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Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the 2018 First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon as a BibRavePro. Register Early for 2019, Save Big BucksToday, you can register for the Half Marathon for $50, 10K for $50, and 2-person Relay for $80. But, these prices won't be around for long. When the early entry blitz is over, they're gone. Regular prices are higher. The race is worth every penny, but why not save some? The pricing structure for 2019 Blitz is based on the number of entrants, rather than the date. Look at the price chart below to see what I mean. Take advantage of 2019 Blitz Pricing and register now at http://SarasotaHalf.com   Read my This Old Runner Review of the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon to learn more about the race course and amenities. It was lots of good food, views, free photos, and bling. Race date is scheduled for March 24, 2019. Hurry to take advantage of 2019 Blitz Pricing on now at http://SarasotaHalf.com
 The Finish Line Festival includes food, drinks, live music and awards overlooking Sarasota Bay. (Photo credit: Athlinks) #RunSarasota #RunStPete #RunNaples #RunBradenton #RunTampa #AthlinksBR #HalfMarathon #DiscountPrices #BlitzPricing #SpringBreakRace
I've run the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon 3 times, and loved it every time. Even with 100% humidity yesterday, I really enjoyed the race. Check out my review of the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon & Relay on BibRave.com. I do an in-depth write up here. I have lots of good things to report. In the meantime, take a look at the super sparkly bling below. Every finisher — half, relay and 10K took one home. If you want in on the fun next year, get ready to register on Tuesday, March 20th at Noon when blitz pricing begins! Disclaimer: I received a First Watch Sarasota Half entry 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! 2019 Early Bird Pricing for #RunSarasotaRegistration for the 2019 First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon Relay & 10K opens Tuesday, March 20, at Noon EDT. Sign up early for the best price!
#RunSarasota #FirstWatchSarasotaHalfMarathon #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunBradenton #RunNaples #BibRavePro #BibChat #SpringBreakRace #RunFlorida
1. Study the Course Map
2. Set Out Your Clothes and GearLaying out your race outfit the night before is helpful before any run, but especially the evening before your big race. It's a good way to make sure you don't forget something because you're nervous on race morning. There's nothing worse than reaching the starting line without your hat, money, gels, or bib. If you picked up your race packet early, go ahead and pin your bib to your shirt. That's one less thing to think about. Pack a shirt or jacket to wear after the race. Bring extra socks or sandals to make your feet dry and happy after 13 miles. 3. Get to the Starting Line EarlyThe best advice I have about the starting line is to get there early. Arrive with plenty of time so you can visit the restrooms, get a feel for the area, and seed yourself properly. If you're late, things happen that mess with your race and your head. For example:
Even when you're seeded in the right spot, some races have crowded, claustrophobic starting corrals. Try to stay calm and run your planned pace. The crowd will thin in the first mile, and you'll have room to run. 4. Start Slow and Run Your Own RaceI'll repeat that headline because it's really important. Start slow and run your own race. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement as the race begins and run too fast. Your heart is pumping, you're ready to run, and everyone is racing. But wait just a minute. You're running 13.1 miles. Start slow so you can go the distance. If it's your first half marathon the goal is to finish. Period. Finishing is winning! Run your own race means exactly that — run the race your body can run. Run the race you trained for and will enjoy. You'll be happy when you reach mile 13 and till have energy left to kick in your finish! 5. Hydrate and Fuel on a Schedule
Energy Gels and Chews Check to see what gels or chews will be offered. If you've used the brand before, then use it on course. If you haven't, carry your own fuel and use that. Go ahead and take the fuel offered during the race, but save it to try later. If you've never trained with gels or chews, don't try them for the first time during a race. It may or may not upset your stomach, but why risk it? As with hydration, make a plan for fuel intake. Some people fuel based on mileage, others base it on time. The trick is to fuel regularly, even when you don't feel like it. Like hydration, you want to anticipate your needs, not play catch up. 6. In-Race StrategiesDivide the Race into Smaller Parts Don't think about the finish line or 13 miles when you start. Break the race into smaller segments. Then celebrate when you reach each individual goal. I hear runners at every half announcing "A third of the way done!" or "We're halfway there!" or, "Just 3 more miles!" It's a boost to acknowledge each accomplishment. Pick a Pacer If the race has official pacers, use them. They're experienced runners who help you stay on pace. I've run with some excellent pacers. The best ones are coaches who give you tips and distract you with conversation. If you're not ready to run in a pack with a pacer, find your own unofficial pacer. As you're running, look for someone ahead of you who matches your pace. Think of them as your pacer, and stick with them. Choose a runner who looks strong and steady. If you're lucky you'll follow them all the way to the finish line. (Maybe even kick past them at the end!) If your unofficial pacer gets tired and slows down, find someone else. Play Pass and Repeat Spot a runner ahead of you who you want to pass. Tell yourself, "I can take them." You want to keep your pace, but motivate yourself, too. I like this strategy late in the race when I need a distraction. I've used it many times by telling myself things like: "I will not be beaten by someone dressed like a cartoon," or "No way is that 8-year old going to beat me," or "I can take that guy dressed as Gumby." In fact, I was beaten by a 5-year old once, but this strategy worked great when I beat two runners dressed as "Fast Food." Give it a try!  Photo: Capitol 10K History. http://cap10k.com/10k-history/ 7. Smile, Enjoy and Celebrate Your RaceTake a look around as you run. You'll see things running at street level that you'd never notice otherwise. Take in the views. Smile at the spectators. Read all the signs. Talk to other runners. High five small children. Wave to the officers keeping the course safe. Focus on your music. If you're energy dips, take a walk break. Catch your breath, straighten your shoulders, smile, and start running again. The race will be a memory before you know it. Try to enjoy the entire experience. Celebrate Your Finish! Cross that finish line like you mean it. Dig deep for that last bit of energy and kick it in! Grin. Jump. Pump a fist. Give a high five. Do a happy dance.
