Virtual Games Recap & Winners

I miss the Olympics already. For a couple weeks, we had stellar TV to watch both day and night. My kids were totally engaged in nearly every sport. Still today, they are playing "pretend" gymnastics, role playing medal ceremonies, and begging for swim lessons and to run the track again.

Running the Virtual Games, I had one of my highest mileage weeks since marathon training. I guess it was just the motivation I needed.  I started off my Virtual Games with my first triathlon, in which I PR'd the 5000m in 26:02. Not a bad start!

I tacked on marathon mileage and the 10,000m throughout the week, but saved the short sprints for a track meet with some of my Sole Sisters on Friday night. It was so enjoyable to run these sprints with other people. Afterward, we all agreed that we needed to do 'track meets' more often. It was a fun change from our usual distance runs. Plus we included 'kid heats' to give us rest make it a great family night.

Sole Sisters!

Kids lined up for their 100m. They took this very serious!

My official finish times of the Virtual Games

Thank you to all who participated and made it a fun side-event to the real deal in London! Here are some of the blogposts detailing their Olympic action...

• Maggie and Kelly had a fun night at the track here. 
• Laurie got smoked by her 10 year old here.
• Jessica's son smoked his run for the Games here.
• Jess found her speed at the track here.
• Heather completed her marathon in just 2 runs here.
• Daniele compared her finish times with the Gold Medalists here.
• Tonya got it done in Akron here.
• Margaret looks adorable in her red, white & blue tophat here.
• Christine wonders if she's the next Bolt here.

See photo submissions from ALL contestants
in my FB Virtual Games photo album here.

** PRIZE WINNERS **

Email your shipping address to runwithjess@comcast.net 

to claim your prize!  I've got some goodies for you! 

Veronica O.

Fancy Nancy

Kim P.

Virtual Games: Track Star 2012

The 2012 Olympics begin on Friday, July 27 in London, England. The Summer Olympics are definitely my favorite (versus winter) because I can relate with the events so much better... especially those that RUN!  Although, my little girls are mesmerized by the gymnastics. One thing is certain...Olympic fever is alive in this house! I can't wait until the Opening Ceremonies. Go Team USA!

To pump up the spirit and add some fun into following the Olympic events, I'm hosting the first annual VIRTUAL GAMES: Track Star 2012.  This will be focused only on the 8 athletic events that are pure running (sorry, no hurdles, pole vaults or jumping).

What is a virtual event?
No matter where you live, you can participate! This is a FREE event. There are 8 run events to complete in the Virtual Games: Track Star. Finish them wherever you'd like (track, road or treadmill) within the specified dates.  No proof of times is necessary as this is a fun event.  The only competition is against yourself... to run your best times possible!!  Although it would be fun to gather up some friends and host a fun track meet, yes? (hint, hint...)

August 3 -12, 2012

Although the 2012 Summer Olympics begin in late July, the running events don't begin until August 3, so that is when we will start too. I plan to run my virtual events on the same day the Olympic women are running... and compare times (ha!). See the Olympic athletic event schedule here. Seriously, when was the last time you timed a 100m dash - middle school? 

Channel Your Inner Olympian!

The 8 Virtual Olympic Events...

   100m  (.062 mile)

   200m  (.124 mile)

   400m  (.25 mile)

   800m  (.50 mile)

   1500m  (.93 mile)

   5000m  (3.1 miles)

   10,000m  (6.2 miles)

   Marathon (26.2 miles) **

** You do not have to run the full marathon in one shot.  Break it up into segments and challenge yourself to complete a total of 26.2 miles during the 10-day Virtual Games (average of 2.62 miles each day).  And yes, the challenge of this virtual event is to run or walk all eight events.  Be A Champion! 


How it works...
• Each participant will receive an official Scorecard to track your performance in each event. Simply log your finishing time onto your Scorecard once you complete each event.

• When the Olympic closing ceremony concludes, so do you.  When you finish your Virtual Games, dress in your country's finest colors (red, white & blue for the USA!) and photograph yourself holding your completed Scorecard.


• Email the photo of you (with your Scorecard) to runwithjess@comcast.net. This completes your Virtual Games and scores you one entry into the prize pool. Photos are due no later than midnight on August 12, 2012.


Host a Virtual Games!
Because I love to see runners encouraging other runners, there is also a BONUS ENTRY option.  Gather up your friends (just one or your whole running club) and host a Virtual Games of your own. This would work especially well to complete the shorter distance events (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m). Believe me, you always run faster when there is a friend by your side to push you along.  Most local high schools have no problem with you using their track to run. Just call the office ahead of time to be sure.  Don't forget to have someone bring a stopwatch. After your Virtual Games track meet, gather at the local diner for a celebration lunch and watch the Olympics live on TV.  Email me a photo of your group and you'll score a second entry into the prize pool.

Get signed up today and
Stay tuned for Prize Announcements!

Please spread the word amongst your runner friends!
Tweet #VirtualGames
Got A Question? Please comment below...