This Old Runner Writes About Running

Recap: Virtual Blue Ridge Half Marathon

4/18/2022

Disclaimer: I received an entry to VIRTUAL Blue Ridge Half Marathon 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!

The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon embraces the slogan "Be the Goat" because it's one of the hilliest races around. (Image: Blue Ridge Marathon)

How I Ran My Virtual Blue Ridge Half Marathon

I ran up and down and up and down the hills in my neighborhood until I reached 2018' of elevation. Whew! (Image: This Old Runner)

One of these years, I'd love to challenge myself with a trip to hilly Roanoke, VA, but this was not that year.

Instead, I planned to run the half marathon in my neighborhood as a VIRTUAL race participant.

The Virtual Half had two requirements:
• Run 13.1 miles
• Get 1,850′ in elevation gain.

Sure, there are bridges and multi-story parking lots that offer elevation gains. But, I needed to get my race in on Easter weekend close to home.

That meant I had to run hill repeats to meet the elevation requirement.

Luckily, a lot of the hilly streets provide cool shade. (Image: This Old Runner)

I mixed in laps around the lake to break up the hills and to hit my water stops. (Image: This Old Runner)

My Half Wasn't Pretty, But I Did It

A late decision to run this race meant I wasn't actually half marathon-ready. But, I'm happy with my results. It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed the elevation challenge.

Virtual runners submit their results online after running their event.

How to Add Extra Fun to a Virtual Race

One thing that made this virtual race tons of fun was participating in a virtual relay with my Bib Rave teammates.

We roughed out a schedule, and each team member ran their leg of the overall relay.

We cheered each other on social media, and handed a virtual baton from one runner to the next until all the miles were run.

You can see me hand off the baton to Lissa @RunNerdGirl in the slideshow below.

Here are the Rest of My Virtual Relay Teammates

Grab your running friends — near or far — and put on your own virtual relay!

Scott @Beast_Coast_Trail_Running

Stephanie @BlueGrassBAMR

Steffi @steffiruns68

Shannon @GirlsGotSole

Blue Ridge Marathon Runner SWAG

Artistic red goat design on the half marathon medal.

The Blue Ridge Marathon is one of the few races that doesn't reveal their medals and shirts in advance of packet pickup. I did see this medal online after racers crossed the finish line on race day.

I can't wait to receive my shirt and medal in the mail. I love the red color and artistic rendering of "Be The Goat" on the half medal.

Race organizers advise virtual racers should expect their packets to arrive in mid to late May. Can't wait!

Discount Code "BibRave22" = 20% Off Registration

#BlueRidgeBR #BibChat #BibRavePro #BlueRidgeMarathon #BeTheGOAT #VirtualRace #DiscountCode #VirtualHalf

20% Discount on Blue Ridge Marathon Virtual Races

4/1/2022

The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon added virtual options to their full marathon, double marathon, half marathon, and 10K!

Now, everyone can take on the challenge of "America's Toughest Road Races" anywhere in the world.

If you aren't ready to travel to Roanoke, have a conflicting schedule, or want to add another race to your schedule, sign up for the VIRTUAL version of the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon & Half Marathon, Blue Ridge Double, or the Anthem Star 10K.

Complete your race distance any time between April 1-30th. Post your results online to earn your official BRM hardware!

Join the Virtual Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Races

Register for the virtual race of your choice. Register up until April 17, 2022. You can transfer from an in-person event to virtual until April 11, 2022.
Complete your event between April 1-30. Run anywhere in the world, as long as you meet the distance and elevation requirements.
Upload your results via the RaceJoy app, any GPS data device, or enter your results manually into Run Sign Up. You'll be added to the event leaderboard.
Submit and manage your virtual results.
Earn swag! All virtual runners receive a race shirt and medal in the mail after the April 30 deadline. Race organizers hope to have race packets mailed within 14 business days. Expect your race packet to arrive in mid to late May.

Virtual Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
Entry Fee: $85 – Includes shirt, medal and shipping
Requirements: 3,700′ in elevation gain and 26.2 miles

Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon
Entry Fee: $75 – Includes shirt, medal and shipping
Requirements: 1,850′ in elevation gain and 13.1 miles

Anthem Star 10k
Entry Fee: $40 – Includes shirt, medal and shipping
Requirements: 1,000′ in elevation gain and 10 kilometers

Blue Ridge Double Marathon
Entry Fee: $85 – Includes shirt, medal and shipping
Requirements: 7,400′ in elevation gain and 52.4 miles

REGISTER NOW

Common Virtual Race Questions

What is included in my packet?
Your packet includes a finisher medal and finisher shirt. A digital bib can be downloaded from your RunSignUp account after you register. A finisher’s certificate can be downloaded after you submit your results.

