Anyone Else Do This?I just realized I've been matching my fuel to my shirts. It feels like a luxury since I have lots of Gatorade Endurance fuel in my training kit this Summer. Still, it made me laugh. Video credit: This Old Runner Disclaimer: I’m promoting Gatorade Endurance as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews. Time for a #MyFuelMyJourney Check-InIn August, I revealed that my Fall racing schedule includes two serious race goals. I want to PR the last two half marathons I run in my 50s. Those PRs can be 30 seconds and I'll be happy. The real challenge isn't my finishing time, it's staying focused and getting in good solid training despite distractions. Thanks to Gatorade Endurance, I'm training with the same fuel that's on course at the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon on October 20, and the St. Pete Run Fest Half on November 17. (Psst! Race discount for Sarasota Half here.) I love Gatorade Endurance products, and training with the same fuel the races use gives me one less thing to worry about. What I am worried about is whether or not I'll be fully trained by October 20th.
Training WorkIt's been a super hot Summer. One of the hottest on record here in Florida. The humidity and heat make it hard to train hard. I substitute walks for runs on the really intense days. In the past week, the early morning temps have dipped. It's only 78 degrees at 7:30 am now. That's encouraging. Running has been easier this week. Yet, I have to admit my 4-miler yesterday left me exhausted. Training and Travel Don't Always MixI spent 2+ weeks out of town in August. It was wonderful to run in hilly locations and cooler temps. I managed to get my runs and cross-training done on most days. The bad part about traveling was full days spent driving in a car. I always feel like a slug after sitting for 9 hours. Races as Training Benchmarks
Gatorade Endurance Hydration and Fuel
Where Am I With My Training?Today, I'm glad I have another month to prepare for First Watch Sarasota Half. I'm excited about running my shorter benchmark races to get an idea about race day performances. Although my half marathons are in October and November, it will be warm. Not brutal, but probably in the 70s while running. I'll keep prepping for hot and humid conditions. Until then, I'll be fueling my journey and thankful that I'm healthy, happy, and running. Good luck with your running goals. See you at the starting line! #GatoradeEndurance #GEnduranceBR #BibRavePro #BibChat #MRTT #WeRunSocial #OptOutside #MyFuelMyJourney #SarasotaBr #StPeteRunFest #RunStPete #RunSarasota #RunFL #FloridaRunner #BestDamnRace #HalfTraining #BibRave #RunSafetyHarbor
What's In The Box?The Hidrate Spark 3 bottle comes with a battery and finger loop. The main body arrives assembled. It has a removable lid, glow sensor stick, and base compartment where the battery goes. There's also an instruction booklet and a customer service contact card.
Step 1: Put in the BatteryUnscrew the bottom of the bottle. Read and follow the battery insertion directions. Be gentle when unscrewing and screwing the bottom on the bottle. You don't want to strip the screw. Be careful to match the positive and negative symbols on the battery to the bottom of the sensor insert. Once the battery is in place, the sensor will glow. I'm not sure why, but it made me smile. That's your signal that it's okay to reassemble the bottle.
Step 2: Attach the Finger LoopSlip the finger loop under the metal pin on the back of the lid. Pull the cushioned part through loop and pull to tighten. You're ready use the finger loop to carry your bottle.
Step 3: Download the AppYep, there's an app for that. If you have family members who love an app, but hate to be nagged about drinking more water — consider the Hidrate Spark 3. I'm eyeing a more masculine version (not hot pink) for a certain member of my family. There's something appealing about the bottle glowing as a reminder — maybe 'cause it isn't your spouse saying, "drink more water" ?
Step 4: Connect and Configure the AppThe app connects your phone to your Hidrate Spark with Bluetooth. It's super easy. The app takes you through setup with a series of screens: Create an account, sync to your bottle, adjust settings to match your preferences. It only took a few minutes. Once your app is ready you'll calibrate the bottle and sensor by emptying and filling the bottle. Again, super easy directions and illustrations on screen.
The app guides you with directions and screens for setup, syncing, and calibration. You can sync more than one bottle. (Photos credit: This Old Runner) Step 5: Take a Drink and Bask in the GlowSet the bottle on a flat surface after you drink. This allows the sensor to read and record how much liquid you drank. The app tracks your progress throughout the day. Each time you drink, it adds your intake to the daily total. Each time you refill your bottle it will glow with approval. How cool is that?
