This Old Runner Writes About Running

Race Recap: Elf Virtual Run

12/28/2020

ELF and all related characters and elements copyright and TM New Line Productions, Inc. (s20)

We all need extra holiday cheer this year, and I'm happy to report I found it with the Elf Virtual Run hosted by Ram Races.

I appreciate when race management communicates on a regular basis, and Ram Racing certainly did. I received regular emails throughout the event.

Along the way runners could enter a contest to win energy gels, and download a training plan.

There's a race-specific Elf Virtual Run Instagram account that provides info and updates.

Adding Holiday Cheer to My #RunWithBuddy Race

As soon as I registered I started looking for ways to channel Buddy the Elf. I wanted to embrace and spread holiday cheer. Here's what happened:

My daughter made me an Elf-themed face mask
Gatorade Endurance sent me "Caramel Candy" flavored energy gels
Scored a pair of free Knockaround Ugly Sweater sunnies on Cyber Monday
Painted holiday rocks to hide around town during my race
Received Feetures Run Rudolph running socks as a gift
Created an Elf-inspired Scavenger Hunt to share with friends and family
Started eating Pop Tarts
Watched the ELF movie
Received a Buddy the Elf bobble-head

ELF movie theme face mask and Gatorade Endurance energy gel.

Of course I fueled my training runs and race with "Caramel Candy" flavored gels by Gatorade Endurance. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

ELF movie face mask and Feetures Run Rudolph holiday socks.

These Run Rudolph socks and my Elf mask were the perfect Elf Run accessories! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Disclaimer: I received registration for the Elf Virtual 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.

Flatlay of running gear for The Elf Virtual Run.

My Elf Virtual Run running gear was bright and cheerful. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Why I Loved My Elf Virtual Run

If I seriously counted my miles, I geared-up and ran my Elf race 2 or 3 times. I liked running around the city wearing holiday gear and hiding painted rocks. It was the least I could do to spread Christmas cheer.

For me, having a themed race was a good distraction. We didn't travel or see extended family this year. Covid-19 and the economy provided extra worries. It was fun to focus on a holiday race.

The virtual aspect was the best part — I could share the race with friends and family who live far away. I didn't worry about safety precautions beyond my own mask and route. I could run when and where I wanted.

Plus, it felt good to train for and run extra miles during a season filled with extra carb-loading.

Painted holiday rocks and Ugly Sweater sunglasses.

After eating a Caramel Candy flavored Gatorade Endurance gel, I loaded up my pockets with painted rocks to hide along my route. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

My Ugly Sweater sunnies added a lot of holiday glow to my look! The polarized lenses are great. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

The Results of My Elf Virtual Run Scavenger Hunt

I worked hard to find all the items on my Elf Run Scavenger Hunt list. Overall, I did okay. I found most of the 10 items.

Who knew it would be so hard to find an angry elf? In 2020? I never found the son of a nutcracker, either.

I did enjoy saying hello to a lot of dogs, and eating too many Pop Tarts. (Most often they were S'mores Pop Tarts.)

The Elf Virtual Run brought me lots of Christmas cheer.

Loved wearing my holiday gear.

Labradoodle in front of a house at Christmas.

Such a cutie.

Mmmmm. Coffee!

Does Santa in a space ship = a snow globe?

Breakfast of Elves.

My favorite color is all the Xmas lights!

Inflatable Santa in Hawaiian shirt and flip flops.

Florida Santa waved every time I passed him.

Bib Rave Pro wearing ELF Virtual Run green beanie.

Post race ELFIE in my beanie.

Elf Virtual Run Race SWAG is AWESOME

My red full-zip hoodie, race bib, and green ELF beanie arrived in early December. Race management advised us via email that the medals would follow later. There was a delay in shipping. My medal arrived on December 28.

Red cozy fleece full-zip hoodie and green beanie.

Snow-globe shaped medal with colorful ribbon.

You Can Still Register and Run The Elf Virtual Race. Sign Up Today & Earn Awesome Gear!

If you need this great swag in your life, it's not too late to get it. You can register and run The Elf Virtual Run until January 31, 2021.

Sign up now, and you can enjoy the Elf gear for years to come! I know I will.

Check Out How Other BibRave Pros Personalized Their Elf Virtual Run

One of the best parts of a virtual race is that you can make it exactly what you want. I added a Scavenger Hunt because I like silly goals and distractions. Check out how some of my fellow BibRave Pros ran their virtual Elf Run for more ideas.

