This Old Runner Writes About Running

How I Ran My 2020 Virtual Air Force Half Marathon Challenge

9/25/2020

I Chose the #AFMarathon Fly! Fight! Win! Challenge

My #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 5K

My first race was the 5K. I ran mine in beautiful downtown St. Pete along the waterfront.

Bib Rave tank, shorts, Under Armour Sonic shoes, a hat and Gatorade Endurance energy gel.

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.

My 5K starting line. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

View of the St Pete Pier from Demens Landing waterfront.

Great views on this run along the waterfront. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Peeking through the fence at Albert Whitted Airport.

Listening and watching planes at Albert Whitted Airport as I ran nearby. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

5K finish line! All smiles. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Air Force Marathon 2020 Virtual 10K

My 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!)

Water tower at Crescent Lake in St. Petersburg, Florida.

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.

View of a lake with sidewalks around it.

Air Force Marathon 2020 Virtual Half Marathon

I 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 Half

I 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 Expo

Even 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.

5K Medal

10K Medal

Half Medal

Challenge Medal

2020 Air Force Marathon Challenge Finisher Jackets

Runners can submit their race results online to see how they stack up against their virtual competition.

Final Thoughts

I 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

Visit This Old Runner Race Discounts to Save on Your Next Race!

My Alternative to Running in the Summer Heat is Cross Training in the Garden

9/6/2020

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 Trench

I 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

Turf removed. Playing with plant placement while in their containers.

I love the bright containers some of the plants came in.

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.

Plants are in the ground.

The view from across the yard.

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

2020 Air Force Marathon Challenge Coin, Registration Updates, and a 10% Discount

8/9/2020

-------> UPDATE <-------
The Virtual 2020 Air Force Marathon is Completely Sold Out!

2020 Air Force Marathon Challenge Coin Revealed

Image of front and back of the 2020 Air Force Marathon Challenge Coin.

Each year, the Air Force Marathon features a Challenge Coin to showcase a special aspect of the US Air Force. This year, the challenge coin features the HH-60G Pave Hawk.

The coin is made in the USA with American steel. It's 1.75" in diameter and .25" thick. There's a limited quantity of 2020 Challenge Coins. If you want one to commemorate your race, you can order it here for $10.

Some Races are Sold Out

If you haven't registered for your race, hurry up. The Full Marathon, Full Marathon Challenge, 10K, 5K and Tailwind Trot races are COMPLETELY SOLD OUT. Take a look at the chart below.

There's room in the Half Marathon and Half Marathon Challenge. Don't procrastinate because these races will sell out soon. Register now.

8/11/20 REGISTRATION UPDATE:
ONLY HALF & HALF CHALLENGE HAVE SPOTS OPEN!!

Chart of Race Entries for 2020 Air Force Marathon as of Sunday, August 9.

This chart was updated on August 11th. The only spots open are the HALF and the HALF CHALLENGE. (Image: Air Force Marathon)

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:

Race Bib
Commemorative Patch
Race Shirt
Finisher Medal

Fly! Fight! Win! Challenge Series participants (Full and Half Challenges) get two bonus items:

Challenge Finisher Medal with two spinning rotors!
Official Race Quarter Zip Pullover

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!

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!

Join Me for the 2020 Air Force Marathon Fly! Fight! Win! Challenge in September

7/17/2020

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).

Banner for the 24th annual Air Force Marathon

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.

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:

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.

SAVE 10% When You Register with Discount Code "AFMBibRave20"

Check Out the 2020 Air Force Marathon SWAG

Participants who register and run the virtual 5K, 10K, Half or Full Marathon receive:

Official Race Bib
Access to Virtual Health & Fitness Expo
Official Long Sleeve Race Shirt
Commemorative Patch (if selected)
Official Finisher Medal for Your Distance

Everyone is urged to run your event in one day, at one time, like you would for an in-person race. This makes it easier to upload your results to the results page.

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.

2020 long sleeve official race shirt for the Air Force Marathon.

This is the official 2020 race shirt every racer earns. (Photo credit: @AFMarathon)

Image of the 2020 Air Force Marathon finisher medal

All racers (5K, 10K, Half, Full, Challenge) receive the official 2020 Air Force Marathon Finisher Medal! (Photo Credit: @AFMarathon)

Commemorative race patch for the 2020 Air Force Marathon.

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

View of the extra swag runners get when they run the AF Marathon Challenge. Extra medal, pullover, and long sleeve shirt.

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:

Official Race Bib
Access to Virtual Health & Fitness Expo
Official 2020 Race Long Sleeve
Challenge Series Long Sleeve Shirt
Commemorative Patch (if selected)
3 Official Finisher Medals
1 Challenge Series Spinner Medal
Challenge Series Quarter Zip Pullover

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!

Register Soon! I'll See You at the Starting Line!

New Race Discounts Posted

1/31/2020

I just updated the Race Discounts Page! Right now you can find deals on races across the country through November. If you're working on your racing calendar, hop over there and save some cash!

I post new discounts all the time, so check back often. Here's a brand new discount for a race event that's special to my family: The Air Force Marathon, Dayton, OH on September 19, 2020.

Events include a 5K, 10K, Half and Full Marathon, plus a Tailwind 1K for the kids. Registration is open now at the lowest prices.

If you aren't ready to register now, you can take advantage of two discounts as follows:

SAVE 10% When You Register Between March 2 - May 3

If you register any time between March 2 and May 3, you can use code “AFMBR20” for 10% off.

SAVE 15% When You Register Between May 4 - Sept 16

If you commit later, you can use code “AFMBIBRAVE20” for 15% off for registrations between May 4 - Sept 16. Race day is Saturday, September 19!

#FLYAFM #AirForceMarathon #BibChat #BibRave #RaceDiscounts #SeptemberMarathon #Half, #5K #10K #Challenges #RunDayton #OhioRunner #AFMarathon #AFM2020

Click Here to Check Out the Newest 2020 Race Discounts!

New Brand Discounts, too!

After you nail down your race schedule, check out my new Brand Discounts. You'll find discount codes for awesome products like Hidrate Spark 3 Water Bottles, AfterShokz Bone Conduction Headphones, Handful Bras, Built Bars, and More!

$5 OFF the awesome Hidrate Spark 3 — the only water bottle that sends you text messages and glows to remind you to hydrate!

SAVE 15% on your next order of Built Bars with the discount code.