This Old Runner Writes About Running

Two Weeks Until First Watch Sarasota Half

10/7/2019

It's getting closer. Just two weeks until my first half of the season! Last weekend, I used a 15K race as my long run. This weekend, I was on my own.

First, I made a plan:

Run Slow
Run More Hills Than Loops Around the Lake
Gatorade Endurance Gels at the Start, Mile 4, and 7 (Blackberry and Apple Pear)
Carry Gatorade Endurance Thirst Quencher (Watermelon)

And then I started running. I listened to several podcasts, which helped the time and miles go faster.

(Photos and 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 review, find, and write race reviews.

Sunday Long Run Stats:

24 oz 🥤#GatoradeEndurance Thirst Quencher 🍉
3 Gels 🍏🍐
2.5 Podcasts 🎧
2 weeks 'til First Watch Sarasota Half 🐬
1 Hidden Mural🖌️🎨
1 Sun Shower ☀️🌦️
= 10 Miles!

I feel good about my fueling and time on my feet. I'll be ready to run the First Watch Sarasota Half on the 20th. I'm excited to run the Ringling Bridge and earn my giant dolphin medal. #HoorayRunning!

#GatoradeEnduranceBR #Ad #MyFuelMyJourney #BibChat #BibRavePro #SeenOnARun #SceneOnARun #Murals

Fast Recap: Fort DeSoto 15K

10/2/2019

September heat and humidity are always a challenge here. Sunday was a cloudless, sunny day with 85% humidity. We had a slight breeze at the start, and a better breeze during the last mile.

The Fort DeSoto Park paved trail is nice, but has very little shade. That was okay, since my goal was to test my hydration and fueling plan in tough conditions.

I'm a real fan of the Gatorade Endurance products I'm using this year. I've had no stomach troubles, and they're easy to take while running. I used energy gels and thirst quencher during this race.

I started too fast, but calmed down and ran slow and steady after mile 2. I ran one mile with a pacing group which was fun. Most of the time I ran my own race with one eye on my BPM. It was super hot and I wanted to stay safe. 'Cause I'm not This Young Runner.

View of the Skyway Bridge from Fort DeSoto Park.

I didn't think to take pictures until I saw the Skyway Bridge at the 15K turnaround. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Fort DeSoto finisher medal for Sunday, September 29, 2019

All racers received this sweet medal. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

We ran on the road for a short distance at the 15K turnaround. The race began in the parking lot, then followed the paved trail for an out and back course. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

How Many Miles in Your 15K?

Somehow, I always run too far at Ft. DeSoto. I'm not sure if it's my GPS or if I swerve a lot. I tried to run tangents, but whatever. My race totaled 9.41 miles instead of 9.3.

I managed a slow, steady run and felt good afterwards.

At the finish line there was cold water, an iced towel, and the big medal. I dunked that towel in every bin of ice water I saw. It felt so good!

Grabbed a beer and a banana right away. The race offered baked goods and pasta, but I didn't eat those. I took chocolate milk for the ride home. I stayed for some awards, but had to leave soon after the race.

I came in 4th again in my age group. One of these years I'll be old enough or fast enough to get in that top 3. Overall, I feel like this race was a good way to get in this week's long run.

Orange Mud transition wrap in royal blue and matching Oofos recovery sandals.

Thank goodness for recovery sandals and my transition wrap. I used these as soon as I got to my car after the race. You can use my code: “BIBRAVEWRAP” for 15% off all Orange Mud gear. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Orange Mud transition wrap used as a car seat cover.

This was the first time I used my Orange Mud transition wrap. It was sweat-free seating that kept my upholstery clean. The microfiber is so soft. Feels much better than a regular towel on the seat. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Disclaimer: I'm promoting Orange Mud as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews

What's Next on the Racing Schedule?

The Legoland Brick Dash 5K sells out, so if you're interested go sign up now. The finisher medal is made of legos!

Well, thanks for asking!

