Corra solo pero acompañado con la NYRR Virtual Brooklyn Half
During this time of uncertainty, our excitement to run can waver. Many of us find our motivation to train through our next race on the calendar, or when we can face off against others and test the limits of how fast and far we can run. Through these races and the training that accompanies them, we feel connected to a greater community of racers and runners.
Although we may find ourselves running solo, we at NYRR believe the unity of the running community is stronger than ever. Despite adversity, we stay unified in our commitment to lacing up, pushing ourselves, and appreciating all the joys running brings to our daily lives. This year’s NYRR Virtual Brooklyn Half is the perfect opportunity to test ourselves and the work we continue to put in each week despite the adversity. This race can also be an opportunity to celebrate our commitment to this sport as individuals and a greater running community.
With NYRR Volvo Virtual Racing Powered by Strava, you can lace up and run together — virtually — with an amazing community of runners around the world. Register for free for the NYRR Virtual Brooklyn Half, and complete the 13.1-mile distance anywhere, anytime now through Sunday, May 17. You’ll be part of a global community, all on the same leaderboard!
Whether this is your first time participating in virtual racing or you’re a seasoned pro, here are some tips to help you run fast, have fun, and feel connected, while staying safe.
The Course Prep
Register for the race! Learn how to register here.Confirm that you’ve been joined to the race on the Strava challenges page.
Map out your route in advance using Strava Routes. Find a route that will allow you to practice social distancing, but also consider what will motivate you. Maybe it’s finding a route that will showcase the strength training you’ve done (such as a hilly route), or maybe it’s creating a new, scenic course for you to discover. There is no “right” course, but rather an opportunity to find joy, creativity, and challenge for 13.1 miles.Consider doing a course run-through beforehand. You don’t need to cover the whole distance on foot (a drive might be a fun way to see the route), but take the time to understand the varying terrain especially if this will be your first time on it.
Plan to run the a little over the full 13.1 miles to ensure the race activity is counted.
Share your route with friends and family beforehand so they can come out and cheer you on from six feet away! Sharing the race with others will help keep it fun, fast, and special.
Fuel, Hydration, and Gear
You should run in a mask if proper social distancing along your route is difficult. You will have to work harder to breathe, so adjust your pace accordingly. Everyone is affected differently, so you may need to hydrate more than usual while wearing a mask. “People need to listen to their body and take a rest if they feel more tired than usual even if they are not completing their usual distance,” said Dr. Stuart Weiss, NYRR’s Medical Director.
Check the weather forecast and select your gear and hydration accordingly.
If you expect to run for more than ninety minutes, you should consider consuming nutrition mid-race. A good rule of thumb for fueling is consuming a gel every 45 minutes, so pack accordingly. Grab your Honey Stinger Energy Chews or Gel and practice fueling during a run a few days pre-race to let your body adapt to digesting nutrition mid-run.
13.1 miles is a long distance, so plan how you want to carry your fuel. Whether it’s a fuel pack, racing in loops so you can grab your nutrition, or carrying product in your shorts, there’s no right way to do it!
Similarly, plan ahead in regard to a water stop to stay hydrated (especially if you’ll be running for longer than ninety minutes). Weather and mask usage will affect how much water you need, so prep your Poland Spring® Brand 100% Natural Spring Water and Gatorade®️ Endurance Formula bottles in advance. Depending on the weather, it might make sense to have mid-race hydration refills so you stay properly hydrated. Either way, make sure you have some liquids pre-run to help carry you through the next 13.1 miles.
Race Day
Make sure your GPS device has enough memory and is fully charged.
Before you start, turn on your tracking device, acquire a GPS signal, and make sure you’re recording your activity.
As you run, check periodically that your device is recording your distance.
If you’ve chosen to pack fuel, a good rule of thumb for fueling is consuming a gel every 45 minutes.
Pace yourself! Without a pack of runners to surround yourself with, it’s extra important in the early miles to monitor your pace and how you feel.
The half marathon is a long way to run, so start off feeling smooth and at a controlled pace. The first ten miles, you should feel strong and smooth, and can practice picking it up the last three miles as you approach the finish. Finally, kick it in that last 0.1 to practice a fun, fast finish!
Post-Race Celebrating
Make sure you save your activity as a “race” on Strava and set your privacy settings to “Everyone.” In doing this, your race will be counted in the leaderboard.
Share your accomplishment with friends and family on social media and stay connected with our greater running community.Get some fuel into your body within 30 minutes. Stomach upset? No problem — grab a New York State McIntosh apple, and Snyder's of Hanover® pretzels to get in some calories without eating a heavy meal.
Make sure to treat your body kindly post-race. Over the course of the day make sure to rest with your feet up, roll and stretch your body, and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done!
Check out the Hospital for Special Surgery’s website for post-race recovery tips, such as these foam rolling tips.
Happy running!