You may have noticed that recently I have been doing quite a few virtual runs. I really like them, they raise money for charity and they have fab medals. This year they did a Poppy Challenge in November, which instead of being a race, totalled up your mileage over the month. I joined in because it was a great cause (they raised over £4,500 for the British Legion), the medal was gorgeous, there was no Poppy Run near me this year, and I thought it would keep me out running as the weather got colder and the evenings darker.
I learnt how to take a screenshot! It’s surprisingly easy! Hooray!
According to Strava I managed 76 miles in November, and as the Poppy Challenge was in km, that was just over 120km! Amazing. After I had submitted my distance, I realised that walking counted as well, but I was not sure how to find that on the Garmin connect site, so I left it as that.
It arrived very soon after I submitted my proof.
I think it really did help keep me running though. I think everyone gets tired at this time of year, and although I love running, and feel better for it, after a long day at work sometimes I have been tempted to just stay at home instead. I used to do 3 runs per week, but since marathon training I have been aiming for 4, and I nearly managed that, with 15 runs in November. Two Saturdays ago I marshalled at parkrun, and it was so cold. I had planned a run when I got home, but I really felt like I could not face going back out in the cold. A combination of earning miles for the challenge, and another running buddy in the same boat as me (I will if you will) meant I got out there, and even though my ears were aching with cold (needed to find my ear warmers) it was great to be outside, and running in the daylight.
It matches my 50 parkrun top! Although I didn’t wear it when running today!
I am not affiliated with them in any way, I just really like them. The website is here, and they do have international entries too.
Do you ever do challenges like this? I have seen lots of run streak/ run every day in… challenges, but I know they are not for me. I can do 4 days in a row and then I get tired and slow down and just need a rest day, and also it is stressful trying to fit in a run every day when work and other commitments keep on coming, so this type of challenge was perfect for me as it encouraged me without me feeling the need to push beyond what was appropriate for me.
I think that the Poppy Challenge strikes a good balance between motivation and…well, common sense. I am not a fan of the concept of run streaks. I do feel as though there’s a permanent competition with some runners as to who can prove themselves to be the most ‘hardcore,’ when in reality the majority are just being stupid and reckless as opposed to tough. I’m glad that you never get caught up in that mentality – it’s one of the many reasons I really love your blog. It has taken me years to get out of the aforementioned mindset but I still have so many insecurities about being a wimp, not being dedicated enough etc.
That is such a beautiful medal. I am a total virtual running/race convert now 😀 I noticed there are two runs next year for animal charities and that makes me very happy indeed.
Thank you 🙂
There is a lot of the marcothon thing going on at the moment, but for one, I was busy on the 1st, so couldn’t run anyway, but I just know I can’t fit a run in every day and I would get stressed about it, and also I just know it isn’t good for me. I hope they do a similar thing next year as it was really good, and compared to my mileage in September and October it did mean I ran a bit more too.
What a great challenge! And such a great medal! I love these virtual races, they’re just such a fantastic idea.
Mine failed catastrophically as I applied to do one (the Harry Potter 5k) and then got injured. I received the medal and felt awful. So I’ve hidden it away and I’m going to do the race at some point when I’m more properly into my running…to ‘earn’ it!
Oh dear! But you will do it eventually 🙂
I love virtual races! I have ran a virtual half marathon, 5km and last month 2 miles (for a MEGA cupcake medal!). Plus I love the fact they raise money for charity and encourage people to get out and run, where they fancy and without any pressure..
76 miles in a month is excellent – not hit that in a while, hoping to up the miles in December! 🙂