Can you run the distance in installments?
You must complete the entire distance in one run/walk but there is no required time constraint. This allows people the opportunity to complete the distance for those who may take longer than the allotted 7.5 hour in-person event.

Where can I run?
Tackle America’s Toughest Road Races anywhere in the world! Run on the course itself (make sure to follow all traffic patterns and be safe), a treadmill, trail, or a route you choose.

How should I record my run?
Submit your results via RaceJoy, upload a GPS data link, or enter results manually. If you're completing your run or walk outdoors, many apps and watches/devices will record your distance and time.

If you use a treadmill, a photo of the display will be accepted. You can enter a link to a public page from an app, take a screenshot from your phone, or take a photo of your watch or your treadmill. Please be sure to record distance, time, and elevation gain.

The best way to successfully complete any challenge is to give and receive support from others. Share your successes, cheer on other runners, and share training and race experiences.

Sign up by April 17 to SAVE 20% on the @BlueRidgeMarathon VIRTUAL Races! I’m in for the Half, but there’s a 10K, Full & Double, too.

SAVE 20% with “BIBRAVE22”
👉 http://BlueRidgeMarathon.com

#BlueRidgeBR #BibChat #BibRavePro #BlueRidgeMarathon #BeTheGOAT #VirtualRace #DiscountCode

Race Like a Minion and Get a 10% Discount on the Virtual Minions Run

1/22/2022

My virtual @minions5krun in Myakka River State Park was so much fun! 🏃‍♀️😆

Cooler temps, sunny skies and beautiful surroundings were the perfect combo for my virtual Minions Run!

Keep reading for details on how to put together your own Minions Run in 5 easy steps.

Plus, there's a discount code at the end of the post that saves you 10% off registration.

FYI: My finishers medal is on it's way to me. But, if you register now you'll receive your medal in the same package as your race swag.

Running the trails in Myakka River State Park.

Disclaimer: I received a free Minions Run 5K race entry as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro ambassador, and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

How to Race Like a Minion in 5 Easy Steps

Step 1: Proper Gear

Every #MinionsRun participant gets a super soft short sleeve shirt, bib and limited-edition knit pom hat. Add your own pants, shoes and socks. 🥽 Goggles optional.

My race gear for my Minions Run 5K. My medal is on it's way in the mail.

Race day gear for my Minions Run 5K. (All Photos Credit: ThisOldRunner)

Step 2: Plan Your Route

Run, walk, job or saunter any where and any time that works for you. I chose Myakka River State Park, but a treadmill or city street works, too.

Planning our 5K Minions Run route at Myakka River State Park

Birdwalk at Myakka River State Park facing Myakka Lake.

Oak and Palm canopy at Myakka River State Park.

Step 3: Fuel Your Run

Nutritious fuel is important for any workout. This is a Minion Run, go bananas! 🍌🍌🍌

I suggest at least one banana in each hand.

Ready to fuel for my virtual race with bananas. Myakka Lake in background.

Step 4: Giggle, Giddy Up and Go!

Put on your hat, shirt and bib and have fun! It doesn't matter how far or fast you go, as long as you move. Full disclosure: it's almost impossible to wear a Minion pom hat without giggling!

Step 5: Enjoy the Scenery

Peeking through the trees and palms in the middle of my Virtual Minions Run.

Don’t forget to soak in your surroundings while you run. We saw alligators, herons, ibis, osprey, dogs, people and more on our run in Myakka.

Celebrate Your Finish Line!

Lucky for us, Myakka River State Park has a concession stand with cold beer and food. After exploring some of the park, we celebrated our finish line with a cold draft.

Myakka River State Park map and cold brews.

Alligators sunning on the shore of Lake Myakka in Sarasota, FL

We kept our party going by taking a cruise on the Myakka River Queen. It was a beautiful tour of the Upper Myakka Lake on a gorgeous afternoon. Out on the water, we saw white pelicans, herons, osprey, roseate spoonbills, swallows, alligators and more.

This may be one of my favorite virtual race places yet.

Grab the Discount for Your Own Minion Run

All you have to do to score a discount is use code: “MINIONSRUNBR” when you register at MinionsRun.com. That code saves you 10% on registration!

Register at MinionsRun.com

Hit the road, trail, treadmill, track or whatever works best for you. Complete your race when and where you want. You can run farther than a 5K if you like, it's your race.

