 Racers in the corrals before the Tampa Hot Chocolate 5K in December 2017. Disclaimer: I'm promoting the Hot Chocolate 15K 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 Countdown to the Starting LineGet ready to run in Tampa on Sunday, December 16th! The race begins at the Tampa Convention Center. Packet pickup happens at the Expo on Saturday. Race Start Times and CorralsStart Times: 5k - 7:00AM 15k - 7:45AM Corral Assignments: Check your email for a link to your RAM Racing account. View your registration to find your corral. Then, visit the Corral Information page to find out your wave. All the info you need is in the Participant Guide online. Parking DetailsFind details on parking locations for the expo and race at https://www.tampagov.net/tcc/parking. Expo and Packet Pickup: Sat., Dec. 15, 10 to 6Tampa Convention Center East Hall 333 S Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602 Enjoy chocolate samples, peruse the vendor booths, and pickup your swag at the expo. Get in some holiday shopping while you're there. Plenty of Hot Chocolate branded gear and clothing and vendor goods will be on display. Special race deals, too! Vendors: AARP Community Programs, Ameriprise Financial, Bondi Band, Clearwater Running Festival, Gulf Coast Gourmet Foods, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, LASIK Vision Institute, Medsense Massagers, OIC Advance, Power Home Remodeling, Topgolf Sponsors: Allstate, nuun Charity: Make-A-Wish® IMPORTANT: No Race Day Packet PickupThere is no race-day packet pickup. You can have a friend pick up your packet if you can't make it on Saturday. #HCBRTAMPA18 #HCTAMPA #HotChocolate15K #HotChocolate5K #RunTampa #RunStPete #BibChat
 Okay guys, here's number 3 of 3 of the St. Pete Beach Classic giveaways! Head on over to This Old Runner on Instagram and enter to win your choice of the Beach Run, 5K or 10K race on January 19, 2019. You have 24 hours to enter. 6 pm Wed. 12/12 through 6 pm. Thurs. 12/13/18. Doesn't running a race in St. Pete Beach in January sound wonderful?! I think so. I'm running the 5K + 10K Duo Challenge again this year. I can't wait! This is one of my favorite local races.  Free Training RunsJoin like-minded runners for training runs on the Wednesday, Dec. 12, and 19 and Jan 2 and 9. Meet at the St. Pete Beach Community Center.  There's a gift certificate available if you win and want to give the entry as a gift to someone else. If you want to upgrade another race, use the free entry and pay the difference in registration fees. For example: you can upgrade to a Half Marathon, the 5K + 10K Challenge, or the Full Marathon Challenge. If you upgrade to the Half you can enter the #Burg2Beach2Bayshore Challenge. You can upgrade at packet pickup. Present your certificate and pay the difference in cost between the races. The #SPBeachClassic Half Marathon is the second leg of the Burg to Beach to Bay Challenge. Visit https://stpetebeachclassic.com/ for more information on the 3-half marathon challenge. #RunSPBClassic #SPBClassic #RunSPB #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunSarasota #RunTampaBay #B2B2B #StPeteRunFest #GasparillaDistanceClassic #GasparillaRun #PGDC19 #RunLikeAPirate #HealthySP #SPRF #ThisOldRunner #BibChat #StPeteBeach #TampaBay #DTSP #StPete #FloridaHalf #FloridaRunner #MRTT #RaceDiscount #RaceGiveaway #GulfOfMexico #StPeteBeach #FloridaRaces
Choose from a 5K, 10K or Half Marathon on January 12, 2019 in Jacksonville, FL. Don't forget to use my code (THISOLDRUNNER) to save $5 on any distance. BDR JAX Medals Revealed!Here they are! The 2019 Best Damn Race Jacksonville medals IRL.  Best Damn Race Jacksonville Medals! Left to right: 5K, Half, 10K (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner)  Best Damn Race Jacksonville 10K, Half and 5K medals on the beach. (Photo credit: Best Damn Race) Register Early for the Best Damn Price on the Best Damn Race in Jacksonville on Jan. 12, 2019One of the coolest things about the Best Damn Races is the sliding scale for pricing. If you sign up early, you pay the least amount. Registration increases as more and more people sign up. Today (12/8) you can get the half marathon for $65, the 10K for $30, and the 5K for $25. Those are excellent prices! I think even the top price for each race is a great value, but who doesn't like to save a bit of cash and get the deal! Register here for Jacksonville races. SAVE $5 on Any Race: Code is "ThisOldRunner"If you're not running in Jax use “ThisOldRunner" to SAVE $5 on any race distance at any 2019 Best Damn Race. Feel free to use it for you and your running buddies! #BestDamnRace #BDR #BDRJax #RaceCode #DiscountCode #Jacksonville #Florida #RaceMedals #SaveMoneyOnRaces
