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This Old Runner Writes

 

Mid-Year Adjustments to My 2018 Race Plans

7/12/2018

 
Back in January I set my running goals for 2018. Basically, I wanted to complete two Challenge Races, and improve my personal best time in two half marathons. Here's what's happened so far:

Goal One: Run Two Challenge Races

1. St Pete Beach Classic Duo Challenge 10K + 5K on January 13, 2018.
2. Best Damn Race Safety Harbor Challenge 10K + 5K on February 3, 2018.

Met My Goal! St Pete Beach Classic Challenge 

I loved running these two challenges. The St Pete Beach Classic Duo Challenge was the first time I ever ran two races in one day. I enjoyed it so much, I'm going to do it again in 2019. The weather was crisp and cool. The course was flat. And they gave me adorable turtle medals each time I crossed the finish line.
Picture
(Photo credit: This Old Runner)
I was pleased with my pace which was 11:03 for the 10K, and 11:00 for the 5K. I came in 3rd in my age group for the Challenge, which made me very happy.
​

Met My Goal! Best Damn Race Challenge

A month after the SPB Classic, I ran the Best Damn Race Challenge in Safety Harbor. This course wasn't as flat as SPB, but it was just as much fun!

​The rolling hills and chatting with friends distracted me a bit during the 10K. My pace for the 10K was 11:18. My 5K pace was 11:32. Those times were a bit slower than January, but were okay by me. I really enjoyed the thrill of two races in one day. It felt very different than running a 15K as a single race.
​
The Best Damn Race has excellent medals. Check out my haul below.
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Always fun to run into friends at a race! (Photo credit: PPM)
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Challenge Medals from Best Damn Race! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)
I'll be back in Safety Harbor for the Best Damn Race on February 2, 2019. I haven't decided if I'll repeat the Challenge, or run the Half Marathon. The half course takes runners through Philippe Park, which appeals to me. 

DISCOUNT CODE:
Want to run a Best Damn Race? Use my code: THISOLDRUNNER to save $5 on ANY Best Damn Race race in ANY city! Use it for as many events as you like. 2019 races are in Jacksonville, Safety Harbor, Savannah, Orlando, and New Orleans!

Goal Two: Run a PB in Two Half Marathons

Uh oh. Pressure's on for this goal! It's July, and I'm not there yet.
​

Missed PB: First Watch Sarasota Half

I loved my ​First Watch Sarasota Half on March 18, 2018. But, I did NOT run a Personal Best (PB) pace. Instead, I matched one of my previous times for the same course. It was a hot, humid sweat fest on race day. Humidity was 100%! So, I wasn't surprised.

I'll try to redeem myself at the 2019 First Watch Half. It's fun to run the First Watch Half no matter what pace. If you haven't tried it, give it a go. The location and race management are top notch.
​
Now, with less than half a year left, I need to buckle down so I can PR in my two upcoming half marathons. I originally thought my halfs would be in October and November. But, due to travel and schedule changes I'll run both half marathons in December. (Insert gasp here!)

To Do: Race The Bay Half Marathon  

I was invited to run the Inaugural Race the Bay Half Marathon in Hudson, FL on Sunday, December 2nd. I'm very excited because I love running in new places, and getting in on the inaugural year! 

​This course is pretty flat, and December is a good time to run. I'm hopeful I can improve on my Half Marathon time. The race begins and ends at SunWest Park.

To Do: Bradenton Conquistador Half

Bradenton Conquistador Half Marathon was originally going to be in mid-October, but the race moved to Saturday, December 15th. This is the third year for this event. All the proceeds go to charity. And, there's a good chance there will be some Conquistadors on hand.

I've never run this race and want to give it a try. The new date means it's a couple of weeks after Race the Bay. I think it's a good thing. I'll be fully trained and ready to run. We'll see what happens!

See You at the Starting Line!

You can find more race discount codes for Rock n Roll Races, Hot Chocolate Races, and lots more events across the country on my Race Discounts page.

I hope you'll use as many of my discount codes as you can. Feel free to share them with your running friends. It's always good to save money on races!

​Let me know if we're running any of the same events. You can find me on Twitter and Instagram @ThisOldRunner.
​
#2018Goals #SPBClassic #RunSarasota #FirstWatchSarasotaHalf #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunJax #RunOrlando #RunTampaBay #RunBradenton #BestDamnRace #BDRSafety Harbor #BDRNola #BDROrlando #BDRSavannah #BDRJax #ConquistadorHalf #SunWestPark #PromoCode #DiscountCode #RaceCode #RaceDiscount #CouponCode

Heads Up! The Bradenton Conquistador Half Marathon Moved to December 15, 2018

4/22/2018

 
On April 22, the Bradenton Conquistador Half Marathon announced a new date for the third annual event. The races will be in December rather than October this year. 

That's good, because it will probably be cooler weather. Bad, because it conflicts with other area races.
​

Save the NEW Date!