When you're finished racing:

Log Your Results in EnMotive
Upload and Enhance Your Photos
Download Your Personalized Finisher’s Certificate
See How You Rank on the Leaderboard
Show Off Your Medal on Social Media

#Minions5KBR #BibChat #BibRavePro @BibRave @Minions5kRun @fl.stateparks #OptOutside #FloridaParks #VirtualRace #MyakkaStatePark #Trails #RunSarasota #FriendsofMyakkaRiver #RealFlorida #MayakkaRiverStatePark #FLStateParks #RunSarasota #MayakkaRiverQueen #FloridaBirds #Alligators #RunTampaBay #RunStPete #RunBradenton #EverySingleStreet #EverySingleTrail #EverySinglePerson #HoorayRunning

Discount Code for Minions Run Virtual 5K

11/2/2021

Great news! I have a discount code for the 🍌Minions Run Virtual Race. Consider making this your family fun run over the holidays. Keep scrolling to see the awesome swag you get.

Disclaimer: I received a free Minions Run 5K race entry as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro ambassador, and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

Run the Virtual Minions Run 5K

Bello, runners! Now’s your chance to run with the help of the world’s favorite yellow henchmen — the Minions!

Join Kevin, Stuart, and all of your favorite Minions in the MinionsRun — a fun virtual event that will put a smile on your face and add some pep to your step!!

Your race distance, date, route - and outfit - are totally up to you. All you have to do is register and they’ll send the goodie bag right to your door.

Need Some New Running SWAG?

Every runner gets this cozy yellow t-shirt featuring the Minions Run logo.

You know you need this pom hat.

The medal features Stuart crossing the finish line.

Register for the Minions Run and get awesome Minions-themed bling!

Here's what you get:

💛Comfy Yellow Tee

💛Commemorative Minions Medal

💛Limited Edition, Cozy Knit Pom Hat

💛Personalized Race Bib

Are You Ready to Race?

Log Your Results in EnMotive
Upload and Enhance Your Photos
Download Your Personalized Finisher’s Certificate
See How You Rank on the Leaderboard
Show Off Your Medal on Social Media

Use My 10% Discount Code for the Minions Run 5K

What's better than the Minions Run? A discount on your registration fee, that's what. Be sure to use "MinionsRunBR" when you register to SAVE 10%. Happy Running, everyone!

#Minions5K #Minions5KBR #BibChat #Virtual5K #VirtualRace #DiscountCode #Minions #MinionsRace #MinionsMedal #MinionsPomHat #MinionsRaceBib #BibRavePro #RaceDiscount #HoorayRunning

Embrace Your Inner Super Hero with Three DC Comics Virtual Races

7/8/2021

Ventures Endurance knows how to do races! They produce a series of road races each year, including the infamous Hot Chocolate Races all across the country. In fact, they just took over the oh-so-awesome Rugged Maniac series. They also host cycling events and the DC Comics Virtual Runs!

What stands out each time I run their races is the Goodie Bag, training plans, and customer support. I'm always happy whether I participate in-person or virtually.

Last December, I had so much fun running their Elf Virtual Run. Before that, I ran the Scooby-Doo Run with my friend Copper. I've also enjoyed plenty of Hot Chocolate races.

DC Comics images of Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman for Virtual Races.

This Summer, Ventures Endurance wants you to embrace your inner hero to stay active and score heroic SWAG.

You choose to run one, two or all three races as a 1-miler, 5K or 10K Race.

Where, when and how far you run is up to you. Keep reading to see the SWAG and add-on opps!

WONDER WOMAN and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics. (s21); BATMAN and all related characters and elements © & TM DC Comics. WB SHIELD: © & TM WBEI. (S21); SUPERMAN and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics. (s21); JUSTICE LEAGUE and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics. WB SHIELD:WBEI. (s21)

DC Wonder Woman™ – 1 Mile, 5K or 10K

Run your race when and where you want. Choose a trail, road, treadmill or track. You pick the time, date, place and distance.

Every participant in the DC Wonder Woman™– 1 Mile, 5K or 10K Virtual run receives a runner Goodie Bag shipped to your home. Here's what's inside:

★ DC Wonder Woman™ Full-zip Hoodie with Pockets (Size chart)
★ DC Wonder Woman™ Finisher’s Medal
★ DC Wonder Woman™Red Headband
★ Personalized Bib
★ Finish Line Tape to Create Your Race Day Experience

An Extra Perk from Race Partner Echelon®

Thanks to race partner Echelon® every participant receives a FREE One-Month FitPass Membership on the Echelon Fit app!

