Presented by Mazda. Proud to be the official automotive sponsor of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
You did it. You’ve signed up for your virtual race. All that’s left between now and race day is preparation. There’s just one hurdle to overcome: staying motivated.
Draw inspiration from these six tips on staying upbeat about your virtual race.
Set Goals
The first step to keeping yourself accountable, and motivated for race day is to set a race goal.
Once you’ve set your virtual race day goals, write them down. Then, to keep your goal top of mind, do any of the following:
- Hang it from your fridge
- Make it your phone’s home screen.
- Update your Instagram bio with your next race and goal.
- Set your phone alarm’s label to include your goal.
Daily check-ins and subtle reminders of your goal(s) will help you stay focused for race day.
Follow A Training Plan
You have a goal. Now it’s time to bridge the gap between current fitness and race day fitness. To stay motivated, follow a prescribed training plan.
Sticking to a schedule and trusting your training will give you the confidence to keep going, and to crush it on virtual race day. Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind that you did everything you could to prepare.
Customize Your Race Route
Imagine this: racing your favourite route at a time that best suits you.
Customize your virtual race day route to your liking, and to your comfort level. Not only will this ease the nerves on race day, you’ll be able to draw motivation from actually mapping out the route.
Want to get even more creative? Set up an aid station with your Nuun hydration and fuel on route. Draw kilometre markings on the road with chalk. Although there’s no replicating the cheers and crowds of in-person races, you can do the next best thing.
Make it as fast or as challenging as you desire.
Partner Up*
A running partner can be a secret to success.
A friend not only keeps you accountable, but can actually be a source of motivation in and of itself.
Think about it: when training together, you put in work for yourself, but also for the other person. And vice versa. As much as running is an individual sport, this team effort can be a boost. There are few better aspects to running than having someone with whom you can share your struggles, your triumphs, your highs, and your lows.
*Most importantly, ensure a safe social distance with others, and follow precautions set out by healthcare and medical professionals.
Look Back On Your PBs
Looking back can help move you forward. Revisiting past races where you executed your plan can be motivation as it reminds you that you can do it.
Make It Fun
There’s no denying that your motivation may dip in the lead-up to any race. The key is to stay consistent in your training, and spice up race day to raise the excitement.
Here are a few ideas to add something a little extra for virtual race day:
- Set out your race outfit the night before, and take a pre-race gear photo (like this or this).
- Create a race day playlist—listen to your favourite songs to pump yourself up to race. Music can also be a great way to stay upbeat during the training phase.
- Buy yourself a special beverage and meal for post-race to celebrate your accomplishment.
- Ask a friend to bring the virtual race medal with them to give to you at the finish line so you can wear it proudly.
- Wear your New Balance Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Virtual souvenir shirt in the days and weeks after the race. You earned it.
That’s it, now you know how to stay motivated for your virtual race. All that’s left is the racing itself.
Starting Oct. 1, be a part of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Virtual Race. From 5K to marathon, race any time between Oct. 1-31. Register now at STWM.ca.
Presented by Mazda. Proud to be the official automotive sponsor of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
