This Old Runner Writes About Running

Legoland Florida Resort Brick Dash 5K

10/16/2019

2019 Legoland Brick Dash 5K finisher medal is shape of Frankenstein head.

The 2019 Legoland Orlando #BrickDash 5K finisher medal was a Frankenstein head made of legos! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

I'll admit it. I registered for the Legoland Orlando Brick Dash 5K for the medal. (It's made of legos!) I heard about the race last year from Race Walking Sisters on Instagram. When registration opened, we put the October 12th race on the calendar.

The race began at 7 am, which meant an early drive from St. Pete to Winter Haven. We arrived about 25 minutes before the race.

Parking was free, and located next to the start and finish lines.

People gather at the starting line for the Legoland Brick Dash 5K in Winter Park, Florida.

There were 3 runner waves for traffic control. Each wave started with fireworks over the starting line. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

We had time to pickup our packets, return to the car, and then make our way to the starting line. The race began and ended in the parking lot. There was a separate kids dash for the little ones at 8 am.

Since we'd never been to Legoland, our plan was to walk and take in the sights. The course took everyone through most of the park. I think there were more walkers than runners. Awards took place at 8:30 so there was lots of time to complete the 5K.

Brick Dash 5K Goodie Bags and Finish Line

Race Shirt for the Brick Dash 5K on October 12, 2019

Packets included a race shirt and bib. This year they move the race to October and tied it into the month-long Halloween #BrickOrTreat celebration. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Brick Dash 5K participants received a backpack and medal.

Each racer got this cute-as-ever backpack. Publix handed out little flashlights with carabiner hooks. I've used it several times since the race. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

The post race party for the Brick Dash 5K included music, food, and awards.

The finish line fun was in the parking lot. There was a guided cool down session + awards + picture spot + goodies. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Yep, we posed with the Legoland version of Dracula! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

So Fruitty bar, banana, and powerade drink after the Brick Dash 5K in Orlando, FL.

Post race goodies included banana, granola bars, sports drink and an awesome So Fruitty Bar. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

This. Was. Delicious! I chose coconut and this bar was FULL of coconut. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Legoland Orlando Brick Dash 5K

This was a fun race through a theme park. I had no idea Legoland was so large. The lego sculptures and decor are amazing. We ran through each area, plus the waterpark. I'm very happy we ran this race.

There were a couple of water stops, and lots of Halloween Lego characters ready and willing to pose for photos. The park staff cheered on the runners and kept us on course.

Part of the charm of this event was its small size. There's room to grow for sure, but I hope it doesn't get too big. The race is capped so everyone fits on the walkways in the park.

I also love that proceeds from the race went to Merlin's Magic Wand charity.

Sculpture of Albert Einstein made out of Legos at Legoland in Orlando, FL.

The brick sculptures throughout the resort are worth the visit. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Ninjago character at Legoland Orlando poses for a photo.

Ninjago was happy to pose for pictures! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Signage in the water park at Legoland Orlando.

Saw this sign in the waterpark while we were running the 5K. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

#Legoland #LegolandFlorida #Orlando #BrickDash5K #ThemeRace #Legos #BrickOrTreat #ThemeParkRaces

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Fast Recap: Fort DeSoto 15K

10/2/2019

September heat and humidity are always a challenge here. Sunday was a cloudless, sunny day with 85% humidity. We had a slight breeze at the start, and a better breeze during the last mile.

The Fort DeSoto Park paved trail is nice, but has very little shade. That was okay, since my goal was to test my hydration and fueling plan in tough conditions.

I'm a real fan of the Gatorade Endurance products I'm using this year. I've had no stomach troubles, and they're easy to take while running. I used energy gels and thirst quencher during this race.

I started too fast, but calmed down and ran slow and steady after mile 2. I ran one mile with a pacing group which was fun. Most of the time I ran my own race with one eye on my BPM. It was super hot and I wanted to stay safe. 'Cause I'm not This Young Runner.

View of the Skyway Bridge from Fort DeSoto Park.

I didn't think to take pictures until I saw the Skyway Bridge at the 15K turnaround. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Fort DeSoto finisher medal for Sunday, September 29, 2019

All racers received this sweet medal. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

We ran on the road for a short distance at the 15K turnaround. The race began in the parking lot, then followed the paved trail for an out and back course. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

How Many Miles in Your 15K?

Somehow, I always run too far at Ft. DeSoto. I'm not sure if it's my GPS or if I swerve a lot. I tried to run tangents, but whatever. My race totaled 9.41 miles instead of 9.3.

I managed a slow, steady run and felt good afterwards.

At the finish line there was cold water, an iced towel, and the big medal. I dunked that towel in every bin of ice water I saw. It felt so good!

Grabbed a beer and a banana right away. The race offered baked goods and pasta, but I didn't eat those. I took chocolate milk for the ride home. I stayed for some awards, but had to leave soon after the race.

I came in 4th again in my age group. One of these years I'll be old enough or fast enough to get in that top 3. Overall, I feel like this race was a good way to get in this week's long run.

Orange Mud transition wrap in royal blue and matching Oofos recovery sandals.

Thank goodness for recovery sandals and my transition wrap. I used these as soon as I got to my car after the race. You can use my code: “BIBRAVEWRAP” for 15% off all Orange Mud gear. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Orange Mud transition wrap used as a car seat cover.

This was the first time I used my Orange Mud transition wrap. It was sweat-free seating that kept my upholstery clean. The microfiber is so soft. Feels much better than a regular towel on the seat. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

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

What's Next on the Racing Schedule?

The Brick Dash 5K is on October 12 near Orlando.

Well, thanks for asking!

I have one more race before the First Watch Sarasota Half on October 20. It's the Legoland Brick Dash 5K in Orlando. This is a run/walk with my husband for fun. All the proceeds benefit Merlin's Magic Wand which helps kids around the world.

We want to see the park, which includes the old Cypress Gardens property.

Receiving a medal made of Legos sounds pretty cool, too!