This Old Runner Writes About Running

The Hot Chocolate 15K & 5K Race Returns to Tampa on Dec. 16, 2018 with the Best SWAG!

8/16/2018

Watch the Video to See What You Get This Year!

Check out the official SWAG for the Allstate @HotChocolate15K and 5K in Tampa!
Come run in Tampa on Dec. 16, 2018.

All 15K and 5K racers receive the full-zip hoodie. It comes in merlot for women and black for men.

15K and 5K runners get:

Great Race Course
Hot Chocolate Zip Front Hoodie
Chocolate Treats on the Course
Finisher Mug with all the Chocolate
Post Race Party

If you complete the 15k, you'll get a city-specific medal!

Want more? Use code BRHCTAMPA18 when you register to score the official Hot Chocolate armband phone holder!

Claim your swag and register hotchocolate15k.com today! Price goes up Oct. 14th!

The Legacy Experience Gives People Who Run Consecutive Hot Chocolate Races MORE SWAG

If you run 3, 5 or 10 consecutive #HotChocolate races (either distance) you're eligible for some awesome super #LegacySWAG! Check out the graphic below to see the goods! Visit hotchocolate15k.com/legacy for the delicious details!

Bonus Legacy SWAG for Hot Chocolate Race 2018-2019

Don't Forget to use the Code to Score Your Hot Chocolate Race Armband Phone Holder!

Use code: HCTAMPABR to score your bonus armband phone holder.

Enter the code at registration, and you'll get your armband at packet pickup.

See you at the starting line!

#WillRunForChocolate #RamRacing #HotChocolate15K #HotChocolate5K #CouponCode #DiscountCode #BibChat #ThisOldRunner #BibRavePro #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunSarasota #RunBrandon #RunBradenton #RunPinellas #RunHillsborough #RunPasco #RunTampaBay #RunforChocolate #SpreadingTheChocolateLove

Discount and Swag for Race The Bay Half on December 2, 2019

8/10/2018

Are you looking for a new half marathon in the Tampa Bay area? Check out the inaugural Race the Bay races in Pasco County, Florida on December 2, 2018.

Race the Bay Half, 5K and Fun Run

There is a half marathon, a 5K, and Fun Run. The courses are Chip Timed and Certified Course. The race begins and ends at SunWest Park in Hudson, Florida.

Sunwest Park, in northwest Pasco county, is a recreational waterfront park. There's a 70-acre spring-fed lake with a beautiful white sand beach. It's a former limestone mine known as SunWest Mines. All racers get free admission to SunWest Park.

Race The Bay SWAG

Half Marathon Runners score:

Custom Half Marathon Finisher Medal
T-Shirt
Custom @BourbonandBoweties Bracelet or KeyChain

Goodie Bag filled with samples, coupons and more.
5k: Finisher Medal, T-Shirt, Goodie Bag.
1M/Fun Run: T-Shirt, Finisher Ribbon

Each Half Marathon finisher receives a custom BourbonandBoweties Race the Bay Bracelet or Keychain (your choice).

Race The Bay Discount Code for $10 Off

SAVE $10 on the Half — and the 5K — with code THISOLDRUNNER. 🙌 No expiration date. 🙌 Discount doesn't apply to the Fun Run.

Race proceeds benefit Classical Preparatory School, a Florida Charter (public) school.

Come See SunWest Park in Pasco County

Bring your family and friends to Race The Bay, then stay for waterfront adventures after the race. Check out The Lift Adventure Park inside SunWest Park.

Wakeboard
Kayak
Paddleboard
Wibit Aqua Park Floating Obstacle Course

Lift Adventure Park SUP paddleboard rentals at SunWest Park

Cable wakeboarding system at Lift Adventure Park in Pasco County, FL

Inflatable Obstacle Course at SunWest Park in Pasco County, FL

Aqua Park in SunWest Park in Pasco County, Florida

(Photo Credit: @LiftAdventurePark

From wakeboarding to the obstacle course to paddleboarding around the lake, there's plenty of fun on the water for everyone. Note: All participants on the Aqua Park floating obstacle course must be at least 7 years old and 45” tall. No Exceptions.

