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I ran the 2020 Air Force Marathon #FlyFightWin Challenge last month. It's one of my favorite virtual races so far. I hope to run the events in person when the pandemic is gone. Two days ago, my race swag arrived. Since I ran the 3-race challenge, I got lots of cool SWAG. Take a look!
Disclaimer: I received registration for the Air Force Marathon 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.  Challenge participants received the quarter zip, a long sleeve race shirt and patch along with a 5K, 10K, Half and bonus Challenge medal. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)
Mark Your Calendar for the 2021 Air Force MarathonThe next Air Force Marathon takes place September 19, 2010. Choose a 5K, 10K, Half or Full Marathon. Kids can run in the 1K Tailwind Trot. Try the Half or Full Fly! Fight! Win! Challenge.  Graphic: Air Force Marathon #KeepMoving #BestDamnRace #BrighterDaysAhead #BibChat #RunStPete #RunFlorida #RunPA #WeRunSocial #MovePittsburgh #Run412 #OptOutside #FLRunner #ThisOldRunner #HoorayRunning #BibRavePro #EverySingleStreet #RunEveryStreet #RunYourTown #BDRChallenge #VirtualRace #BDRFloridaChallenge #EverySinglePerson #AFMaraBR #FlyAFM #AirForceMarathon #AFMara #USA
I Chose the #AFMarathon Fly! Fight! Win! ChallengeMy #FlyFightWin Virtual Air Force Challenge included a 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon. Since this was a virtual race, participants could choose to run their races when and where they wanted any time in September. I decided to run all three races on the original race weekend. I wanted to challenge myself, and create a race weekend vibe as much as possible. It was fun! The Air Force Marathon has special significance to me. I wanted to honor my favorite Air Force Peeps. There are a bunch of them, and my efforts celebrated every single one of them! I'm so proud and thankful for them all. Air Force Marathon 2020 Virtual 5KMy first race was the 5K. I ran mine in beautiful downtown St. Pete along the waterfront.  Flat lay for my 5K. Comfy shoes, shirt, hat and a Gatorade Endurance energy gel. (Photo credit: This Old Runner) Disclaimer: I received registration for the Air Force Marathon 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 My route was in and around Albert Whitted Airport, so the planes in the background felt appropriate for an Air Force race. It was a gorgeous morning with blue skies, white puffy clouds, and lots of humidity! I think running wherever you like is one of the best parts of a virtual race.
Air Force Marathon 2020 Virtual 10KMy second race was the 10K. I decided to run around my favorite lake because it has a 1.25 mile loop. It would be easy to run 6 circles around the lake. I was also hopeful there would be a nice breeze off the water. (There was!)  Running the paved loop around Crescent Lake in St. Pete. (Photo credit: This Old Runner) It was another humid run, but went smoothly. I felt strong and oh so optimistic about my half marathon! By the way, I want to mention fueling and hydration. I carried water on all my races and planned out where I could refill my bottle. That's a big deal when you're on your own for a virtual race. I carry water + electrolytes when run long distances in the Florida heat.
Air Force Marathon 2020 Virtual Half MarathonI was a bit nervous about the half marathon. But, I was determined. It always helps me when I run for someone other than myself. This race was to honor my Dad, nieces and nephew who all serve or served in the USAF. There was no way I wasn't going to finish all the miles for these people I love. So, off I went on Day 3 for Race 3.  I Channeled #EverySingleStreet for My HalfI like to add a twist to my virtual races to keep them interesting. Sometimes I turn the race into a Scavenger Hunt. For the 2020 Air Force Half Marathon I decided to run #EverySingleStreet Rickey Gates Style. I live in a great big city, so I broke it down into neighborhoods. I chose two neighborhoods I never run in for my half marathon route. Below are a just a few of the new things I saw. I recommend adding your own twist to any virtual race. It makes it easier to stay engaged. Run in a new-to-you place or challenge yourself somehow to add another layer to your experience.
