This Old Runner Writes About Running

This Fall, I'm Fueling My Journey with Gatorade Endurance

8/11/2019

I'm beyond excited about training for two goal races this Fall using Gatorade Endurance!

Both of my races, the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon and the St Pete Run Fest Half, serve Gatorade Endurance on course. So, using it for training is a perfect fit.

Gatorade Endurance supports runners of all shapes, sizes, ages, and attitudes. I learned this first-hand when they agreed to support my race goals with Endurance Formula products for my training. Hooray!

Keep reading to learn more about my goals.

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.

Gatorade Endurance and Encouragement

Gatorade Endurance sent me a personal note and this package of wonderful gels and thirst quencher powder! They're helping me train for two half marathons that represent milestone goals for me.

Gatorade Endurance sent me a personal note and this package of wonderful gels and thirst quencher powder! They're helping me train for two half marathon goals this Fall. (Photo Credit: ThisOldRunner)

My Milestone Races

I want to run a personal best in my last two half marathons before my birthday. My goal is to end my 50s with fast finishes, then race right into my next decade.

But here's the rub. Summer training in Florida is brutal. Heat. Humidity. Stormy downpours. Bright sunshine. I actually like Summer, but it's so stinking hot here.

If you don't hydrate and fuel properly you'll melt. The temps and humidity make it hard to train. Inconsistent training makes Fall PRs a challenge.

I love the half marathon distance. It takes training, discipline, and dedication to complete 13.1 miles. It's a meaningful endeavor. But how to stay motivated?

This year, I'm sharing my goals publicly to stay accountable. It's always good to have cheerleaders and witnesses!

Crossing the finish line at the Sarasota Half Marathon.

Goal: Beat my 2015 First Watch Sarasota time.

Posing with my medal after the St Pete Run Fest Half Marathon.

Goal: Beat my 2017 St Pete Run Fest finish time.

My Endurance Running Story

I never (ever) expected to be a runner. As a kid, I ran around the yard. In high school, I ran to catch my bus. At 20, I maybe ran the bases in intramural softball — twice.

Despite growing up in a family of athletes, I was a spectator when it came to sports. I watched my parents, siblings, husband, and children participate. But, I never felt the need to compete.

My motto was, “No thanks, I hate to sweat.”

Everything changed when I saw my daughter run her first half-marathon. I was spectating at the starting line, and was surprised (shocked?) to see that everyone there wasn’t a 20 year-old thin mint.

My motto was, "No thanks, I hate to sweat."

And those people didn’t just start the race — they finished it!

I was so moved by everyone’s determination, I cheered for people I didn’t know as they crossed the finish line. Tears filled my eyes when my daughter received her medal. It was amazing. Inspiring. Just, wow!

My daughter inspired me to attempt running a half marathon.

One of my faves is running with her. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

I began to wonder if, maybe — just maybe — I could run a half marathon. I started by walking.

I trained for 13 months before I finished my first half in February 2013. One medal, and I was all in.

Nine months later I ran/walked my second half. I’ve been running ever since.

Running has given me more than muscle tone. Running has improved my balance and agility. It provides an inner peace I didn’t realize I was missing.

The most important thing I’ve learned is to take my time and train smart. I’m patient with my progress. As a result, I’m healthy and moving.

P.S. I like to sweat, now!

I'm a Late Bloomer Athlete

When asked to describe my type of athlete, my first response is late bloomer. I'm happy about becoming an athlete later in life. When you start running at 52 no one expects you to run a 6-minute mile. Every achievement is a delight.

Since I'm an older runner, I pay extra attention to nutrition, rest, and recovery. I pace myself, and always respect the heat and humidity.

So far, patience has given me 7 years of injury-free running.

Why I'm Training with Gatorade Endurance

I'm using Gatorade Endurance for several important reasons:

Carbs plus potassium, sodium, and electrolytes in an easy to take and digest drink. These are vital when you train for hours. Hydration is everything in the heat.
Taste. I like Lemon/lime, Cherry, and Watermelon thirst quencher powder. Full disclosure: watermelon is my fave!
Energy Gel Flavors! Mango, Apple Pear, Blackberry, and Vanilla.
Gels that are fluid and easy to swallow on the run. These aren't sticky or super sweet. That means a lot to me in the middle of a training run or race.

I love that I'm training with the same fuel that's offered on course at my races. I don't have to worry about it on race day. I can focus on running.

Hand holding a Gatorade Endurance gel in mango flavor.

Mmmm! Mango! I fell in love with this flavor the first time I tried it. It's fluid and smooth and goes down easy while runnning. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Picture of Gatorade Endurance thirst quencher powder.

Gatorade Endurance loaded me up with lemon/lime, cherry, and watermelon flavors. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

When I set my mind on something, I try to follow this strategy:

1. Set a Goal.
2. Make a Plan.
3. Get to Work.
4. Stick to It.
5. Reach Goal.

So, I've set my goal (PR in two half marathons in a row) and made a training plan. It's time to do the work! The First Watch Sarasota Half is in 10 weeks. St. Pete Run Fest is in 14 weeks. Eeek!