Sunset at SunWest Park in Pasco County, Florida

(Photo Credit: @SunWestPark

SunWest Park also has a public swimming beach, volleyball courts, and concession stands. You'll find everything for a fun day on the water after your race.

Register Now for the Best Price

Don't wait. Beat the price increase and SAVE $10 off the half marathon or 5k race when you register with my code: THISOLDRUNNER. Register at RaceTheBay.

See you at the starting line!

#RaceTheBayHalf #RaceTheBay5K #RaceTheBay #SunWestPark #LifeAdventurePark #PascoCounty #FloridaRunners #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunSarasota #RunBradenton #RunPasco #RunHernando #RunFlorida #DecemberHalf #FloridaRunner #Hudson #Aripeka #BourbonandBoweties #ClassicalPrep #RunTrinity #HalfTraining #BibChat #RunChat

2019 Pittsburgh Half and Marathon Weekend is May 3-5, 2019

8/6/2018

I did it, and you should, too! Sign up for the 2019 Pittsburgh Marathon today (Aug. 6) and you'll get the best price. There's an event for everyone and their dog! 5K, Half, Marathon, Relay, Kids Races, Pet Walk, etc. The entire weekend is full of fun and races.

I got the half marathon for $65. The price goes up in $1 increments all day, but won't be more than $80 if you register today. I'm excited to be running this race in the Steel City next May. It's going to be more hills than my usual races, but there's plenty of time to train.

It's time to register for the 2019 Pittsburgh Marathon. (Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Marathon)

Over the Rivers and Bridges

The Pittsburgh Marathon and Half courses include lots of bridges — because Pittsburgh has three rivers. The races are a eye level tour of a unique city. Pittsburgh is a city that acts like a small town. Everyone is friendly, and you'll see plenty of spectators as you run through different neighborhoods. Your tour includes running past the stadiums where the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins play their home games. Here we go!

USATF Half Marathon Championships

The course is USA Track & Field Certified. In fact, the men's and women's 2019 USATF Half Marathon Championships will be held Sunday, May 5, 2019. Last year, at the 2018 national championship race held in Pittsburgh, Chris Derrick won the men's title in 1:02:37. The women's title went to Aliphine Tuliamuk for finishing in 1:10:04. Read more about the USATF Half Marathon Championship in Pittsburgh. Expect to see some elite runners at the Half.

Time to start bridge training. (Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Marathon)

See You at the Starting Line

If you've been eyeing the Pittsburgh Half Marathon, now's the time to do it! Register today for the best price. See you there!

#PittsburghMarathon #RunPittsburgh #MovePittsburgh #Half #ThisOldRunner #DiscountPrice #SteelCityRoadRunners #SCRR #RunTheBurg #RunnersOfSteel #BibChat

Discount for 2019 Best Damn Race Series

8/3/2018

On Your Mark. Get Set. Register!

Discount Code for All the 2019 Best Damn Races

That's right! "THISOLDRUNNER" gets you and all your friends $5 off ANY Best Damn Race in ANY city listed below. Save on the Half, 10K, 5K or challenge.

1/12/19 Best Damn Race Jacksonville in Jacksonville, FL
Use “THISOLDRUNNER” to SAVE $5SAVE $5 on the Half, 10K, and 5K.
Code expires 12/31/18. Florida is beautiful in January! #BDRJax

2/2/19 Best Damn Race Safety Harbor in Tampa Bay Area of Florida
Use “THISOLDRUNNER” to SAVE $5 on the Half, 10K, 5K and Challenge.
Code expires 1/12/19. #BDRSafetyHarbor

2/16/19 Best Damn Race Savannah in Savannah, GA
It's the Inaugural year for #BDRSavannah Half and 5K! My discount code is now available! Use "ThisOldRunner" to SAVE $5 on any race!
Code expires 1/13/19.

3/2/19 Best Damn Race Orlando in Orlando, FL
Use “THISOLDRUNNER” to SAVE $5 on the Half, 10K, 5K and Challenge.
Code expires 2/9/19. #BDROrlando

3/24/19 Best Damn Race New Orleans in New Orleans, LA
Use “THISOLDRUNNER” to SAVE $5 on the Half, and 5K.
Code expires 3/3/19. #BDRNOLA

I'm a race ambassador for the Best Damn Race Series. My coupon code works on all races except the Leftover 5K. No discount codes are given for the Leftover 5K held in Safety Harbor in June since it's a fantastic deal already.

