Stage 1: Saturday 25th July 26:03 km / 2hrs 55min / pace 6.44 per km
Stage 2: Sunday 26th July 42:28 km / 4hrs 39min / pace 6.37 per km
Stage 3: Monday 27th July 21:12 km / 1hr 57min / pace 5.34 per km
Stage 4: Tuesday 28th July 21:26 km / 1hr 57min / pace 5.32 per km
Day off : Wednesday 29th July
Stage 5: Thursday 30th July 42:20 km / 4hrs 16min / pace 6.04 per km
Stage 6: Friday 31st July 33 km / 3hrs 19 mins / pace 6.02 per km
Stage 7: Saturday 1 August 34.04 km / 3hrs 20 mins / pace 5.54 per km
Stage 8: Sunday 2nd August 31.07 km / 2hrs 57mins / pace 5.42 per km
This race was scheduled for September but Covid-19 put an end to that. The race organisers came up with a virtual 70km race a few months back, which was fantastic, and decided to do the same for the main race but they brought the date forward. A couple of weeks before the race I wasn't sure I would be able to start on 25th July. My coach and I agreed I'd start the race a week later but the week before the race I was feeling good. So the plan was changed; let's see how I get on with 26km on the first day - after all my BIB No was #1 so I really had to start at the beginning!
Virtual races have the advantage of allowing you to choose where you run and I wanted to do as much trail running as possible but it needed to be mixed with tarmac. I chose a new route along the Clyde Valley, for my long runs, which didn't have a lot of elevation and provided shelter in places because of the trees - came in handy as there was a lot of raining. The scenery was fabulous and that help distract from the pain along the way. For all but 2 of my runs I had company and my coach and her husband accompanied me in more miles that they had planned so I'm really grateful for their company, support and encouragement. I also had team mates and friends accompany me and they helped during the tough miles.
250 km is a long way. Every run was painful. My foot didn't enjoy the longer runs and I had to push through the pain. While you are missing out on being at the main event, you still have to cope with the tough physical effort, the blisters and the mental torture that you go through in any race - being virtual doesn't allow you to escape those aspects. The most difficult ones were when I was on my own. Blocking the negative thoughts out are all part of running long distances but doing it day after day makes it even harder.
2020 has been like something out of a disaster movie and I'm sure we are all reflecting on what changes we will make going forward to our lives. Running and having the goal of the virtual ultra race Romania has given me something to focus on and I'd like to express my gratitude to the organisers for giving us this race - it has meant so much to me. More than I ever thought it would. After all, it was only a virtual race! Having completed it I've realised that it was a full fat, full blown race over 250 km and it hurt. It pushed me so hard and I'm pleased and proud to have completed in the way I have.
The race continues for many others who have decided to take longer as that suits either their fitness or lifestyle - I think that's great. If your distance is 10km then you can complete this race in 25 days and you'll end up with the same medal and tee-shirt as me. We will have accomplished the same. It may encourage you to go longer, who knows? But VURR rocks. Thank you - I'm going to give my weary body a rest. Now for a beer or two!
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