, updates on how many miles participants should have completed and a suggested training program.

Be part of the larger community of runners by sharing your efforts and progress on social media. Tag @465Challenge and use the hashtag #465Challenge. Follow the hashtag on Instagram and Twitter to see how everyone is doing.

Registration Ends on February 29, 2020

Not sure right now? No worries. You have until February 29 to register. But it'll be much better if you get motivate right now!

Register at 465challenge.com. Don't forget to use code: BIBRAVE to SAVE 10% OFF either option. You'll receive your challenge swag in March.

Good luck, everyone!