Barking Mad About Running - Kim
Marathang - Angie
KookyRunner - Kim
The Later Runner - Jonathan

#ElfRunBR #BuddyTheElf #KeepMoving #HolidayRun #BrighterDaysAhead #RunFlorida #WeRunSocial #RunInTheSun #OptOutside #FLRunner #ThisOldRunner #HoorayRunning #RunEveryStreet #RunYourTown #EverySinglePerson #Plogging #TeamEarth #AlleyPlogging @BibRave #Virtual #HolidayRace #BibChat #BibRavePro @RamRacing #ElfVirtualRun #RunWithBuddy @RamRacing

Elf Run Scavenger Hunt

12/14/2020

ELF and all related characters and elements copyright and TM New Line Productions, Inc. (s20)

Extra Holiday Fun for Your Elf Virtual Run

I know, I know — the Elf Virtual Run is already amazing. Everyone who participates receives a race packet with an Elf Beanie, Race Bib, and cozy red full-zip jacket.

Each item has the Elf movie logo on it. And as if that wasn't enough, everyone gets a snow-globe inspired finisher medal!

But, sometimes I like to add an extra twist to my virtual races to stay motivated.

That's why I put together an Elf Run Scavenger Hunt!

Image of Elf Virtual Run race swag: beanie, medal, bib and jacket.

Check out the Elf Virtual Run SWAG! (Image: Elf Run)

Free Download: Elf Scavenger Hunt List

Everyone's invited to join in the scavenger hunt. Simply search for the items on the list while running your 5K or 10K.

It's a fun way to add extra competition if you're running virtually with friends. It helps the miles go fast for me.

You can take a screen shot of the image below, or download the jpg in 8.5 x 11" or Instagram stories size. I'll post on Instagram and Twitter, too so you can share from there.

Elf Virtual Run Scavenger Hunt List with pictures of holiday items to find. Download it to your phone or print it.

Here's my Elf Virtual Run Scavenger Hunt. Feel free to share it and join in. (Image Credit: This Old Runner)

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Post your scavenger hunt results on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #ElfVirtualRun and #RunWithBuddy so we can cheer for each other.

I can't wait to see what people find on the run! Let me know about your race. You can find me @ThisOldRunner on IG and Twitter.

You Can Still Register for Elf Virtual Run

If you'd like to give (or get) an Elf Virtual Run registration — go for it. Registration is still open. You can run your race and upload your results anywhere and anytime between now and January 31, 2021.

Spreadin' Holiday Cheer in My Elf Virtual Run Gear

Painted holiday rocks, Gatorade Endurance energy gel, Elf mask and pair of Knockaround sunglasses in Ugly Sweater pattern.

Holiday rocks, Caramel Candy flavored Gatorade Endurance energy gel, Knockaround Ugly Sweater Sunnies, and an awesome ELF mask! I'm ready! (Photo Credit: This Old Runner)

Maybe it's the pandemic. Maybe it's 'cause Elf is my favorite holiday movie... either way, I'm having so much fun prepping for my Elf Run.

My daughter made me an Elf Movie mask when she heard I was running. I LOVE IT!

I scored a pair of ugly sweater sunnies from Knockaround — to spread Christmas cheer, of course!

PLUS, I received a wonderful surprise from Gatorade Endurance. They sent me their new energy gel flavors (Watermelon, Cherry Lime, and Caramel Candy). What could possibly match an Elf Race better than a caramel candy gel?!?!

Check Back Here After The Race

Holiday rock left at the park for someone to find. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

I'm planning to run my race during Christmas week. I'll be on the hunt for the items on the scavenger hunt list.

I'll also be hiding more holiday rocks like the ones pictured above. I stashed 3 in my neighborhood last weekend. They're for people to find and keep, or pass along to brighten someone's day. Just a little way to spread smiles.

After my race I'll post a full review and photos here.

Good luck running and spreading Christmas Cheer out there. Have fun!

#ElfRunBR #BuddyTheElf #KeepMoving #BrighterDaysAhead #RunFlorida #WeRunSocial #RunInTheSun #OptOutside #FLRunner #ThisOldRunner #HoorayRunning #RunEveryStreet #RunYourTown #EverySinglePerson #Plogging #TeamEarth🌎 #AlleyPlogging @BibRave #Virtual #HolidayRace #BibChat #BibRavePro @RamRacing #ElfVirtualRun #RunWithBuddy #StPeteRocks

Buddy The Elf's Best Breakfast Recipe

11/22/2020

ELF and all related characters and elements copyright and TM New Line Productions, Inc. (s20)

I'm getting ready to run the Elf Virtual Run this December. It's a spirited holiday run that celebrates all things ELF the movie.

