This Old Runner Writes About Running

I'm Thankful for My Gatorade Endurance Running Journey

11/25/2019

As Thanksgiving approaches, I'm wrapping up my Gatorade Endurance Running Journey. It's the perfect time to say THANKS to Gatorade. They made sure I had enough fuel to train and race for four months!

Fueling in Florida

In August, I got the chance to stock up on Gatorade Endurance as I pursued my Fall race goals. This was a thrill for me since I love the Endurance formula.

I live in hot and humid Florida, so hydration is serious business. Extra electrolytes and carbs are vital, especially on long runs. Ignore them and it's easy to dehydrate and bonk.

Another important factor is finding the right fuel for your body. After trying Gatorade Endurance last year, it became my primary fuel. It goes down easy, and never upsets my stomach.

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.

I also choose Gatorade Endurance because of consistency and taste. The easy-to-swallow gels come in Blackberry, Apple-Pear, Mango, and Vanilla. Yum!

During a long run, I NEED something fluid and subtle like the GE gels. Sweet, sticky gels don't work when I'm running and breathing hard. They're messy and hard to get down.

The same goes for fluids. I can't digest too much sweetness. The GE thirst quencher powders are light and refreshing. I can measure out the powder to suit my taste.

I pour some in a bottle, add water, and shake, shake, shake my way out the door.

The thirst quencher powders are my first choice for running, cross-training, and any outdoor activity. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

I stay hydrated with thirst quencher powder in cherry, watermelon, and lemon-lime. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

In this picture, I chose Vanilla. I'm a big fan of all four flavors. They're more fluid (and interesting) than other gels. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Winter Racing and New Goals

My Fall half marathons didn't play out to plan, so I'll keep pursuing my goal of a new PR. It's gonna happen, I just know it! I have a 15K, 10K, and half marathons scheduled.

I live in Florida, so Winter is my favorite running season. While I like the challenge of running in heat and humidy, I LOVE how it feels to run in chilly temps. BTW, chilly means 50s to a Florida weather whimp like me!

Happy Thanksgiving & Thanks to Gatorade Endurance for the fuel all season! (Photo: This Old Runner)

Thankful

Thanks to Gatorade Endurance for helping me stay hydrated during the hottest Florida Summer and Fall in recent memory.

If you're interested in a new race fuel that keeps you hydrated, give GE a try.

I know I'll be fueling my journey with Gatorade Endurance.

#GatoradeEndurance #GEnduranceBR #FuelMyJourney #FueledForFarther #BibChat #BibRavePro #RaceFuel #GatoradeEnduranceGels #GatoradeEnduranceThirstQuencher

My Gatorade Endurance Arrived Just in Time for Race Week!

11/11/2019

Gatorade Endurance bag with a dozen gels and six thirst quencher pouches.

Gatorade Endurance has been fueling my training journey this Fall. Here's to proper fueling and good results on Sunday! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

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.

It's St Pete Run Fest Week in St. Pete, Florida

Thanks to Gatorade Endurance I have a bag full of fueling goodness. All my faves are here: gels in blackberry, vanilla, apple pear, and mango. And, cherry and watermelon Thirst Quencher.

This is the fuel the St. Pete Run Fest offers on course, which makes me happy. Wish me luck — I fell on the stairs two days ago. I'm bruised, but not broken. I'm working on my mental endurance game now.

If you’re running this weekend, come say hello at the race expo. I'll be in the Best Damn Race tent on Saturday morning. Get a personal look at all the 2020 BDR medals for Safety Harbor, Savannah, Orlando, and New Orleans. You can register with a discount!

#GatoradeEndurance #ThirstQuencher #Ad #RunnerFuel #GEnduranceBR #BibRave #BibChat #BibRavePro #GEndurance #FuelMyJourney #MyFuelMyJourney #ShareYourStory #FormulatedForFarther #WeRunSocial #RunnersOfInsta #GoalRaces #OptOutside #MRTT #InstaRunner #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunSarasota #RunTampaBay #TrailRunning @BibRave #BestDamnRace

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

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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