Racer Guide
From race HQ:
Everyone here at Personal Peak would just like to thank everyone of you for being a part of this amazing series. It has already been a wonderful adventure, and we are looking forward to getting to know all of you so much better over the rest of the summer!
As a Coaching company, Personal Peak’s primary mission is about supporting athletes. So when the pandemic intensified and races continued getting cancelled, putting on a virtual race series was an easy decision for us to make. Through this race series, we are able to support athletes around the world, allowing them to come together as a community, race at no cost, and demonstrate their talents on a world stage.
But it has already turned into so much more than that!
Together, this will be an amazing event that I am sure we will all remember for years to come!
Ashley & Travis
What are we competing for?
This race is just for fun, but the winner does get bragging rights, and a pretty awesome trophy…
Our last one was the Golden Toilet Paper Roll, what will be next?!
Please Note:
Running, especially at a high intensity, or for exorbitantly long distances depresses your immune system making you MORE susceptible to illness. Meaning, if you participate in this event, or any other physically taxing exercise, you will be at greater risk of getting sick, including, but not limited to the COVID-19. Only you can determine your personal risk tolerance to participate in this Event. Some ways to reduce your personal risk could include, but are not limited to:
– Limiting the number of people around you. Do not invite people to help crew or to come by and spectate unless they are already living with you. Remain as isolated as possible.
– Ensure you have enough food and supplies for the run and also for the recovery period following, so you do not have to expose yourself to pathogens when you are recovering.
– Treat the next two weeks prior to race start as a strict quarantine period to ensure you are not already infected prior to participation.
Finally, we do not recommend you participate if you are feeling ill, have a known condition that puts you at higher risk of contracting the illness, if you are in a high risk area where limiting your exposure would be difficult, if you cannot ensure an adequate amount of quarantine time before and after the event, if you will be in contact with someone who is ill or is immunosuppressed, elderly, or are considered higher risk.
Remember: This is just for fun – we do not want this Event to add any unnecessary burdens to the medical system, although you will be in the best position to decide if you need medical attention for any reason.
Race 1: Timeline
Click on any of the times to convert to your current time zone
Thursday May 28
1900-1930 MDT (GMT-6) (36h before race start)
Virtual Package Pickup (Optional)
This is your opportunity to test your Zoom connection, and get a few race prep tips from the Personal Peak Coaches. Zoom links for this, and the race will be sent 48h before race start.
Friday May 29
0700-0730 MDT (GMT-6) (24h before race start)
Virtual Package Pickup (Optional)
This is your opportunity to test your Zoom connection, and get a few race prep tips from the Personal Peak Coaches. Zoom links for this, and the race will be sent 48h before race start.
Registration closes 24h before race start
Saturday May 30, Race Day
0600 MDT (GMT-6) Starting Corral opens and racers can login to the waiting room
0645 MDT (GMT-6) All racers admitted to the Zoom Meeting
0650 MDT (GMT-6) Pre Race meeting via Zoom
0700 MDT (GMT-6) Race Starts
Saturday June 27, Race 2
0700 MDT (GMT-6) 45 minute Time Trial
Saturday July 25, Race 3
0700 MDT (GMT-6) 3 hour Time Trial
Saturday August 22, Race 4
0700 MDT (GMT-6) 12 hour Time Trial
Race Rules
1) Run as far as you can
The race rules are simple. Run as far as you can in the allotted time. Start your watch when the race starts, and stop it when the time runs out and the finish is announced.
2) No discussion of distance or speed during race
Everyone is in the dark, and runs as far as they can until the end! Then we reveal who the winner is after it is all over. Did you push hard enough?
3) Course
Racers can use a loop, out and back, or Treadmill Course can have terrain changes, but must not have a net downhill of more than 2%
4) Winner/Results
The winner is the person who completes the longest distance in the allotted time Results are entered HERE and racers will be ranked based on distance completed
Course Description
Each racer can choose their own course, or combination of different courses to utilize for the race. Please make sure to adhere to any local Laws/Regulations when choosing your method of participation. If your government has restrictions around going outside, please follow those, and adapt your course accordingly!
Possible routes you could use are:
- Treadmill: 0-2% incline, and no handrail holding. You are permitted to set up materials next to the treadmill if desired. Don’t get off treadmill until belt stops moving. If you want to go above and beyond to make sure that nobody will ever think you cheat etc. take a picture of your treadmill console after each loop to prove that you did in fact run the correct distance each time. You don’t need to submit these to us, but if you have them nobody will be able to challenge your greatness!