#DiscountCodes #CouponCode #PromoCode #BestDamnRace #BDR #Half #10K #5K #Challenge

Running in the Rain in UA HOVR Sonics

7/30/2018

I got caught in a downpour while running the other day. No worries though, I love to run in the 🌧 rain. I was happy it gave me a chance to see how my UA HOVR™ Sonic running shoes perform while wet.

Yes, my feet were soaked 💦💦 because of the mesh upper, but I still had good traction and performance. I even ran a few small hills as part of my test.

By the time I reached home the sun was out. 🌞 So I took out the insoles, and put my shoes in full sun to dry. A few hours later, they were good to go. Wet or Dry, I’m digging these shoes. 👍

You can read my complete review of UA HOVR™ Sonic 👟 here. (Spoiler Alert: I really like these shoes. 😁)

Just me and the birds at the park during the rain.

Dodging puddles.

Disclaimer: I received UnderArmour HOVR Sonic shoes to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews

Shoes and socks are soaked!

Yay! No friction or blisters despite wet feet.

These shoes look good wet or dry.

It's drying time. It took about 4 hours in the Florida sun for my shoes to dry.

Click Here to Read my complete review of UA HOVR Sonics

What More Reviews of UA HOVR Sonics?

If you're like me, you like all the info! Read more reviews by the BibRave Pro team at the links below.

Amy S
Jenn
Shannon
B.J.
Ben

Lissa
Barb
Amy W
Alastair
Mary Jo

Aubrene
Kevin
Logan
Lindsey
Juan

#UARunningBR #HOVRSonics #UnderArmour #RunningShoes #RunInTheRain #BibChat #BibRavePro #SummerRunning #ThisOldRunner #RunStPete #RunSarasota #RunTampa #RunBradenton #RunFlorida #RunintheRain #WetShoes #OptOutside #TampaBay #dtsp #ShoeReview

Review: AfterShokz Trekz Air #SelfiesAreHard

7/27/2018

I wanted to show you how the AfterShokz Trekz Air bone conducting head phones work — so I tried to take a selfie. But, I couldn't get the angle right. And I tried taking the photo A LOT. #SelfiesAreHard

Then, I saw this picture of a real AfterShokz model (wearing his hair in a bun). I had to ask, "Who wore the bun better?" Probably him. Definitely him. Still laughing.

A post shared by This Old Runner (@thisoldrunner) on Jul 27, 2018 at 8:36pm PDT

At least you can see how the headphones fit over my ear and wrap around the back of my head. Despite my poor selfie skills, I want to tell you about these next level headphones! They're for any (every) workout where you're moving and sweating.

Disclaimer: I received AfterShokz Trekz Air to review as part of being a BibRave Pro.
Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and
check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

AfterShokz are Bone Conduction Headphones

AfterShokz Image

Bone conduction is different than regular headphones. The headset is placed on your temple instead of in your ear. The sound is sent to the internal ear through the cranial bones. The cranial bones are your jaw and cheek bones. Bone conduction bypasses the outer and middle ear and goes right to the hearing organ — your inner ear.

The technology has been around for years, mostly to help people with hearing loss. It's been used in military communications, the music industry, and for scuba diving.

Not a great photo, but you can see TrekzAir fit comfortably with a hat and sunglasses. (Photo: ThisOldRunner)

The AfterShokz Trekz Air are lightweight and have an ergonomic fit. Most of the time, I forget I'm wearing them. There's even a microphone so you can use it for phone calls.

As you can see in the photo, the TrekzAir fit comfortably with both a hat and sunglasses.

I think the best thing about these headphones is you can hear what's going on around you AT THE SAME TIME you're listening to music or a podcast!

The music sounds great, and I can hear a car, bike or person coming up behind me while I'm running around town.

You charge the Trekz Air headphones with the power cord provided. AfterShokz says the charge will last 6 hours. I tested the length of a charge a couple of times by wearing them all day.

