The Benefits of Racing Virtually

You ever feel like there are just way too many cool races out there, too many awesome charities you'd like to support and too many way cool medals out there to collect and not enough time or funds to travel all the places you'd need to go? 

Never fear - through Virtual Racing you can find the freedom to set your racing schedule to fit your needs. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider joining the ever-increasing ranks of Virtual Races, a community that is growing larger each year. 

1. Race on Your Schedule

The by far number 1 reason for running a Virtual Race is that you can race whenever and wherever is most convenient to you. The majority of Virtual Races will give you time frame in which to complete your race - typically either a certain week or even a certain month. This way, if you have a non-traditional schedule, say, you work Saturday mornings when most races take place, you still get to race and earn fun bling. Or, maybe you live in an area that doesn't have many local races, making it harder to compete due to travel costs. Virtual races let anyone race anywhere! 

Earn the same medals as those running the race in Texas,
from anywhere in the world! 

2. Earn Fun Bling

Virtual Races are a great way to to boost your medal collection. There are so many cute ones out there! Often times, you can even earn the same medals as those running the official race event. For example, the Zooma Race Series has virtual options for all of their events, so Virtual participants can earn the same bling as those who can travel to the event. Sound like something want to try out? You can register for any Zooma Virtual at a 15% off with discount code: ZOOMABR here: http://zoomarun.com/race/

3. Less Pressure to Compete

Some people love to use others to push themselves, but there are others that can feel intimidated at organized races. With a virtual race, you can kind of build your own experience. Want competition? Invite your crew to run with you. Running with others cause you stress? Feel free to run solo. You can really customize your own race experience to whatever is most comfortable for you. 

4. Support Some Awesome Charities

Most Virtual Races typically will be in support of a charity, which gives you a great way to support an important cause while getting in your miles. Because the Virtual Races do not have to  pay for things like municipal fees for closing streets and aid stations and so on, they often can donate more of your entry fee to charities. And you can pick and choose Virtual Races that support causes that are important to you. Go ahead, do a web search for a charity that you love and I bet you can find a Virtual Race to support it. 

5. Be a Part of a Huge, Supportive Community
Most Virtual Races have extensive online communities that participants can become a part of both before and after race events. Maybe you are more shy in person than you are from behind a keyboard. If so, getting to know others on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or on event websites may be just what you are looking for. These communities offer awesome support systems and encouragement that you may not have access to in the real world due to distance, time, or social obligations. 

So, ready to get started on Virtual Racing? There are tons of options out there. In fact, I am participating in a Virtual Race tomorrow for International Women's Day. The Zooma Women's Day 5K officially takes place tomorrow (though you can run your miles anytime during the month of March) and still has a few spots open. You can join by registering here: http://zoomarun.com/race/womens-day-5k/ and I even have an awesome discount code for you: register with "RUNTHEWORLDBR" to save 10% on sign-up. Here's what you get with your registration! 

Let me know in the comments if you plan to join me out there on the Virtual Race Course! There are literally 100s of options out there to choose from! 

Disclaimer: I received an entry to the Zooma Womens Day 5K to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!