- Outside loop(s): One big loop, or multiple smaller loops are allowed. Outside courses must not have more than a 2% net downhill.
- Outside out and back: One out and back, or multiple smaller out and backs are allowed. Outside courses must not have more than a 2% net downhill.
- Inside loops: Yes, you can, run loops of your kitchen, or run up and down your hallway etc. GPS generally won’t track this well, so the best thing is to measure out the loop, then count how many loops you run.
How to Participate
Obviously everyone will have different limitations as to what equipment, and running locations they have access to, regional restrictions, and personal comfort levels. You can participate in this event in any way you are able, but do your best to stay as close as possible to the gold standards outlined below. The onus is on you as the racer to track and document your progress to the best of your ability. Please make sure to follow the current regulations and laws in your region.
The Gold Standard for tracking yourself is: continuous live video on Zoom of you running every step of the way, continuous GPS data of the race uploaded to Strava upon finishing, and your race result entered on our website when you finish. This way, if anyone was to refute your claims of running as far as you diod, you would have full documentation and proof that you did in fact run the full distance. We like to think of it this way, if you imagine you were trying to set a running record. the onus would be on you to record the feat and document your achievement so that no one could reasonably refute your claims. If you accomplished your goal, but were unable to provide sufficient documentation, others may reject your claims. Because it is impossible for us to monitor every participant’s progress, we are relying on runners to sufficiently document their progress beyond any reasonable refutation. If in doubt, over document your run! If you are just participating for fun and don’t plan on taking home the Golden Toilet Paper Roll, or using your race result to brag to your friends, feel free to be less strict with your tracking.
*Racers not using Zoom will be ranked in a separate category
The options for different ways to participate are outlined below
Platforms needed and their uses:
We will be using Zoom for timing & Interaction with the live stream
Results will be submitted via a web form just like you used to sign up
We will be using Strava for validation/verification of data after the event
We will be streaming the feed live on Facebook
Setting up before the race:
Zoom Links will be emailed to you 48h before the race.
Set up your webcam or phone to have your treadmill in the field of view
The waiting room, on Zoom, will open 1 hour before race start (0600, MDT GMT-6) You can log in anytime between 0600 and 0645
Click your zoom link to be admitted to the waiting room, when prompted to enter your name, set it to your your bib number and Name (####, First Last).
If Zoom does not prompt you to set a name because you have an account already, you can change it when the meeting starts using this guide
15 mins before the race start, all racers will be moved from the waiting room to the Zoom Meeting which is where the race will happen.
We will do a pre race briefing covering rules, and any other important items, and will have a copy of this posted HERE for anyone who does not speak English so they can translate it if needed
Starting the race:
Before the race start you will be given a warning with 3:00, 2:00 and 1:00 to go, then we will start the race with a cowbell
At the bell, start your watch to record your GPS signal
Start your treadmill, and begin running (don’t straddle the belt or you will miss distance)
Run as far as you can until the race clock runs out and we announce the finish of the race.
You will then hit stop on your watch, and bring the belt to a stop.
Finish of Race:
When the race finishes, we will announce a benchmark distance.
If you did not achieve the announced distance, you will click the button in the bottom right corner of the Zoom window that says “Leave Meeting”.
We will repeat this process until only our top 10 runners are remaining on the Zoom livestream!
Then go to https://personalpeak.ca/race/results and enter your result
Make sure to post a finish line picture with your name, bib number and distance completed and tag Personal Peak for a chance to win 4 months of Group Coaching from Personal Peak!
Upload your GPS file to Strava, and make sure to join our Strava Club so you can see everyone else who participated! https://www.strava.com/clubs/600735
Platforms needed and their uses:
We will be using Zoom for timing & Interaction with the live stream
Results will be submitted via a web form just like you used to sign up
We will be using Strava for validation/verification of data after the event
We will be streaming the feed live on Facebook
Setting up before the race:
You can run outside using Zoom in two ways, and for both you will only need a pair of headphones, and a cellphone.
You can a) Join the Zoom Meeting using mobile data and the Zoom App, or b) Join the Zoom Meeting by calling in with your cellphone, and doing audio only.
