Hello Zen Squirrel Trail Run Challenge Runner,
Welcome to the Zen Squirrel Trail Run Challenge where fresh air, fun, healthy challenge, and personal accomplishment are calling. Thank you for participating and we hope you are as excited as we are to run more in March. Let’s do this!
This email should answer most of the questions you might have about this event. We will send two additional emails during this challenge, one on 3/10 and one on 3/20. Both of those emails will include updates and winners of giveaways. We will wrap up the event with a video on 4/1 (posted on the Roadless Races Facebook page) and a final email on 4/2. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call (571) 251-6034 or email jim@roadlessraces.com.
The Scoop
Your goal with this challenge is to run (or walk) and accumulate 25, 50, or 100 TOTAL miles during March. That simple.
Daily Miles
While you are welcome to complete these miles in one long, epic day, this challenge is NOT meant to be completed in one effort, but rather over multiple runs throughout the monthlong period. There are 31 days in March so that averages .81 miles/day for the 25 miler, 1.62 miles/day for the 50 miler, and 3.24 miles/day for the 100 miler.
Do I have to run all the miles on the trails?
We think trails are the bee’s knees and encourage you to explore and discover the tranquility, beauty, and health benefits of running on trails. But, this is a personal challenge, NOT A RACE. So, if you have limited access to trails, run anywhere – sidewalks, beach, greenways, gravel, a track, on the treadmill in your garage, etc. – all is open game for this virtual challenge. Have fun, challenge yourself, and RUN MORE – that’s what this is all about!
How It Works – Step by Step
1. Run and Track: Run (or walk) at any time from 3/1-3/31, with the goal of accumulating 25, 50, or 100 total miles. Track each run on your GPS device, watch, phone, map, odometer, measuring wheel, etc.
2. Record Your Miles: From your device or computer, log into your profile on runsignup.com and click on the results tab. After each run, input your distance into this online platform (this is super simple – just follow the directions below). You may also input your elapsed time, elevation gain, and comments about each ride. Results must be posted by March 31st @ 11:59pm.
3. Follow Your Progress: Each run’s progress is added to the totals of all earlier runs to make up your one-month total. After each run, watch the progress bar grow as you get closer to your goal. At the end of the event, download your digital finisher certificate with all your stats.
4. Share (optional): Post photos from your runs on the runsignup platform (super easy) and/or on social media and use #zensquirrelrun so we can track your post. You may win a prize!
5. Celebrate at the Virtual Awards Ceremony: On Thursday, April 1st by 8pm, we will post a video on the Roadless Races Facebook page wrapping up the event, draw more giveaway winners, and announce the donation total for CORA Food Panty (see below for details). Giveaway prizes include sweet stuff like cash, running gear/accessories, gift certificates, and zen squirrel swag.
Recording/Logging Your Miles
After each run, log your miles and watch the progress bar grow as you get closer to your goal. You can also ‘bank’ your runs and log multiple runs in one sitting. Follow these steps to log your miles:
1. From your device or computer, go to the Results page.
2. Click on Submit Virtual Results and search for your registration. If you are not logged in, you can verify by your phone number or email.
3. Click on Log Activities.
4. Enter your mileage. You may also enter elapsed time and your elevation gain if you like but those are both optional data points. After each run/walk, log in and add your latest results, which will be added to all previous results to make up your cumulative totals.
5. Don’t forget to post your photos from your runs.
6. Results must be posted by 3/31 @ 11:59pm.
Refer Your Friends and Earn Rewards
Invite friends to join in the fun. Registration closes on March 11th so there is still of time to sign up. Every person who signs up using your unique referral link will help you earn the following rewards.
• Refer 5 runner and receive a $25 refund.
• Refer 10 runners and receive another $25 refund and a Zen Squirrel Trucker Hat.
