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It's here, it's here! The Bigfoot Triathlon and Trail Races are here! Good luck to everyone making their way to Big Foot Beach State Park in Lake Geneva, WI this weekend. Swim, Bike and Run like the wind everyone!   NOTE: Free sunglasses code expires two days before the race. #BigfootTri #BigfootTrail #LakeGeneva #Triathlon #TrailRace #SummerTri #Wisconsin #BibRavePro Here's another way to stay hydrated this summer. Turn your Gatorade Endurance Formula powder into a refreshing slushie. It's super easy and worth it. Ingredients
Directions
*I like to keep a few bigger ice chunks so it lasts longer on my run. Disclaimer: I received Gatorade Endurance Formula Powder and Energy Gels as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about become a BibRave Pro (ambassador) and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews
Photo Credits: ThisOldRunner.com  Mix Gatorade Endurance Formula powder and water in your hydration bottle. Stir well.
Happy Hydrating!The new watermelon flavor is so good. I have to admit turning it into a slushie makes it feel more like a treat than responsible hydrating. The truth is, it's both! Here are some fun facts about Gatorade Endurance Formula Powder:
There are NO artificial flavors. I love the new lighter taste. It's less sweet, which I like a lot. The watermelon Endurance Formula is available at Gatorade.com right now. It will be in stores soon. Have You Tried Gatorade Endurance Gels?
#FormulatedForFarther #GatoradeEndurance #GEnduranceBR #BibRavePro #BibChat #SummerRunning #Hydration #SummerRunningTips #WatermelonGatorade #MangoGatorade
Get Bonus SWAG with code: BRBigfootRegister for the Bigfoot Tri or Bigfoot Trail 10k/5K today (Wed., June 20) to get your FREE Ram Racing Sunglasses! The code, "BRBigfoot" expires at midnight tonight! The Tri and Trail races are in Big Foot State Park in Lake Geneva, WI on Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24. Check out all the details here.  Disclaimer: I’m promoting Big Foot Tri & Trail Run 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! Don't Wait! Race is June 23-24 in Lake Geneva
#BRBigfoot #BibRavePro #BibChat #LakeGeneva #SummerTriathlons #TrailRaces #Discounts #PromoCodes #CouponCodes #BigfootTri #BigfootTrail #RaceCode #RamRacing #SummerRaces If you plan on running a full marathon this Fall, you're probably one or two weeks into your training program. In a warm climate (like Florida) you know you'll train in swamp-like humidity for the next several months. When you run in the heat take extra precautions. For example, you should:
The worst is when you're soaking with sweat and your skin rubs against a sock, shoe or clothing. Then, you're soaking with sweat and have a painful blister. The good news is KT TAPE® has two brand new products to care for your blister probs. Disclaimer: I received KT Tape Blister Products 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! Blister Prevention and TreatmentKT TAPE® is known for products that relieve pain while giving support to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Now they have solutions for blisters, too. I tested KT TAPE® Blister Prevention Tape and KT TAPE® Blister Treatment Patches. Keep reading to learn more.
KT TAPE® Blister Prevention TapeThe Blister Prevention Tape is a synthetic fabric that's flexible and lightweight. It comes on a roll. Each strip is easy to tear off at the perforation. The tape forms a barrier between your skin and sock/shoe to prevent friction. I used it on my ankle and my big toe to prevent chafing that would lead to blisters. The first time I wore it was during a 5K. I was worried about wearing newer shoes. The tape did a great job. Despite the high humidity and sweat levels, my feet survived blister-free. I even wore the KT TAPE® into the shower after the race to see if it would stay stuck. It did. I found the most important thing was to firmly press the tape onto clean, dry skin. If you don't make a good connection at first application, it won't stay put. The package says you can wear it up to two days. I've worn it on my toe about 18 hours. On race days I wore the tape for about 4 hours.
KT TAPE® Blister Prevention Tape is thin and flexible. It protects you, and gives you freedom of movement so you don't have to stop doing what you're doing!
