This Old Runner Writes About Running

Life Time's First Watch Sarasota Half & Relay Leaves Sarasota in 2020

2/15/2020

It was sad news yesterday when Events by Life Time announced it's ending the First Watch Sarasota Half & Relay event in Sarasota. They sent an email to past participants. (Websites aren't updated yet.)

The Life Time First Watch Sarasota Half & Relay was one of my favorite half marathons. They celebrated their 10 year Sarasota anniversary in March, 2015. In 2019, the race moved from it's perfect March date to October due to road construction issues.

That was a rough change because October in Florida is still super hot and humid. Severe storms the day before the event forced race management to reduce the half marathon to a 10K. I enjoyed the 10K, and the after party was as good as ever, but there were a lot of disappointed runners. I'm sorry the race series ended on a bad note.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that a new race comes to Sarasota soon. We're gonna miss this race!

First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon 10th Anniversary Finisher Medal featuring huge dolphins.

This is the 10th Anniversary medal from 2015. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Crossing the finish line at the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon.

Crossing the finish line in Sarasota.

Update: Fall Racing Goals

11/5/2019

In early August, I set two goals for my Fall 2019 half marathon fitness journey. I wanted to PR two half marathons before my 60th birthday.

I teamed up with Gatorade Endurance to fuel my training over the Summer and into Fall. The Gatorade Endurance gels and thirst quencher helped get me through the brutal heat and humidity of a Florida summer.

I made sure I fueled early and often so I didn't run out of energy before I ran out of road. Paying attention helped me perform better in both training and races.

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

The First Watch Sarasota 10K was awesome and included a BibRave Pros Meet Up.

Benchmarks

I filled in my training calendar with benchmark races in a variety of distances.
And then I ran them.

I felt strong before the First Watch Sarasota on October 20. It was going to be a scorcher, but I was determined to beat my previous finish time.

I loved running the First Watch Sarasota Half. But I couldn't PR because the race was shortened to a 10K due to safety issues.

I didn't get a chance to beat my previous half time. But, I did matched my 10K split to the second. Ha!

Goal Half Marathon Race

Nov. 17 is my second goal race, the St. Pete Run Fest Half.

I'm excited to run through the city. And, I'm optimistic about a PR. I know I'm going to need some strong mind over matter skills for this one.

I'll be hyper-aware about hydrating and fueling before and during the race.

The weather outlook is good. We may get temps in the low 70s which would be AWESOME.

I believe cooler temps combined with a strong mental/physical game and proper fueling can get me to the finish line in less time than 2018.

This is the half marathon medal for the 2019 St Pete Run Fest Half Marathon.

#GatoradeEndurance #GEnduranceBR #FuelMyJourney #MyFuelMyJourney #StPeteRunFest #RunStPete #RunTampaBay #RunFlorida #RunSarasota #RunBradenton #GatoradeEnduranceGels #ThirstQuencher #BibChat #BibRavePro

Review is Up! 2019 First Watch Sarasota Half

10/24/2019

You can find the review by clicking the photo or using the RACES pulldown menu.

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

When Your Half Marathon Becomes a 10K — And You're Totally Okay with It

I've been working towards a goal of a half marathon PR. My first try was scheduled for the First Watch Sarasota Half on October 20.

Due to weather and safety challenges, the race management cancelled the half. However, half runners were invited to run a 10K race for free instead. So, I did!

Read my review of First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon that became a 10K bridge run. While I didn't get a half mara PR, I did get an awesome challenge and race experience.

It was a solid training run that increases my chances for a PR in November. It's all good if you ask me!

#SarasotaBR #RunSarasota #RunTheRingling #BibChat #BibRavePro

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

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!

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