## One of our most popular challenge modes just got better. Introducing Team Virtual Race.

You asked for more team challenges to take the competition beyond the leaderboard. We’ve answered with our newest team mode: Team Virtual Race.

Team Virtual Race combines our beloved Virtual Race mode with our Team Leaderboard mode. The result? A race to see which team can move the furthest distance. 

You select a map for your teams to race along, and set [a total distance goal](http://help.movespring.com/en/articles/2583629-setting-a-group-module-goal) for each team to reach. You can use one of our engaging, [preset maps](http://help.movespring.com/en/articles/4201968-guide-to-virtual-race-themes) or create your own map and milestones using our [Virtual Racetrack Creator](https://admin.movespring.com/racetracks/create).

You can either [create teams](http://help.movespring.com/en/articles/1898544-how-to-create-teams-edit-a-team-name-or-photo) or allow users to create their own teams. Each team will compete to top the leaderboard by moving the highest average distance over the course of the challenge. Teams will unlock milestones together as they race along the map path. 

![TVR view map and milestones.GIF.gif](https://res.cloudinary.com/movespring/image/upload/v1646328312/blog/TVR_view_map_and_milestones_GIF_905e44f3c9.gif#resizegif)

### How are teams scored during the race?

Team Virtual Race ranks teams from high to low based on a team’s **average total distance.** Just like in our Team Leaderboard mode, averages are used instead of totals to account for teams of various sizes.

![Blog Body Image 1600 w x 900 h (3).jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/movespring/image/upload/v1646328348/blog/Blog_Body_Image_1600_w_x_900_h_3_66c855f1ce.jpg)

As an admin, you set one distance goal for teams to achieve by the end of the challenge. Simply multiply the average distance you want participants to move per day by the duration of your challenge to set this goal. Teams will move along the map based on their average total distance. The winning team is the one with the **highest average distance by challenge end**. 

For more information on how team challenges are scored, click [here](http://help.movespring.com/en/articles/3804067-scoring-guide-leaderboard-and-team-leaderboard-challenge-modules).

## Teams have a fresh look, plus new cover photos!

We’ve made teams even more user-friendly with a new and improved user interface in the app. Additionally, we added the option to add a team cover photo. As an admin, you can upload a unique team photo and cover photo from the MoveSpring Admin Center. Learn more about creating teams [here](http://help.movespring.com/en/articles/1898544-how-to-create-teams-edit-a-team-name-or-photo).

If you have user-created teams enabled for your challenge, users will be able to set their team photo and cover photo when they create their team. 

Don’t have the time to customize team photos? No worries! A default photo will be automatically given to each team photo and cover photo. You can choose to edit the images if you want to.

![Cover photo blog image.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/movespring/image/upload/v1646328385/blog/Cover_photo_blog_image_e84087664c.png)

Team photos allow users to bring even more personality to your next team challenge, whether it is a Team Leaderboard or a Team Virtual Race!

## Create a Team Virtual Race challenge for your next competition.

Ready to try it out? Click [here](https://admin.movespring.com/challenges/create) to create your first Team Virtual Race challenge. Available to all one-time and annual clients.

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Go the distance with Team Virtual Race

## Your employees—and their fitness routines—are unique. Count all activities, from cycling to swimming, in your challenges with our new activity converter and manual activities.

At MoveSpring, we want all users to get credit for their activity, regardless of how they prefer to get moving. That’s why we built our new in-app activity converter. With our latest update, admins can choose to enable the activity converter to allow users to convert any common activity into steps and distance totals.

## With our in-app activity converter, users simply choose an activity and enter a duration. Steps and distance convert automatically.

When you enable the new activity converter from the [MoveSpring admin center](https://admin.movespring.com/account/settings), users will be able to enter their time spent performing common non-stepping activities like cycling or yoga and automatically convert that time into the equivalent steps and distance totals.

Users will choose an activity from the list of options and enter a duration (for example, 30 minutes of yoga). From there, steps and distance convert automatically. All that’s left to do is to save the activity and keep moving!

Once an activity is converted, users can save their entry and it will be added to any existing activity data synced in from their device for the chosen date. Converted steps, converted distance, and the active minute total will be included. Any converted activities will also appear in their list of all logged activities. Users can review and remove logged activities if needed from this list.