KT Tape® Blister Treatment PatchesThe blister treatment patch is soft hydrocolloid gel. The patches are Latex-Free. It gives you a waterproof seal. The nice thing about the patch is it's flexible and moves with you. So if it's on your finger like mine was, you don't feel restricted. It's a nice cushion that protects painful blisters until they heal. I like the soft, smooth texture of the patch. Since I burnt my finger, I can give you a first-hand account of the Blister Treatment Patch. I didn't press the first patch in place securely, so I ended up getting water under it. That made it loose. My second attempt was successful. I had secure placement and the patch remained waterproof. I wore it for 2 days while I mowed the lawn, did dishes, ran, etc. It was 100 times better than a soggy bandage! I was happy with the patch's performance. As you can see below, my finger was quickly improved after a couple of days.
SAVE 30% on KT TAPE® Blister Products with code "BIBRAVE30"
#KTTAPE #KTTAPEBR #BibChat #BibRavePro #Blisters #Runners #BlisterPrevention #BlisterTreatment #DiscountCode #PromoCode #CouponCode #KTTAPEBlisterPrevention #BlisterTreatmentPatch #BlisterPreventionTape
Race the Bay is a brand new Half Marathon and 5k at SunWest Park in Pasco County. The out and back course takes runners along a natural Florida landscape of beautiful waterways and quaint towns. Most of the flat course is on paved roadway. There is one mile on hard lime rock surface. The race is chip-timed. Race Start Times: Half Marathon - 7 am; 5K - 7:30 am; 1 Mile Stroller Roll & Fun Walk/Run - 7:45 am. Location: SunWest Park - 17362 Old Dixie Hwy, Hudson, FL 34667
Disclaimer: I'm an ambassador for the 2018 Race the Bay Half Marathon. I receive a free entry in exchange for promoting the race. Save $10 on the Half Marathon and 5K with My Discount Code: THISOLDRUNNERSAVE $10 on Half Marathon or 5K with code "THISOLDRUNNER" when you register. This code was just updated to include both the half and the 5K! No expiration date! Half Marathon: $85 until August 31, 2018 ($75 with discount code) 5K Race: $40 ($30 with discount code) 1 Mile Stroller Roll and Fun Walk/Run: $25 You can register for any and all of the races here.  Health & Fitness Expo on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018Health & Fitness Expo and packet pickup at Classical Preparatory School 12836 Shady Hills Rd, Spring Hill, FL on Saturday December 1st from 9:00 – 4:00. Family friendly expo includes food, bounce houses, touch-a-truck, and vendors. Runners can get taped with KT Tape and purchase gear needed for the event. Raffle at the expo features products from our Expo Sponsors: Plantronics, RoadID, KT Tape, Momentum, GU Energy, and more! Each runner receives one free raffle ticket! Finish Line is in SunWest Park in Hudson, FL
Race The Bay Benefits Classical Preparatory School in Spring Hill, Florida
#RaceTheBay #RunStPete #RunClearwater #RunTarponSprings #RunHudson #RunTampa #RunTampaBay #RunSafetyHarbor #RunFlorida #RaceCode #PromoCode #DiscountCode #HalfDiscount #FloridaHalf #DecemberHalf #ClassicalPrep #SunWestPark #HudsonFL #ThisOldRunner #BibChat #RunChat #FloridaRaces #RunPasco #RunPinellas #RunHillsborough #FloridaCharterSchools
Wonderful Watermelon Gatorade
Nothing says Summer like watermelon! I love, love, love watermelon. That's why I feel lucky to test the brand new Gatorade Endurance Formula "Thirst Quenching Powder." It's coming to your town soon.
Disclaimer: I received Gatorade Endurance Formula Powder and Energy Gels as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about become a BibRave Pro (ambassador) and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!
If you're an endurance athlete, or any kind of athlete, who is working out this summer, give it a try. It has a lighter, LESS sweet taste than regular Gatorade. That makes it a winner for me. (I usually cut traditional Gatorade in half with water.)
Besides a better taste, the Endurance Formula has more sodium and potassium than the regular Gatorade. It's really, truly, perfect for long runs and fueling in the heat of summer. The extra sodium and potassium are going to protect you from muscle cramps, people! I was so excited about the new watermelon flavor I made this video: Gatorade Endurance is #FormulatedForFarther
The Endurance Formula has 2 times more sodium, and 3 times more potassium than traditional Gatorade.