Both of these options will give you the ability to listen in to the race, and get the start, stop and time updates as you go. If you are using mobile data, you can also turn on your video if you want to check in on the feed at any point.
Zoom Links will be emailed to you 48h before the race.
The waiting room, on Zoom, will open 1 hour before race start (0600, MDT GMT-6) You can log in anytime between 0600 and 0645
Click your zoom link to be admitted to the waiting room, when prompted to enter your name, set it to your your bib number and Name (####, First Last).
If Zoom does not prompt you to set a name because you have an account already, you can change it when the meeting starts using this guide
15 mins before the race start, all racers will be moved from the waiting room to the Zoom Meeting which is where the race will happen.
We will do a pre race briefing covering rules, and any other important items, and will have a copy of this posted HERE for anyone who does not speak English so they can translate it if needed
Starting the race:
Before the race start you will be given a warning with 3:00, 2:00 and 1:00 to go, then we will start the race with a cowbell
At the first bell, start your watch to record your GPS signal
Start running.
Run as far as you can until the race clock runs out and we announce the finish of the race.
You will then hit stop on your watch
Finish of Race:
When the race finishes, we will announce a benchmark distance.
If you did not achieve the announced distance, you will click the button in the bottom right corner of the Zoom window that says “Leave Meeting”.
We will repeat this process until only our top 10 runners are remaining on the Zoom livestream!
Then go to https://personalpeak.ca/race/results and enter your result
Make sure to post a finish line picture with your name, bib number and distance completed and tag Personal Peak for a chance to win 4 months of Group Coaching from Personal Peak!
Upload your GPS file to Strava, and make sure to join our Strava Club so you can see everyone else who participated! https://www.strava.com/clubs/600735
Platforms needed and their uses:
Results will be submitted via a web form just like you used to sign up
We will be using Strava for validation/verification of data after the event
We will be streaming the feed live on Facebook
Setting up before the race:
15 mins before the race start, we will do a pre race briefing with all the runners on the Zoom feed, covering rules, and any other important items, and will have a copy of this posted HERE for anyone not using Zoom, or who does not speak English so they can translate it if needed
You can use your own watch to monitor the time or access the official race clock HERE
Starting the race:
When the race clock hits 0:00:00:00, or the time is 0700 MDT (GMT-6) start your watch to begin recording
Start your treadmill, and begin running (don’t straddle the belt or you will miss distance)
Run as far as you can until the race clock runs out and we announce the finish of the race.
You will then hit stop on your watch, and bring the belt to a stop.
Finish of Race:
Go to https://personalpeak.ca/race/results and enter your result
Make sure to post a finish line picture with your name, bib number and distance completed and tag Personal Peak for a chance to win 4 months of Group Coaching from Personal Peak!
Upload your GPS file to Strava, and make sure to join our Strava Club so you can see everyone else who participated! https://www.strava.com/clubs/600735
Platforms needed and their uses:
Results will be submitted via a web form just like you used to sign up
We will be using Strava for validation/verification of data after the event
We will be streaming the feed live on Facebook
Setting up before the race:
15 mins before the race start, we will do a pre race briefing with all the runners on the Zoom feed, covering rules, and any other important items, and will have a copy of this posted HERE for anyone not using Zoom, or who does not speak English so they can translate it if needed
You can use your own watch to monitor the time or access the official race clock HERE
Starting the race:
When the race clock hits 0:00:00:00, and the time is 0700 MDT (GMT-6) start your watch to begin recording
Start running!
Run as far as you can until the race clock runs out and we announce the finish of the race.
You will then hit stop on your watch.
Finish of Race:
Go to https://personalpeak.ca/race/results and enter your result
Make sure to post a finish line picture with your name, bib number and distance completed and tag Personal Peak for a chance to win 4 months of Group Coaching from Personal Peak!
Upload your GPS file to Strava, and make sure to join our Strava Club so you can see everyone else who participated! https://www.strava.com/clubs/600735
If you use this option, we will keep your result in a separate category, as we will be unable to verify the result with video or GPS data
Setting up before the race:
Find a loop, or out and back that is 6.71km or 4.167 miles. Map My Run can be helpful in mapping this out if you do not have access to a GPS.
