LOLZLetter 308 | 5 Alternatives to Race Day When Your Event Is Canceled

Jan 21, 2025

Welcome,

This week is the first in over 300 that I didn’t send the newsletter out on Monday. With so many people preoccupied, it didn’t feel right, and I doubt anyone was eagerly waiting for it to arrive in their inbox.

Finding out your road running race is canceled can be disappointing, especially if you’ve trained for weeks or months. About 10 days ago, we learned the Rose Bowl Half Marathon would be postponed due to fires. A lot of people have asked me, but I have no idea about the Los Angeles Marathon and it's still way to early to tell.

Postponing Rose Bowl was sad, but it was 100% the right call. My parents were in town, and my dad and I found a small, local race to do instead. It was hilly but also fun.

We got to run on the Willow Springs Race Track…which was very hilly

While a race cancellation may feel like a setback, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your training. When you find out your race is canceled, it can be easy to dwell on the disappointment. Instead, try something else.

Do a Virtual Race

Since the pandemic, virtual races have become a popular alternative for runners. If your race offers an official virtual option, participate to earn your medal. While most people can’t push themselves as hard as they would in an in-person race, virtual races can still be fun. During the pandemic, I did a series of virtual 5Ks. Every Saturday, I mapped out a course to run as hard as I could, and I did get fitter.

You don’t even have to pay for a virtual race...you can create your own!

Map out an accurate course.
Use an app like Strava. I know Strava isn’t everyone’s favorite, but I’ve come to enjoy the community it provides.
Invite friends or your local running group to join virtually.
Set up a DIY finish line.

The added bonus of your own virtual race? You’re less likely to run an overlong course like 13.3 or 3.2 miles. You can run the tangents and make the course as fast as you want.

Time Trial

If a virtual race isn’t appealing, a solo time trial is an excellent alternative. Aren’t they basically the same thing? Choose a route that mimics race-day conditions:

Set a specific goal based on your original race pace.
Treat it like race day with a proper warm-up, fueling, and pacing strategy.
Wear your race kit to simulate the event experience.

Focus on a New Goal

A canceled race provides an opportunity to set different goals. Choose something that excites toy! Consider:

A new race: Research upcoming races in your area or find a destination race to reignite your excitement.
A different type of race: Running roads? Consider trying trails or a track event.
A different distance: Train for a shorter race like a 5K to work on speed or a longer race to challenge your endurance.
A non-racing goal: Focus on running for fun, exploring new routes, or increasing your weekly mileage.

Incorporate Cross-Training or Rest

If you’ve been running exclusively, now is a great time to mix up your routine with cross-training or rest. Need some reasons to cross-train?

A few benefits of cross-training for runners:

Builds strength in muscles not used during running.
Improves flexibility and balance.
Provides a mental break from pounding the pavement.

Enjoy the Downtime

If you’ve been training hard, your body might appreciate some downtime. Even if it’s difficult to enjoy it now, it’s important to embrace recovery. Use this unexpected break to:

Reduce your mileage and intensity.
Enjoy activities you don’t always have time for, like hiking or spending time with loved ones.
Sleep in.
Schedule a sports massage or foam roll to alleviate muscle tension.

Plan a Fun Running Adventure

Who says running has to be all about races? Take this opportunity to plan something fun:

Explore scenic trails or routes you’ve never tried.
Run with friends or family who don’t usually run at your pace.
Participate in a themed fun run or charity event.

Conclusion: Turning a Setback into an Opportunity

While a race cancellation can be frustrating, it’s also an opportunity to find new ways to enjoy running. As cliché as it sounds, running isn’t just about race day...it’s about the journey, the progress, and the joy of lacing up your shoes and hitting the road.