Good luck if you're training for your own milestone races. Find me on Instagram and Twitter @ThisOldRunner. We can encourage each other.

See you at the starting line!

#GatoradeEndurance #ThirstQuencher #RunnerFuel #GEnduranceBR #BibRave #BibChat #BibRavePro #GEndurance #FuelMyJourney #MyFuelMyJourney #ShareYourStory #FormulatedForFarther #Ad #Fitness #FitnessInspiration #WeRunSocial #RunnersOfInsta #FitFluential #Motivation #GoalRaces #OlderRunner #RunningTowardsRetirement #MRTT #InstaRunner #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunSarasota #RunTampaBay

Did You Know There's a Relay Option for the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon?

8/9/2019

Relay team finishes together at the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon.

Team members meet up and run to the finish together! (Photo credit: Sarasota Half Marathon)

Disclaimer: I’m promoting First Watch Sarasota Half & Relay 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.

Did you know you can split a half marathon with a friend at the First Watch Sarasota Half on October 20th?

That's right, grab a running friend and share the miles. Each person runs half the race, then you run the .1 mile together! Cross that finish line as a team and claim your huge dolphin medals!

Psst! There's a discount code for the half and relay at the end of this post.

How to Register a Relay Team

Each person on the relay team must sign up. The first one to register creates the team name and becomes the team captain. The captain pays the team's entry fee.

The second member of the team must know the team name so they choose it when they register.

What Relay Teams Get Before the Race

Each 2-person team receives:

3 race bibs
1 race belt

There is one bib for each runner, plus a third bib that contains the timing chip. Attach the bib with the timing chip to the race belt.

The belt and timing bib MUST be worn by the first runner, then transferred to the second runner in the RELAY EXCHANGE AREA.

NOTE: You can return the timing belt at the end of the race to avoid a $5 fee.

Relay Starting Locations

1. Team Member 1 runs about 6 miles from the start to the exchange area. This person begins at the starting line.

2. Team Member 2 runs about 7 miles. This person reports to the Relay Exchange Area on US 41 and 10th. The exchange area is walking distance from the start of the race.

Signage indicates where Team Member 2 should wait for Team Member 1.
Team Member 2 runs the remaining 7.3 miles from the exchange to the finish. Team Member 1 can join them at the same transition area then finish the last .1 miles of the race together. This is a great photo opportunity to cross the finish line together as a team. You don't need to swap bibs again since you'll finish together.

Relay Exchange Area

100 yards before the relay exchange Team Member 1 will see an arrow exchange sign. Prepare early and stay to your right.

Team Member 2 will be waiting in their area. Once the chipped bib is transferred, Team Member 2 is ready continue on the course. Water is available for Team Member 1 at this point.

Finish Together Meet-up Area

At the Finish Together Meet-up Area, Team Member 1 should wait to join Team Member 2.

You DO NOT need to exchange chips again.

It is recommended that you finish together to ensure you both receive your participant medals and have your photo taken together as you cross the finish line.

Discount Code for $10 OFF the Relay

The First Watch Half, Relay or 10K always sells out, so register early to earn the huge dolphin medal! 🐬

The Sarasota Half & Relay and 10K are on October 20, 2019. Use "BRSARASOTA19" for $10 OFF the Half or Relay; $5 OFF the 10K. Register at SarasotaHalfMarathon.com 🐬

See you at the starting line!

#SARASOTABR #BibChat #BibRavePro #RunSarasota #RunTampa #RunStPete #RunBradenton #FloridaRunner #WeRunSocial #MRTT #OptOutside #ThisOldRunner #RunTheRingling #DowntownSarasota #VanWezel #RaceDiscounts

Rainy Day Monday: Week Two of Fall Half Marathon Training Begins

8/5/2019

I started Week Two of my Fall training schedule today. I'm focused on lots of hill repeats to build endurance. My 5K in Pennsylvania later this month will be a good benchmark.

About 1.5 miles into my hill repeats, I spotted a curtain of rain headed my way. I ducked under an oak to wait out the water. Five minutes later, I was back at my hill repeats and the sun was shinning. Oh, Florida!

My only regret was that I was so excited about breaking in a new pair of shoes, I didn't check the weather. Oh well, they'll dry. Besides, there's something wonderful about running in the rain, so I was happy.

Finished with 3+ miles and a check mark on my training plan.

(Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Fall Racing Plans

This season, I'm going to say my goals out loud so I have witnesses and accountability. I won't go on and on about my miles and times, but I'll discuss motivation, nutrition, fuel, and most of all: GOALS!

Goal Races

Half Marathons are my jam this season! I'm warming up with shorter races that fit into my schedule. But come October, it's full-time pursuit of half mara PRs before 2019 ends.

October 20, 2019 - First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon
November 17, 2019 - St Pete Run Fest Half Marathon

My next post will describe how I'm going to get to those PRs. Until then, stay hydrated everyone. It's super hot and humid out there!

Best wishes to my running friends who are training for the Chicago Marathon. It's brutal to be running double-digits in Florida right now!

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