Mid-Year Adjustments to My 2018 Race Plans

Back in January I set my running goals for 2018. Basically, I wanted to complete two Challenge Races, and improve my personal best time in two half marathons. Here's what's happened so far:

Goal One: Run Two Challenge Races

1. St Pete Beach Classic Duo Challenge 10K + 5K on January 13, 2018.
2. Best Damn Race Safety Harbor Challenge 10K + 5K on February 3, 2018.

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Met My Goal! St Pete Beach Classic Challenge 

I loved running these two challenges. The St Pete Beach Classic Duo Challenge was the first time I ever ran two races in one day. I enjoyed it so much, I'm going to do it again in 2019. The weather was crisp and cool. The course was flat. And they gave me adorable turtle medals each time I crossed the finish line.

(Photo credit: This Old Runner)

I was pleased with my pace which was 11:03 for the 10K, and 11:00 for the 5K. I came in 3rd in my age group for the Challenge, which made me very happy.
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Met My Goal! Best Damn Race Challenge

A month after the SPB Classic, I ran the Best Damn Race Challenge in Safety Harbor. This course wasn't as flat as SPB, but it was just as much fun!

​The rolling hills and chatting with friends distracted me a bit during the 10K. My pace for the 10K was 11:18. My 5K pace was 11:32. Those times were a bit slower than January, but were okay by me. I really enjoyed the thrill of two races in one day. It felt very different than running a 15K as a single race.
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The Best Damn Race has excellent medals. Check out my haul below.

Always fun to run into friends at a race! (Photo credit: PPM)

Challenge Medals from Best Damn Race! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

I'll be back in Safety Harbor for the Best Damn Race on February 2, 2019. I haven't decided if I'll repeat the Challenge, or run the Half Marathon. The half course takes runners through Philippe Park, which appeals to me. 

DISCOUNT CODE:
Want to run a Best Damn Race? Use my code: THISOLDRUNNER to save $5 on ANY Best Damn Race race in ANY city! Use it for as many events as you like. 2019 races are in Jacksonville, Safety Harbor, Savannah, Orlando, and New Orleans!

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Goal Two: Run a PB in Two Half Marathons

Uh oh. Pressure's on for this goal! It's July, and I'm not there yet.
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Missed PB: First Watch Sarasota Half

I loved my ​First Watch Sarasota Half on March 18, 2018. But, I did NOT run a Personal Best (PB) pace. Instead, I matched one of my previous times for the same course. It was a hot, humid sweat fest on race day. Humidity was 100%! So, I wasn't surprised.

I'll try to redeem myself at the 2019 First Watch Half. It's fun to run the First Watch Half no matter what pace. If you haven't tried it, give it a go. The location and race management are top notch.
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Now, with less than half a year left, I need to buckle down so I can PR in my two upcoming half marathons. I originally thought my halfs would be in October and November. But, due to travel and schedule changes I'll run both half marathons in December. (Insert gasp here!)

To Do: Race The Bay Half Marathon  

I was invited to run the Inaugural Race the Bay Half Marathon in Hudson, FL on Sunday, December 2nd. I'm very excited because I love running in new places, and getting in on the inaugural year! 

​This course is pretty flat, and December is a good time to run. I'm hopeful I can improve on my Half Marathon time. The race begins and ends at SunWest Park.

To Do: Bradenton Conquistador Half

Bradenton Conquistador Half Marathon was originally going to be in mid-October, but the race moved to Saturday, December 15th. This is the third year for this event. All the proceeds go to charity. And, there's a good chance there will be some Conquistadors on hand.

I've never run this race and want to give it a try. The new date means it's a couple of weeks after Race the Bay. I think it's a good thing. I'll be fully trained and ready to run. We'll see what happens!

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See You at the Starting Line!

You can find more race discount codes for Rock n Roll Races, Hot Chocolate Races, and lots more events across the country on my Race Discounts page.

I hope you'll use as many of my discount codes as you can. Feel free to share them with your running friends. It's always good to save money on races!

​Let me know if we're running any of the same events. You can find me on Twitter and Instagram @ThisOldRunner.
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