Soaring Through Belle Isle - Again?

So I loved the race route so much last weekend for the Detroit Women's Half Marathon that I decided to run it again for my Jost Running Soaring Virtual 10K that I signed up to complete this week.  You know, when talking about virtual races, people always speak to "where," but what about "when?"  Today, I completed my 10K in my living room, during my lunch break...LOL, not only did I not need to travel, but I didn't have to take any extra time out of my day to do it!  I really wanted to get outside this morning, but it didn't happen...but it didn't affect me in getting my miles accomplished!!  Here is a recap:

Jost Running puts so much effort into giving you an amazing experience when you run their virtual races:

Here is my personalized bib that they created just for me - 

This is the map of my run from my iFit account.  If you have a treadmill, and you don't know what iFit is, you are totally missing out!  I can run anywhere in the world on my treadmill and it mocks the course - and the elevation:

  
And here are my results:

I didn't do as well as I had hoped, but I think I am losing both of my second toenails.  they are a pretty shade of purple, and the tops hurt a little...so I definitely deserve this:

It is a little smaller than the one I will receive from my half marathon, but I like the colors and the detail.  Jost Running gives out some super cool medals!  

Oh, and did I mention that they will actually post your results on their web site like a real race?  Most virtuals don't do that.  I really like that.  It keeps you committed to pushing yourself just a little harder.

All-in-all I am really proud of my miles this week coming off a half marathon.  I ran 6 on Tuesday, 6.4 today, and I will round out my week with 11 on Sunday.  It has been a great week.

If you want to know more about Jost Running...and believe me, you want to get into the action for their Octoberfest virtuals...head on over to www.JostRunning.com.

Happy Running!

Soaring on Belle Isle

This week, I decided to run my Jost Running Soaring Virtual Race in conjunction with the Detroit Women's Half Marathon.  All I have to say is what a great idea!  I love the fact that I am able to run my virtual races anywhere I want and help support some great charities...all the while running with friends in different cities.  It gives me the flexibility to be close to home or clear across the country if I so choose!  Here is a recap of my races:

Here is my awesome bib for Soaring Virtual

The race route was great.  If you have never ran Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan, I highly recommend it.  It is a 982 acre park in the Detroit River between the US and Canada.  It is the largest city-owned island park in the US.  It is home to the Belle Isle Conservatory and the Detroit Yacht Club among other things.  This was the first time running this area.  There were so many things to keep the eyes busy.  I hardly listened to my music...for 13.1 miles!  This was the course map:

Here are some great views while we ran around the island:

The Belle Tower

The Conservatory

View of the bridge and downtown Detroit from the island

Poor Erica was suffering from allergies the whole entire time, but she pushed through it; finishing solid!  And I enjoyed catching up with her since we haven't gotten a chance since I moved to AZ!  Here is Erica and me making it to the finish line:

Finished smiling!

Go Red for Women was chosen as the charity partner of The Detroit Women's Half Marathon.  My other girlfriend that ran the race was chosen as a Heart Hero for the race - this is her story.  This is her (gray tank), me, and another friend Kim post race:

 Still smiling!!

I also want to give a HUGE shout out to my very close girlfriend who ran her FIRST 5K ever!!  Julia, I am so VERY PROUD of you.  You have chosen to lead a healthier life for yourself and your young daughter Sarah (my God Daughter), and have persevered through some hard training days and achy muscles.  I know that this race was just the start for you!  I believe running the half with me next year is a very attainable goal for you...you can do it, and I will be there for you every step of the way!!

Me and her before the race

Crossing the finish line!  :-)

What a great race day!  And I earned both of these beautiful medals:

TOTALLY worth getting up early to run in the brisk Fall air of Michigan!  I'll be back next year...you can count on it!

Disneyland Recap and Other Musings

I think I am still on runner's high from Disneyland Dumbo Dare.  It was such an amazing weekend.  Here is a quick recap...

We got down to Anaheim on Thursday night.  Picking the girls up from the airport was just craziness!!!  But got them safely and headed back to our hotel, Doubletree by Hilton (of course! LOL) for a nice quiet evening on our pillows.  We all knew that Friday was going to be the start of the chaos.

