After months of training using the Garmin coaching plan, last Saturday was the day of my planned Rock’N’Roll Half Marathon! Unfortunately, my Rock’N’Roll race was canceled (like all races these days). So, I decided to give racing a virtual half marathon a try! I found a cute baby Yoda (or “the child”) medal for May the 4’th (aka Star Wars Day) through a Facebook group. Here’s the virtual race recap for my Medal Dash May the 4’th Half Marathon!
Signing Up
Signing up was easy and straightforward. I found the link for the race and signed up through Runsignup.com. The communication with Medal Dash was excellent. I got regular email updates throughout the pre-ship and shipping process. They sent very excited emails when they had a participant in each state, and also when the race sold out! I’m glad I signed up early and didn’t miss out on this fun race! I opted to add the shirt for an extra five dollars to my race haul.
Shipping
It took about a month (maybe a little longer) to get my packet. I knew they were aiming to get everything out by the end of April, so I wasn’t surprised about the delay. I got my packet the day before my Half Marathon, perfect!
Race!
I was worried about “racing” a half marathon virtually. It’s easy for me to slip into my “casual pace”, and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to push myself without that “race day magic” of a live crowd. Even though I wasn’t trying to break any pace records or “PR”, I just wanted to feel like I had put in a good effort and be proud of my accomplishment.
Race Day
Race morning came and we headed to the local greenway EARLY. Like runDisney race early. I wanted to social distance as much as I could, and running before most folks wake up was a way for me to do it. I really miss running the greenway since I’ve been running less populated areas during these COVID-19 times. It was fantastic getting to run there for the first time in almost two months!
The course was an out and back with two large hills. I wasn’t excited to run the hills, and they certainly tanked my average mile pace, but it was worth it to run such a beautiful path. The trees were lush and green, the cardinals were EVERYWHERE (which I loved), there was a random wild turkey, and a group of whitetail deer even crossed my path. They might not have been cheering crowds or rockin’ music, but having nature “cheering” me on was great.
The weather was perfect, it started in the high 50s before the sun came up and finished in the 60s. I had some rain (it poured for about 5 minutes), but it felt nice and helped to keep me cool. Don’t fear rain ya’ll, it can feel pretty nice sometimes!
I finished my race right as my husband finished his walk. He cheered me on and made me feel like I was coming through the finish chute. I was tired, exhausted, and super proud of my race! Luckily my previous worries were unfounded and running a virtual half marathon still felt like an accomplishment. Even though I didn’t run my goal time, I still ran hard (especially considering those hills) and post-race my legs DEFINITELY felt like I had run a race!
Swag
My race packet came with a super cute baby Yoda bottle opener medal, race bib, and t-shirt. I proudly wore my medal as I posed for a few pictures. I also wore my shirt for the rest of the day. The shirt was HUGE; it was “relaxed fit”, so I probably should have sized down. Everything was of good quality, even if the shirt didn’t fit. The bottle opener wasn’t the best opener I’ve ever used…. but it’s still a cute concept. I’m proud to add this to my ever-growing medal collection!
Overall Conclusion
This was my second virtual race experience, and it was awesome! I think the overall quality of the “Gone for a Run Virtual Race” swag I did a few weeks ago was better. Though they BOTH had amazing Facebook groups and excellent email communication. The “May the 4’th” theme and baby Yoda swag were unique and cute. I’m glad I was able to celebrate my half marathon accomplishment with some Star Wars bling (and maybe a celebratory beer 😉 )!
If your race has been canceled and you aren’t sure if you want to run a virtual race, give it a try! It’s still nice to have a “goal race” to train for, and with so many amazing virtual races out there you are sure to find your perfect match!
Read my full review of the Garmin Coach Half Marathon training program HERE!
If you want to read more about my Gone for a Run Virtual 10k Challenge, check it out here!
Click here to read more about running during this time of COVID-19.
Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Don’t forget to share “Virtual Race Recap: Medal Dash May the 4’th Half Marathon” by using the pin below!
Congratulations, and way to get out for the event even though it was canceled!
I enjoy racing in the rain as well; it’s so peaceful.
That baby Yoda medal is too cute! I’m participating ina virtual 5k next weekend. I know it won’t be the same atmosphere as being with a huge group running, but I’m still looking forward to it!
I like virtual races. I did them with friends even before social distancing was a thing. Some debate as to whether it is a true “race”. There is no accountability. The merits are in the honour system. But does this matter? Not in my eyes. A lot of us race for our own sense of accomplishment. And virtual racing allows us to do this, I think. There are “cheaters” in real-time races too. So, I think it’s fabulous that you accomplished this. Congratulations! I hope there are more virtual races in your future.
I’ve done a couple of virtual races before. I think I need to sign up for another one to get myself motivated.
Love your Baby Yoda medal. Your experience is inspiring!