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. 

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

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:

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

1. The 465 Virtual Race Challenge: Jan 1 - Feb 29
2. 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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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.

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.

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!