Here are the stats for a 12 ounce serving:
You can also get #GatoradeEndurance powder in Lemon-Lime, Orange, and Cherry. I've tried all the flavors, and like them. But I think I'm staying with Watermelon for my summertime workouts! Check it out at Gatorade.com/endurance and get yourself some. Mmmm! Mango Endurance Engergy Gel
Gatorade Endurance didn't stop their summer flavor fest with watermelon. Nope. There's Mango Energy Gel in the Endurance Formula, too.
I first tried the Gatorade Endurance Energy Gel during a half marathon. I lost my fuel on course. I needed fuel at mile 9 and didn't have any option other than to try something brand new. It turned out to be A-Okay.
The endurance energy gels are much lighter than other gels. More fluid and less sticky. Less sugary, too. And the flavors are fantastic. It was easy to swallow late in a race. No issues with an upset stomach, either. I've used these gels ever since I found them on course. I really like the Vanilla, Apple Pear, and Blackberry. And now my mood is Mango! Again, the endurance formula is good for long runs, hikes, biking, etc. Each pouch contains:
I hope you'll give them a try. If you're looking for endurance fuel that has a lighter taste, I recommend these. You can get all the awesomeness at Gatorade.com/Endurance or your local sports store.
#FormulatedForFarther #GatoradeEndurance #GEnduranceBR #BibRavePro #BibChat #EnduranceAthetes #FuelForAthletes #MangoGel #WatermelonGatorade #MangoGatorade #RunnerFuel #RaceFuel
Have you ever gotten a blister during a race? I have. When you get a blister in the middle of a race you don't want to stop. Most runners I know choose to run through the pain — all the way to the finish line. A better plan is to prevent the blister from happening in the first place. Let's look at why blisters happen to runners, and how to stop the madness! Then, we'll talk about how to treat blisters if you still get them. Disclaimer: I received KT Tape® Blister Prevention Tape and Blister Treatment Patches as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about become a BibRave Pro (ambassador) and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!
If your socks move back and forth, your shoes rub, or your underarm passes back and forth over a rough seam, you'll get blisters. Blisters on feet usually show up on the toes, heel, and ball of the foot. Some blisters don't hurt. Others are very painful. Sometimes the blister bursts during your run. When you check your feet later, you have a painful raw spot. Most blisters caused by friction will heal in a few days. Some are more serious. If you have a fever, nausea or chills with an especially painful blister call the doctor. You may have an infection. How to Prevent Blisters on Your FeetIf you want to stop blisters from happening, you have to be proactive. First, get shoes that fit properly. Make sure there's plenty of room for your toes or you'll get black toenails. Black toenails happen when your toe thumps against the front of your shoe with each step. A blood blister forms under the nail which makes it look black. The second most important thing is to keep your feet dry. The best way to do that is by wearing moisture-wicking socks made for athletes. Specialty running socks reduce moisture and protect your feet. Don't skimp. Moisture-wicking socks are worth the price. Stay away from cotton. Cotton soaks up the moisture and promotes blisters. Another option is to wear two pairs of socks. Doubling up reduces friction and adds cushion.