We never in a million, gazillion years expected the expo to be as bad as it was.  It was just a mess when we headed down there at 10 AM when it opened.  It took us the entire day to make it through; until 2 PM just to get our race bag...yeah, no joke!  It was very obvious that race organizers had not planned for the rush of Dumbo entrants needing to come and get their bibs on Friday, and it was so disorganized.  But we had a really good time making our way through all the lines and taking lots of pictures.  And while us girls dealt with expo shenanigans,  Matt and the kids enjoyed a day at the beach.  We all met back up in the evening and had a great dinner together at CPK.  :-)

So although Friday was a little crazy...okay, A LOT crazy...Saturday was AWESOME!!!  The kids and Matt ran the 5K and Kristin and I ran the 10K:

My awesome family of runners!

Really REALLY proud of my kids on their first Disney race

Kristin and I after a great run

Completely unplanned, I PR'ed on Saturday (1:01:47).  It was a pretty good morning. This smile at mile 6 says it all:

 Then it was off to the park:

We had a really really good time.  I knew that my time wouldn't be the greatest on Sunday, but I was out to have a good time, and a good time we had!

So Sunday the three amigos - Kristin, Danielle and me - headed out the door at 4 AM ready to take on another great half:

Before

After

I couldn't have asked for a better couple of days at my favorite place on earth with my wonderful family and two ladies that love running as much as I do.  <3

Me and all my weekend bling - 4 medals!

A few people have asked about our outfits, so here is the rundown:

Saturday's 10K outfit - We wanted to pay tribute to Boston, so Kristin and I chose to wear our Run for Boston shirts made by Moms Run This Town and our matching bondibands.  The shorts we totally lucked out on and found them at Target for $3.  they matched perfect!!

Sunday's Half outfit - This was much more planned.  The New Balance tech shirts were designed and made for us by Kristin's friend from Anymile Clothing, Lululemon Pace Setter skirt,  and matching Sweaty Band and Fellow Flowers "Friends" bloom.  I loved our outfits...can't take much credit for it.  Kristin was the "brains" behind this!!  :-)

Sunday after the race Matt took the family back down to Huntington beach and while I napped, the kids rode the waves.  It was just an amazing Labor Day weekend!!!

So other updates...hmmmm.

My virtual races are going really well.  I do not have one medal hanging on my wall that I haven't earned (posted to race web site or FB page), and all race directors have been good on their word and I have received everything I have paid for.  Thus far, Jost Running medals are my favorite.  They are really nicely made and HUGE!!!  Check them out:

Do you see how large the circular one is in my hand?!  What I really like most, though, is the fact that you really get what you pay for.  There have been a few races that the medals changed in design after you paid, and sometimes it wasn't as good once you receive.  There is nothing worse than paying for something you don't want to hang up, right?  You don't have to worry about that with Jost.  And - the best part - they really have a results page and you ARE competing against those that ran the race.  I LOVE that!

Okay, I think I will leave everyone with my new friends:

My new running shoes - Asics Nimbus 15!  I am IN LOVE!!  I put almost 6 miles on them tonight and they did their job.  These will help me get to my ultimate goal - WDW Marathon on January 12th.  Training is going really good.  The weather was nice enough to allow me to run outside this evening.  It was 82 and gorgeous!!

Feeling blessed...life is good.

Countdown Has Begun

Need I say more!

Are You Ready for Disneyland?

Only a week and a half until our fun-filled Disneyland weekend!  I can hardly contain myself!!  If you have never done a Disney race before, I HIGHLY recommend it.  It is an experience that keeps you coming back for more.  I continue to say, "Okay, this is the last one,"  and it is NEVER the last one!

If this is your first Disney race, it can be a little intimidating.  There is a LOT going on in and around the park.  After three races with Disney, both in California and Florida, these are some things that I think you should consider:

Be Prepared BEFORE You Leave - I know that this may seem counter-intuitive, but I can't tell you how many unprepared people I see running around like crazy people at Disney.  Remember, there are 17,000 people that have registered for the half marathon alone!  So...

• Review the official race program that is always available a few weeks before the event - under Runner Info, Official Race Program.  For Disneyland Half it is here:  http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/pdf/disneyland-half/2013/DLHM13_Program.pdf.  I ALWAYS read this program cover to cover to ensure I know what is going on for the entire weekend.  There is so much they plan for during these special race weekends, you truly don't want to miss out on a thing!
• Have a good idea of what you are going to do and when:  packet pick-up; peruse through the expo; hit up Disney to enjoy the rides/eat some food; sit by the pool and get those feet rested up before the big day ("days" for us participating in Dumbo Double Dare)...whatever it is that you are going to do to enjoy your race weekend, have a plan.  Especially if there is a group of you!!  Even with just my husband and I, we have a plan before we leave because that ensures both of us have some sort of idea of expectations (and no one - ahem, my husband - is surprised and/or angry if I want to spend 3 hours at the expo!  LOL).
• Don't forget that there are specific times for packet pick-up and the expo.  That is why reviewing the official race program and reading your runDisney emails before the weekend is important.
• For those of you looking for Disney specific memorabilia - Get to the expo as early as you can. I can't tell you how many women have missed out on a specific shirt or jacket because of the limited quantities and how many people are there to buy. My group plans to get there when it opens...we have been burned before!!

