I had signed up for this race back in December 2019. This was my first race that converted all participants to virtual runners due to the pandemic.
The Riverside Dash is a popular local race. The main event is the 15K that runs along the shores of Lake Monroe. I had signed up for the 5K. This would have been my fourth year participating in the event, following the 2017 Riverside Dash 5K, the 2018 Riverside Dash 15K, and the 2019 Riverside Dash 5K.
Virtual Race Goal
I hoped to run a sub-37 minute 5K, which would beat my most recent best time of 37:03 (Fountain of Youth Virtual 5K).
Race Day: May 2, 2020
The physical race should have taken place in Sanford, Florida, on April 13, 2020. On my race day, it was 57°F with 83% humidity and clear skies. Really nice running weather.
Mile 1, 2, 3: 11:45, 11:54, 11:56
I felt okay. My Achilles and knees are creaky and achy, but once I get going they don't bother me too much. I was super happy to make my time goal.
Swag
The virtual race packet included a really comfortable cotton shirt, race bib (which I forgot to wear, oops), and finisher medal.
Garmin GPS elapsed time: 36:43
Cost: $33
Totally Photoshopped finisher certificate
Report written May 2, 2020
Even though I wasn't a fan of virtual races, running a Star Wars Day race on May the 4th was always interesting to me. What better time to take advantage than now, when virtuals are all there is? I chose the May the 4th Be With You...
I have done a runstreak a few times in July, but for various reasons I didn't think it would work out this year. I decided instead to give it a try in August. It will be more of a walkstreak. To give myself a bit of an extra...
I'm trying to complete a 5K a day runstreak (or walkstreak) this month. My aim is to have each 5K (or longer) be some kind of "event", from free online challenges to organized virtual races plus a few...
An unresolved nagging injury has kept me from making running goals. I finally got a referral from my primary doctor in mid-September but I've still got to make my appointment. I've put it off long enough that we're...