My headphones lasted for more than 6 hours. That means Trekz Air can keep you happy on your extra long runs.

What's in the Box: Headphones, Carrying Case, Ear Plugs, 2-Year Warranty, Power Cord

Along with your awesome headphones, AfterShokz gives you a 2-year warranty. Just register your headphones online and if anything goes wrong, you're covered. Well, if your dog eats your headphones, that's not covered, but everything reasonable is!

You also get ear plugs. If you're listening to your music in a safe place, put in the ear plugs to experience total bone conduction. You're gonna love the sound!

There's a soft and secure carrying case. It has room for your headphones, earplugs and power cord.

SAVE $55 OFF the BibRave TrekzAir Bundle when you use my code: "BRBundle"

There's a special deal going on now. If you want to try bone conduction headphones, now's a good time to get them.

You can order Trekz Air headphones in Canyon Red (like mine), Slate Grey, Midnight Blue or Forest Green. Use my code (BRBUNDLE) to take $55 off the bundle price of $204.95. You get EVERYTHING shown below for less than the cost of a pair Trekz Air headphones alone! Go get it.

Click Right Here to Order Your Bundle!

Code: BRBUNDLE = hat, towel, cell battery bank, shoe bag, + AfterShokz TrekzAir!

#BRBundle #AFTERSHOKZBR #TREKZAIR #BoneConduction #Headphones #BibChat #BibRavePro #SportsHeadphones #Ergonomic #Headphones #ShokzSquad #BeOpen #HeadphoneReview #DiscountCode #PromoCode #CouponCode

Review of UA HOVR Sonic Running Shoes

7/24/2018

I try to mix up the makes and models of my running shoes, but somehow I never ran in Under Armour shoes until now. I just got to test drive the UA HOVR™ Sonics.

I'm so glad I did. I think this shoe will become a regular resident in my closet. Keep reading to learn more about the shoe, and why I like it so much.

Fresh Out of the Box

First, let's all take a minute to look at these beauties. I love the graphite color and the open mesh upper. The shoe has tons of cushion, but it's still sleek. It just looks fast, doesn't it?

top and bottom of UA HOVR Sonic shoe in graphite.

There are two editions of the UA HOVR™ Sonic: Connected and Non-connected. My shoes were non-connected, which means they don't have a sensor to sync data to an app on my phone. I may try the connected version on my next pair.

There are color options, too. Below are a few of the choices available.

Color Options for the UA HOVR Sonic Shoe

Pride version of HOVR Sonic shoes by Under Armour

UA HOVR Sonic shoes in light gray with teal accents

UA HOVR Sonic shoes in graphite and black

The Fine Details

These shoes are light. They weigh 8 ounces/225 mg. The upper is made of very breathable mesh. There's ventilation on the top and sides. That's a huge selling point when you run in Florida in the Summer. 🙋‍♀️

When I slip on the shoe it feels like a custom fit. The back next to my heel is soft and pliable. I'm never going to get a blister there. There's an "External TPU heel counter" that gives complete support and structure to the shoe.
The insole is removable. That means you can take it out and insert your own orthopedic insole. Or, remove it when you air out your shoes after a sweaty run.

Close up of heel on UA HOVR Sonic running shoe

Removable insole on UA HOVR Sonic running shoes

Graphite color UA HOVR Sonic shoes with pink socks

My favorite feature is the mesh upper. At first, I liked it for breathability. Then, I realized when I ran long miles my toes didn't get beat up from banging against the top of my shoe. (Cause of that sweet, soft, breathable mesh!) Now, I may have decent toenails on my long second toes again.
Why don't all running shoes attach the tongue to the footbed with stretchy material like this shoe? It gives your foot a snug fit, and you don't have to reposition the tongue in the middle of a run.

Closeup of bottom of UA HOVR Sonic running shoes.

This is a neutral shoe. If you need extra support for pronation or help with stability, this shoe won't do it.
I found theses shoes to be true to size. I ordered my usual running shoe size, and they were perfect.
The UA HOVR™ Sonics are easy to clean. Brush off any dirt and wipe with a damp sponge. They dry quickly. Under Armour says you can immerse them in water if you like, but don't put them in the dryer.