 SWAG, More SWAG and a Virtual ExpoEven though the 2020 Air Force Marathon was virtual, there was plenty of SWAG! I earned a medal for each race, PLUS a Challenge Medal featuring the HH-60G PAVE HAWK. The challenge medal has moving helicopter blades. All participants receive a race shirt. 2020 Fly! Fight! Win! Challengers also get a quarter zip! There was a Virtual Expo for runners and the public. Everyone can shop the expo from September 1 through September 30 to take advantage of discounts and great products. There was a LIVE Facebook Stream on Saturday, September 19. It was a great way to feel part of the larger race community. If you missed the live event, watch the AFMarathon Race Day here.
 Runners can submit their race results online to see how they stack up against their virtual competition. Final ThoughtsI really enjoyed this challenge. Race management did a great job of keeping everyone engaged throughout the training period. They sent regular emails and newsletters. They also liked and commented on social media posts. I love when a race organization interacts with me! The virtual expo and live stream on race day were great extras. Add that to all the SWAG that mails to runners in early October, and I'd def call this event a winner. Sure, the Air Force has a special place in my heart, but even if it didn't I'd run this event again! Thanks to the Air Force Marathon for making this a special event in a very weird year. #KeepMoving #BestDamnRace #BrighterDaysAhead #BibChat #RunStPete #RunFlorida #RunPA #WeRunSocial #MovePittsburgh #Run412 #OptOutside #FLRunner #ThisOldRunner #HoorayRunning #BibRavePro #EverySingleStreet #RunEveryStreet #RunYourTown #BDRChallenge #VirtualRace #BDRFloridaChallenge #EverySinglePerson #AFMaraBR #FlyAFM #AirForceMarathon #AFMara #USAF
Everyone around here is all in on weather talk. I can't find anyone who doesn't mention how hot it is outside. That's because it's full blast in-your-face Summer heat time in Florida. I don't mind the heat, but when the temps reach "feels like" numbers above 100 degrees it's time to rethink workouts. Recently, I traded in my long runs for garden projects. You may wonder, if I'm still outside in the heat, how is gardening better than running? The difference is I can take plenty of breaks, go inside, and sit down and rest as needed. So, cross-training projects became my workouts the past couple of weeks. Cross-Training Project #1: Dig a TrenchI dug a trench. I pulled our circa 1960 axe out of the shed and swung it for hours. When I was done I had a hole that was 6 feet long and 3 feet deep. Why did I dig a trench? Because my neighbor has bamboo. It's along the fence line next to one of my border gardens. The bamboo likes to sneak underground and pop up on my side of the fence. I looked out my kitchen window one day and saw a huge 4-5 foot bamboo stalk in the middle of my plumbago border. Yikes! Closer examination revealed there were 5 more stalks. I did research and learned that the best remedy was to dig a trench so new shoots were seen right away. Now, if a shoot comes out I can cut it off before it crosses the trench. It should only happen a couple of times a year. Fingers are crossed. The trench digging was in a shaded area, but it was a sweat fest. It took me a couple of days to complete. I added safety trellises at each end of the ditch so no one falls into it. Cross-Training Project #2: Create a Butterfly Garden
While I was digging my bamboo trench I decided I wanted to add another butterfly garden bed to our yard. Putting in a garden is an excellent upper body workout. I created a 10 x 15 foot garden. You can see it in the photos above and below. I dug up existing turf, worked the soil, and laid a short walkway and rock border. Then, I installed 50 butterfly-attracting and host plants. Now, when I look across the side yard I see more beautiful flowers and butterflies. This garden, like the trench, produced a sweat-fest. But, I feel stronger and more tolerant of the heat than I did a couple of weeks earlier. I consider yard work a major contributor to my fitness.
