FAQS
What is the goal of the challenge?
The goal of the Backyard BRRR Virtual Challenge is to accumulate at least 31 total miles in 31 outside activities during the month of January. The basic idea is to get outside every day during the month of January.
What activities count in the challenge?
For this challenge, we ask that you only include miles accomplished via running, walking, cycling, swimming, paddling/rowing, and skiing or snowboarding. This keeps things consistent across participants.
How do I log my miles?
- Go to the Results page.
- Click Submit Virtual Results and then search for your registration.
- Click the Log Activities next to your name.
- If you aren't logged in, you can quickly verify yourself by phone number or email.
- Select the activity type and then enter the date and distance of the activity. You may also enter the time and elevation gain and a comment. Entering the time will enable the system to calculate your average pace. Entering elevation will enable the system to track you total elevation. Pretty cool huh!!
- Add a comment "outside" if your activity was outside.
In this video, I describe how to add activities (1:00) and edit activities (4:45); view results (5:40), and share photos (8:50). Note: for the 2024 pushup is an activity type and you enter the number of pushups as a comment.
How do I record my activity as being outside (versus inside)?
Both inside (e,g., treadmill) and outside miles count towards your overall milage total, but special prizes will be given outside miles (see above). Remember that the purpose of the challenge is to get you outside! Besides racking up the miles, your goal is to get outside every day in January. To record an activity as being outside, simply write "outside" in the comment section for the activity.
Can I count the walking around that I do as a part of my normal day or normal work day (e.g., around the office, around the house)? How about things like walking around the grocery store when buying groceries?
It is not in the spirit of the challenge to count these miles just accomplishing your normal daily tasks. Said another way...my intent is not that you start your GPS watch and let it run all day. However, if you decided to walk 2 miles to the grocery store versus drive there, then you could certainly count those miles. You could also count a dedicated walk that you go on during the day while at work. There are endless scenarios and I ask that you use your best judgement and comply with the spirit of the event.
How do I record miles when downhill skiiing and snowboarding?
Only human powered distance, elevation gain, and time should be reported...so chair lift distance, elevation gain, and time should NOT be included.
It's my understanding that Strava includes chair lift distance, elevation gain, and time in the statistics it reports for alpine skiiing...so those metrics are not valid for the challenge and need to be adjusted before reporting them.
Can I join the challenge after January 1st?
Yes. As long as the event is not sold out, you can join in the fun after January 1st.
What if I don't have a way to measure my distance?
No problem at all! If you don't have a GPS watch or other way to know your actual distance (e.g., treadmill or spin bike that captures distance), you can use this conversion information to calculate your distance based on the activity time.
Walking…20 minutes = 1 mile
Running…15 minutes = 1 mile
Cycling…10 minutes = 1 mile
Swimming...40 mins = 1 mile
Paddling/rowing…10 minutes = 1 mile
XC Skiing…10 minutes = 1 mile
Downhill Skiing…15 minutes = 1 mile
How do I record the number of pushups?
To record the number of pushups you do, select pushup as the activity type and enter the number completed in the comments section for that activity. The pushup counts will be aggregated manually once per week and sent out.
Can I edit an activity after I've entered it?
Yes! From the log activity screen, simply scroll down and you'll see your previous activities listed. Click the manage activities link and then the edit icon next to the activity that you want to change. Update the activity and save it.
Can I change my personal distance goal?
Yes! By default, I made everyone's goal 31 miles, but you can change it at any time. From the log activity screen, simply scroll down and you'll see Goals. Click the edit personal goals link and then update your personal goal.
I just logged some miles...why aren't the results updated?
It takes a few minutes for the results to update after you enter in a new activity.
How many people can be on a team?
Up to 10 people can be on a team.
Can I participate in the challenge on a team with my co-workers?
Yes, absolutely!! In fact, we have an awesome Corporate Partnership Program.
How do I create or join a team during registration?
During registration, you will be asked if you'd like to join or create a team. Simple select yes and follow the instructions.
How do I create or join or manage a team AFTER I've already registered?
Log in to RunSignUp --> Select Profile (top right) --> Select the Manage Registration link in the Backyard BRRR Virtual Challenge section under upcoming races --> Select Team in the navigation. Then use the options on the page to create, join, or manage your team. You can do all sorts of cool things like add members (if you are the captain), invite others to register, etc.
What prizes are being given?
A special prize will be given for the following accomplishments:
- Individual with the most overall total miles
- Individual with the most overall total miles outside
- Individuals with the most miles in each of the following disciplines (walking, running, cycling, skiing, swimming, paddling)
- Individual with the most pushups
- Individuals with the most miles outside in following disciplines (walking, running, cycling)
- Team with the most overall total miles
- Team with the most overall total miles outside
- Teams with the most miles in each of the following disciplines (walking, running, cycling, skiing, swimming, paddling)
- Team with the most pushups
- Corporate team with the most overall miles
- Corporate team with the most overall miles outside
I can't find myself in the participant list or the results?
Most likely you've checked a box on your RunSignUp profile that hides you from any public lists. To change this, go to your profile and click the edit button. Then scroll to the bottom and uncheck the checkbox that says "Show as anonymous in public participant lists and race results." For more information, please see this help article.
How often do I need to log my miles?
As often as you want, but it's best to log them daily or every few days so you don't forget. It's also cool to see your progress!!
What happens after I reach my 31 mile goal?
Your miles keep adding up! If you reach your goal...then keep going! See how many miles you can accumulate during the challenge! Remember, part of your challenge is to complete 31 outside activities during the month of January...getting outside every day.
How do I modify or delete an activity I entered?
You can edit any of your entries at any time. The easiest way is the next time you add an activity in RunSignUp look on the bottom of the entry screen. You will see "Previous Entries" and "Manage Activities." Select manage activities and there is a button to edit any activity.
What types of activities count towards the 31 miles and 31 activities?
Walking, running, cycling, paddling, swimming, and winter sports all count!!
Can I complete more than one activity in day?
Definitely. For example, you could walk in the morning and then go for a bike ride in the evening. You would report them as two separate activities.
Can I run on a treadmill or ride my bike on a trainer inside?
Yes, absolutely!! See above about outside versus inside activities.
Do I need to accomplish all 31 miles at once?
No, the distance part of the challenge is not meant to be accomplished in a single activity (although you could absolutely log activities that have many, many miles). Remember, part of the challenge is 31 outdoor activities during the month...getting outside every day in January.
Is there a size chart for the different shirt options?
Yes, the shirts are available in super soft tri-blend fabric (unisex sizing only) or technical micro mesh fabric (women's, men's, and youth sizing available).
Can I change the swag option I selected or change the size of my shirt?
Yes, changes can be made until January 7th. At that time, the final orders will be placed with our suppliers. To make a change please do the following: Log in to RunSignUp --> Select Profile --> Select the Manage Registration link in the Backyard BRRR Virtual Challenge section under upcoming races --> Select Swag in the navigation and change your selection.
When will I receive my swag (t-shirt or hat, medal, and buff)?
Swag will be shipped at the conclusion of the challenge. Participants will receive a shipping notification when their swag ships out. We'll keep you posted on the status of shipping.