50 Miles of Road and Trail Testing

I've worn the UA HOVR™ Sonics for running trails and roads. I also spent a full Saturday walking around town in them. Happy feet all the way.

I'm sold. 50 miles in and these shoes look and feel great on my feet. I did hill repeats in them this morning. I'm very happy with the way they respond.

The UA HOVR™ Connected version links to the Map My Run app and gives you data on your runs. Cost is $110 for Connected; $100 for Non-connected.

I hope this review helps you decide if you'd like to run in UA HOVR™ Sonics. See you at the starting line!

#UARunningBR #UARunningShoes #UnderArmour #BibChat #BibRavePro #RunningShoes #ThisOldRunner #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunSarasota #RunBradenton #RunFlorida #SummerRunning #ShoeReview

Review of NuGo Egg White Protein Bars

7/22/2018

I love protein bars, so I was happy to receive a variety of NuGo Egg White protein bars to taste and review. All my favorite flavors were in there: peanut butter, chocolate, maple pecan, and blueberry. #Winning!

You Can Get NuGo Egg White Bars in 4 Flavors

NuGo Egg White protein bars are chewy. I like that so much better than crunchy bars. These egg white bars don't melt in the Florida heat. That's important to me for Summer training!

Each bar is 50 grams. I found it to be the right size for me. I felt satiated after eating it. I also like that I could see the ingredients. The bars have real peanuts, dark chocolate, pecans, almonds, dates, cashews, blueberries, and sea salt in them.

Disclaimer: I received NuGo Nutrition Egg White Protein Bars to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

Tasty, Portable Protein Bars

As part of my testing process, I used NuGo Egg White bars in lots of different situations. I ate the bars for a boost before, during, and after my workouts. I carried several in my bag so I had them ready when I was away from home and hungry. Below are a few more examples.

Blueberry for Breakfast

Maple Pecan for Dessert

Running Trails

You can see the ingredients are real. There are delicious egg whites, blueberries, cashews and dates in there!

Poolside Post Workout

Pre-race Peanut Butter Fuel

Toasting a Workout

Each NuGo Egg White bar is filled with real fruits and nuts.

There's 12-14g of protein in each bar. They are:

Paleo*
Certified Gluten Free
No Added Sugar**
Non-GMO
Whole Food
Certified Kosher
Pareve
No Soy

*Except Peanut Butter because it contains Peanuts **Dark Chocolate Sea Salt contain 1g added sugar from the Dark Chocolate Chips

Toughest Decision: It's Hard to Choose When All NuGo Bars Look, Sound, and Taste So Good

When every flavor looks, sounds and tastes good, it's hard to decide!

Problem Solved: Egg White Protein Sample Pack

I don't know about you, but I like choices. Especially when I try something new.

NuGo Nutrition understands that you need choices. That's why you can order the sample pack. It has one each of all four #NuGoBars flavors shown above. You even get FREE SHIPPING* on the sample pack — one offer per person.

The sample pack includes:
1 Dark Chocolate Sea Salt
1 Peanut Butter
1 Maple Pecan
1 Blueberry
It's a good way to taste all the flavors before you commit to a whole box.

* Free shipping offer applies only to the sample pack. Limit 1 per customer.

Plus, a 15% OFF Discount Code for You!

If you’d like to try NuGo Egg White Protein Bars use my code: “BIBRAVE" for 15% OFF at www.NuGonutrition.com. You can choose a single flavor, or try the variety pack. This discount is good until August 3rd.

Want More Reviews of NuGo Egg White Bars?

If you want a few more opinions, you can read more reviews by these BibRave Pros:

Brad
Lindsey
Janelle
Henry
Stephanie

Sara
Danielle
Kevin
Kim
Amy

Melissa
Katy
Ryan
Kim
Lissa

#NuGoBR #NuGoNutrition #NuGoEggWhite #EggWhiteProteinBars #ProteinBarsThatTasteGood #BibRavePro #BibChat #DiscountCode #CouponCode #PromoCode #EggWhite #ProteinBars

How to Make an Ice Necklace for Cooler Summer Running

7/21/2018

If you're looking for a way to ease the heat during your Summer training, give this ice necklace a try. My new #BibRave BUFF® reminded me of one of my favorite hot weather hacks for runners.

