Know what you’re dealing with

It’s important to go into the fall with your eyes wide open. “I’m a fan of planning for the worst and hoping for the best,” says sports psychologist (and former professional triathlete) Danelle Kabush of Victoria. In past years, that meant hoping for a PB but being ready for a mid-run blister. This year, it means hoping that your race will run, but being prepared to do it virtually if it doesn’t.

If you want a real-life race, think small: local races will likely happen, while the bigger races with huge international fields are less likely to be open at their usual volume. “Races might go in the fall, but expect much smaller fields and a mashup of real-life and virtual racing options,” says Run Ottawa’s Ian Fraser, race director of the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon.

Anticipate covid- 19 protocols remaining in place. You’ll likely wear a mask during the start and at the finish, and probably won’t be able to bring friends and family to the start line. Events will likely have smaller field limits, says Charlotte Brookes, national event director for Canada Running Series, which puts on the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, among other races. She adds that you might have a drive-through packet pickup on race day, byo food and drink, and time-trial starts rather than a mass start.