Your unique referral code was included in your confirmation email
Create a Team and Have Fun with Friends
Adventures are more fun with friends so create a team and invite your friends to join you in this challenge. Track the progress of your teammates and cheer them on! Creating or joining a team is simple during or after registration. NOTE: This is not a relay so all team members will still be shooting for their individual goal of 25, 50, or 100 miles. Create OR join a team to be included in special giveaway drawings (on day 10, day 20, and at the awards ceremony of the challenge).
Sweet Swag!
Your registration includes some sweet Zen Squirrel swag – a 3/4 sleeve raglan ‘baseball’ tee, a beautiful medal that doubles as a bottle opener, and a fun 4″ magnet for your car or fridge. All swag, and any optional merchandise ordered during registration, will be shipped by March 23rd. You should have in hand by the end of the challenge on March 31st.
The Jester Group’s Donation to CORA Food Pantry
The fine folks at The Jester Group – Private Wealth Management care about making a positive impact for their clients and our community and have committed to donate $3/runner to CORA Food Panty to help put food on the table of those in need. THANK YOU to the Jester Group for always showing such wonderful support of our community!
Awesome Giveaway Prizes
Check out the awesome giveaway prizes from our sponsors! Winners will be randomly selected and announced via email on 3/10, 3/20, and 4/2. Keep an eye out for the emails and please join us in saying THANK YOU to our generous sponsors for supporting Zen Squirrel runners and grassroots events. All registered participants will be automatically included in the drawings and the giveaway prizes will be mailed to the winners.
CASH Giveaway from Boro Realty
Community focused, integrity driven, inclusive, and passionate about ‘doing good’, Carrboro, NC based boutique real estate firm Boro Realty will give away $300 during March – $100 each to three lucky runners. Very cool and THANK YOU, Boro Realty!
Running Merch from Fleet Feet
Building community and helping their customers reach their running goals is what Fleet Feet is all about. Thank you so much to Fleet Feet for contributing running merch, GU gels, and FF gift certificates to be randomly given away during the challenge. Nice!
Gift Certificates from Savvi
Savvi is a new, up-and-coming athleisurewear company that makes some amazing women’s clothing. Women will love Savvi products and men will earn some major points by surprising their favorite female with anything from Savvi! Kimberly Harman (Savvi Brand Partner and my wife:) is going to randomly give away gift certificates each 10 days of the challenge. Woohoo! Thank you Savvi and Kimberly!
3 Pairs of Trail Running Shoes from ON
On was born in the Swiss alps with one goal: to revolutionize the sensation of running. It’s all based on one radical idea. Soft landings followed by explosive take-offs. Or, as they call it, running on clouds. On will randomly give away THREE PAIRS of trail running shoes, one pair each 10 days of the challenge. Very nice and THANK YOU, On!
FAQ
What happens if I surpass my mileage goal?
We have set up the results so you can surpass your mileage goal. Run as much as you can during March and if you surpass your mileage goal then ‘good on ya’ and we will celebrate with you!
What happens if I do not complete my miles?
Life happens and sometimes, in spite of our best intentions, we fall short of our goals. Do your best to meet your mileage goal and if you don’t succeed, hey, you gave it your best shot and that’s an accomplishment in itself. FYI – you can always reassess your goals and change distances if you like. See below for details.
Can I change distances from the 25 mile to the 50 mile or from the 100 mile to the 50 mile, for instance?
You sure can. Log into your profile on runsignup and from the menu at the top, select ‘Transfer Event’ and follow the directions to ‘Start Transfer’. NOTE – if you transfer from one distance to another, you will have to input all your run data for the new distance.
I want to invite my friends to run but the challenge has already started. Can they still sign up?
Absolutely, they have until March 11th to sign up.
Whew – that was a lot. Thanks for hanging in there and I hope this was helpful. I will be in touch with the first check-in/giveaway email on 3/10. Until then, congratulations on accepting the challenge and I wish you well as you strive to reach your goals.
Have fun and good luck.
Jim Harman
Race Director
Roadless Races
571-251-6034
jim@roadlessraces.com
Zen Squirrel Challenge Info Email