Get your new bling and wear it with pride. Take a photo. Enjoy a post race banana and beer. Congratulations, you're a half-marathoner! #RunSarasota #RunStPete #RunTampa #BibChat #BibRavePro #AthlinksBR #HalfMarathon #RaceTips #HalfMarathonTips #RaceDayAdvice #ThisOldRunner
Discount Code for March 18th Races in SarasotaWoo hoo! The discount code now works for the new 10K event! Everyone who runs in the First Watch Sarasota Half or Relay or 10K event will receive this beautiful bling when they cross the finish line! Plus you can SAVe $10 on the Half or Relay, and $5 on the 10K when you use code: SARASOTABIB18. Don't wait, this race sells out every year. The code is good until online registration closes. See you at the starting line!  Disclaimer: I received a First Watch Sarasota Half entry 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! #RunSarasota #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunBradenton #RunFlorida #FloridaWestCoast #HalfMarathon #Relay #10K #BibRavePro #BibChat #ad #DiscountCode #RaceCode #PromoCode
Biggest Finisher Medal on Florida's West CoastJust 11 days until it's time to join me at the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon & Relay on March 18th! If you don't want to run a half or relay, you can register for the NEW 10K distance! Every finisher receives a medal, and the most decadent post-race breakfast brunch courtesy of First Watch. We went to the #Skyway10K expo at Tropicana Field on Saturday, and got another up close and personal look at the #RunSarasota medal we'll be bringing home in less than two weeks! Check out the medal and a couple of expo pics below.
Use Code SARASOTABIB18 to SAVE $10 on the Half or Relay; $5 on the 10KUse the discount code: SARASOTABIB18 to SAVE $10 on the half or relay. You can also use the code to SAVE $5 on the 10K distance. Woo Hoo! Everybody saves! Disclaimer: I received a First Watch Sarasota Half entry 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! #BibChat #RunSarasota #SarasotaHalf #BibRavePro #RaceCode #DiscountCodes #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunNaples #RunBradenton #RunTampaBay #RunFlorida #SpringBreakRace #Skyway10K #TropicanaField #RaceExpo #RaceAmbassador #ad
Saw these beauties in person at the #GasparillaDistanceClassic Expo today! If you want to run in sunny Florida during March, here are two excellent races.  1. First Watch Sarasota Half and Relay March 18, 2018. Use SARASOTABIB18 to SAVE $10 on the Half or Relay. BTW, they just added a 10K race! 10K finishers also receive this sparkly dolphin medal!  2. 305 Miami Half & 5K HURRY! This #RunMiami event is on March 4, 2018. Use BIBRAVEMB18 to SAVE $5 on the Half or 5K races. #Run305 #RunMIA #RunMiami This one is interesting because you get one digit each of 3 years. Run this year for the 3, next year the 0, and the third year the 5. It's a 3-peat #Run305 medal when you're done! #RunSarasota #RunMiami #RaceCode #DiscountCodes #PromoCodes #BibRavePro #BibChat #305Half #Run305 #RunTampa #RunStPete #RunMiamiBeach #RaceAmbassador #ad
My Hill Repeat Workouts are on RepeatThis week I'm doing hill repeats, and then repeating my hill repeats later in the week. Why? I'm determined to be ready for the John Ringling Causeway Bridge. I want to take in the views of Sarasota and the bay as I climb and descend the Ringling Bridge on pace. Sarasota First Watch ShirtsI really like the bright green shirts this year. I love a shirt that makes me visible when I'm running around town. The design is cool — each letter in Sarasota showcases something wonderful about the city. Dolphins, beaches, museums, gardens, runners, and all the views! If you're looking for a Spring Break race in Florida, consider registering for the First Watch Sarasota Half and Relay on the West Coast of Florida on March 18, 2018. You can run the half, or team up with a friend and run a relay. Please use my code: SARASOTABIB18 to save yourself $10 on either race.  Here's the Rest of the Runner SWAG:Need more reasons to #RunSarasota? Here you go:
See You at the Starting Line!Disclaimer: I received a First Watch Half entry 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! #RunSarasota #Athlinks #BibRavePro #BibChat #RunStPete #RunBradenton #RunTampa #RunNaples #RunFortMyers #DiscountCode #RaceCode #PromoCode #SarasotaHalfMarathon #FirstWatch #SpringBreakRaces #SpringBreakHalf #SpringBreak
I Loved My Best Damn Races Best Damn Race 5K, 10K & Challenge Medals from Week 6 of #RunSarasota Training. (Credit: This Old Runner.) The Safety Harbor edition of the #BestDamnRace was great fun! This was my second-ever attempt at running a Challenge — a 10K and 5K race one after another. The first challenge was in January, so why not try another in February? I'll write a full review later — I have lots of good things to report about the race. (Big bling, organized, wonderful race atmosphere, support and party, etc.) Until then, take a peek at a few photos below.