Powders and CreamsAnother option is to douse your feet with a silicone-based foot powder. You pour it into your socks. The powder creates a smooth surface on your foot to prevent friction. You can also find creams and deodorant-style lubricant sticks. You can coat your foot to lower or eliminate friction. Tape, patches, creams, and powders stop chafing in prone areas like feet, inner thighs, sports bras, and underarms. How to Treat a BlisterIf your blister isn't too painful, leave it alone. Let it heal on its own. Cover small blisters with a patch, (like the KT Tape® Blister Treatment Patch). If you think popping the blister is best, follow these steps:
The fact is, blisters happen to runners. If you get one, treat it fast. Otherwise, follow your preventative plan to minimize your chances. Save 30% Plus a Full Product ReviewSo far, I like KT Tape® Blister Prevention Tape and KT Tape® Blister Treatment Patches. I used the patch after burning my finger on the stove on Taco Tuesday. I'll post my full product review after a few more hot, humid runs! In the meantime, you can get 30% OFF KT TAPE® Blister Treatment Patches and Blister Prevention Tape when you use my code: BIBRAVE30. #KTTapeBR #BibChat #BibRavePro #BlisterPreventionTape #KTTAPE #ProductReview #BlackToeNails
It's June in Florida. It's hot. It's humid. Everyone is a sweaty mess. That means it's time for the Best Damn Race Leftover 5K! AKA, Tampa Bay's last hurrah for racing season. Sure, there are some sweet beach 5Ks over the summer. But, most of us have to wait until September to run with a crowd again. I think that's why the BDR Leftover 5K is such a celebration. It's a goodbye for the summer. It's a late season test in heat and humidity. It's one last race while you're in peak condition. Whatever the reason, the BDR Leftover 5K is fun! First, depending on when you register you'll pay $9 to $25 dollars for a 5K. You can't beat that deal. Second, all the medals and shirts are from previous Best Damn Race events. So, if you've been eyeing that sugar skull medal from New Orleans, or missed out on the Manatee, you have a chance to score one. It's the only time you can run a 5K and take home a half marathon medal. The mystery of which shirt and medal you'll get adds to the excitement. You choose your shirt at packet pickup. The medals are laid out on tables near the finish line. Runner can peruse their options before the race begins. There are no guarantees — you have to reach the finish in time to snag your medal before someone else gets it. Maybe that will make you run faster? Running in Safety HarborI love Safety Harbor. It's a charming, waterfront town on Tampa Bay. The locals are kind enough to let runners invade their streets a few early mornings each year — and believe me — we appreciate the hospitality! The race begins and ends at Safety Harbor Waterfront Park. The course takes runners north on Bayshore Drive, turns around and then heads south. The entire race has views. There are slight inclines, but nothing serious. The main challenge is the heat and humidity.  The race expo and post race party is in the Safety Harbor Waterfront Park. There are plenty of picture spots and local race and running vendors. There was water, Nuun, and Dunkin' donuts coffee before the race, and plenty of food and beverages post race. (Photo: This Old Runner)  Wave One runners raise their hands and promise to finish in 30 minutes or less! (Photo: This Old Runner) The Leftover Race has Two WavesThe Best Damn Race Leftover 5K has two waves. Runners in Wave One must finish their 5K in 30 minutes or less. This is important because the runners in Wave Two will collide with runners who don't finish in the time limit. It's a safety issue. The two waves are a good idea. It gives faster runners a challenge. It probably leads to faster finish times for many runners. We naturally keep pace with those around us. So, if you're running with the faster crowd, you'll get a better time. Another benefit is fast runners don't have to maneuver around walkers and slower runners who self-seeded in front of the corral. You don't need to worry about getting the medal you want. There are two batches of medals that include bling from all the past races. There's plenty of bling for both waves. If you know fast runners, you can cheer them on while you wait for Wave Two. Or vice versa. Waterslide? Yes, Please.I love the waterslide at the Best Damn Race Leftover 5K. I've seen runners of all ages enjoy cooling off in the slide. What the heck, we're all dripping wet by the end of the race anyway.  Great way to cool off after the hottest race of the year. (Photo: This Old Runner) Mix & Match Your Best Damn Race LeftoversI chose the 2017 Best Damn Race New Orleans shirt, and the 2017 Safety Harbor 5K medal. I don't know why, but I always choose a 5K medal for this race. I'm happy with my race SWAG. It's fun to see what everyone picks. I saw groups of friends running in matching shirts. I wonder if they chose matching medals, too. Bottom line: You get a solid shirt, medal, and race experience in a charming setting for $25 or less.
Plan Your 2019 Best Damn Race Schedule Now!Here's the lineup for the 2019 Season. Savanah is new this year. Just look at all those racecation options!
Use Discount Code THISOLDRUNNER to SAVEYou can use my code, "THISOLDRUNNER" to SAVE $5 on any distance race, in any city (except Savannah during the Registration Blitz). Use it for yourself and all your running friends. Go ahead and sign up now to get the best deal! I hope you'll try at least one of the Best Damn Races in 2019. Racing for a ReasonOne last note. You should know when you run the Best Damn Race Safety Harbor and the Leftover 5K the charity partner is Special Olympics Florida — Hillsborough County. I don't know about you, but I love running a race that supports a cause! Scene on a Run: So much fun to watch runners choose their medals at this race. One lady had a humongous half marathon medal around her neck. I said, "Wow, you got a good one." She replied, "It's big and shiny so it works for me." Grins all around. #BestDamnRace #BDRSafetyHarbor #BDRJacksonville #BDRJax #BDRSafetyHarbor #BDROrlando #BDRNOLA #BDRLeftover5K #ThisOldRunner #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunTampaBay #RunNOLA #RunSavannah #RunOrlando #RunJax #RunFlorida #StreakingwiththeCOOLKIDS #MedalMonday #BibRave #BibRavePro #BibChat #CouponCode #DiscountCode #PromoCode
Next Price Increase is June 3 at MidnightDon't miss out on the fun race and costume contest in Lincoln Park this October.