That got me to thinking...would I take race fueling advice from #BuddyTheElf? Hmmm. He know's his carbs, and he does move really fast.

While I'm not convinced that Buddy's Breakfast Spaghetti would sustain me for a 10K, it is fun to consider. (Recipe below.)

Picture of Buddy the Elf's spaghetti breakfast.

Would you eat Buddy's favorite breakfast before running a 10K race?

Buddy's Best Carb-Loading Breakfast Spaghetti

Portion sizes are up to you and your appetite. Add or subtract ingredients to suit your taste!

Ingredients:

Spaghetti (Cooked)
Chocolate Candies
Mini Marshmallows
Chocolate Syrup
Butterscotch Syrup (Optional)
Maple Syrup
Toaster Pastries

Directions:

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Cool thoroughly.
Put cold spaghetti on plate.
Sprinkle with lots of marshmallows and candies.
Pour maple, chocolate, and butterscotch syrups over mixture.
Crumble toaster pastries into mixture.
Use your hands to mix well. Take care to coat each strand of spaghetti with syrups.
Shovel large mounds into your mouth.

Now, you’re ready to eat and run. Or maybe, you should take a nap first. Enjoy!

Register Now to Join the Elf Virtual Run

You can register now to participate in a 5K or 10K Elf Virtual Run and earn the awesome holiday swag shown here.

Elf Virtual Run swag includes a beanie, zip up hoodie, race bib, and snow globe style medal.

All Elf Virtual Run participants receive a zip front red hoodie, green beanie, race bib, and snow globe style finishers medal! (Image Credit: Elf Virtual Run)

Run (or walk) wherever you want. We’ll ship the goodie bag, medal, and personalized bib right to you. The first batch of race packets ship November 30. After that, they'll ship every couple of weeks.

You have until January 31, 2021 to complete your run. You can log your miles online to see how you compare to other runners.

When you finish your race you can download a finisher's certificate. You'll also get access to ELF photo frames. Share your race photos on socials with #RunWithBuddy and #ElfVirtualRun!

Log Your Race Results!

View the Elf Virtual Run Leader Board

Register Now for the Elf Virtual Run to Score Awesome Seasonal SWAG

11/14/2020

ELF and all related characters and elements copyright and TM New Line Productions, Inc. (s20)

Need Motivation to Get Through the Holidays?

Here's an easy way you can get into (and maintain) your holiday spirit this year.

Sign up for the Elf Virtual Run!

It's hosted by the Hot Chocolate Race People at EnMotive, so you know the SWAG will be stellar! (See picture below.)

All you have to do is choose a 5K or 10K, then register to run! It's $40 for either distance.

Disclaimer: I received registration for the Elf 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.

The Best Way to Spread Holiday Cheer is to Wear Your Elf Virtual Run Gear

Run, walk (or skip!) the Elf Virtual Run during the holidays. Race when and where you want! Complete your race by January 31, 2021 to download your finisher's certificate.

EnMotive will ship your jacket, medal, winter beanie, and personalized bib to you. Race packets begin shipping the week of November 30, 2020. If you register after 11/30, your packet ships within 14-21 business days.

This virtual race is open to US addresses within the contiguous United States only. (They can't ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or anywhere internationally.)

Sign up now to get your gear early in the season. That way you have plenty of time to spread holiday cheer while wearing your gear. (Buddy would be so proud!)

Every participant gets a cozy, red Elf Run full zip hooded jacket with zipped side pockets, green winter beanie, snow globe shaped finisher medal and a personalized runner bib. (Image credit: EnMotive)

I'm Running, 'Cause Running's My Favorite!

Images credit: EnMotive. ELF and all related characters and elements copyright and TM New Line Productions, Inc. (s20)

#ElfRunBR #RunwithBuddy #BibChat #TeamBuddy #WhatsYourFavoriteColor #BuddyTheElf #Elf #RunningsMyFavorite #ThisOldRunner #HoorayRunning #OptOutside #WeRunSocial #HolidayRun #VirtualRun #RunAnywhere #VirtualRace #RamRacing #EnMotiveVirtualRace