Disclaimer: I received a free entry to K9sUnited 9K virtual race 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
(Photo credit: ThisOldRunner)
A Virtual Race for Canine Heroes
Since I couldn't be in Apopka on December 1st to race in person, I opted to run my 9K (5.59 miles) virtually. A virtual race means you race when you can, where you are. You can run on the actual race day, or as close to it as possible. I was recovering from a sinus infection, so I ran a few days after the race date.
Lucky for me, my race day was gorgeous. As you can see in the photos below, it was a blue sky day. I ran my miles around and around a local lake. The lake loop is just over a mile, so I ran it 5 times. I'd tell you my race time if I could. My watch was on low battery about 40 minutes in. And it wasn't tracking anything when I finished. But this race wasn't about time. It was about the K9s. So it's all good. Plus, it felt wonderful to get outside and run again after being sick.
(Photos credit: ThisOldRunner)
Canine Demonstration
The only downside to running the virtual option is I missed seeing the K9 dogs and their partners in action on race day. There was an impressive K9 demonstration after the race in Apopka.
Three More K9s United Races in Florida
If you enjoy running for a reason like I do, try a 9K for K9s! There are three more races in Florida scheduled for next year. Try the 9K, 5K, or one-mile fun run.
Special Note: The race in Jacksonville, Florida on May 11, 2019 will be to honor Fang. Fang was killed in the line of duty this year.
#Apopka #BibRavePro #K9 #K9sUnitedBR #BibChat #RunFlorida #K9Partners #K9Demonstration #K9Training
 Disclaimer: I received a free entry to K9sUnited 9K virtual race 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! Look at these photos of the K9s United race held Saturday, December 1st in Apopka, Florida. The event included beautiful K9s and wonderful people running to support them. The race was staged at the Northwest Recreational Complex. It was a great venue for the 9K, 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run. Photos from the K9s United December 1st RacePhoto credit: K9s United Photo Booth and K9 DemonstrationThere was a K9 demonstration after the race to showcase the talents of the canines. Runners could get pictures with the K9s in the special photo booth!
Photo credit: K9s United Since I was struggling with a fever, I moved my Virtual 9k to Wednesday, Dec. 6th. (Results can be subbed anytime between 11/30-12/8). Check back for my race report. If you want to get in on a race in person or virtually go to www.K9sUnited.org for all the details. All race proceeds support K9 officers during and after they serve. Upcoming Dates for K9sUnited Races in Florida
If you enjoy running for a good reason like I do, try a 9K for K9s! #Apopka #BibRavePro #K9 #K9sUnitedBR #BibChat #RunFlorida #K9Partners #K9Demonstration #K9Training
Fact: Racing is Better with ChocolateWhen you race in a Hot Chocolate 15K or 5K you get all the chocolate! There's chocolate at the expo and packet pickup. Chocolate on the course! And a chocolate finisher's cup filled with delicious hot chocolate, chocolate fondue, and lots of dippable goodies. 15K finishers get a chocolate bar medal! Disclaimer: I'm promoting the Hot Chocolate 15K 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  Runners who finish the 15K course receive a Tampa-specific medal along with their finisher's cup and hoodie. 5K finishers receive the hoodie and finishers cup. Final Price Increase is Dec. 2 at Midnight
Check Out What Hot Chocolate Runners Get:
Course Map and Aid Stations on Tampa Course Check out the race course and aid stations. 5K starts at 7 am. 15K begins at 7:45 am. Add SWAG to Your Pickup Bag with My CodeDon't forget to use code: BRHCTampa18 when you register to score a BONUS phone armband holder with the Hot Chocolate logo. Keep your phone safe while you run. Register online before Sunday, 12/2 at midnight to save cash! IMPORTANT: Packet Pickup DetailsPacket pickup is on Saturday, December 15, 2018 - 10am to 6pm at the Tampa Convention Center.