Don't miss out on the Expo, trust me!!

• Make sure if you are flying you have all travel documents ready and available somewhere for quick retrieval.  This would include, but not limited to, your transportation ticket for the bus that will take YOU to and from the airport AND your transportation tag for your LUGGAGE.  You should have received all of this information weeks prior to the race.  If you don't have it, get on the phone with runDisney.  There is nothing worse than showing up at your hotel for a race weekend and not having anything to race with!!  
• Have hotel information including your confirmations handy.  This is somewhat important.  First off, you want to ensure you know where they should be taking you on the transportation shuttle or you need to know if you will be driving because of road congestion.  Secondly, the lobbies of the hotels can be a little hairy during race weekend.  If you are prepared during check-in, things go much more smooth.
• If you are staying off-property, make sure you know what your driving and/or parking plan is.  For Disneyland, we are staying off-property and have chosen a hotel close by so that we can walk.  As mentioned, congestion is an obstacle on certain days; you don't want to miss something - like your race - because you are stuck in traffic. 
• Did you purchase something besides your registration, like a commemorative pin or necklace?  Ensure you confirm and have a receipt because you will want back-up if they do not have record at packet pick-up.  Those babies are expensive; don't leave packet pick-up without them!
• Did you pre-order Disneyland park tickets, or maybe the special Disney events like for Halloween or Christmas?  Don't leave home without them, they are non-transferable.
• Have your waivers printed and signed before you leave the house to catch that plane or hop in the car.  Just one less thing you have to worry about once you get to the expo.  The less time you spend at packet pick-up, the more time you can spend at the expo.  :-)
• What is your eating plan?  Did you make reservations for those hard-to-get-seated restaurants?  There are restaurants that you have to book MONTHS in advance, so you may have missed those, but there are SO MANY at Downtown Disney and the surrounding areas that are great.  Whichever way you have chosen to go, don't wait until you are hungry to figure out where you are going...you may have to wait, and those waits may be long!
• Lastly, but surely not least - review your luggage before you leave.  My very first Disney race back in 2011, I forgot my iPod.  I was running around the expo buying earbugs and trying to transfer music onto my phone in a total state of panic.  Most everything that you forget can be purchased at the expo - even shoes - but if you are on a tight budget, this is the last place you want to buy expensive, forgotten items.  Plus, you have saved all your hard-earned cash on things you want, not need!  (I did get across to you how AWESOME the expo is, right?  :-) )   

BTW - All of the documents that I mention above are kept with me in an organized envelope (I usually use plastic file folder because it is durable) while I travel; kept in chronological order of when I am going to need it.  This has really proved successful, especially during my past destination races...but I am a little bit of a neat freak!  

Stick with Your Plan - It is so easy to get to Disney and just go crazy.  But I recommend that you attempt to stick with your plan.  If you can't stick with your original plan, then I suggest you regroup and come up with a better plan now that you are there and see what it is all about.  Trust me, you  WILL miss out if you don't have a plan.  Disney is so very good at giving you so many options.  You will want to take in as much as you can...I mean, you paid a lot of money for this weekend, right?

Enjoy Yourself - I think the reason I am so big on planning for Disney is because once I am there I want every moment to count.  You only have so much time, and once you are there the weekend goes by so quickly!  Disney is such a magical place, and they make their races ones that won't soon be forgotten.  You only get to live this weekend, this race, once...make it a race to remember!!!  

Well, I hope this has provided some of you that are new to Disney races some insight.  And honestly, many of these items can be used as a great guideline for any destination race; it doesn't have to be Disney!  If you have any questions, hit me up here or on FaceBook!

HAPPY RUNNING!!!!

These are a Few of My Favorite Things!

A few of my friends who are just getting into running have asked me what are my favorite products.  I hope this list gives you some good ideas of things you need to equip yourself for a good run.  A few are absolute NEEDS, a few are things you might want to ensure an easier run, and a few are items I wouldn't leave home without even though they aren't really needs...