Set up your starting corral, this can be the entryway of your house, or wherever you have your aid station set up. You must be in this corral at the start of every loop
15 mins before the race start, we will do a pre race briefing with all the runners on the Zoom feed, covering rules, and any other important items, and will have a copy of this posted HERE for anyone not using Zoom, or who does not speak English so they can translate it if needed
You can use your own watch to monitor the time or access the official race clock HERE
Starting the race:
When the race clock hits 0:00:00:00, or the time is 0700 MDT (GMT-6) start running.
Run your 6.71km or 4.167 mile loop
When you finish your loop, any time left in the hour may be used to recover, eat etc.
Be standing back in your start corral to begin the next loop at the top of the next hour
Hopefully repeat this a lot of times.
If you don’t make it back into the corral in time to begin your next loop your race is done.
Finish of Race:
When you finish, go to https://personalpeak.ca/quarantinebackyard/dnf and enter your result
Make sure to post a DNF picture with your name, bib number and number of laps completed and tag Personal Peak for a chance to win 6 months of CRS Coaching from Personal Peak!
Finishing the Race
*Do not forget this step or you will not appear in the official results!!!!
When the race finishes, you will enter your completed distance at https://personalpeak.ca/race/results/
Make sure to post a finish line picture with your name, bib number and distance completed and tag Personal Peak for a chance to win 4 months of Group Coaching from Personal Peak!
Upload your GPS file to Strava, and make sure to join our Strava Club so you can see everyone else who participated! https://www.strava.com/clubs/600735
Awards and Ranking
When the race finishes, we will announce a benchmark distance for all athletes.
Anyone who did not achieve the announced distance will leave the Zoom Meeting.
We will repeat this process until only our top 10 Male and Female runners are remaining on the Zoom livestream!
For the duration of the race, all participants on Zoom will be muted as we will have a lot of people participating, but once it gets down to this smaller group we will unmute and the remaining runners will be able to chat, give sponsor shoutouts etc, and we will award the Golden Roll of Toilet Paper!
Rule Enforcement and ``Course Marshals``
We ask that all participants keep an eye out for others, and if you see any medical problems, or unsportsmanlike behavior, we will ask you to flag that runner on this page with the person’s name and bib number HERE. This message will make its way to the Race Director dealt with by our team of “Course Marshals”
- Health/Medical problems
A health check will be addressed to any identified runners their emergency contact followed by a possible suggestion to stop. Remember, this run is happening during a pandemic, we most definitely do not want to put any additional strain on medical services. - Cheating/Inappropriate Behavior
If a runner gets two or more flags then the Race Director will keep close tabs on said runner, and they may be removed from the race if deemed necessary.
Submit a flag HERE
Spectators/Live Feed
We will be streaming each race from the series Live on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/personalpeakendurance/
Support Crew
Runners are permitted to have a support crew; however, if any crew is used, they should be someone you already live with, or are planning on quarantining/isolating yourself with during the foreseeable future. During this important time of social distancing, the responsible thing to do is affect as few people as possible. First and foremost, make sure to follow any regional guidelines around gatherings.
You can also use your crew as Tech Support for any troubleshooting you may need along the way. Make sure to give your crew access to the Race Guide and Troubleshooting Guide so that they can help if there are any problems
Troubleshooting Information
At the end of the race, your results are entered by you, HERE, and validated if needed after the fact by us if needed. This means that if nothing works, you can still run your own race, upload your result and be ranked alongside everyone else who competed!
If everything falls apart on our end, or you have technical issues on yours, keep running, and documenting your progress to the best of your ability.
Just like you, we are runners, not IT gurus, so if you have any technical problems with any of the platforms, your best bet is to contact:
Zoom Tech Support https://support.zoom.us/
Strava Tech Support https://support.strava.com/
Zoom will be our main source for tracking the race live as it happens, some participants will be running outside, and some on treadmills.
You can use Zoom on your mobile device with the appropriate app, on your desktop or laptop computer by downloading the appropriate program, and if you don’t want to download anything, you can run it in a browser window on Chrome, Internet explorer, Safari etc.
If you want to try out Zoom before hand, check out a Zoom test meeting
Strava will be used for Data Validation after the race is complete. You must upload your data to Strava within 24h of completing the race so it can be verified if needed.
If you are running on a treadmill, a footpod will give you the most accurate recording, but some watches will also record the arm swing. Default to the distance on your treadmill console, and take photos of the console if they differ, and you want to make sure you document everything perfectly.
