Race Recap: Cinco de Miler Virtual 5-Miler

Cinco de Mayo seems like the right time to write up my Cinco de Miler race recap. Here goes!
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How I Ran and Enjoyed My Virtual 5 Mile Race

There's an electric mood at the starting line of every in-person road and trail race. ​Each runner has a head full of thoughts and anticipation. It's hard to capture that kind of excitement in a virtual race. 

Lining up alone at the "starting line" is very different from an in-person race. I noticed one bonus right away: no pre-race jitters. 

​Here's what I did to help me get out the door and really enjoy my Cinco de Miler on May 2.

• Talked About My Race
• Made a Plan
• Added My Own Twist
• Held Myself Accountable
• Celebrated the Finish

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Disclaimer: I received a race entry 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!

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Talk About Your Race

By the time May 2 arrived, my household knew I was going to run a virtual race. I talked about training. I posted on socials about the race and the cool SWAG.

I made my race a public event with my family and my social media running friends. It made the race feel more like a real event instead of a training run. It helped me focus and stay excited.

Make a Plan

Plan your race route ahead of time. In these lockdown days, it's important to find a place where you can run AND maintain #SocialDistancing.

Measure your route for distance. Plan or build in your water stops. I carried my water so I didn't have to think about it. 

Add Your Own Twist

I chose my route a week before my race. The day before, I decided to add a scavenger hunt to my event.

I planned on looking for things while running that counted off each of the 5 miles of my Cinco de Miler. Hunting for the right number of items made my race interesting.

This sunflower chalk art was brand new! I saw it on my way up the hill, turned around and came back for a Mile One photo. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

I've been avoiding the lake lately. The loop around the water has been crowded since #SaferAtHome began. But, I was lucky to see these two ducks across the road from the lake during Mile Two. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

It was easy to work these blooms into Mile Three. Purple Agapanthas are one of my favorite flowers. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

These 4 sweet seats were in cool dappled shade during Mile Four of my race. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Hold Yourself Accountable

I think running a race (real or virtual) is one of the best ways to hold yourself accountable. It gives you a chance to:

• Make a Plan
• Track Your Training and Activity
• Meet Micro-Goals Along the Way
• Celebrate Your Accomplishments

I love the feeling of completing a mission — any mission! It can be a training run, a step count, pace goal, calorie burn, mileage or the Cinco de Miler.
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Celebrate Your Accomplishment

And that's 5 miles! I finished my race close to home, which was nice. My husband joined me to celebrate the finish with a cold Cerveza. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Check the 2020 Cinco de Miler tech shirt and sugar skull medal! (Photo credit: Ram Racing)

Cinco de Miler SWAG

Every virtual race is different. Most offer SWAG to acknowledge and reward your achievement.

I've always loved the Cinco de Miler race shirts and medals. Since the race was offered virtually this year, anyone in the Continental US can earn the fun shirt and medal.

I'll post another photo when my gear arrives. I have a feeling I may come in First Place!

BTW, the folks at Ram Racing are working hard to ship the goodie bags to all the participants.

You Can Still Register and Run the Cinco de Miler Virtual 5-Miler. Registration is Open Until SWAG is Gone. Click Here to Register!

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