Shoes

Okay, so I am not going to promote a certain name brand or style, but what I will say coming off of a stress fracture and being side-lined for 4 months (that almost left me insane - jury's still out, LOL), I will never take this subject lightly again.  You MUST MUST MUST have shoes that are right for you!!  I recommend going and getting fitted, or better yet, go see a doctor.  My foot and ankle specialist recommended Asics for my feet.  Until they decide to crap out on their design and I need to find a new brand, they will be the ones I will sport.  And if I do need to find a new brand??  I will make sure I get Dr. Wyatt's blessing.  Believe me, $140 is nothing compared to the $750 medical bill I had after my break!

Socks

Socks are as important to me as shoes.  I started wearing the Thorlo Experia Coolmax Micro Mini Crew ($11 - $15) after my break for the added padding.  Again, some people don't like the extra padding, but my feet LOVE them!!  You can find them at REI, Amazon, or any other sock web site / sporting goods store.  The padding is great, but I also like the fact that they are a crew sock so you never have to worry about your sock going down into your shoe during a long run.  You may not look the coolest, but I have never had blisters in these socks.  Comfort is the name of the game when you are putting 15+ miles on your feet!

Sports Bras

I never EVER thought I would get away from wearing my Nike DriFit sports bras, but I think I found a better fit for us ladies that have smaller busts.  The Under Armour Women's UA Seamless Essential Sports Bra ($29) I have fallen in love with.  The material is so comfy!  I sweat terribly on my chest and above my abs when I run, so it becomes a yucky mess.  These really stay put, keep my Garmin heart rate monitor in check, and don't scratch or chafe.  The straps are a nice thickness - not too tiny to rip into your skin but not too wide to just be another gathering place for sweat (like my Nike's did).  Oh, and the best part about these sports bras - these have form!  It is bad enough that I was not blessed in that department, but when I usually put on a sports bra I totally feel like a boy (and look like one)!!  You are not a total wash board in these, and for that they totally get two thumbs up!  The ones above are mine.  I always have to have the basics, white and black, but I really liked the crazy colors they had too.  The yellow above it is a true neon yellow - it is so fun.  I am going to go back and buy the hot pink too.  It isn't neon, but a nice bright pink.

Hydration

Next to comfort ON your body, you need to worry about comfort IN your body.  Mattering on the distance, I ALWAYS have some sort of water bottle on me.  Nathan is a good name brand.  The small one runs about $20 and the larger one runs about $21.  You can buy these anywhere!!  I don't usually use the smaller one unless I am going on a really quick run (like 1 - 3 miles which is hardly ever), and even then I usually use the larger one because I like the pocket on the larger one - it fits my huge HTC Rezound phone and my house key.  And you can get these in all different colors too!

Identification

I can't stress this enough - if you are running, or doing any type of sport by yourself, please wear identification!  Even in a large race, all they have to do is quickly look at your wrist, shoe, or wherever, and they have two phone numbers to call.  Road ID (roadid.com) has bracelets (above) for as cheap as $19.99.  They also have ankle bands, shoe pouches and straps.  By the way, these make a GREAT gift because of the price.  I was able to get my sport bands (above) - the pink, the yellow AND the black for under $30 from a graduation gift certificate from a friend!  Get yours today!  :-)

Energy for the Long Haul

This is one of those items that many people have differing opinions on.  Some people like the gels, some people like the beans, I love GU Chomps.  I like watermelon, strawberry and orange flavors.  No matter what you choose, I have never met a long distance runner that doesn't have something in their pouch or pocket.  I usually eat one (yes, just one) each mile after 7 miles.  It keeps the yuck dry mouth taste out of my mouth and keeps me feeling full and energized.  Again, most people have to test out what they like, but these provide the biggest bang for their buck during my runs.

Race Essentials (Well, for me!)

I always have my Amphipod (http://www.amphipod.com/products/holders/day-of-race-$9) and my Garmin - always!!  On race day, I never need to keep track of safety pins or to even worry about them at all;  and my trusty Garmin tells me my average pace and instant pace on one screen (along with my heart rate) so I am never having to do the math in my head while I am trying to keep up with the pack.

My Nathan larger hip pouch is useful when I want (or need) to carry more stuff with me.  As many of you know, you don't get a lot of space to carry items in shorts or skirts, so this is essential for me.  I will probably sport this pouch at Disney in a few weeks to carry my GU, my camera, a few bandaids (you are not always next to a medical tent) and a few extra ponytail holders (in case they break - I have had it happen!  Not fun while you are trying to run).  Not a totall need, but something that is nice to have.