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Third Annual Event is Saturday, December 15, 2018
Presented by the Bradenton Area Conquistador Half and the Bradenton Runners Club


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2017 third place trophy. (Photo credit: Conquistador Half Marathon)
That date change adds a twist to my schedule, but I really want a new half PR at a new race. I chose this as one of my goal races for 2018. We'll see what happens!

The latest details on the @ConquistadorHalf Marathon and 5K:
  • Saturday, December 15, 2018
  • Half begins at 7:00 am
  • 5K begins at 7:30 am
  • ​Start/Finish in downtown Bradenton
  • UPDATE: Registration Opened May 26th
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2017 course map with details. (Photo credit: Conquistador Half Marathon)

​#RunBradenton #RunSarasota #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunFlorida #BradentonHalf #DecemberHalf #ConquistadorHalf #Conquistador5K

Planning Your 2018 Race Calendar?

1/3/2018

 

Set Your 2018 Running Goals

If you're like me, you spent time over the holidays researching upcoming races. (Look for my links to race discounts at the end of this post.)

I'm using a beautiful BELIEVE training journal I received as a gift to stay on track with my running. I can plan upcoming races and record my efforts all in one place. 

​After filling in the pages, I set my personal running goals for 2018. Here they are:

Run Two Challenge Races

1. St Pete Beach Classic Duo Challenge 10K + 5K on January 13, 2018.
2. Best Damn Race Safety Harbor Challenge 10K + 5K on February 3, 2018.
Logo for St Pete Beach Classic.
St Pete Beach Classic Waste Connections Duo Challenge 10K + 5K #SPBClassic
Logo for the Best Damn Race
BDR - Safety Harbor 10K + 5K Challenge #BestDamnRace (Save $5 on any race with code THISOLDRUNNER.)
As you can see, the Challenges are early in the year. I feel ready, but I've never run two races in one day. 
My plan is to use the St. Pete Beach Classic as a baseline, then look for improvement at the Best Damn Race Challenge. We'll see what happens!
​

Run a Personal Best in Two Half Marathons

I have three race options for my new half marathon personal records.
  1. ​First Watch Sarasota Half & Relay on March 18, 2018.
    ​I'm registered & training! I'm returning to a favorite race with this one.
  2. Bradenton Conquistador Half Marathon in October. Date to come.
    Waiting for registration to open. I've never run this race.
  3. St. Pete Run Fest Half Marathon on November 17-18, 2018.
    Waiting for registration to open.​ I loved the inaugural race last year.
    ​I used 2017 as a training run, so my time was slow.

    ​
Logo for First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon
#RunSarasota (SAVE $10 with code “SARASOTABIB18” on half or relay registration!)
2017 medal for Bradenton Conquistador Medal.
Bradenton Conquistador Half #RunBradenton
Logo for the St. Pete Run Festival
St. Pete Run Fest #SPRF #RunStPete
Okay, my goals are set. Now I have to get out there and run, run, and race!

​I'm excited about the year ahead, and hope you are too.

Get All the Race Discount Codes!

If you want to fill out your race calendar, take a look at all my Race Discount Codes and Bib Rave Pro Discount Codes.

Check back often — I update both here and on Google+ all the time.

#RaceCodes #DiscountCodes #PromoCodes #RaceDiscounts #BibChat #BibRavePro #BestDamnRace #HCTampa15K #HCTampa5K #HotChocolateRaces #HotChocolate15K #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunBradenton #RunSarasota #RunFlorida #Half #10K #5K #Challenge #BDRSafetyHarbor #BDRJax #BDROrlando #BDRNola

#RunSarasota on ​March 18, 2018

12/27/2017

 

Save $10 on First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon or Relay with my code: "SARASOTABIB18"


Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the First Watch Sarasota Half 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!

Have you figured out your race calendar for 2018? If you're free on March 18, 2018 you should join me for the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon.

​You have 11.5 weeks of training time to get ready!

Make sure you use the code: SARASOTABIB18 to save $10 on registration. Sign up before the next price increase on January 5, 2018.
Runners in First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon on Ringling Bridge.
First Watch runners on the John Ringling Causeway Bridge. (Photo credit: First Watch Sarasota Half)

I love running running in Sarasota. It's a thrill every time I go over the John Ringling Causeway Bridge and look out over Sarasota Bay. The First Watch race course takes you to St. Armand's Circle, past the Ringling Museum, and beautiful neighborhoods with mature trees. Plus, you can't beat the start/finish at Van Wezel. It's a beautiful spot. The crowd is always ready to run at this race. It's a high energy, fun event.
Runners in First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon on Ringling Bridge.
Runners in First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon on Ringling Bridge.
Runners in First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon.
Runners in First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon.
(Photo credit: First Watch Sarasota Half)
I'm extra excited to run in 2018 because I had a DNS last year due to a serious sinus infection. I'm determined to make a comeback this year! My goal is to follow my training schedule and bring home a PR for this course.
​

