Well, we made it through another week, and this one was better than last week! However, my workouts were kind of all over the place. More on that in a minute. I did another virtual race this week and ran my fastest 5k time. I’ve now “PRd” in the 5k, 10k, and half doing virtual races. This begs the question, can you set a new PR in a virtual race?
I know many of you have been telling me “it totally counts!” and I honestly appreciate the support and encouragement. Also, I’m not trying to downplay these accomplishments, I’ve just been thinking about this topic quite a bit over the past few weeks. I wanted to share a few of my considerations and I’d love to hear others’ input on this as well.
Can You Set a New PR in a Virtual Race?
In defense of a virtual race counting as a PR, technically if you are running the correct distance and don’t stop your watch, then it could count. The only difference when you’re running a real race is that someone else is monitoring the course and times. So it mostly comes down to being honest about your race. No one else really cares that much about your PRs (no offense!) so it’s really a personal thing. If you feel like you ran an honest race, set a valid personal record, and feel like it should count, then count it!
Here’s why I hesitate to count my recent races as PRs. I’ve been running them on a very familiar route, focusing on the flattest areas I can find. I know these roads inside and out. This has given me some huge mental and physical advantages when racing. If I am struggling, I can turn a certain way to go downhill. If I am running up a hill, I know how long that hill is which makes it mentally easier to push through. There’s also no weaving when you are racing by yourself, so I feel like that automatically cuts off some time.
A few years ago I was doing long tempo runs in marathon training that led me to running 10k PRs on training runs. I didn’t consider counting those as PRs, even though I could have. I guess I feel like we need to differentiate between “real” races, virtual races, and workouts somehow.
Virtual Marathons and Boston Qualifying
I won’t be running a virtual marathon, and here’s why. I hope to eventually qualify for Boston, and if I do that in a virtual race it definitely won’t count. How frustrating would that be to put in the work only to know I will need to do it again whenever real races happen again? Sure, I could do it as a practice run but I might as well stick to 20 milers in training rather than risking an injury or overtraining.
Besides that, I think I would go crazy running 26.2 miles by myself! Let’s not even talk about how early I would need to wake up to make that happen…
So I guess my point here is that if I wouldn’t count a full marathon PR, because a BQ wouldn’t count, why would my shorter races count?
I am in no way trying to dismiss anyone else’s accomplishments in virtual races, and I hope it doesn’t come off that way! I am simply explaining why I won’t count these races as my own PRs which is a personal decision. My race times on my blog, on my PR board, and on my Garmin will stay the same until I run a real race again.
Weekly Run Down
Anyway, it’s time for the weekly run down! Between the weather, sore legs, and a blister it was a weird week. I felt like almost every day I was changing my workout plan for the day due to one of those factors. This was a week of working on being flexible with my workouts.
Monday: Strength Training + Foam Rolling
Tuesday: 3 Miles + Hip/Glute Exercises
Wednesday: 5 miles with a virtual 5k
Thursday: Yoga
Friday: Strength Training + 3.1 Stroller Miles
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: 10 miles
Live Give Run Virtual 5k
The 5k I did on Wednesday needed to be completed by 4/30, so I was cutting it close! I put this off because I wanted to fully recover from my virtual half which was less than 2 weeks ago. Then I tried to plan this around all the rain/wind we were getting as well as my strength training sessions. I ran it in 21:31 which was 8 seconds faster than my PR in 2013. This felt like a huge accomplishment because it didn’t feel THAT hard. I am thinking/hoping I can continue to chip away at this time. I tend to struggle with pacing and pushing hard in 5ks so this might be a good chance to really work on getting faster.
Strength Training and a Blister
On Thursday I woke up with a tightness in my upper back/shoulder area as if I slept funny. So I did some yoga and put off my strength work until Friday. It felt fine on Friday, so I lifted heavy. Then I went out for a 3 mile stroller run wearing a pair of Pure Flows that I found in my closet. They must have been from about 3 years ago and I never wore then because of my long injury. I had worn them on Tuesday’s run and they felt fine, but on Friday then gave me a blister! It started to become noticeable around 1.5 miles in and at 2 miles it was bleeding. It actually felt better to run than to walk, so I ran the rest of the way home.
I decided to take a rest day on Saturday because my legs were tired and my blister was still sore. While I was hopeful that other shoes would feel ok, but I didn’t want to risk making it worse. I also knew it may start hurting mid-run, not necessarily when I first put on my shoes or started running. Ugh, blisters are so frustrating! But at least they heal pretty quickly if you don’t keep aggravating them. I was able to run 10 miles on Sunday with no issues.
Well that might have been my longest weekly run down post ever! I probably should have split this into 2 posts. This is what happens when you take a rest day and have some extra time on the weekend to write a blog post!
[Tweet “Do virtual races count as PRs? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! @milebymilerun #weeklyrundown”]
What do you think about PRs in virtual races?
Have you had a hard time planning your workouts around the weather lately?
