Gone for a Run Virtual 10K Race Recap

Hey hey!  I hope you’re doing well – it’s been awhile since I’ve been able to slow down and catch you up on everything going on with me, but I promise that will be very soon, stay tuned!  In the meantime, I want to share my recap of yet another race that I participated in recently – the Log Off, Shut Down, Go Run Virtual 10K, sponsored by Gone for a Run.

Disclaimer – Gone for a Run provided me with a free entry to the race, but all opinions are mine!

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Gone for a Run Virtual 10K

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Gone For a Run inviting me to sign up for their first virtual race. the Log Off, Shut Down, Go Run Virtual 10K.  I’ve ventured through their website in the past searching for some cool running gear, so I was already familiar with the company.  Because of brand recognition and my general curiosity, I decided to sign up to run my very first virtual race!

Virtual races are great because you get the perks of a nice medal and gear but get to avoid some of the “nuisances” of a traditional race – no traveling expenses, no parking worries, no huge crowds to bob and weave around (which I appreciate a lot more since the amazing – but CROWDED – Cherry Blossom Run!).  You can simply head out of your door and run!

Gone for a Run made it very easy for me to prepare for the race. I registered online, provided my size preference, and a few days later my swag and medal were shipped to me in the mail!   Registration cost was $30 and included a T-shirt (tank for women, tee for men), bib, 10K medal, and a Gone for a Run car magnet – not a bad price at all for the value!

On the “Course”

Since I am training for the 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut Half Marathon (Cherry Blossom just feels like a memory!), I thought I could tackle the 6.2 miles during one of my training runs, and the weekend of April 24-26 turned out to require a 10-mile run!

I headed out on Forbidden Drive on a beautiful Friday morning/afternoon.  The area was almost completely secluded and I was able to run the race and fully enjoy my surroundings.  If you’re a Philly runner and have never been to Forbidden Drive, you’re missing out!  Since my full run was 10 miles, I was able take advantage of the entire trail.

The weather was a bit chilly in the 50’s with strong wind gusts,  which I actually appreciated since I’m still slowly weaning myself back to running in warmer weather.  While I had my bib over my running jacket, I had to wear my windbreaker over it – so I wasn’t able to show off to all the runners my cool Virtual racing bib!  I wonder if people would have thought I was weird/crazy if they had seen it while I was running!

My first few miles of the 10K were a bit sluggish though, to be honest.  It was my first time running Forbidden Drive since before the harsh winter (it gets very icy and unsafe to run), so I had to get my footing re-acquainted with the rocky terrain.  But things got better when I was able to take a couple of my Clif Shot Bloks for fuel around mile 3.  Then I finally found some pep in my step!

Everything along the trail is absolutely beautiful.  It’s easy to get lost in a run when you can admire the scenery of a gorgeous creek, watch people walk their dogs and ride on horseback, listen to geese, and not have to worry about a thing!  I rarely looked at my watch, and I didn’t feel the nervousness or pressure that I often feel during a race – so that was great!  It was exactly what I needed it to be – a relaxing, easygoing long run.

Results and Reflections

Since the 10K was part of my 10-mile training run, I didn’t run it as a “true race”…but I’m okay with that!  I was able to run a pretty respectable 10K with an official time of 1:14.  Then, once that was done, I still had to finish up those 3.8 miles – but thankfully it went by fast!

I really had a great time was running the Gone for a Run Virtual 10K.  Let me sum up my overall thoughts on the experience:

Pros:

• Affordable race entry.  $30 for a 10K with a medal is great!
• Quick delivery of race materials.  It was great that I could have my race materials mailed to me in such a timely manner.  Registration pickups, especially at big expos, can sometimes be a pain!
• Flexible timing.  The race took place between April 24 and 26, so that made it very easy to schedule!
• Nice quality medal.  I’m proud to add it to my collection!

Cons:

• I got nothing!  Everything was great, and I had a lot of fun!

As you could see, there wasn’t really anything that I could find to critique about the race!

Thanks to Gone For a Run!

Thanks so much to Gone for a Run for providing me with a free entry to participate in this virtual race!  I really have no complaints and was happy to try something new.  If you missed it this time, no worries – they are having a 5 Mile Virtual Race at the end of May!  Based on the experience I’ve had, I’d highly recommend checking it out!  I was a skeptic about virtual races, but I really had a great time!

Were you able to participate in the Log Off Shut Down Go Run Virtual 10K?  Have you done other virtual races?  Share your thoughts! 

Linking up with April for Tuesdays on the Run!

Also linking up with the Race Recap Linkup with The Silvah Lining!

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