![convert movespring v2.GIF](https://res.cloudinary.com/movespring/image/upload/v1646082347/blog/convert_movespring_v2_81c731ceb5.gif#resizegif)

## Allow users to add manual activities for even more flexibility.

We’ve also improved our existing manual entry experience with this new update. When you enable manual activities from the [MoveSpring admin center](https://admin.movespring.com/account/settings)*, users can add a manual activity with an accompanying step, distance, and active minutes total.

Once a manual activity is saved, it is added to any existing activity data synced in from a user’s device for the chosen date. The entry will also appear in their list of all logged activities. 

**If you previously had manual entry enabled for your account, manual activity entry is now enabled for consistency.*

![manual activity logging.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/movespring/image/upload/v1645125910/blog/manual_activity_logging_8760bfc1ba.png)

### Manual and converted activities never overwrite device data.

Manual and converted activities will never overwrite totals synced by a device totals. These logged activities will be counted in addition to any device data.

## What’s the difference between converted activities and manual activities?

Since converted activities and manual activities both allow users to log additional data into MoveSpring, we’ve outlined what each feature can accomplish for your challenges, as well as how the features differ, below.

### Converted activities

- **Level the playing field between all forms of activity.** Allowing converted activities in your challenges gives participants who prefer non-stepping activities like cycling or yoga the chance to participate in a step-based challenge.
- **Allow users without a device to add data into your challenge.** If a user doesn’t have a device or does not want to [use their phone as a fitness tracker](http://help.movespring.com/en/articles/1419827-what-fitness-trackers-and-smartwatches-can-play), they can use the activity converter to log their common activities (walking, running, cycling, etc.) into the MoveSpring app. They’ll just need to track the duration of each workout in order to log their data into MoveSpring.

### Manual activities

- **Allow full customization of logged activities.** When a user logs a manual activity, they have full control over the data they are adding to their MoveSpring account. Users can enter a custom total for  steps, distance, and/or active minutes. They can add just 1 metric (e.g. 10 active minutes), 2 metrics, or all 3 metrics, depending on what data they need to log.  The activity converter does not offer this level of customization, since steps and distance are converted automatically based on the activity and duration entered.
- **Allow users with pedometers and low-tech devices to participate.** Some fitness tracking devices may not have an API for MoveSpring to integrate with, or participants may use a low-tech device, such as a pedometer, that cannot sync to MoveSpring. Enabling manual activities gives these users the chance to participate in step challenges by entering the data they've recorded on these low-tech devices directly into the app.
- **Allow users to enter workouts that weren’t tracked by their fitness tracking device.** Some users may chose not to wear their fitness tracking device during a workout and others may simply forget to throw on their device for an evening walk. Manual activities allows users to log any missed data directly into the app.
- **Allow users to convert an activity that isn’t common.** Manual activities can also be used to convert an activity that is not as common, such as badminton or ballet dancing. Users can convert their activities using this [activity to step conversion chart](https://movespring.com/resources/activity-converter).

## Learn how to add activities in MoveSpring.

Users can easily add their activities straight from the dashboard. When a user selects the floating “+” button from the dashboard, it will open the **Add an activity** overlay. From the overlay, users will see a list of their current challenge-based daily habit activities* and the option to log a new custom or converted activity if enabled through admin settings. If they scroll down and select **View all logged activities,** they can also open a log of all previously logged activities.

![MoveSpring dashboard add activity.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/movespring/image/upload/v1645125950/blog/Move_Spring_dashboard_add_activity_af42976a86.png)

Users can access this same logging overlay from the **Add activity** button on the dashboard, the side navigation drawer, and the logged activities page. 

The option to add and delete converted activities and daily habit activities is only available on the MoveSpring [iOS app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/movespring/id1315128138) and [Android app](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.movespring&hl=en_US&gl=US) at this time. Web users can currently add and delete manual activities only.

**When you set up a [custom activity challenge](https://movespring.com/blog/run-a-challenge-based-on-any-activity-introducing-custom-activity-challenges-1) from the admin center, it will show in the app as a daily habit challenge.*

## Customize your admin settings today to get started.

The owner of the account can customize which features are available to users in your account from [admin settings](https://admin.movespring.com/account/settings). 