Here's Everything You Get When You Run the 2018 First Watch Half Marathon & Relay:

  • USATF Certified Race Course 
    Full support on the course with aid stations every 1 to 1.5 miles.
    Entertaining distractions! Live music, DJ's and circus acts
    will keep your running on pace.
  • Famous Dolphin Finisher Medal
    It's the biggest half marathon finishers medal in Florida!
  • Finish Festival Post Race Party Presented by First Watch
    First Watch gourmet breakfast buffet.
    Live music on the main stage.
    Free beer for all participants aged 21 years or older. ID required.
  • Beautiful views of Sarasota Bay
  • Custom Tech Race Shirt 
  • ​Free Race Photos Compliments of Athlinks

Register Today for the Best Price

So what are you waiting for? Register today with code SARASOTABIB18 to save $10 on either the half or the relay.
​

If you hurry, you'll beat the price increase on January 5th!
#RunSarasota #RunTampaBay #RunStPete #RaceCode #DiscountCode #RaceDiscount #FirstWatchHalf #SarasotaHalf #BibRavePro #BibRave #BibChat

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    PITTSBURGH's VIRTUAL RACE REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN!

    ​2022
    VIRTUAL May 1, 2022 
    Pittsburgh Half Marathon

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    This year you can #MovePittsburgh in person or virtually! Plus, there's a new Half Marathon Walking Division. Registration Closes March 31st.
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    The #PittsburghMarathon Premium Gift for 2022 Half and Full Marathoners is a water bottle and backpack.

    ​2022
    May 14, 2022 
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    Hippie Dash

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    5K, 10K or 15K Challenge. There's also a 1-Miler and a Kids Fun Run. Race proceeds support Goodwill's programs for people with barriers to employment. #HippieDash #PeaceLoveGoodwill

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    You choose your own shirt and medal from previous #BDR races! Right now the 5K is just $22.50. Price increases April 30, so go sign up! No codes for this one, but it's already a deal!

    ​2022
    August 6, 2022 
    Best Damn Race Freakin' Hot 5K

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    $20 for the first 200; $25 for 201 - 400; $30 for 401 - 600; $35 for 601 - 1,100; $40 for race-week signups, August 1st - August 6th. □ □ □ □ Limited to 1,100 registrations! #bdrfreakinhot5k

    ​2022
    November  13, 2022 
    St Pete Run Fest Weekend

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    Registration is OPEN for the 2022 St Pete Run Fest with lowest prices. Cost goes up March 31st. Run 5K, 10K, Half, Challenges + Kids Races. #SPRF #JoinTheFlock #DTSP

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DISCLAIMER: I'm not a running coach. I don't even play one on the Internet. Please ask your doctor or professional for advice specific to your body. 
DISCLOSURE: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links you won’t pay a penny more, but we may get a small commission. ​


Copyright 2016-2022 This Old Runner. All Rights Reserved.
​
  • Blog
  • Race Discounts
    • What's BibRave?
  • Gear Discounts
  • Races
    • 2021 Races >
      • REVIEW: 2021 Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K 5K
      • Hot Chocolate 15K Watercolor Journal
    • 2019 Races >
      • 2019 First Watch Sarasota Half
      • 2019 Legoland Brick Dash 5K
      • 2019 World Refugee Day 5K
      • 2019 Pittsburgh Half Marathon
      • 2019 Rugged Maniac Dade City
      • 2019 Copperhead 5K at the Valspar Championship
      • 2019 Best Damn Race
      • 2019 St Pete Beach Classic Duo
    • 2018 Races >
      • 2018 First Watch Sarasota Half
    • 2017 Races >
      • 2017 Madeira Beach Sunset Series
      • 2017 Best Damn Race Leftover 5k
      • 2017 May Day 10K
      • 2017 5K on the Runway
      • 2017 Valspar Par 4 Miler
      • 2017 Sarasota Music Half
      • 2017 SPB Beach Classic
      • 2017 Kettle Krush 5K
    • 2016 Races >
      • 2016 Caladesi Island 10 Miler
      • 2016 Ronnie's Run 10 Miler
      • 2016 Weedon Island Preserve 8K
      • 2016 Fort DeSoto 15K
      • 2016 One Step Closer 10k
      • 2016 Hippie Dash 5k
      • 2016 May Day 10K
      • 2016 FL Beach Half
      • 2016 SPB Beach Classic
    • 2015 Races >
      • 2015 May Day 10k
      • 2015 Weedon Island Preserve 8K
      • 2015 Fort DeSoto 15K
      • 2015 Honeymoon Island Half
  • Places
    • --> Seen On A Run
    • Azalea Park
    • Crescent Lake Park
    • Weedon Island Preserve
    • Demens Landing
    • Riviera Bay Park
    • Walter Fuller Park
  • My Story
    • Contact
    • Reviews and Sponsored Posts