Charity/Support Bands

Never leave the reason you run home during a race.  Be reminded every step of the way why you do this!  I wear my Colon Cancer Awareness (for friend and survivor Chris Napier), LIVESTRONG (for Aunt Roseanne who we lost to Lung Cancer), and Run Now/Boston Strong bracelets.  They keep me going when I am feeling weak.  :-)

I hope this list has helped just a few of you on items that I find very useful.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

A Half Marathon - On a Treadmill - for ALS!

Yep, you read that right!  I ran 13.1 miles on a treadmill!  Some people would call that crazy, I know.  But when it is 112 degrees outside and you have to keep with your training plan, you do what ya gotta do!  :-)

As I have mentioned in a few of my previous posts, I have started running virtual races to keep my training fun.  Surely, it would have been much easier if "virtual" meant you do it all in your head; but virtual just means wherever and whenever you want to do it...you still have to log physical miles, LOL.  So today I committed to running Jost Running's Home Run Half Marathon.  A virtual half marathon that's proceeds went towards Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Disease (ALS).  

ALS is better known as Lou Gehrig's Disease here in the United States because of the national attention it received when Lou Gehrig, the Iron Horse of Baseball, was diagnosed with it in 1939 and quickly retired because of it.  ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.  It affects people from the age of 40 to 70 and approximately 30,000 suffer from it at one time.  Now, I don't know anyone personally that has suffered from this debilitating disease, but I thought it was a good charity to support and I really love baseball and the finisher's medal...so I dedicated some time, and some money, to this worthy cause.

My official time on my Garmin - 2:27:08.  I need to get the foot pod, so that I can actually track my average pace on a treadmill.  (Hint, hint, wink, wink family...Christmas!!  :-)  )

I was a little nervous going into this run because this was officially the longest distance I have done since my stress fracture in November.  Therefore, I went really slow and took my time.  Not that I wanted to be on the treadmill all morning, but I surely didn't want to push myself hard and then injure myself again.

My heart rate was nice and stead.  The few little blurps are when I had to restart the treadmill because it didn't like the long distance.  I figured out how to fix that now at Life Time, so hopefully I won't have to deal with that again.

Look at that bling!!!  Isn't it beautiful?   The picture above is the front and back images; the home plate in the center spins!  Jost Running sure does design some great looking medals.  I can't wait to complete my 10K this coming week and get my hot dog!!

There is one more thing that I need to point out about Jost Running virtuals that others don't do that I LOVE - they post your results!!  So, you are actually racing against others even though you aren't with them - I am in 6th place right now with the half marathon!  So Jost Running isn't just about getting medals out there, they are actually interested in the competition part of it too...and to me, that is just as important sometimes.  There are times that not only do I want to run, but I want to compete as well.  That is a very unique aspect of their company that is worth noting. 

Hopefully soon, you will see actual pictures of me running outside.  The temps are finally starting to come down a little, and I think within the month I should be back outside breathing fresh oxygen.  But I won't complain...the snow is coming for you northerners!!!  

All my love, Livvie

Running for Lemons Virtual Race - For Tina

Well, my first virtual race is done for the month of August.  Lots to come!  Let me tell you a little about this one because it was very important that I ran this race for the cause...

The Running for Lemons Virtual Race benefits Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF).  Haven't heard of it?  Well, here is the url: http://www.alexslemonade.org/.  Childhood cancer is something I was exposed to at a very young age.  My little friend Tina in Kindergarten had Leukemia.  It was a long time ago, and because of my age I didn't ask a lot of questions, but I did know that Tina had it rough.  She missed a lot of school, was in pain when she did make it, and was so tiny and frail (besides her swollen belly).  But that isn't what I remember the most about Tina.  What I do remember is our time spent together each day during  quiet time.  We would get out our mats (usually she needed help carrying hers), lie them on the floor, and relax for a short period.  I felt like this time for her was so crucial because of her condition, and so I wanted to make sure she got the most out of it.  I remember her enjoying lying there after a busy morning.  So each day when she was there for quiet time, I made sure that she got her shoes off and put back on.  She had an awful time getting to those tiny shoes because of her condition.  I remember thinking to myself that it was the least I could do for my friend - a little girl my age that was fighting for her life.  Tina passed not long after that, but she will never be forgotten.  In that short time I was blessed with Tina's friendship, I knew that she appreciated my help.  She was my friend.  Even at that young age, Tina meant so much to me.  I loved her dearly.

