KEEP IT REAL

Only when you’re inspired will you train hard and give it your all – so fire yourself up for your virtual race with these simple tips to raise the real-world stakes

FIND A LEGIT LEADER BOARD

Races based on honesty-system reporting always feel somewhat anticlimactic. Instead, choose an event with an interface that uploads stats from your tracker (Garmin, Strava, Fitbit, etc) and then declares a winner.

ENLIST A FRIEND

Do the race with people you know. Start together in different locations. Compete against each other, or break up a marathon into parts and see if everyone on your team can run their leg with a personal best.

CHECK OUT THE SWAG

If a medal or a T-shirt motivates you, there are plenty of races that send those out. Alternatively, if raising money for a good cause helps you to push yourself, there are many opportunities for that, too.

SET THE STAGE

Comeau put his bike in his basement with two air conditioners, two industrial blower fans, two more fans, a dehumidifier (“because I sweat so much”) and a green screen. Think about what you need to stay comfortable. And warn the people you live with about your set-up: pro triathlete Mirinda Carfrae was knocked out of place in a race when her husband kicked out the plug of her bike trainer.