You'll also be entered for a chance to win a FREE Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill. (https://echelonfit.com/products/echelon-stride)

Each virtual runner kit contains a commemorative DC Wonder Woman™ Virtual Run presented by Echelon® medal, full-zip hoodie, headband, personalized race bib, and finisher’s tape!

After Your Run:

Log Your Results
Upload and Enhance Your Race Photos
Download Customized Finisher’s Certificate
See how you rank on the leaderboard
Show off Your Medal and Race on Facebook and Instagram with the Race Hashtag #IAmWonderWoman

You can add extra hero gear at registration. It arrives with the rest of your Goodie Bag. (Image: DC Wonder Woman Virtual Race)

Use "DCWonderWomanPromo" to Score a FREE DC Wonder Woman™ Run Koozie When You Register!

DC Batman™ Virtual Run – 1 Mile, 5K or 10K

Every participant in the DC Batman™– 1 Mile, 5K or 10K Virtual run receives a runner Goodie Bag shipped to your home. Here's what's inside:

★ DC Batman™ Hoodie with Pockets
★ DC Batman™ Virtual Run Finisher’s Medal
★ DC Batman™ Visor
★ Personalized Bib
★ Race Finisher’s Tape to Create Your Finish Line Experience
Jackets are available in in youth, men’s & women’s sizes. Take a look at our size chart.

Each virtual goodie bag contains a commemorative DC Batman™ Virtual Run medal, full-zip hoodie, Batman visor and personalized race bib and race finisher’s tape.

You can add extra hero gear at registration. It arrives with the rest of your Goodie Bag. (Image: DC Batman™ Virtual Race)

After Your Run:

Log Your Results
Upload and Enhance Your Race Photos
Download Customized Finisher’s Certificate
See how you rank on the leaderboard
Show off Your Medal and Race on Facebook and Instagram with the Race Hashtag #BatmanRun

Use "DCBatmanPromo" to Score a FREE DC Batman™ Run Koozie When You Register!

DC Superman™ Virtual Run – 1 Mile, 5K or 10K

Every participant in the DC Superman™– 1 Mile, 5K or 10K Virtual run receives a runner Goodie Bag shipped to your home. Here's what's inside:

★ Superman™ Full-zip Hoodie with Pockets
★ Superman™ Finisher’s Medal
★ Superman™ Fanny Pack
★ Personalized Superman™ Run Bib
★ Finisher’s Tape for That Finish Line Feeling

Jackets are available in in youth, men’s & women’s sizes. Take a look at our size chart.

After Your Run:

Log Your Results
Upload and Enhance Your Race Photos
Download Customized Finisher’s Certificate
See how you rank on the leaderboard
Show off Your Medal and Race on Facebook and Instagram with the Race Hashtag #SupermanRun

Add a Superman™ Visor, running headband or pair of Superman™ compression arm sleeves! Upgrade items can be added during the race registration process.

Use "DCSupermanPromo" to Score a FREE DC Superman™ Run Koozie When You Register!

Justice League™ Virtual Run Series

When you race the DC Wonder Woman™ Virtual Run Presented by Echelon®, the DC Batman™ Virtual Run, AND the DC Superman™ Virtual Run you'll get a limited-edition DC Justice League™Run Series medal on top of each race's individual SWAG.

© 2021 DC BATMAN VIRTUAL RUN. WONDER WOMAN and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics. (s21); BATMAN and all related characters and elements © & TM DC Comics. WB SHIELD: © & TM WBEI. (S21); SUPERMAN and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics. (s21); JUSTICE LEAGUE and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics. WB SHIELD:WBEI. (s21)

Race Packets Start Shipping July 12

Race packets will begin shipping on July 12, 2021. Please note, the DC Wonder Woman™, DC Batman™, DC Superman™and Justice League™ Virtual Runs are only available for delivery to addresses in the contiguous United States.

Use the Promo Codes for a FREE Super Hero Koozie!

Add the promo code when you register to get a race-specific koozie added to your hero haul goodie bag. (Codes listed above for each event.)

#BatmanRun #IAmWonderWoman #WonderWomanRun #SupermanRun #DCComicsVirtualRace #Superman #Batman #WonderWoman #BibChat #BibRavePro #DCComics #VenturesEndurance #PromoCode #FreeStuff #VirtualRaces #JusticeLeagueRunSeries #EverySingleStreet #EverySingleRunner #HoorayRunning #ThisOldRunner #RaceDiscounts

<<Previous