 Photo by Jude Beck on Unsplash If you live in the Western Hemisphere you're probably familiar with the tradition of setting New Year's Resolutions. The most common New Year's Resolutions are: 1. Lose Weight 2. Exercise More 3. Get Organized I agree with all three of these resolutions. I want to lose weight after the holiday feasting season. I want to exercise more to reach my goal of running a marathon. And, I want to get organized and reduce the rest of the clutter in my home. The problem with resolutions is they're easy to ignore after a few days or weeks if they don't become HABITS. So, this year I'm resolving to create strong habits to improve my regular and running life. How to Succeed at a New HabitAuthor and Habit Journal creator, James Clear suggests the best way to build a new habit is to start with a teeny, tiny goal. This strategy is backed up by research done at Duke University. Below is a quick recap of Clear's How to Build a Habit Guide. You can read his book, Atomic Habits for a deep dive. 1. Start with an Very Small HabitMake your goal so small you can't fail. For wannabe runners: Start with a walk around the block, not running a mile. 2. Increase Your Habit in Small WaysHabits, like building increased running mileage, should be gradual. If you increase your habit by 1% on a regular schedule, it will add up fast. Adding one city block to your walk/run each day is easy. After a week, you'll be moving 7 more blocks! That's a great result for a small daily increase. 3. As You Build, Break Your Habit into ChunksOkay, as you add little bits of mileage, you'll soon be walking/running far. Clear suggests you can stay engaged by breaking your habit into parts. For example, instead of walking for an hour break it into two 30-minute walks. Stroll in the morning and again in the evening. For sweaty workouts like running and power walking it may work best to set a weekly goal. Then, break your mileage or time goal into smaller pieces you accomplish over 7 days. 4. When You Slip, Get Back on Track FastIf you miss a day (or week) don't abandon your goal. Simply start again when and where you are. Life is too unpredictable to be harsh with yourself over missed workouts. 5. Be Patient. Keep a Pace You Can Sustain.It's hard to be patient when you want to lose weight, run faster, or complete any goal. Real success comes with consistent efforts. The trick is to set a realistic starting point and goal. No one gets up one day and runs a great marathon. It takes a long time to prepare. It starts with a running habit that grows to a long distance over time. Start where you are and build on it. Training includes good days, bad days, hard days, and easy days — all those days get you to the finish line.  I'm Kicking Off My 2021 HabitIt makes me nervous to say this out loud, but my resolution, goal, habit, dream is to run a marathon sometime in the next year or so. It's a long-term goal I plan to achieve by improving my running habit. I don't expect many in-person races until late in 2021 which makes it the perfect time to train for a marathon. My plan is to re-start at the beginning. I'll follow a series of training plans. I'll begin with a 5K, then a 10K, then a half, and then a marathon. That will get me to the end of the 2021 in a slow-growing, methodical way. Setting Goals Along the WayMy hope is that in-person races can resume by Fall. Based on that, I've scheduled the following events to keep me on track with my goal and habit.
Cheers to Your New 2021 HabitsThat's my plan for 2021. Cheers to everyone out there who has their own goal for 2021. I wish you success all along the way. Happy New Year! #BDRSafetyHarbor #BestDamnRace #BDRSafetyHarbor #BDROrlando #BDRSavannah #StPeteRunFest #SPRF #RunFlorida #StPeteBeachClassic #SPBC #SPBCchallenge #MarathonTraining #HippieDash #RaceDiscounts #BibChat #RunChat #HC15K #HotChocolateRaces #HCLouisville #WillRunForChocolate #BibRavePro #RunStPete #HoorayRunning #ThisOldRunner #OptOutside #WeRunSocial #BibRavePro #BDRAmbassador
 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, FloridaThanks 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
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.
Goal Half Marathon Race
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.
Another Weekend, Another Training RaceThis 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.
Counting Down to My Goal Half MarathonsOct 20: First Watch Sarasota Half MarathonWelp! 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. Nov. 17: St. Pete Run Fest Half MarathonJust 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! Anyone Else Do This?I just realized I've been matching my fuel to my shirts. It feels like a luxury since I have lots of Gatorade Endurance fuel in my training kit this Summer. Still, it made me laugh. 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 find and write race reviews. Time for a #MyFuelMyJourney Check-InIn August, I revealed that my Fall racing schedule includes two serious race goals. I want to PR the last two half marathons I run in my 50s. Those PRs can be 30 seconds and I'll be happy. The real challenge isn't my finishing time, it's staying focused and getting in good solid training despite distractions. Thanks to Gatorade Endurance, I'm training with the same fuel that's on course at the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon on October 20, and the St. Pete Run Fest Half on November 17. (Psst! Race discount for Sarasota Half here.) I love Gatorade Endurance products, and training with the same fuel the races use gives me one less thing to worry about. What I am worried about is whether or not I'll be fully trained by October 20th.
Training WorkIt's been a super hot Summer. One of the hottest on record here in Florida. The humidity and heat make it hard to train hard. I substitute walks for runs on the really intense days. In the past week, the early morning temps have dipped. It's only 78 degrees at 7:30 am now. That's encouraging. Running has been easier this week. Yet, I have to admit my 4-miler yesterday left me exhausted. Training and Travel Don't Always MixI spent 2+ weeks out of town in August. It was wonderful to run in hilly locations and cooler temps. I managed to get my runs and cross-training done on most days. The bad part about traveling was full days spent driving in a car. I always feel like a slug after sitting for 9 hours. Races as Training Benchmarks
Gatorade Endurance Hydration and Fuel
Where Am I With My Training?Today, I'm glad I have another month to prepare for First Watch Sarasota Half. I'm excited about running my shorter benchmark races to get an idea about race day performances. Although my half marathons are in October and November, it will be warm. Not brutal, but probably in the 70s while running. I'll keep prepping for hot and humid conditions. Until then, I'll be fueling my journey and thankful that I'm healthy, happy, and running. Good luck with your running goals. See you at the starting line! #GatoradeEndurance #GEnduranceBR #BibRavePro #BibChat #MRTT #WeRunSocial #OptOutside #MyFuelMyJourney #SarasotaBr #StPeteRunFest #RunStPete #RunSarasota #RunFL #FloridaRunner #BestDamnRace #HalfTraining #BibRave #RunSafetyHarbor
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