You can manage access to the activity converter and manual activity entry separately, so you’ll be able to enable both options, just one option, or none. Please also keep in mind that if manual entry was enabled for your account, we defaulted your account to allow manual activity entry for a consistent user experience.

For additional questions, please [contact our support team](http://help.movespring.com/en/articles/2207782-how-do-i-contact-customer-support). Happy converting!

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How to count any activity (from cycling to yoga!) in your challenges

## Your employees are unique, and so are their fitness goals.

Clients often ask us how to run a challenge that works for a group of users with a wide range of fitness levels and abilities. A challenge goal should be just challenging enough to engage your most active users, while still being attainable for your less active users. A bit of competition can be motivating, but too much comparison can discourage participants from striving to achieve their personal best. Sometimes one overall challenge goal just can’t accommodate everyone.

### Our solution? Let your employees set their own, personalized goals in your next challenge!

With our latest update, admins have the ability to allow users to set their own challenge goals from within an admin-specified goal range. Personalized goals are compatible with three challenge modes: Streak, Stick to It, and Target.

![image-02.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/movespring/image/upload/v1641591787/blog/image_02_94405ff66e.jpg)

## Great for groups of varying fitness levels

Personal goals allow you to build a more inclusive challenge that accommodates a wider range of abilities. Instead of setting one goal for every challenge participant, now each user can determine an appropriate goal for their activity level. 

For an employee who consistently runs 5 miles every morning or hits the gym each night after work, reaching 7,000 steps a day might not be particularly challenging. For someone who is just starting out on their fitness journey and spends a lot of their day sitting at their desk, trying to find the time to reach 7,000 steps might be too much of a stretch.

A one-size-fits-all approach can run the risk of disengaging both sets of employees. Put your employees in charge of their own fitness by letting them select the goal that works for them. 

## Set a range for goals to fall within

Personalized goals are compatible with three challenge modes:

- Streak: Users aim to reach the same daily goal every day of your challenge.
- Stick to It: Users aim to reach the same daily goal a set number of times during your challenge.
- Target: Users aim to reach a large, total activity goal by challenge end.

Once you’ve chosen your challenge mode, select your activity metric (steps, distance, or active minutes). Then, set a range for participant goals to fall within. This range reflects the minimum and maximum-effort option for your challenge to accommodate a variety of fitness levels. From the range provided, your employees can set a realistic goal that works best for them.

![image-03.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/movespring/image/upload/v1641591862/blog/image_03_77b87b2d67.jpg)

**Pro tip:** If you’re not sure what range to set, look at the data from your previous challenges to see what your participants typically achieve. Or, use our suggested [goal ranges](http://help.movespring.com/en/articles/5745854-how-to-set-a-range-for-a-personalized-goal).

## Participants can set their own goal and track their progress.

Once participants join the challenge, they will be prompted to enter a goal that falls within the range you specified when creating the challenge. This allows participants to select a goal that works for them—regardless of their fitness level.

![image-04.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/movespring/image/upload/v1641591894/blog/image_04_0808bad078.jpg)

Once the challenge starts, each participant will be able to track their own progress towards their personalized goal. They’ll also be able to view the progress of the other challenge participants as they work towards their individualized goals. Everyone will be scored based on the personalized goal they set.

![image-05.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/movespring/image/upload/v1641591927/blog/image_05_494bcea1b5.jpg)

### With a personalized goal challenge, participants compete at a pace that works for them.

Regardless of their personalized goal, participants can view each other’s progress and cheer each other on as they work toward their individual goals. As a program administrator, you can embrace each participant’s unique needs and level the playing field with personalized goals.

## Create a personalized goal challenge for your next competition.

Click [here](https://admin.movespring.com/challenges/create) to create your first personalized goal challenge. Available to all one-time and annual clients.

Accommodate all activity levels with personalized goal challenges

## Building on our latest Virtual Race [updates](https://movespring.com/blog/virtual-race-run-walk-event-mode-72), we are excited to announce the ability for all clients to fully customize a Virtual Race challenge right from the MoveSpring Admin Center.

Clients of all plan types can customize their map, milestones, and more in our new Racetrack Creator. 