Ever find a pair of running shoes you never wore in your closet?
I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down!
Well done on the 5K PR!!! I think I’ve never gone sub-22 minutes on a 5K.
I admire all your PRs you did on the virtual races. It takes a lot of mental strength and discipline to do that.
I agree with you – while they all are PRs, it’s doesn’t have the official character of being timed in a race. It’s a shame because they were hard-earned. But races will come back and then you can shine!!
Thanks! Most of my 5ks over the past few years were closer to 23 minutes, so I was surprised/happy that this happened. You are right that the virtual races are hard-earned!
I flat out did not think that I would be able to PR my virtuals, I only did them to have “something to do” after spring races were canceled. I picked an easy course for my 5k and 10k, but my “real” 5k PR is also on an easy course. My half course was more realistic.
I’ll continue to do virtual racing for the same reason that I do “real” racing, as a way to mark my progress. I’d really encourage everyone to try it, I did not think that I could PR without the course support. I can only imagine how much “easier” really races will be when they come back since I’ve maintained a virtual racing schedule.
I think all of these virtual races are such great practice for when we get back to real racing again!
I think virtual races should have their own category for PRs, mostly based on distance run. Your GPS device is not as accurate as a course measured the old fashioned way, and when running a race it’s very hard to run the exact race distance because it’s nearly impossible to run the tangents how the course was measured. That’s one reason why most people run a bit farther than the race distance — but I’m sure you know all this. Now, if you could run your virtual race on a course marked for a road race, that would solve those issues.
That said, if you are getting faster in your virtual races, You are still getting faster, and that should pay off when you do a road race again!
You brought up alot of good points! And I like the idea of having a category just for virtual races. If this continues for much longer I am going to have alot of races in that category!
100% agree on the virtual race PRs–they just aren’t the same as a PR achieved at a race. You have so much more control over the virtual race conditions then you do at a live event. I think virtual races are a great way to push yourself and if you do achieve a PR, that should be a great measure of where you are at, fitness-wise! It has to be a confidence booster too. I have no doubt that when this is all over, you will get that BQ. You’ve been running so well!
Thanks! Its a little frustrating to not be able to pick a marathon or decide when I would start training. I dont really want to sign up and then end up having it postponed or cancelled. So I’ll keep waiting. You are right about the virtual races being a great marker of fitness!
While they are not the same, I do think it’s something to be proud of. I am actually having a much harder time running virtual races. I need the adrenaline of the race. So while you may be able to control more, it also takes more mental strength. That’s my 2 cents!
That’s very true! I actually think sometimes I psych myself out in a real race, which may be why I’ve been able to push hard in the virtual races. Less pressure?
Whether they’re “official” or not, you’re running so well right now so congrats! I do agree with you though that virtual PRs aren’t quite the same, due to the reasons you described. I’m amazed by the number of people who are running virtual marathons right now. I don’t think I would.
Makes all the sense in the world to seek out a certified course when you’re ready to BQ.
It would definitely take alot of determination to do a virtual marathon! I think I would need to find a perfect course to do it on, becuase there is no way I could run 26 miles around my neighborhood!
Awesome job on your workouts this week and on your PR! I agree with Coco – I think virtual PRs should definitely count but maybe put those PRs in the “virtual races” category.
I like that idea! They should count for something, but shouldn’t really be compared to real races.
The way I settled this for myself is I have distance PRs and race PRs. A race PR can also be a distance PR, but a random 5/10K/whatever doesn’t count as a race PR. While I’ve done some virtual runs, none of them have been races due to the IT Band flare, but when/if I do, I’ll bucket them in with my distance PRs.
Sorry ab out the blister. Hope it’s on the mend
Hmm thats a good way to think about it! They should be acknowledged, but not necessarily compared to the “real” races.
I’m not sure about the virtual PR. Maybe count it as just that? Although seriously, if I PR in a virtual race, that’s so much harder than PR’ing in an actual race — I run MUCH faster in a race than it training, I just need that race atmosphere.
I have only ever had a blister in a race once and it was incredibly painful for a day. In fact, that was my last half (Feb 19). In shoes I’d worn so many times. The running Gods just seem to like to laugh at us sometimes.
That’s weird about your blister! I think I am going to be too nervous to wear those shoes again. I think for some reason the heel just goes higher up on my foot than I am used to.
I totally agree–races have a certain level of challenge to them competing against other runners and the unpredictability of the weather–but a PR is always nice to see! Way to go on your 5k time!! Super impressed! I’ve been running a lot better lately so I’ll be interested what happens once races start really picking up again.
It’s going to be exciting to see how well everyone does in races when all of this is over!
I just ran 13.1 miles under 2 hours for the first time. Yes, it’s not an official PR, but it was a huge accomplishment for me and I proved to myself that I can do something I’ve worked towards. I also think running a virtual race is somewhat harder because you can’t rely on other runners and spectators to “carry you” through… having said that, I will only be really happy if I can repeat this unofficial PR on a real course.