Come to the Hot Chocolate Expo to pick up your packet, which includes a race day bib and goodie bag. If you can't make it to any of the Expo, a friend or family member can pick up your race day necessities. They must have a copy of everyone's registration confirmation. Five packets per person max, please! If you're picking up race packets for others, please be sure to let them know that you've done so! Due to the sheer volume of Hot Chocolate Tampa participants, there is no race day packet pick-up. See You at the Sweetest Starting Line Dec. 16th!#HCTampaBR #BibChat #BibRavePro #WillRunForChocolate #RunStPete #runchat #RunSarasota #RunTampa #RunBrandon #RunBradenton #RunTampaBay #15K #5K #DiscountCode #RaceCode #BonusCode #RaceSWAG Find Your Next Race with Help from BibRave!Want some help picking your next race? The BibRave 100 was released today! Check out the top Marathons, Half Marathons, 10Ks, and 5Ks from all across the country. It’s time to plan your 2019 race schedule. I can’t wait to add new races. Plus, I’m running fan favorites like my local Hot Chocolate 15K in Tampa on Dec. 16th! Visit www.thebibrave100.com to see which of your favs made the list!  The 100 best races were announced on November 28, 2018. BibRave gives runners a voice to help elevate the best races. BibRave is a community and resource for all runners to share their experiences. The BibRave 100 takes nominations each year, then shares the results. Thanks to all the runners who reported the fine details on why they love these events. Check out The BibRave 100 to see what other runners say about races. You can use it to create your race bucket list! Find the Best Races in 9 Categories! #BibRave100 #BibChat #bucketlist #BestRacesinAmerica #HCTampaBR #RunFlorida #HotChocolate15K
Last year, I ran the Inaugural St Pete Run Fest half marathon. I loved it. The race was shiny and new, but the race directors were experienced pros.
The Best Damn Race Booth at the ExpoI kinda love a good expo as much as a good race. It's fun to talk to runners. We compare notes and talk about their race goals. I got to show them all the great medals for the 2019 Best Damn Race Series. It's fun to meet people in real life that I know from online or racing. Plus, at the Expo there are discount codes and extra goodies when you register there. The music, people, and excitement all takes place in beautiful downtown St. Pete on the waterfront. It's a fun weekend from start to finish line.  Nick setting up online registration at the expo. Medals for the 2019 Best Damn Race series were revealed at the St Pete Run Fest Expo. (Photo: ThisOldRunner) Save $5 on Any Best Damn Race with CodeIf you weren't at the expo you can still SAVE $5 on any Best Damn Race in the 2019 series. Just enter my code THISOLDRUNNER at registration. Share the discount with your running friends so they save money, too!  I'll do another post that showcases each medal and city in the series in 2019. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner)
Sunday's Finish Line FunI was back at the starting line at 5:30 Sunday morning. Our first task was to fill all the Tervis tumblers with water.