Previously, we offered clients the option to customize their map and milestones for a fee. Over the past few years, the enthusiasm and demand for customized virtual races has quickly grown. We find that clients who customize their Virtual Race often have higher participation, engagement, and overall satisfaction with their challenge experience. We wanted to bring this opportunity to every client, without the extra cost. 

## Now, every client has the ability to customize the map, milestones, and more in our Virtual Race mode—at no additional cost.

![Main Image 02.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/movespring/image/upload/v1633984481/blog/Main_Image_02_effaeb4c89.png)


## How it works
We built our Racetrack Creator tool to be flexible. Keep it simple by customizing milestones for our existing maps. Or, upload your own map, with the option to include milestones.

### Access the tool from the Challenges section of the Admin Center
Then, click on the “Custom racetracks” tab at the top of the page.

![1. Navigate to creator.gif](https://res.cloudinary.com/movespring/image/upload/v1633984606/blog/1_Navigate_to_creator_41c1b93931.gif)


### Use a MoveSpring map and customize your milestones.
Select from our [entire library](http://help.movespring.com/en/articles/4201968-guide-to-virtual-race-themes) of existing virtual race maps. Then, upload your own milestone content.

![3. Create milestone.gif](https://res.cloudinary.com/movespring/image/upload/v1633984609/blog/3_Create_milestone_6f041bc9e2.gif)


### Or, upload your own custom map for a fully branded challenge experience.
Upload a series of photos or graphics to create a custom map. Then, select the path that participants will move along. You have the option to include milestones. 

![5. Select path.gif](https://res.cloudinary.com/movespring/image/upload/v1633984608/blog/5_Select_path_39bdf0049e.gif)


### Then, create a Virtual Race challenge and select your new racetrack!
Choose an individual or group race.

![6. Create challenge.gif](https://res.cloudinary.com/movespring/image/upload/v1633984608/blog/6_Create_challenge_f6b570e40a.gif)


## Tap into your creative side and build a personalized challenge experience
Try some of these fun ideas to customize your next Virtual Race challenge.

### Feature celebrity shoutouts on Cameo
Check out [Cameo ](https://www.cameo.com)to feature inspiring or silly shout-outs from your employees’ favorite celebrities and athletes. Use these videos in your milestones to make the challenge extra special.

### Share motivational messages from leadership
Have your top leadership record a quick, motivational video message right from their phone, then add the videos to your milestones.

### Inspire with videos from around the web
Pick a theme for your map, then find educational or entertaining videos on YouTube that go deeper on specific aspects of your theme. For example, our *Climb to the Top* racetrack takes participants up a mountain while exploring the theme of overcoming challenges. While the users move in real life, they progress up the mountain and unlock milestones about grit, setting goals, and [taking risks](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6A7kLf-cfw).

### Reward and recognize employees
Use milestones to reward and celebrate your employees. Reward employees with things like additional PTO days or a free UberEats lunch. Try recognizing or highlighting random employees in the milestones to celebrate top performers, birthdays, or to get to know new employees.

### Get in the seasonal spirit
Get in the seasonal spirit by creating racetracks for upcoming seasons or holidays. Customize the milestones in our spring, summer, fall, winter, or holiday maps. Upload your own map for an event that is specific to your organization. 

### Take a global office tour
Bring your remote workforce together with a custom racetrack that travels to all your offices across the country or world. Each milestone can feature a video or fun fact about a different office.

### Use free stock photos for a fast custom map
Download a series of photos from [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com) or [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com) to quickly create a high-quality custom map. 

## Boost challenge participation and engagement with a custom Virtual Race experience. 
Click [here](https://admin.movespring.com/racetracks) to create your first custom racetrack. Be sure to check out our [how-to videos](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrClmZ2cH2qLVkwHOW6wD1PButfFxnNOz) and [help articles](http://help.movespring.com/en/collections/854648-admin-resources#using-the-movespring-racetrack-creator) for helpful tips and best practices.


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Customize your next Virtual Race challenge

## We reimagined our beloved Journey mode to bring the best parts of an in-person race to the MoveSpring app. With our new Virtual Race experience, participants have more ways to win: cross the finish line first, or move the most miles by challenge end. Enhanced social interaction gives users a more detailed view into each other’s stats and activity.

