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This Old Runner Writes

 

This Fall, I'm Fueling My Journey with Gatorade Endurance

8/11/2019

 
I'm beyond excited about training for two goal races this Fall using Gatorade Endurance!

Both of my races, the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon and the St Pete Run Fest Half, serve Gatorade Endurance on course. So, using it for training is a perfect fit. 

Gatorade Endurance supports runners of all shapes, sizes, ages, and attitudes. ​I learned this first-hand when they agreed to support my race goals with Endurance Formula products for my training. Hooray!


Keep reading to learn more about my goals. 

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.

Gatorade Endurance and Encouragement

Gatorade Endurance sent me a personal note and this package of wonderful gels and thirst quencher powder! They're helping me train for two half marathons that represent milestone goals for me. 
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Gatorade Endurance sent me a personal note and this package of wonderful gels and thirst quencher powder! They're helping me train for two half marathon goals this Fall. (Photo Credit: ThisOldRunner)

My Milestone Races

I want to run a personal best in my last two half marathons before my birthday. My goal is to end my 50s with fast finishes, then race right into my next decade.

But here's the rub. 
Summer training in Florida is brutal. Heat. Humidity. Stormy downpours. Bright sunshine. I actually like Summer, but it's so stinking hot here.

If you don't hydrate and fuel properly you'll melt. The temps and humidity make it hard to train. Inconsistent training makes Fall PRs a challenge. 


I love the half marathon distance. It takes training, discipline, and dedication to complete 13.1 miles. It's a meaningful endeavor. But how to stay motivated? 

This year, I'm sharing my goals publicly to stay accountable. It's always good to have cheerleaders and witnesses!
Crossing the finish line at the Sarasota Half Marathon.
Goal: Beat my 2015 First Watch Sarasota time.
Posing with my medal after the St Pete Run Fest Half Marathon.
Goal: Beat my 2017 St Pete Run Fest finish time.

My Endurance Running Story

I never (ever) expected to be a runner. As a kid, I ran around the yard. In high school, I ran to catch my bus. At 20, I maybe ran the bases in intramural softball — twice.

Despite growing up in a family of athletes, I was a spectator when it came to sports. I watched my parents, siblings, husband, and children participate. But, I never felt the need to compete.

My motto was, “No thanks, I hate to sweat.”


Everything changed when I saw my daughter run her first half-marathon. I was spectating at the starting line, and was surprised (shocked?) to see that everyone there wasn’t a 20 year-old thin mint.

My motto was, "No thanks, I hate to sweat."


And those people didn’t just start the race — they finished it!

I was so moved by everyone’s determination, I cheered for people I didn’t know as they crossed the finish line. Tears filled my eyes when my daughter received her medal. It was amazing. Inspiring. Just, wow!
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My daughter inspired me to attempt running a half marathon.
Picture
One of my faves is running with her. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)
I began to wonder if, maybe — just maybe — I could run a half marathon. I started by walking.

I trained for 13 months before I finished my first half in February 2013. One medal, and I was all in.

Nine months later I ran/walked my second half. 
I’ve been running ever since.

Running has given me more than muscle tone. Running has improved my balance and agility. It provides an inner peace I didn’t realize I was missing.

The most important thing I’ve learned is to take my time and train smart. I’m patient with my progress. As a result, I’m healthy and moving.

P.S. I like to sweat, now!


I'm a Late Bloomer Athlete

When asked to describe my type of athlete, my first response is late bloomer. I'm happy about becoming an athlete later in life. When you start running at 52 no one expects you to run a 6-minute mile. Every achievement is a delight. 
​
Since I'm an older runner, I pay extra attention to nutrition, rest, and recovery. I pace myself, and always respect the heat and humidity.

​So far, patience has given me 7 years of injury-free running.

Why I'm Training with Gatorade Endurance

I'm using Gatorade Endurance for several important reasons:
  • Carbs plus potassium, sodium, and electrolytes in an easy to take and digest drink. These are vital when you train for hours. Hydration is everything in the heat.
  • Taste. I like Lemon/lime, Cherry, and Watermelon thirst quencher powder. Full disclosure: watermelon is my fave!
  • Energy Gel Flavors! Mango, Apple Pear, Blackberry, and Vanilla.
  • Gels that are fluid and easy to swallow on the run. These aren't sticky or super sweet. That means a lot to me in the middle of a training run or race.
I love that I'm training with the same fuel that's offered on course at my races. I don't have to worry about it on race day. I can focus on running.
Hand holding a Gatorade Endurance gel in mango flavor.
Mmmm! Mango! I fell in love with this flavor the first time I tried it. It's fluid and smooth and goes down easy while runnning. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)
Picture of Gatorade Endurance thirst quencher powder.
Gatorade Endurance loaded me up with lemon/lime, cherry, and watermelon flavors. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)
When I set my mind on something, I try to follow this strategy:

1. Set a Goal.
2. Make a Plan.
3. Get to Work.
4. Stick to It.
​5. Reach Goal.

So, I've set my goal (PR in two half marathons in a row) and made a training plan. It's time to do the work! The First Watch Sarasota Half is in 10 weeks. St. Pete Run Fest is in 14 weeks. Eeek!

Good luck if you're training for your own milestone races. Find me on Instagram and Twitter @ThisOldRunner. We can encourage each other. ​

See you at the starting line!

#GatoradeEndurance #ThirstQuencher #RunnerFuel #GEnduranceBR #BibRave #BibChat #BibRavePro #GEndurance #FuelMyJourney #MyFuelMyJourney #ShareYourStory #FormulatedForFarther #Ad #Fitness #FitnessInspiration #WeRunSocial #RunnersOfInsta #FitFluential #Motivation #GoalRaces #OlderRunner #RunningTowardsRetirement #MRTT #InstaRunner #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunSarasota #RunTampaBay

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  • Blog
  • Race Discounts
    • What's BibRave?
  • Brand 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