NY Times takes a look at virtual races and how some people pay Disney $145 to run a non-existent series of races

Virtual RD Spotter wrote:

give eachother a little support wrote:

Nope. In the insecure and self-important world on know-it-alls these days, people will criticize anything that isn't aggrandizing their own self worth. So posters sit around and judge anyone else who doesn't do things just like them.

Is anyone being hurt or harmed? No, exactly the opposite. So just let them have their proud moment and don't project your own issues onto them. You don't know the first thing about them. Do you?

How's your virtual running business going?

I’m all for virtual races. They are a cash gold mine! That’s why I want to start the LoneStarXC virtual race series. I’ll just set up a website, order some cheap medals, and collect the money! ? ? ?

rojo wrote:

Critique of fantasy world wrote:

In the shallow and cultural absent world of suburban USA, people look for anything to give their life meaning. Something has to replace religion, family, and community.

Great post.

oh, give me a break with this neoconservative bull.

Family and community are still pretty strong. just because family means $$ to you.

blojos wrote:

rojo wrote:

Great post.

oh, give me a break with this neoconservative bull.

Family and community are still pretty strong. just because family means $$ to you.

Great post.

give eachother a little support wrote:

blojos wrote:

oh, give me a break with this neoconservative bull.

Family and community are still pretty strong. just because family means $$ to you.

Great post.

Great post.

rojo wrote:

Critique of fantasy world wrote:

In the shallow and cultural absent world of suburban USA, people look for anything to give their life meaning. Something has to replace religion, family, and community.

Great post.

Ha, sorry, you are wrong. Some of the most shallow and culturally absent people I have met are those voicing concerns about the decline of religion, family and community. I’m not saying some of the Facebook virtual race people are not shallow but they exist everywhere.

Isn’t there a saying “When you point at someone there are more fingers pointing back at you” or something like that?

from the Medals for Medal website:

Note: we weclome only earned* marathon, half-marathon, or triathlon medals. In the spirit of fostering philanthropy, we also accept medals earned by children who wish to donate them to other children.

I looked into donating my shoebox full of medals...still don't have a good place for them to go. I try not to take medals at races or track meets but the announcers hunt me down.

Maybe we could go to a no medal universe? I can't imagine why anyone would want a medal from a virtual race. If you ask nicely, I'll send you one of mine and you can skip the entry fee.

Bored in Florida wrote:

rojo wrote:

Great post.

Ha, sorry, you are wrong. Some of the most shallow and culturally absent people I have met are those voicing concerns about the decline of religion, family and community. I’m not saying some of the Facebook virtual race people are not shallow but they exist everywhere.

Isn’t there a saying “When you point at someone there are more fingers pointing back at you” or something like that?

Some runners just want a challenge and to feel a sense of accomplishment. So what if they are not the most advanced. They are doing something for themselves and it's frankly a little endearing, imo. Then some naysayer has to come along along with their put-downs. And all it does it make that naysayer sound like a dipsh!t prude with a stick up his butt.

Hell yeah the fingers are pointing back at him, as they should be. Live and let live. Chose for yourself but let others do the same for themselves.

Are any of these races BQ certified?

When is the LetsRun Virtual 5k? BrosJo can I Venmo you the cash to sign up????? Shut up and take my money.

I’m all for people exercising and whatever motivates them to do so is great. Why so slow people show up at 5ks? To better themselves? To get a finish shirt or medal? To each their own.

I do think there is a competitive aspect missing here. Sort of like comparing Strava segments. Why not hold a “race” on Strava or similar technology? You could set race participation “records” via virtual means.

Alan

I completely agree. Doing the actual race adds a level that has no equal. Not even close. But that's what they chose and maybe when they get more comfortable with their virtual performances they will try actual races.

Also, I've been hearing a lot about spin bikes outfitted for competitions via these online networks that is in real time. That brings all this to yet another level, and i hear it is very popular and widespread already. Has some of the same appeal as these virtual races where you can set your own times and parameters, i would think.

LoneStarXC wrote:

Virtual RD Spotter wrote:

How's your virtual running business going?

I’m all for virtual races. They are a cash gold mine! That’s why I want to start the LoneStarXC virtual race series. I’ll just set up a website, order some cheap medals, and collect the money! ? ? ?

This. I dont think most of the people organizing virtual races see them as a positive for society. just an easy way to make a buck.

It’s America as long as it’s not against the law people can do whatever they want. If virtual races motivate them to get out the door than go for it. The criticisms of ugly angry people is old. Just live and let live...

Not Virtual Runner wrote:

A friend of mine runs a virtual race company out of his living room.. dude made $168,000 last year doing it. That was after all expenses paid for medals, web fees etc. Stunning. You'd be amazed how many people in rural Wyoming, or in North Dakota in January want to do a "race" on a treadmill, or against their buddies from around the country.

I also have a co-worker who does monthly training runs; like, up and down the road through their neighborhoods--and make medals and hand them out for those who finish the training run. They just make medals to give out to each other after the run six miles on a Sunday. Crazy to me, but hey, people love their medals.

I time races in MT, ND, SD, WY, ID, WA, OR, UT, CO. Anyways, a race i timed in ND had a virtual run too. 19 people showed up to do the actual race, but 100+ did the virtual run. Insane, yeah?

Maybe it's your breath?

rojo wrote:

Critique of fantasy world wrote:

In the shallow and cultural absent world of suburban USA, people look for anything to give their life meaning. Something has to replace religion, family, and community.

Great post.

That almost made me spit out the water I am currently drinking. I was not expecting to read such an honest and deep cutting post.

Not that desperate wrote:

Are any of these races BQ certified?

Underrated post right here...

Zev wrote:

How can one tell if they're really racing if one is running alone? The more serious of us runners know what a hard workout feels like and what race pace feels like but if all one ever does is virtual races, how does one know if they're really running at all?

and if you're an adult, give your participation trophy/medal to Medals for Mettle, an organisation that gives medals to really sick kids.

Why would sick kids want somebody else’s medal for a race they never did?

Bored in Florida wrote:

rojo wrote:

Great post.

Ha, sorry, you are wrong. Some of the most shallow and culturally absent people I have met are those voicing concerns about the decline of religion, family and community. I’m not saying some of the Facebook virtual race people are not shallow but they exist everywhere.

Isn’t there a saying “When you point at someone there are more fingers pointing back at you” or something like that?

If someone wants to spend their money on a virtual race, they can do that and it has no effect on my life. Live and let live. I'll choose person vs person races because that is what I prefer.

Attacking people for lack of family values, religion, community, or whatever is just a nebulous judgement of others. If one really believes in a society where people are free to pursue their own happiness, they would not care how others express themselves.