I have one more race before the First Watch Sarasota Half on October 20. It's the Legoland Brick Dash 5K in Orlando. This is a run/walk with my husband for fun. All the proceeds benefit Merlin's Magic Wand which helps kids around the world.

We want to see the park, which includes the old Cypress Gardens property.

Receiving a medal made of Legos sounds pretty cool, too!

Key West Half & 5K Prices Increase Oct. 1st

9/30/2019

Guys! There are 111 days until January 19, 2020 and the Key West Half Marathon & 5K!

That means you have plenty of time to train (15 weeks) and plan your racecation in beautiful Key West, Florida in the middle of January.

But you don't have time to wait to register if you want to grab the best price. Registration fees go up at midnight on September 30. So head on over to Key West Half Marathon and 5K and register now. Use the discount code below to get the very best deal!

Disclaimer: I'm promoting Key West Half and 5K as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews

Key West prices jump at midnight on Sept. 30th!
Photo credit: Key West Half Marathon. Video credit: This Old Runner
Music credit: Tequila by Ehrling | https://soundcloud.com/ehrling

Sightsee While You Run Around Key West

It's a unique race that takes you around the island where you'll see the Southernmost Point, Hemingway House and Museum, Mallory Square, and Duval Street. There are gorgeous water views and plenty of good eats in Key West.

One of the best parts of this race is the weather. The average Key West temperature in January is high of 74 degrees and a low of 64 degrees. That's perfect for racing!

Use "BIBRAVE20" to Save 20% on the Half

Register for the Key West Half and 5K before midnight on September 30! Use my discount code: BIBRAVE20 to get 20% OFF the half marathon before the price goes up!

BTW, my code is good after September 30. Feel free to share with your running buddies! If you want to run, but can't make it to Key West in person, consider the virtual races.

#KeyWestBR #BibRave #BibRavePro #ConchRepublic #FloridaRunner #WeRunSocial #MRTT #TheFloridaKeys #KeyWest #HemingwayHouse #Margaritaville #ThisOldRunner #KeyWestHalf #KeyWest5K #JanuaryRaces #BeastPacing #DiscountCode #RaceDiscount #CouponCode

Time for More Fueling Practice with Gatorade Endurance

9/28/2019

Last Saturday, I ran the One Step Closer to the Cure 10K race as a training run. It's was my unofficial kick off of racing season.

As I've mentioned, I like how races keep me motivated during a training cycle. A race helps me check my pace and endurance progress. Plus, it's always easier to get a run done if you have company.

Saturday's race around downtown St. Pete was a good challenge for me. I'm happy with my effort. I used Gatorade Endurance gel for race fuel. I took one before the race and ran steady for all 6 miles. I carried a second gel as backup, but didn't use it.

I had Gatorade Endurance lemon/lime thirst quencher in my water bottle. There was water only at the aid stations, so I was happy to have the electrolytes. (It's still very hot.)

I needed more than 6 miles for my weekend long run so I laced up my running shoes on Sunday to add 4 more.

I think bright colors and fun flavors improve my runs. So, I wore my bright orange Bib Rave tank and fueled with mango Gatorade Endurance gels for my additional miles. I felt good and both runs went well. Hooray running!

Disclaimer: I’m promoting Gatorade Endurance and First Watch Sarasota Half as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews.

I ran a 10K as a training run. I fueled with Gatorade Endurance Apple Pear gel. Some of the perks of using a race for training is you get a shirt and medal and post race goodies when you're done. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Finisher medal for One Step Closer to the Cure 10K Race

Post race, I grabbed a 3 Daughters Brewing Florida Hard Seltzer and a Gatorade Whey Protein Bar. (Photo Credit: This Old Runner)

Finishing the One Step Closer to the Cure 10K. (Photo credit: CMOCF)

I headed out for more miles the day after my 10K race. Bright Bib Rave colors and yummy gel flavors kept me happy. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Another Weekend, Another Training Race

This Sunday, I'm running a 15K as a training race. It's a flat, fast course at the Fort DeSoto Distance Classic. After I run 9.3 miles I'll know if I'm ready for my upcoming half marathon.

