The Conqueror Challenges Review

I started running shortly before Covid, and my first half-marathon was canceled right before lockdown. Then I found The Conqueror Challenges virtual races on Facebook. I won't lie. I was hooked by a picture. The medal for the Ring of Kerry challenge was so pretty, and I bought it that day. This company lets you pay for a medal (and a shirt if you want one for an extra fee) and then track your progress on their app. As you pass landmarks or special spots, you get a virtual postcard telling you about the history of the place. 

I don't know about you, but during lockdown, I was running in two-mile loops around my neighborhood with a mask on, darting into the street to keep from upsetting other people on the sidewalk. It was stressful and a bit boring. The idea of pretending I was running in Ireland was a lifeline, and the virtual postcards made me feel like I was living beyond my back door. These challenges were often long, like the 90-mile Hadrian's Wall challenge, so it gave me something to add to a goal every day. Now that things have been open, I still do them. The long goals make me feel like my long training runs are adding up to something. Plus, I could include my non-running friends in an activity, even if I didn't see them in-person. 

You track your miles manually or through your Fitbit, Apple Watch, Garmin, etc. It's really easy, and you can count specific exercises or all your steps. They've added The Lord of the Rings challenges, which have been so much fun! The first medal comes with the One Ring, and you can "drop" it in the Mount Doom medal at the end. Each race gives you the option to help plant trees or remove ocean plastic when you hit 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 percent of your goal.

You set your own time limit, which is really helpful. Even more fun is interacting with the other racers in the Facebook group and seeing their inspiring stories. (Lots of people also post their running buddies, aka dogs, and it's wonderful.) For some of these, you can do a relay with friends or a fellowship for The Lord of the Rings so you share your miles. 

The drawback? You are running alone, so if you're not self-motivated, it can be a little tough. That said, I don't feel like my shorter training runs are throwaways. They're adding to a goal. Plus, the medals are absolutely gorgeous. The app has been a bit buggy here and there, which can be frustrating, but the customer service team is really wonderful, and they get back to you quickly. They also have an option to do a medal for all the miles you run in a year, which you set for yourself. I'm about to do the Athens Marathon medal as an inspiration for the real one next year (fingers crossed).