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This Old Runner Writes

 

Race Recap: Elf Virtual Run

12/28/2020

 
ELF and all related characters and elements copyright and TM New Line Productions, Inc. (s20)
We all need extra holiday cheer this year, and I'm happy to report I found it with the Elf Virtual Run hosted by Ram Races. 

​I appreciate when race management communicates on a regular basis, and Ram Racing certainly did. I received regular emails throughout the event.
​
Along the way runners could enter a contest to win energy gels, and download a training plan.

There's a race-specific Elf Virtual Run Instagram account that provides info and updates.

Adding Holiday Cheer to My #RunWithBuddy Race

As soon as I registered I started looking for ways to channel Buddy the Elf. I wanted to embrace and spread holiday cheer. Here's what happened:
  • ​My daughter made me an Elf-themed face mask
  • Gatorade Endurance sent me "Caramel Candy" flavored energy gels
  • Scored a pair of free Knockaround Ugly Sweater sunnies on Cyber Monday
  • Painted holiday rocks to hide around town during my race
  • Received Feetures Run Rudolph running socks as a gift
  • Created an Elf-inspired Scavenger Hunt to share with friends and family
  • Started eating Pop Tarts
  • Watched the ELF movie
  • Received a Buddy the Elf bobble-head
ELF movie theme face mask and Gatorade Endurance energy gel.
Of course I fueled my training runs and race with "Caramel Candy" flavored gels by Gatorade Endurance. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)
ELF movie face mask and Feetures Run Rudolph holiday socks.
These Run Rudolph socks and my Elf mask were the perfect Elf Run accessories! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Disclaimer: I received registration for the Elf Virtual Run 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.

Flatlay of running gear for The Elf Virtual Run.
My Elf Virtual Run running gear was bright and cheerful. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Why I Loved My Elf Virtual Run

If I seriously counted my miles, I geared-up and ran my Elf race 2 or 3 times. I liked running around the city wearing holiday gear and hiding painted rocks. It was the least I could do to spread Christmas cheer.

For me, having a themed race was a good distraction. We didn't travel or see extended family this year. Covid-19 and the economy provided extra worries. It was fun to focus on a holiday race.

The virtual aspect was the best part — I could share the race with friends and family who live far away. I didn't worry about safety precautions beyond my own mask and route. I could run when and where I wanted.

Plus, it felt good to train for and run extra miles during a season filled with extra carb-loading. 
Painted holiday rocks and Ugly Sweater sunglasses.
After eating a Caramel Candy flavored Gatorade Endurance gel, I loaded up my pockets with painted rocks to hide along my route. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)
Running around town in my BibRave gear.
My Ugly Sweater sunnies added a lot of holiday glow to my look! The polarized lenses are great. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

The Results of My Elf Virtual Run Scavenger Hunt

I worked hard to find all the items on my Elf Run Scavenger Hunt list. Overall, I did okay. I found most of the 10 items.

Who knew it would be so hard to find an angry elf? In 2020? I never found the son of a nutcracker, either.

I did enjoy saying hello to a lot of dogs, and eating too many Pop Tarts. (Most often they were S'mores Pop Tarts.)

​The Elf Virtual Run brought me lots of Christmas cheer.
Elf Run Scavenger Hunt List.
Elf Virtual Run gear.
Loved wearing my holiday gear.
Labradoodle in front of a house at Christmas.
Such a cutie.
Picture
Mmmmm. Coffee!
Inflatable Santa in space ship.
Does Santa in a space ship = a snow globe?
S'mores Pop Tart.
Breakfast of Elves.
Picture
My favorite color is all the Xmas lights!
Inflatable Santa in Hawaiian shirt and flip flops.
Florida Santa waved every time I passed him.
Bib Rave Pro wearing ELF Virtual Run green beanie.
Post race ELFIE in my beanie.