 This location gets morning sun, partial shade, and late afternoon sun. (All photos credit: This Old Runner)  There are 5 butterfly bushes (Buddleia) that will grow tall and bushy along the back of the garden, and in front of the firewood pile. And yes, that's another avocado tree; still working on my avocado farm dream!  It took about 30 minutes for the Monarch butterflies to find the Milkweed. Soon we saw black swallowtails, tiny white peacocks, and giant swallowtails fluttering around the new garden. Now, It's Time to Run Again!I'm happy to report that my first run after my cross-training week felt great! Next up is some virtual RACING for my Air Force Marathon Fly! Fight! Win! Half Marathon Challenge next week! #FaceMask #ExtremeFitBR #KeepMoving #BestDamnRace #BrighterDaysAhead #BibChat #RunStPete #RunFlorida #RunPA #WeRunSocial #MovePittsburgh #Run412 #OptOutside #FLRunner #ThisOldRunner #HoorayRunning #BibRavePro #EverySingleStreet #RunEveryStreet #RunYourTown #VirtualRace #BDRFloridaChallenge #EverySinglePerson #AFMaraBR #FlyAFM #USAF #AirForceMarathon #AFMarathonChallenge
-------> UPDATE <------- |
 2020 AF Marathon Long Sleeve Race Shirt. (Image: Air Force Marathon) | If you already signed up, take a look at what you'll receive for running this virtual event! Every participant gets:
Fly! Fight! Win! Challenge Series participants (Full and Half Challenges) get two bonus items:
Register now to challenge yourself and get the goods! |
 2020 Commemorative Patch featuring HH-60G PAVE HAWK. (Image: Air Force Marathon) |  2020 Finisher Medal for all participants. (Image: Air Force Marathon) |
Extra Fly! Fight! Win! Challenge Series SWAG
Put in some extra miles with the 2020 Air Force Marathon Virtual Fly! Fight! Win! Challenge Series event. The Marathon distance is sold out, but you can still register for the Half Marathon Challenge. You race the all three events: the 5K, 10K and half marathon!
The best part about a virtual race is you choose when and where you race. Choose your own race day between September 1-30, 2020. You can run the 5K, 10K, and Half on separate days if that works best for you.
You'll earn your complimentary commemorative patch (if you select it), three official finisher’s medals, the official Challenge Series long sleeve shirt, the official Challenge Series quarter zip, and a fourth (spinning!) finisher’s medal.
You get to race and support the Air Force Marathon, then rep some awesome race gear!
The best part about a virtual race is you choose when and where you race. Choose your own race day between September 1-30, 2020. You can run the 5K, 10K, and Half on separate days if that works best for you.
You'll earn your complimentary commemorative patch (if you select it), three official finisher’s medals, the official Challenge Series long sleeve shirt, the official Challenge Series quarter zip, and a fourth (spinning!) finisher’s medal.
You get to race and support the Air Force Marathon, then rep some awesome race gear!
 Challenge participants receive this extra half-zip pullover. (Image: Air Force Marathon) |  Challenge participants also earn this extra medal for running all their races. (Image: Air Force Marathon) |
Use Discount Code "AFMBIBRAVE20" to SAVE 10%
Please use my discount code, "AFMBIBRAVE20" to save 10% on any event that isn't sold out yet!
#KeepMoving #BestDamnRace #BrighterDaysAhead #BibChat #RunStPete #RunFlorida #RunPA #WeRunSocial #MovePittsburgh #Run412 #OptOutside #FLRunner #ThisOldRunner #HoorayRunning #BibRavePro #EverySingleStreet #RunEveryStreet #RunYourTown #BDRChallenge #VirtualRace #BDRFloridaChallenge #EverySinglePerson #AFMaraBR #FlyAFM #AirForceMarathon #AFMara #USAF
I'm as disappointed as every other runner who's watched their race calendar fall apart due to COVID-19, but today I found a bright spot.
In the past, the only way I could participate in the #AFMarathon was to show up in Dayton, Ohio in September. That's hard when you live far, far away (Florida resident here).
In the past, the only way I could participate in the #AFMarathon was to show up in Dayton, Ohio in September. That's hard when you live far, far away (Florida resident here).
| Last month, the Air Force Marathon converted into a virtual race. That was great news for me. It means, I can run to honor all the brilliant Air Force Officers I know and love without traveling to Dayton, OH. This opportunity feels especially poignant for me because my favorite AF officer died last month. Running the #AFMarathon this year feels exactly right. So, I went all in with the Fly! Fight! Win! Half Challenge. That's a 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon in honor of all my favorite flyers! Keep reading to learn more and get a discount for your race! |  FRF. USAF Navigator, 1957. |
Disclaimer: I received registration for the Air Force Marathon 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!