Look at All the Fun Hidrate Spark 3 Colors! Hidrate Spark bottles are available in Black, Royal, Scuba, Storm, Sky Blue, Lilac, Berry, Coral or one of the newest colors shown below: Hot Pink and VOLT! (Photo credit: Hidrate Spark)  The newest colors are HOT PINK and VOLT YELLOW. Love these colors! (Photo credit: Hidrate Spark)
In today's episode of "Found On A Run" is a pair of shades. These have pink-yellow gradient lenses with pink arms. Since I'm all about pink, these were calling my name. When I see something at the park I don't pick it up right away. I figure the owner may be on the loop and come around again to reclaim it. But, if something is still there after several miles, I'll consider taking it home. It's been a while since I found something useful. (I found a quarter in July.) So, I put these in my pocket and gave them a new home.  Found these shades on my run. Love the color scheme! (Photo credit: This Old Runner) What's the best thing you've ever brought home from a run? My finest discovery is a toss up between an antique oak side table and a pair of Ray Bans.
Participant Perks are better than ever this season! Get the details below on the Safety Harbor Best Damn Races on February 1-2, 2020. Register for one of the BDR Challenges in Safety Harbor, and all you'll need is shoes and shorts! That's because you can score BDR socks, shirts, and a hat/visor when you sign up to run the Double or Triple Challenge. Run a 5K, 10K or the Half and you get a beautiful race, shirt, finisher medal, and a fantastic post-race party on the waterfront. Don't forget to use my discount code ("ThisOldRunner") for 10% OFF Any Best Damn Race, in Any City.  Half marathoners race through Phillippe Park. (Photo credit: Best Damn Race) Disclaimer: I’m an ambassador for the Best Damn Race. I'm promoting the races because they're awesome. 10K Race: Saturday, February 1st at 7 am
5K Race: Saturday, February 1st at 9 am
Double Challenge 5K + 10K: Saturday, Feb. 1st
Half Marathon: Sunday, February 2nd at 7 am
Triple Challenge 5K, 10K + Half: February 1 & 2Run the 5K, 10K on Saturday, then return for the Half Marathon on Sunday! You'll earn all the goodies:
SAVE 10% Off Any Best Damn Race in Any City with Code: "ThisOldRunner"Register early and use my discount code for the best deal. Plus, you'll add a pair of BDR Safety Harbor socks to your wardrobe. The first 4,000 racers in Safety Harbor get city-specific socks in their goodie bag!  Register early to score city-specific socks! Use "ThisOldRunner" for 10% OFF any race! (Credit: This Old Runner) The BDR 2020 Season Includes Savannah, Orlando, and New Orleans RacesYou can learn more about the other races in the BDR series here and in future blog posts. #BestDamnRace #BDR #SafetyHarbor #RunBDR #BDRSafetyHarbor #RunTampa #RunStPete #RunSarasota #RunBradenton #FloridaRunner #BDRSavannah #BDROrlando #BDRNOLA #LetsGeaux
We planned to continue our vacation by driving from Western Pennsylvania to Indiana for Labor Day weekend. After visiting relatives in Indiana we would return home to Florida. But, Hurricane Dorian arrived and changed our plans. If the storm cut across Florida as shown in early tracking models, we could get stuck in Nashville. We'd be far from home with few options. If we skipped Indiana, we would reach home in time to prep for the storm. Thursday morning our stomachs ached along with every other Florida resident. We decided to head home ASAP. Before we left Pennsylvania, we took a long hike in the woods for some personal calm before the storm. During our hike we met some dogs and their owners. We saw a red fox, birds, and lots of green space, and water. Here are a few of the views that soothed us.  Down we go into the hollow. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)
 Up and down. Up and down. There are lots of rocks and clay around here. It's so different from the sandy soil in Florida. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)  This green grouping of moss on old logs caught my eye. Love it! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)
 We don't have mushrooms and ferns like this on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Maybe there are some in the Ocala National Forest? (Photo credit: This Old Runner)
 At the start of each Summer the neighborhood kids would build a stone pathway across the creek. Many years ago, the only thing on the other side of the creek was a bull in a field. Now, there are baseball fields, hiking trails, picnic pavilions, and more. (Photo credit: This Old Runner) I've live away from here twice as long as I lived here. Yet, no matter how long I'm away, a walk through this woods always makes me feel at home. It was a good workout with the hilly terrain, and a fine way to soothe our nerves before we jumped in the car for a long drive to the other place we call home. P.S. The storm damaged the Bahamas before turning away from the mainland. We rushed back to be near our kids and protect our homestead. Lucky for us and most of Florida, the hurricane seems headed out to sea. Our fingers are crossed hoping Dorian continues on his path away from the East Coast.
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Hey there,This is where you'll find me writing instead of running. (But, you know I'll be writing about running, right?) 
Yep, smiling's my favorite.
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Feb. 1-2: Safety Harbor Feb. 15: Orlando Feb. 29: Savannah Mar. 22: New Orleans Visit Race Discounts for more details. #BDR Upcoming
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