Elf Virtual Run Race SWAG is AWESOME

My red full-zip hoodie, race bib, and green ELF beanie arrived in early December. Race management advised us via email that the medals would follow later. There was a delay in shipping. My medal arrived on December 28.
Elf Virtual Run SWAG includes green beanie and red hoodie with the ELF movie logo.
Red cozy fleece full-zip hoodie and green beanie.
Elf Virtual Run finishers medal.
Snow-globe shaped medal with colorful ribbon.
You Can Still Register and Run The Elf Virtual Race. Sign Up Today & Earn Awesome Gear!
If you need this great swag in your life, it's not too late to get it. You can register and run The Elf Virtual Run until January 31, 2021.

Sign up now, and you can enjoy the Elf gear for years to come! I know I will.

Check Out How Other BibRave Pros Personalized Their Elf Virtual Run

One of the best parts of a virtual race is that you can make it exactly what you want. I added a Scavenger Hunt because I like silly goals and distractions. Check out how some of my fellow BibRave Pros ran their virtual Elf Run for more ideas.
Barking Mad About Running - Kim
Marathang - Angie
KookyRunner - Kim
The Later Runner - Jonathan
​
#ElfRunBR #BuddyTheElf #KeepMoving #HolidayRun #BrighterDaysAhead #RunFlorida #WeRunSocial #RunInTheSun #OptOutside #FLRunner #ThisOldRunner #HoorayRunning #RunEveryStreet #RunYourTown #EverySinglePerson #Plogging #TeamEarth #AlleyPlogging @BibRave #Virtual #HolidayRace #BibChat #BibRavePro @RamRacing #ElfVirtualRun #RunWithBuddy @RamRacing

Review is Up! 2019 First Watch Sarasota Half

10/24/2019

 
Picture
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

Race Review is Posted for the 2019 Copperhead 5K at the Valspar Championship

3/19/2019

 
Copyright ThisOldRunner.com
Hop on over to the race review page to learn why the Copperhead 5K is such a fun event. It takes place inside the Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort in Palm Harbor.

​This kick off event for the Valspar Championship landed on St. Patrick's Day this year. That led to some additional greens. The Veterans Alternative non-profit is this Copperhead Charities beneficiary. 
Picture
Festive runners gather before the race. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)
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Racing to the finish line after a tour of the Snake Pit. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)
#Copperhead5K #ValsparChampionship #Innisbrook #InnisbrookSpaResort

Review of the 2019 St Pete Beach Classic

1/22/2019

 

Lots of Race Options at the SPB Classic 

St Pete Beach Classic 2019 Medals for 10K 5K Challenge
(Photo credit: This Old Runner)
Here's the bling I brought home after running the 2019 St Pete Beach Classic Duo on Saturday, January 19th. The Duo includes a 10K race at 7 am followed by a 5K race at 9 am. There's time in between to chat and relax. Plus, there's a cute Kids Dash that's fun to watch before the 5K.

Other race options include a Saturday night 3.8 mile Beach Fun Run, and Sunday's half marathon. If you're up to the challenge, run every single race to earn the Marathon Challenge medal. That's 4 races in two days that total 26.2 miles.

Check out my complete SPB Classic review here. If you haven't tried this race, consider it. It's a fun getaway weekend whether you live near or far.

The races take place over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend each January. Next year's race dates are January 18 and 19, 2020.

Race Recap: 2016 St Pete Beach Classic Half Marathon 

1/18/2016

 
My Dad (a former track coach) advised me to hang on the shoulder of the leader for the entire race. Well, I couldn't do that since the winner ran the half in 1:18, but I took Dad's advice to heart, and hung on the shoulder of the 2:30 pacer.

This blog is my race recap. Detailed review here --> St Pete Beach Classic

The race began on time. Less than a quarter mile in, the sky opened and drenched us for a soggy minute. There was a collective moan from the runners as everyone realized we were about to run 13 miles with wet feet.

I was one of twelve runners with the 2:30 pacer (Carolyn), for the first few miles. Carolyn was amazing. It turned out she's a running coach. She kept us on pace the entire time — hills and no hills, wind and no wind. I was very impressed as each mile ticked off and we were still on pace.