My fueling plan for the longer distance is to take a gel 15-20 minutes before the race, one at mile 4, and another at mile 8. It's going to be warm from the start, so fueling and hydration matter a lot.

I'll carry a water bottle with Gatorade Endurance thirst quencher, and take advantage of the six aid stations on the 15K course. This race offers water and Gatorade on course.

Headed to the finish line in a previous Ft. DeSoto Distance Classic. (Photo credit: Florida Road Races)

2019 Fort DeSoto Distance Classic Medal.

The 2019 medal for the Fort DeSoto Distance Classic. (Photo credit: Florida Road Races)

Counting Down to My Goal Half Marathons

Oct 20: First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon

Welp! It's just three weeks until the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon. It happens October 20th on the waterfront, bridges, roads, and neighborhoods of Sarasota.

I'm nervous because this is an early season half marathon. It will be warm, humid, and sweaty. (Okay, I'm also nervous because I told everyone I want to PR!) But, it's one of my favorite courses, so I'm looking forward to running it.

If you want to join me in Sarasota, hurry up and register! The price jumps on October 12. Feel free to use my code: "BRSARASOTA19" to get $10 OFF the half or relay; $5 Off the 10K. They've added a 5K race this year, but I don't have a discount code for the 5K.

Use my code before the Oct. 12 price increase! SAVE $10 on the Half or Relay; $5 on the 10K with "BRSARASOTA19"

Nov. 17: St. Pete Run Fest Half Marathon

Just one month after the First Watch Sarasota Half, I'll run the St. Pete Run Fest Half Marathon in downtown St. Petersburg. It's my final half marathon in my 50s, and I'd like to PR this race, too.

I'm really excited about my big races. See you at the starting lines!

Best Damn Race Reveals 2020 Medals for Orlando and New Orleans Races

9/25/2019

The Best Damn Race Orlando and NOLA medal sneak peeks are here! You can see the Safety Harbor medals and perks in my earlier post.

Keep reading to see the bling you earn by running in Orlando on February 29, and New Orleans on March 22, 2020. And there's a discount code for you at the end of the post!

Disclaimer: I’m an ambassador for the Best Damn Race. I'm promoting the races 'cause they're awesome.

Run a Best Damn Race 5K, 10K, Challenge or Half in Orlando on February 29, 2020

Saturday, February 29, 2020
Races: 5K, 10K, 5K + 10K Challenge, and Half Marathon
It's leap year, and what better way to celebrate an extra day than running a race?

If you're one of the early birds for Best Damn Race Orlando you'll score some socks.

Everything begins and ends at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando.

Come enjoy a run through the city at a beautiful time of year. Celebrate your race with an excellent post race party.

First 3,500 Registered Runners Get These BDR Orlando Socks!

Run a Best Damn Race 5K or Half in New Orleans on March 22, 2020

Sunday, March 22, 2020
Races: 5K and Half Marathon
First 2,500 Registered Runners Get NOLA Socks

Come experience New Orleans on foot. Run through NOLA and earn this 3D sugar skull medal that glows in the dark!

Best Damn Race New Orleans offers two events. The 5K and half marathon begin and end in the French Quarter

First 2,500 Registered Runners Get Special BDR NOLA Socks!

SOON: Sneak Peek at the Savannah Medals

Saturday, February 15, 2020
5K and Half Marathon
Race around the scenic squares in Savannah.

I'll post the Best Damn Race Savannah Medals here soon. And yep, you get socks with that!
First 2,000 Registered Runners Get BDR Socks

The Best Damn Race Savannah half and 5K both begin and end at Forsyth Park.

See the NOLA historic sites, then celebrate afterwards at the Best Damn Race party.

First 2,000 Registered Runners Get BDR Savannah Socks!

Use Discount Code "ThisOldRunner" to SAVE 10% on ANY Best Damn Race in Any City!

Use my discount code: "ThisOldRunner" when you register to run in Safety Harbor, Orlando, Savannah, and New Orleans and you'll SAVE 10% on your race! Feel free to share the discount code with friends and family!

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