You'll find the complete price increase schedule is below. Register soon to save cash.  Here's the pricing schedule for Pumpkins in the Park 5K:
All participants receive a race shirt, timed race, and fun post-race party! Score BONUS SWAG with my BibRave Code!Use my code: BRPumpkins when you register to score a BONUS pair of Ram Racing sunglasses in your goodie bag. You can use them as part of your costume!  #RamRacing #PumpkinsinthePark5K #BRPumpkins #PumpkinsBR #LincolnPark #HalloweenRace #RuninCostume #RaceCostumes #Elite5K #ThisOldRunner #Chicago5K #October5K #Pumpkins5k #BibChat #BibRavePro
Largest Database of Results for Athletes
Disclaimer: I'm writing this review of Athlinks as part of being a BibRavePro. Use Athlinks to Track Your ProgressAthlink uses information from race directors and athlete communities to fill the database. When results are posted online, the Race Director sends files and/or links to the Athlinks team. Athlinks uploads the information to the website and database. I had 30+ races done when I opened my free account. It was fun to create my profile, then link to all my races. It didn't take long to assemble all my stats on Athlinks. Now, I see my progress all in one place. While I'm not the fastest runner, progress keeps me motivated. Athlinks gives you a few ways to view your race results:
  Feeling competitive? Click the Rivals tab (shown below) to see how you compare to other runners. If you run the same race as someone you follow, Athlinks keeps tabs on who beats who.    Plan Your Race Schedule with AthlinksWhether you're already registered, or looking for your next race, Athlinks is an impressive planning tool. Use it to view upcoming races so you can plan for training and recovery. To find a new race, enter an event name, date range, location, and/or type of event. Hit search and Athlinks will show your results. Below are results from searching for races near Tampa, Florida between May and December, 2018.  As you can see, there are clickable links for previous years. Use those to see stats on the race. You can search results, see the number of participants, winning times, weather, etc. You'll find a lot of useful info. BTW, there were more results than I'm showing here. Free Training Plans and AdviceYep, there's more than statistics. Athlinks has resources for endurance athetes. You'll find advice on training, gear, and nutrition. Visit the Athlinks Blog for details.  Featured Events and Destination RacesHave your eye on a special race? You'll find plenty of featured events and destination races on Athlinks.com. There are descriptions of racecations for foodies, special attractions, charities, and landmarks. FYI, I want to run the Pittsburgh Half Marathon next May.  You'll also find articles on gear, coaching, the best races for first-timers, races for people who like to party, and more. There's An Athlinks Mobile AppTake Athlinks with you using the mobile app. You can stay up-to-date with race details using the official event feed. Share your race with family and friends. The mobile app has animated maps that predict your location during an event. Your peeps can track you on course. It's perfect for meeting up during and after the race.  Join the Athlinks Community!Go ahead and follow me on Athlinks. You probably run faster than I do, and that's okay. I'm just here to make you look good! You're welcome. #AthlinksBR #Athlinks #RaceIgnited #PoweredbyAthlinks #BibRave #BibRavePro #TrackYourResults #RaceResults #RaceSchedule #Statistics #PR #ThisOldRunner
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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.
Another happy finish line!
Save money on your favorite races and gear. #BibRavePro
BONUS SWAG when you register for Tampa 15K/5K on Dec. 16, 2018 with my code: TAMPAKAREN18
Get $5 OFF any race, any city with "THISOLDRUNNER" Jacksonville - 1.12.19; Safety Harbor - 2.2.19; Orlando - 3.2.19; New Orleans - 3/24/19; NOTE: Code not live for Savanah - 2/16/19 until after the registration blitz. #BDR #BestDamnRace
Upcoming Races:June-July-August
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