I'm a BibBoards FanGotta say — I am very happy with my #BibBoards. I snapped on my bib at home, and never worried about it again. It stayed in place in the 10K and again in the 5K race. It performed on race day exactly as promised! No pinching, poking, flapping or parachuting! I'll definitely use these from now on. Plus, I have to tell you I did catch a couple of people smiling at my smiling sunglasses emoji when they looked at my bib! What About the Challenge?The Best Damn Race Safety Harbor courses have some rolling hills. Hills are hard to find in Florida, so it's a good test. Plus, who doesn't love to run downhill? This challenge was a bit harder than the super flat course I ran in January. And, I'll admit I was a bit distracted at the start of the 10K. I buckled down about 3/4 of a mile in, and stayed on pace for the rest of the race. I finished my this 15K Challenge 3 minutes slower than the SPB Classic in January. But, I'm happy with my races. These races are part of training for a PR at the First Watch Sarasota Half on March 18th. I felt strong for all 9 miles. That makes me optimistic because I have 6 weeks to be ready to run strong for 13 miles. Save Money with Discount Codes for RunnersHere are the codes for races/gear mentioned in this post. Find more discounts here. —> First Watch Sarasota Half and Relay: $10 OFF the Half or Relay with code: SARASOTABIB18. This is a goal race for me this year. It's a beautiful race that takes you up and over the Ringling Bridge (twice!) and around beautiful Sarasota, Florida. —> Best Damn Race Orlando or New Orleans: If you haven't ever run in a #BestDamnRace you should try one. It's super organized, and has lots of wonderful perks for racers. Check out Orlando on March 3rd and New Orleans on March 25th. You can use my code: THISOLDRUNNER to save $5 on any race in either city. Orlando has a 5K, 10K, Challenge and Half Marathon. New Orleans has a 5K and Half. The discount codes expire 2 weeks prior to race. —> BibBoards #SaveTheShirt Bib Holders: You can SAVE 20% with code: #BIBCHAT at BibBoards.com. Choose from a variety of stock designs, or create your own by uploading artwork. You can preview the design before you order it. Disclaimer: I received BibBoards 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! #BibRavePro #BibChat #BestDamnRace #BDRSafetyHarbor #BDROrlando #BDRNola #RunTampa #RunStPete #RunBradenton #RunTampaBay #RunSarasota #RunOrlando #RunNOLA #DiscountCodes #RaceCodes #RacePromo #ThisOldRunner #FirstWatchSarasotaHalf
Friendly Reminder: Don't Wait to Sign Up for the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon & RelayIt Always Sells Out!
I posted this on Twitter the other day, but thought I'd drop it here as a reminder.
If you're thinking about runnning the First Watch Sarasota Half or Relay on March 18, sign up now. This race sells out every year. And believe me — you want to run this one. The medal is huge. The shirts are fun. The race course is scenic. After you cross the finish line there's a post race jam on the lawn at Van Wezel Performing Arts Center. You get cold beer, good food, and beautiful views of Sarasota Bay. Use my code: SARASOTABIB18 to Save $10
Make #RunSarasota your Spring Break race this year. My code, "SARASOTABIB18" saves you $10 OFF either race. Register here as fast as you can!
See you there!
#RunSarasota #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunBradenton #RaceDiscount #DiscountCodes #RaceCode #PromoCode #SpringBreak #Half #Florida #BibChat #BibRavePro
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.
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.
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
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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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