Choose Your Virtual #AFMarathon Distance
You'll run or walk the distance you choose at your own pace. You'll have plenty of choices when it comes to how far you want to run.
2020 distances include:
NOTE: There is special pricing for active duty personnel. Choose the Active Duty-Guard-Reserve button when you register.
After you choose your race, pick your personal race day. You must run sometime between September 1-30.
Since this is a virtual event, you run your race wherever you are. You pick your start and finish line. It can be on a treadmill, track, trail or in your neighborhood.
2020 distances include:
- 5K ($30)
- 10K ($40)
- Half Marathon ($85)
- Full Marathon ($95)
- Fly! Fight! Win! Challenge Series ($150)
• 5K + 10K + Marathon
• 5K + 10K + Half Marathon - Tailwind Trot 1K Kids Race ($18)
NOTE: There is special pricing for active duty personnel. Choose the Active Duty-Guard-Reserve button when you register.
After you choose your race, pick your personal race day. You must run sometime between September 1-30.
Since this is a virtual event, you run your race wherever you are. You pick your start and finish line. It can be on a treadmill, track, trail or in your neighborhood.
Check Out the 2020 Air Force Marathon SWAG
Participants who register and run the virtual 5K, 10K, Half or Full Marathon receive:
If you're running the half or full Fly! Fight! Win! Challenge Series, you can run each event on separate days, just like you would in person.
- Official Race Bib
- Access to Virtual Health & Fitness Expo
- Official Long Sleeve Race Shirt
- Commemorative Patch (if selected)
- Official Finisher Medal for Your Distance
If you're running the half or full Fly! Fight! Win! Challenge Series, you can run each event on separate days, just like you would in person.
 This is the official 2020 race shirt every racer earns. (Photo credit: @AFMarathon) |  All racers (5K, 10K, Half, Full, Challenge) receive the official 2020 Air Force Marathon Finisher Medal! (Photo Credit: @AFMarathon)  Add a free commemorative patch to your swag bag! Look for the option and check the box when you register. (Photo credit: @AFMarathon) |
Bonus SWAG for Fly! Fight! Win! Challenge
 Rendering of the additional swag that Fly! Fight! Win! challenge participants receive. (Photo credit: @AFMarathon) | All Challenge Series participants who register for the virtual event receive:
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Packet Pickup
The race hopes to offer in-person pickup for local participants. If you can't pick up in person, you'll get your swag by mail. Race packets will be mailed to the address you provided at registration.
Submit Your Virtual Race Results
Complete your three virtual event distances on any three days between September 1-30, 2020.
If possible, track your race with a GPS-tracking app to confirm your mileage and time.
After you complete your race, upload your finish times to the results page. The link to the results page will be available soon.
Don't forget to post your race on social media. Show us your starting line, race course, and finish line success! Tag your posts with #FlyAFM so we can cheer and congratulate each other!
If possible, track your race with a GPS-tracking app to confirm your mileage and time.
After you complete your race, upload your finish times to the results page. The link to the results page will be available soon.
Don't forget to post your race on social media. Show us your starting line, race course, and finish line success! Tag your posts with #FlyAFM so we can cheer and congratulate each other!
Register Soon! I'll See You at the Starting Line!
#FaceMask #ExtremeFitBR #KeepMoving #BestDamnRace #BrighterDaysAhead #BibChat #RunStPete #RunFlorida #RunPA #WeRunSocial #MovePittsburgh #Run412 #OptOutside #FLRunner #ThisOldRunner #HoorayRunning #BibRavePro #EverySingleStreet #RunEveryStreet #RunYourTown #VirtualRace #BDRFloridaChallenge #EverySinglePerson #AFMaraBR #FlyAFM #USAF #AirForceMarathon #AFMarathonChallenge
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