So this race was for you Tina, and all the other little ones right now that are fighting for their lives too.  I completed my 6.2 miles and even PR'ed it for you!  I hope you are looking down and smiling.  I can't wait to see you in perfect form some day...maybe running is something you may have enjoyed, and we can do it together!

Need a Little More Persuasion?

Need a little more persuasion to run with me virtually in Jost Running's Home Run Series??  Check this out:

Come on!  You know you want to run it!!!  And you did see the bling, right?  :-)

Exciting News!!! Jost Running

In my last post,I provided information on different virtual races that I will be doing in the next few months to provide me with the motivation (ahem, bling) to get me to race day at Walt Disney World...but I also wanted to find a way that I could do so and give back.

I am happy to announce that I was selected to evaluate a virtual racing company for the next few months, Jost Running (www.jostrunning.com).  They are a mother and daughter team, Cynthia and her daughter Courtney, who wanted to provide a way for runners to "race" without the economic burden of destination races.  As Courtney says, "I love to compete against other runners, and I love getting medals for it, but don't have the time or the money to be constantly traveling to run."  She adds, "Running is a sport that can be played anywhere, so sometimes I feel ridiculous when I take a plane, a train, and a car to run 13 miles when I am completely capable of doing that distance in my own neighborhood."  Makes sense, doesn't it!!  

Jost Running is launching its inaugural monthly virtual races this August by partnering with the ALS Association to raise money for the charity.  In celebration of the end of summer and recognizing Lou Gehrig, the baseball player that put ALS on the map, August runs will be themed for his sport.  The "Home Run" race series consists of a 5K, 10K, Half, and Full Marathon, each to be completed, at a time and location chosen by the individual, within their designated seven day race week.  I have chosen to run the 10K and the Half.

Here is my 10K bib:

Here is my finisher's medal (also provided in last post):

I am really excited to be partnering up with this great company, and I recommend that you seriously consider registering for this series - different medals for Half and Marathon too!!  :-)

You can find them on Face Book as well: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/JostRunning/117035428500224?id=117035428500224&sk=photos_stream

You Don't Have to Travel to Bring in the Bling!

A few friends have asked how I stay focused on training when races seem so far off and training/races in AZ during the summer absolutely stink!!!  Well, I have found there are a LOT of races that you can do virtually that are fun, are for great causes, and give you great bling!  Now a few of the friends joked that "virtually" just means in your head - nope!  You have to actually move your feet!!  :-)  I will dedicate this post to some of the races I have joined and some others that I have heard about...hopefully you can join in on the fun!

The first virtual series that I just love is called The Home Run Series.  You can choose distances of 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon and you must complete your distances in the month of August.  There are two different medals:

You are awarded this medal for the 5K and 10K distances

(I chose 10K)

You are awarded this medal for the half and full distances

(I chose half)

Jost Running (jostrunning.com) is the creators of this series.  They do one each month.  They believe in getting people together without the obstacles of finance and distance:

Now there are other virtual races that are put on to help INDIVIDUALS with their charity requirements for certain races.  I am doing Running for Lemons virtually as well in the month of August:

The Running for Lemons Virtual Run is a fundraising run/walk to benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand (https://www.facebook.com/alexslemonade) which is a foundation to help support childhood cancer (um, what better cause!!!) You can choose 5K or 10K.  Of course, I chose 10K.  :-)

Now, these are a few that I have heard about but have not signed up for (yet...):

To support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by "A Little Goofy" - Until August 15th.  Sign up and run, swim, bike, or walk 3.93 miles (the actual Disney Goofy Challenge is a full and 1/2 marathon that equals 39.3 miles) - http://www.wendysrunforlls.com/Virtual_Registration.html

Virtual run for the charity group Give Kids The World - nonprofit resort in Kissimmee Florida for children with life-threatening illness and their families - is now open.  Register until August 31 or when they sell out (they are close!).  Race distances offered are 5K, Half Marathon and Beastly Challenge (both 5K and half).  If you do the Beastly Challenge, you will get the 5K and the Half Marathon medals, plus a special 3rd medal.

https://www.facebook.com/events/391500024301034/

Now, these just a few that I have mentioned - there are a LOT!  You can google most of the races, but I also recommend that you get onto a FaceBook running group.  They will mention a lot and their individual runners will post their fundraising efforts - and who doesn't love bling, so they usually include some sort of medal.

Hope this has helped.  Shoot me a post or email if you have any questions or are having a hard time finding virtual races.  My philosophy (and many of my running friends) is that if you are putting in the miles to train for your next race how much more fun is it to get a medal in the mail for your effort!

HAPPY RUNNING!!