Finish Line FunI loved this reverse finish line experience. Perhaps being a runner made it extra special. I worked the half marathon side of the finish line. It was fun to greet and congratulate the runners. Some of the people who volunteered were squeamish about getting transfer sweat on them. That made me laugh. At the end, one volunteer asked everyone if they were hugged by a sweaty runner. Turns out everyone was. Finish lines are emotional. I gave a hug to every runner who wanted or needed one. There were some tearful moments with runners I didn't know. I laughed, clapped, shouted, and cheered for everyone who crossed that line. Here are my favorite things in no particular order:
If you get a chance, give back to your favorite race by volunteering. As I runner, I can tell you we love seeing a cheerful, encouraging face on course and at the finish line.
Kudos to everyone at St. Pete Run Fest for another successful race weekend! I received Oofos Cloud White Ooriginal Sport Sandals to test and review for a month. Runners are notorious for ugly feet. The miles aren't kind. It's true for me, too. My feet make it hard to take appealing photos, but I think the Oofos make up for it. Keep reading to see why I love my Oofos sandals for recovery and more. Disclaimer: I received Oofos 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 Oofos Sandals for RecoveryOofos are perfect after a run. They comfort my feet, knees, and legs after a few (or many) miles. They're one of the best pairs of recovery sandals I've tried. Just look at that thick sole. Oofos have 1.25 inches of pillow-soft, shock-absorbing, sole-soothing support. Whether I walk across cement, mulch, gravel, brick, or asphalt, it's comfortable. The thick sole absorbs any shock. That means a lot after a long race when you walk a mile back to your car. Since I live in Florida, I wear sandals year-round. As I said, this pair with all the cushion and comfort are my go-to post workout sandals. But, I find I'm wearing them all the time because they feel so good.
Oofos Sandals for TravelWhether you're traveling by air to a race or to another event, these sandals offer easy comfort. Plus, they're simple to slip on and off at airport security. That's a win. We began our trip in 84 degrees in Florida. But, we were headed to Pennsylvania where it was cold and rainy. That didn't stop me from wearing my Oofos to the airport and on our flights. They were just right for logging miles on hard airport floors all day. Even better, the sandals helped my tired feet and legs recover from a long run the previous day.
Oofos Sandals for Getting Things Done and FunWhile Oofos Sport Sandals are made for sports recovery, they work well for any occasion. I've worn them for long walks, post race, travel, and running errands. Check out the special editions for the New York and Chicago Marathons in my Nov. 5th blog post. There Oofos slip ons sandals, clogs, and shoes for both men and women. OOfoam technology absorbs 37% more impact than other foams. That translates to less stress on your feet, knees, and joints. It's a great feeling after any race 5K to marathon to ultra! #OofosBR #FeeltheOO #BibChat #BibRavePro #RecoverySandals #Sandals
Take a look at where you'll be running for chocolate in Tampa on December 16, 2019. The map below shows the #HotChocolate15K and 5K courses.
Don’t forget: You get BONUS SWAG when you use "BRHCTAMPA18" at registration. The code gets you an exclusive #HC15K armband phone holder at packet pickup. Register here: http://www.hotchocolate15k.com/tampa
#HCTampaBR #BibChat #BibRavePro #WillRunForChocolate #RunStPete #runchat #RunSarasota #RunTampa #RunBrandon #RunBradenton #RunTampaBay #15K #5K #DiscountCode #RaceCode #BonusCode #RaceSWAG |
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.
Another happy finish line!
Click the BRP logo to save money on your favorite races and gear. #BibRavePro
SAVE $5 on ANY race in
ANY city when you register w/ code: THISOLDRUNNER. Jacksonville (1.12.19); Safety Harbor (2.2.19); Orlando (3.2.19); New Orleans (3/24/19); Savanah (2/16/19). #BDR #BestDamnRace
BONUS SWAG when you register for Tampa 15K/5K on Dec. 16, 2018 with my code: TAMPAKAREN18
Upcoming Races:December 14, 2018
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