A BUFF® is a knitted tube of technical fabric. There are lots of ways to wear a BUFF® to make it your own. Today, I'm using the kerchief style to create an ice necklace.

Graphic: How to make an ice necklace for running.

There's a video version of this advice on my Instagram account.

1. Get a BUFF® and Some Ice

Grab your favorite Buff and a whole lotta ice cubes.

2. Turn the BUFF® Inside Out

Turn your Buff inside out so the pretty printed side shows when you're done.

3. Pull the BUFF® Back Onto Itself

Now, pull the Buff back over itself. You're creating a circular pocket.

4. Fill the Pocket with Ice Cubes

Line the bottom of the pocket with ice cubes; place them around the full diameter of the BUFF®.

5. Shake Ice Cubes to the Bottom of the BUFF®

Shake the ice cubes down to the bottom of the BUFF® pocket. Next, roll the extra material over the ice cubes to create an ice necklace surrounded by the BUFF®.

6. Put on Your BUFF® Ice Necklace and Run

Once the ice is in place it's time to put on your BUFF®!

Put the Buff filled with ice around your neck.

Boom! Cooler Run + UV Protection for Your Neck

The only other advice I have is to wear a shirt that looks okay when it's wet. That ice is gonna melt and drip down your shirt. I thought it felt good. I was also happy I was wearing black!

#YesBuff #BuffUSA #BibRavePro #BibChat #Buff #SummerRunning #HotWeatherHacks #TipsForSummerRunning #HumidRuns #Buff®

Discount: BibRave + AfterShokz Trekz Air Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones

7/16/2018

Check out this beautiful bundle put together by AfterShokz and BibRave. I've been using my Trekz Air headphones for over a week now. They're fantastic for any workout. (I also wear them all day at my desk!) Check out the deal below.

Use My Code: "BRBundle" for $55 OFF This Beautiful Bundle of Goodness for Runners!

$55 off banner for BibRave and AirTrekz bundle

Disclaimer: I received AfterShokz Trekz Air to review as part of being a BibRave Pro.Learn more about becominga BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

Here's Everything You Get:

AfterShokz Trekz Air! Pick Canyon Red, Midnight Blue, Slate Grey or Forest Green! 

These light-weight bone-conducting headphones let you run around town with your ears wide open while you listen to your favorite music or podcast. They're incredibly comfy, and the sound is excellent! ($179.95 when purchased alone.)

BibRave Trucker Hat

Keep your head cool and the sun off your face with this BibRave Trucker Hat.
BOCO wicking performance mesh internal sweatband
Mesh side and back panels
Adjustable plastic snap back closure
Curved bill
One size fits most
$22.95 purchased separately

Sport Towel

Great for running, yoga and any athletic activity. Toss this towel in your bag to wipe away sweat from you and your headphones on the go.
Materials: Microfiber
Size: 13.5" x 29"
$14.95 purchased separately

Cell Phone Bank

Keep your devices charged on the go.
Lithium battery with an 1800 mAh battery capacity and an 1100 mAh output capacity.
Includes a micro USB power cord for easy recharging.
Size: 13/16" x 3-11/16" x 13/16"
Approx. value $14.95

Shoe Bag

Pack your shoes like a pro and keep them separate from your clothing with this compact shoe bag.
Material: Polyester
Size: 15” x 9.5” x 5.9”
Approx. value $12.95

Use "BRBundle" to SAVE $55 OFF the Bundle

Now that you know all the good stuff you'll get, visit http://bibrave.aftershokz.com/ to order your bundle! Don't forget to use the code: BRBundle to SAVE $55!

You can order your Trekz Air headphones in another color, but I have to admit I love my Canyon Red ones! When you take $55 off the bundle price of $204.95 you get EVERYTHING for less than the cost of a pair Trekz Air headphones!

#AfterShokzBR #ShokzSquad #BRBundle #BibRavePro #BibChat #TrekzAirBundle #TrekzAirDiscount #TrekzAirDiscountCode

<<Previous