That's the first time I ran in the thick of a pace group. Usually, I'm further back and keep them in sight. Coach Carolyn kept us engaged. She asked us questions, and gave us tips as our group ran mile after mile.

At mile 5, we lost 3 people from our group. A couple more runners dropped back at mile 8 when we faced very strong head winds. I learned later that the wind gusts were 30-35 mph.

The 7 people remaining in our group literally ran in a straight line trying to break the wind as we made our way through mile 9.

I suddenly got a Charley Horse in my left calf as we reached mile 10. My muscle screamed at me, so I slowed to a walk. Coach Carolyn turned and encouraged me to wait and walk through the aid station. I nodded. I wished that I could.

I watched as my pace group move ahead without me. Soon they were farther and farther away. It was sad to say goodbye to them. They were fun.

I massaged my calf muscle; even tried to roll it out each time I saw an appropriate railing. I decided to walk to mile 11 and then if my calf felt better, I would run the last couple of miles. I knew my PR had slipped away, but I wasn't ready to give up.
Angry Bird toy found after the SPB Classic Half Marathon
I found this in the parking lot after the race. Why so mad, Bird? No PR today?

The worst part of the last couple of miles wasn't the pain in my leg. Nope, the most painful part was the sympathetic expressions and encouragement I received from volunteers and spectators when I was in walk mode. They clapped and called encouraging things to me as I walked by them. I wanted to explain "Charley Horse" as I passed each one, but I didn't.

I was afraid I had done something awful to my calf muscle and didn't want to make it worse. So, I walked more, and ran less, for the final mile. I did managed to run the last few yards and across the finish line.

At the finish they gave me a bright shiny medal, a Heineken beer, a muffin and a banana, and I felt much better!

Questions? Feel free to comment or email me. #spbclassic
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Copyright 2016-2022 This Old Runner. All Rights Reserved.
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  • Blog
  • Race Discounts
    • What's BibRave?
  • Gear Discounts
  • Races
    • 2021 Races >
      • REVIEW: 2021 Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K 5K
      • Hot Chocolate 15K Watercolor Journal
    • 2019 Races >
      • 2019 First Watch Sarasota Half
      • 2019 Legoland Brick Dash 5K
      • 2019 World Refugee Day 5K
      • 2019 Pittsburgh Half Marathon
      • 2019 Rugged Maniac Dade City
      • 2019 Copperhead 5K at the Valspar Championship
      • 2019 Best Damn Race
      • 2019 St Pete Beach Classic Duo
    • 2018 Races >
      • 2018 First Watch Sarasota Half
    • 2017 Races >
      • 2017 Madeira Beach Sunset Series
      • 2017 Best Damn Race Leftover 5k
      • 2017 May Day 10K
      • 2017 5K on the Runway
      • 2017 Valspar Par 4 Miler
      • 2017 Sarasota Music Half
      • 2017 SPB Beach Classic
      • 2017 Kettle Krush 5K
    • 2016 Races >
      • 2016 Caladesi Island 10 Miler
      • 2016 Ronnie's Run 10 Miler
      • 2016 Weedon Island Preserve 8K
      • 2016 Fort DeSoto 15K
      • 2016 One Step Closer 10k
      • 2016 Hippie Dash 5k
      • 2016 May Day 10K
      • 2016 FL Beach Half
      • 2016 SPB Beach Classic
    • 2015 Races >
      • 2015 May Day 10k
      • 2015 Weedon Island Preserve 8K
      • 2015 Fort DeSoto 15K
      • 2015 Honeymoon Island Half
  • Places
    • --> Seen On A Run
    • Azalea Park
    • Crescent Lake Park
    • Weedon Island Preserve
    • Demens Landing
    • Riviera Bay Park
    • Walter Fuller Park
  • My Story
    • Contact
    • Reviews and Sponsored Posts