Joining Virtual Runs in 2022

Because of the pandemic, Virtual runs became popular. Virtual runs are organized by organizations or companies for a fee or for free. In virtual runs, one should register and choose what challenge will he/she will join. Some have 5k run, 10k run, 21k run or more. The challenge will be done for a period of time and one should use a GPS-tracking app, watch or treadmill (if allowed) for tracking the progress. Once done, one will submit the run to the organizers with photo evidences. The organizers will verify the submitted run and after verification, one will be given the rewards which is either in medal, certificates or items.

What's good with virtual runs is that you can do it in your own pacing and also you can run anywhere you want as long as you are tracking yourself through GPS tracking app.

Here are a few samples of virtual runs in the Philippines.

Since November 2021, I started running already with my husband, I mentioned in my article Reasons why I usually do Cycling in Solo that I do cycling alone because we only have one bike. Until now, we don't have a new bike yet, thus we opted for running so that we can go together. We usually run for almost an hour, around 4-5 km. We do this once a week, only that in December, we have not done it per week because of the busy schedules.

First Virtual Run Participation

I browsed in the internet some virtual runs and I came across an app that hosts some Virtual Runs. The name of the Organization is Pinoy Fitness and the app is PF Atleta. They are organizing paid and free runs. The first virtual run I participated was Balik Alindog Virtual Run which is Free and duration date is January 1-9, 2022. There are 3 categories of distance 5km, 10km and 21km (cumulative-which means you can run many times). I registered in 5km and me and my husband decided to do the run in the Sport's Complex of Mati City. 5 PM, after work, I did the run. I finished the 5km in 43 minutes and it took me 17 rounds to the oval of the sports complex. By the way, I did not run for the whole duration , it's a combination of Fast Walk, Jog and Run, I just feel my body when to change the pace.

I submitted my run and PF Atleta verified it and after verification, I was given the ebadge and e-certificate.

I am happy that I was able to make it. After the challenge, I feel the muscle pains in my legs but it's all worth it. I am thinking of joining another challenge, the one with Medals, PF Atleta has this "PF Earth Virtual Challenge".

This time the minimum run will be 75km but it is cumulative, I can run it many times and the submission will be up to March 31, 2022. I will surely share here if I will really join this challenge.

What are the benefits of running?

For me, it's a form of fitness activity. I loss weight when I run and I feel that I am active when I do the run. Compared to cycling which almost uses the lower limbs, running makes almost all parts of the body moving. It is also my bonding time with my husband.

I write this article to encourage maybe a few of you to run with me and let's do the virtual runs together.

~MizLhaine

January 8, 2022