![virtual-race-01.gif](https://res.cloudinary.com/movespring/image/upload/v1627672326/blog/virtual_race_01_8aa83e8744.gif#300)


Our new Virtual Race challenge lets you experience the competition and fun of an in-person race, right in the MoveSpring app.

### More ways to win
Race participants can win in two different ways: by crossing the finish line first, or by accumulating the most miles by challenge end. Creating more ways to win makes the competition more exciting and inclusive for all users.

- **Time to finish:** Win by crossing the finish line first. Participants are scored by the total days it took them to reach the challenge goal. Multiple people can tie for first, second, and third place.
- **Move the most miles/km:** Win by moving the most miles or kilometers by challenge end. The competition isn’t over when you cross the finish line. See how far you can go!

### Celebrating and recognizing wins—big and small.
It’s a big deal when you achieve that coveted first place medal. You deserve to be recognized! Once scores are finalized, winning participants will see a gold, silver, or bronze medal next to their photo on the leaderboard. When top-placed participants check their scores in the app, personalized confetti and congratulations make the win feel extra special.

However, we know getting first place isn’t everything. Making it to the finish line is a big deal for everyone! We want users who reach the challenge goal to feel rewarded and recognized. Each finisher will see a green flag next to their photo on the leaderboard and a shower of confetti in the app 🎉.

### Enhanced race standings
Get a more detailed preview of your race standings when scrolling through your challenge page. Check your place on the map and see those closest to you on the leaderboard. On your stats page, you’ll see a clear indicator of your race progress, rank, and daily pace.

![virtual-race-02.gif](https://res.cloudinary.com/movespring/image/upload/v1627672326/blog/virtual_race_02_5954045a29.gif#300)

## Keep the pace with other participants
The Virtual Race leaderboard now includes more details and interactive capabilities.

### Profile overlays
Dig into each participant’s leaderboard stats by tapping on their name. An overlay will appear that shows that user’s daily stats, as well as an interactive chart summarizing their weekly trends. Track their progress and see if you can match their pace. If a participant is friends with that user, they’ll have easy access to a chat button to cheer them on!*

*Note: exact information displayed dependent on user’s profile privacy settings and friend status.*

### See who reached milestones, and when
Users can now see how many people have reached each milestone and how long it took them to reach it (shown in days). Keeping tabs on your friends? Easily see which of your friends reached the milestone; they will be listed first.

### Filter the leaderboard by Friends
It’s fun to see everyone’s stats, but sometimes you want to know the scores of those you know best. Now, users can filter the leaderboard for their friends.

### Additional leaderboard detail: customizable location
We may not all be moving from the same place. Now, you can see a user’s location under their name on the leaderboard. Location is an optional and customizable field located in the user profile. While we prompt users to provide a general “location,” we often see users treat this field like a mini bio. Fill in a funny nickname, give a nod to your department or team, or keep it literal with a location. Way to go, BigStepper123 from Chi-town! 

## Explore a variety of racetracks or create your own!
With 20 racetrack map options and growing, you’ll never feel like you’re running in place.
- **Seasonal maps:** Be in step with the seasons. Try our winter, spring, or summer racetracks. Keep an eye out for holiday themes, including Thanksgiving and Halloween, coming soon.
- **Travel the world:** Explore Rome, Tokyo, and London. Host a tropical beach race. Or embark on a global adventure with our International Globetrot.
- **Participate in the Olympics:** Go for the gold with our Summer Games racetrack that features videos from current and former Olympians. 
- **Create your own racetrack!** Option to fully customize your racetrack to reflect your unique race, organization or event. [Contact us](https://movespring.com/request-demo?utm_source=virtual-race-jul21&utm_medium=ms-blog&utm_campaign=custom-racetrack) to learn more.

## On your mark, get set…go virtual! Run a MoveSpring Virtual Race for your next run, walk, or corporate fitness challenge.

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 Bring the energy and excitement of an in-person race to your next corporate fitness challenge.

Go the distance with Team Virtual Race

How to count any activity (from cycling to yoga!) in your challenges

Accommodate all activity levels with personalized goal challenges

Customize your next Virtual Race challenge

Bring the energy and excitement of an in-person race to your next corporate fitness challenge.

Download the MoveSpring Playbook

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