Make sure to Join the Strava Club to see everyone else, and to make it easy to validate your data if needed!
HOW TO RECORD ON GPS WATCH
HOW TO RECORD ON IOS
HOW TO RECORD ON ANDROID
Keep running, and keep tracking!
Try leaving the meeting, and rejoining at the same link you did at the beginning of the race
If that does not work, contact Zoom Support https://support.zoom.us/
Use your crew (if you have it) to help with tech support, and continue running, and tracking using Option 3, 4 or 5 from above
Keep running, and keep tracking!
We will attempt to get things back online as soon as possible, and will send a mass email to let everyone know that we have Zoom back up and running. This will contain any relevant information, and any changes to Zoom Links if necessary. Use your crew (if you have it) to help with tech support, and continue running, and tracking using Option 3, 4 or 5 from above
Then we win!! The Running Community broke the internet – which has always been a life goal of mine.
Keep running, and keep tracking!
If everything stops working, continue running, and tracking your loops. You can access the live race clock HERE. If all else fails, continue your race, using methods 3, 4, or 5 outlined above, and start a new loop at the top of the hour, every hour. When you call it quits and decide to finally stop, enter your result at https://personalpeak.ca/race/results/.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m not an elite runner. Is this event for me?
YES! This event is for anyone who wants to test their limits and see how far they can go in a set amount of time. Yes, we do have an elite field but everyone is out competing against themselves.
How do I sign up?
Follow the link HERE and you will be directed to our sign up page. After registration we will send you everything you need to get set up for Race Day!
How much is registration?
It’s free!
If you want to support us, while keep your body strong while training for the series this summer, we have developed two 20 minute Prehab classes just for you! These classes are by donation, and all proceeds go to supporting the Summer Race Series!
Head over to https://personalpeak.ca/race/support to check it out and support yourself and the series!
What if I don’t have a treadmill?
That’s okay! You can log into Zoom with the app on your phone, or call in using a cellphone to participate!
What are the rules for Crew/Support?
It is suggested that zero or one crew is used during any of the races, and if any crew is used, they should be someone you already live with, or are planning on quarantining yourself with during the foreseeable future. During this important time of social distancing, the responsible thing to do is affect as few people as possible.
When does registration close?
Registration closes 24 hours before each race start
Is there a race package pickup or pre-race meeting?
Yes. After registering you will receive all of the race information you need as well as a Zoom link to your email address 48 hours before race start. Before race start, we will host a “Virtual Package Pickup” where you will be able to test your connection and setup, and get some last minute Race Prep tips from the Personal Peak Coaches
What time of the day do these races start?
6am PDT (GMT-7), 7am MDT (GMT-6), 8am CDT (GMT-5), 9am EDT (GMT-4) etc.
I am terrible with technical stuff and have never used Zoom before
You can follow the link HERE to learn more about how to use Zoom
What if I don't have reliable internet and can't join the Zoom?
If you aren’t able to join everyone with Zoom, you are more than welcome to still join the event and track your laps using a GPS and upload them to Strava. You won’t be able to interact with everyone during the race, but you will still be able to have your name in the results, and get out for a fun run on your own!
What happens if I have technical problems and leave the Zoom meeting?
If you have technical problems, keep running, and tracking your data, and then restart the zoom meeting to rejoin when you get a chance. If you have someone crewing for you, this is a great opportunity to use them as your tech support.
Does the treadmill need to be at an incline?
No. We are not setting guidelines for incline. If you want to keep it at zero degrees or four it’s up to you. Just no running downhill.
Can I alternate between the treadmill and going outside to run?
Yes. For the longer races in the series, you can run part inside, and part outside if you like. Just make sure to track each component following the guidelines set out in the Race Guide
What if I suspect that someone is cheating?
We will ask you to flag that runner by submitting a flag HERE. The message will make its way to the race director and if a runner gets two or more flags then the Race Director will keep close tabs on said runner.
What if I am concerned about another runners’ health during this run?
We will ask you to flag that runner by submitting the form HERE. This message will make its way to the Race Director and a health check will be addressed to any identified runners followed by a possible suggestion to stop. Remember, this run is happening during a pandemic, we most definitely do not want to put any additional strain on medical services.
How many people can you accomidate?
We have room for 1000 racers for each race in the series