RUNGRL Asks: Your Race Was Canceled, Now What?
By RUNGRL Staff
We’re in unprecedented times, with COVID-19 and mandates of social distancing disrupting nearly everyone’s jobs, home lives, major life events and more. This includes the thousands of us who were looking forward to running spring races this year. We've been putting in weeks of training, running all the miles, and preparing for the celebratory lap that would’ve been our target race, only to now be stopped in our tracks by this worldwide crisis.
Central to RUNGRL’s mission is sharing our unique experiences so we know we’re never alone. With spring races all canceled or postponed, this is completely new territory for everyone. We asked our community* how everyone was feeling and how we’re each dealing with the cancelations and overall life changes on a personal level.
From the canceled Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Miler in D.C. to Nike’s LA 13.1 in L.A., and worldwide from the postponed London Marathon to the canceled Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa, this situation has affected so many in the running community. Of course, we know it’s for the best to help stop the spread of this dangerous virus. But it is also okay to feel your feelings, and we’re all really bummed and disappointed about race postponements and cancelations.
Here’s what our fellow RUNGRLs had to say:
On feeling bummed about the cancelations:
“I’m sad! [Rock N Roll Marathon D.C.] would’ve been my first marathon. I’m taking a week off :(“ - @kaylerz007
“Cherry Blossom 10-Miler; devastated 😭. This was [going to be] my first long-distance race!” - @alexisxnoel
“Boston. I’m distraught. Can’t even bring myself to run.” - @shellysankofa
On taking time to reset and refocus:
“I’m being kind to myself. Being proud of the work I’ve done so far. Pause and pivot.” - @liv3lov3lizz
On looking for the bright side:
“It’s actually nice to have a break…to train without a deadline.” - @sincereelle
“Focusing on the fact I can still get up and run, my form, and upping my mileage running solo.” - @jade.denise
On staying focused on workouts and running while social distancing:
“It just means more time to train (although I was ready).” - @vexyspice
“I’m finishing the training plan and keeping the faith.” - @blackpearlruns
“Continuing to run 2-to-3 times a week, just not as intense, and also joining running challenges.” - @timbobturner
“I’m planning to do home workouts and lunch break runs to keep moving” - @nataliealish
“Solo runs. I’m determined to hold myself accountable while social distancing.” - @breezy_doesit
On new ideas for race day:
“I’m still going to run 13.1 on the day [my race was supposed to happen], locally.” - @a_sistawitsoul
How are you feeling about the spring race season? Would you be interested in a virtual race? How are you staying focused? Share with us in the comments below, or hit us up on Instagram.
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*Responses are based on a March 2020 poll of RUNGRL’s Instagram audience.