That makes sense! Congrats on breaking 2 hours! You are right that it is a HUGE accomplishment, and now you know you can do it! Hopefully with the crowds and energy you can do it again in a real race, especially knowing that you’ve already done it.
I think it’s a PR in that you know you can do it. It won’t count in official records or for seeding if you need a time, but you know you can do it. I’m so proud of you, smashing all your records. It’s so inspiring.
Thanks! It is definitely nice to know I can run those times, so hopefully that will give me some confidence when we are back to racing again.
Congrats on the PR. I think virtual race PRs are a great way to know you can do it and hopefully you’ll be able to make it race official soon!!! I’m so impressed at everyone who treats virtual races like real races. I just can’t get in the right mainframe 🙁
Thank you! I agree, its a great way to build confidence!
PR’s are such a touchy topic LOL I agree with your thoughts…. I have a tough time counting the virtuals as “official,” but they do take almost as much effort to achieve. That’s why I have been so frustrated with all these Monday 5K’s…. I’m running them on a flat course, and it’s a course I run frequently. But, I keep getting heavy wind, every Monday. My times are nowhere close to PR’s, but they should be. I hate to blame the wind, but it has been an annoying factor.
Its gotta be frustrating to have that windy weather week after week. But if you are going by effort, you’re doing awesome! And those workouts will pay off when the weather improves and you can run a real race again.
I think it is so much harder to PR in a virtual race. I suck at them because I can’t take them seriously.
I wanted to run 12 halfs this year…one in each month. Now it seems that they will mostly virtuals…I’d love to say they count…but not really.
I still think that would be an amazing accomplishment. And since its your own goal you can set it however you want!
I DO think it counts but at the same time I get what you are saying. And personally I think I would still try to PR at a “real” race and/or beat the virtual PR time. I personally am not doing any virtual races because honestly I love the feel of a real race, the adrenaline, seeing running friends, the preparation, crossing the finish line, etc. I run alone or with Ron all the time, even without social distancing so virtual racing is just not for me. I even told Ron that if Chicago doesn’t happen I’m not just going to run the distance that day because it’s simply not the same. I know people do it, and I’m not judging at all, it’s just not for me.
how’s your blister? I can’t say I’ve ever found an unused pair of running shoes in the closet! do you think the shoes gave you the blister?
I can definitely understand not wanting to do a virtual race! Im surprised I am enjoying them as much as I am.
The blister is doing better. I definitely think it was those shoes. I wore my other shoes on Sunday and today and didn’t have any problems.
I don’t care about finish times so I don’t focus on PRs, ever. But if I were to give it some thought, I would say you would separate PRs in virtual versus in-person races. The experiences are just so different, I don’t think they can be grouped together.
In either case, great job getting those PRs done – both virtually and in races! I am slow as molasses which is why I don’t pay attention to my times!
I agree about separating them into 2 different categories! They just aren’t the same, even though a virtual race is still an accomplishment. Thank you!
It really depends on the situation! I would not count them as formal PRs, but more as time trials since that’s sort of what virtual races are. However, if I’m coaching someone (or I myself but I am really nowhere near my PRs right now) and they run a PR in a virtual race, I adjust all of their training as if it were a race PR. In my experience, it is much harder to PR in a virtual race than a real event. Something about the excitement, spectators, and competition makes it easier to push!
Great job on your speedy 5K! Your times are lining up for when you do try to BQ, when races resume.
I’ve been thinking alot about why I have been able to PR in these virtual races. I think part of it is fitness, but I think more than that its because I am willing to put myself out there and take risks. I think I tend to psych myself out in real races. Its weird because I think its the opposite of what happens to most people!
I feel like if the Garmin data supports a PR for the distance (no “funny stuff” involved!), I would feel secure in claiming it. I do agree with you on the marathon distance though – I was relieved to not “have to” run a marathon because my end goal was a BQ (which I totally would not have got), but my friend was having a great training cycle and I feel like she was kind of ripped off because she would have got her BQ. But on the other hand, I know she can easily pull off another BQ with decent training, so she’ll get it again.
Oh thats really tough. I think with the marathon its such a commitment that I want to “save it” for a real race. I don’t think I would want to have to take a real recovery period after a virtual marathon, even though I would need it.
While those PRs may not be official, they’re still huge accomplishments!! I guess it also depends on the individual. I know that if I did a 5k a week or two ago and then ran another ran today and did better, then I would say that I bettered my time and not that I got a PR. I am not a huge fan of virtual races because the times are not official. However, they are definitely great motivators as you can see that many people are out there doing them. Then again, what other choice do we have? As for the shoes, nope. I keep all of my shoes in one place so I know I will never forget that I have a pair there.
Those are some really good points! As for the shoes, I have all of mine in a closet in my basement. I save some of the empty boxes so if I donate shoes after I have worn them I can put them back in. Well I found those shoes that were never won in a box that I assumed was empty!