Do you have trouble reading your watch while you're running? I do. It's a problem because I like to check my pace and mileage in real-time. I invested in a couple of pairs of bifocal sunglasses. They can be expensive, so it hurts when I lose them. And yes, I lose them. Readers are cheaper but don't work well for running. I know this because I ran several half marathons with a pair of readers. Ugh.
Turns out, upgrading my sunglasses is easier than I thought. The best part? It's a DIY project you can do at home. Keep reading if you want to learn how to turn your favorite shades into bifocals. Stick-On Bifocal LensesStep 1: Choose Your SunglassesStick-on bifocals let you upgrade any pair of regular sunglasses without permanently altering them. Turn a favorite pair into reading glasses so you can read the small print, like your running stats on a watch. I bought these Knockaround Navy/Mint Premium Sports for running. The frames are rubberized and super lightweight. There's a nonslip rubber nose guard. The polarized lenses are impact-resistant and offer UV400 protection. Step 2: Pick Your Stick-On Bifocal LensesDetermine what magnification you need. Figure it out with a diopter test to choose the best magnification for your eyes. Another option is to try on Readers in IRL at a physical store. There are several brands of stick-on lenses available on Amazon. I bought Blue Merlin lenses. You can see them in the photo below. The Optx brand has good reviews, too. Both brands come in +1.00 to +3.00 magnifications. Step 3: Prep the Lenses and GlassesThe stick-on bifocals are easy to apply. They're also easy to remove. If you change your mind later, you can move your bifocal lenses to a different pair of sunglasses. Make sure there isn't any dust or dirt on your glasses. Clean them with spray lens cleaner if you have it. Wipe both sides with a lint-free cloth to remove all residue. FYI: Knockaround protective pouches are lintless lens cleaner cloths. Clean both sides of your bifocal lenses with clean water and NO soap. Step 4: Stick On The Bifocal LensesThe lenses are a half-moon shape. Pay attention when you remove them from the protective case. You'll see which lens fits naturally on each side of your sunglasses. After soaking in warm water the lenses are pliable and soft. No adhesives are needed. Find a workspace that won't scratch your sunglasses. Place your glasses with the lens down. Take the first bifocal lens and put it onto your glasses with the curved part at the bottom of the frame. Position the lenses about 2.5 inches apart. Use a ruler to figure out the correct positioning. Repeat with the other bifocal lens. Look through the lenses during the application. If you stick them on backward or flipped, you'll know when you look through them. The lenses work, so if your vision is distorted they're in the wrong position. Take your time and reposition them until they work best for your eyes. It took me a couple of tries until mine were right. When you're happy with the location, press out any air bubbles with care. Use a lint-free cloth to dab away excess water. Let the glasses sit for 12-24 hours to dry before wearing them. Step 5: Go For a Run in Your Bifocal SunglassesI waited a full day before running in my new bifocal sunnies. I ran 5 miles on a hot, sunny day. Man! These were perfect for me. The sunglasses have dark polarized lenses which I already love for running in Florida. Add in the bifocals, and I was one happy runner. I ran hill repeats to celebrate. It also gave me another reason to check my watch often during my workout. I could see everything on my watch with ease. How to Remove or Reposition Stick-On Bifocal LensesStick-on bifocals are easy to remove. Run them under hot water for a few minutes. Use your fingernail at the edge so water gets underneath the lens, then peel them off. If you leave your sunglasses in a hot spot — like the car in July — and the lenses move, it's an easy fix. Run under hot water to loosen the lens, then slide back into position. After repositioning, push out any bubbles and dry everything off. Wait 12 hours before wearing them. Another good thing about stick-on lenses is you can reuse them. They work on safety glasses, a diving mask, or glasses you use for work. Get Some Stick-On Bifocals for Your SunglassesAfter my unofficial testing, I'm happy with my stick-on bifocal results. It took very little time to apply the lenses, and they've worked well in hot, humid, sunny conditions. Right now, I think I have about 16 miles on them. I'm excited about upgrading my other sunglasses. I also don't have to hesitate when I see fun new Knockarounds or get a great pair at a race. Give it a try if you have the same problem! #ThisOldRunner #BifocalSunglasses #Knockaround #KnockFan #RunnerSunglasses #BibChat #RunChat #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunSarasota #SunnyRunner #RunInTheSun #RunningSunglasses #BifocalLenses #StickOnBifocalLenses #OptOutside #MovePittsburgh #FLRunner
Disclaimer: I received a pair of Knockarounds to promote Plogging for Earth Day as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews. Two Creative Posts Will Win FREE KnockaroundsIt's a great day to be a tree-hugger! April 22 is the 50th anniversary of #EarthDay! Knockaround sunglasses and BibRave are having a contest to celebrate this special day. You can participate in #VirtualEarthDay wherever you are. It's an easy, fun activity for the whole family. Here's how it works:
Post your creative tree-hugging pic by end-of-day on April 22! Knockaround and BibRave will choose the two winners who post the most creative photo. Each winner scores Knockaround shades! Happy #EarthDay everyone! #EarthDayKnocksBR #KeepYourDistance #PloggingKnocksBR #BibChat #AfterShokzBR #StayHome #WeRunSocial #SRTT #RunFlorida #RunStPete #InstaRunner #BibRavePro #RunHappy #OptOutside #HoorayRunning #Plogging #ClimateAction #CleanUp #KnockFan #ReduceReuseRecycle #ThisOldRunner #WashYourHands #SocialDistancing #SafeAtHome #StayHome #TreeHugger #EarthDay #VirtualEarthDay #TeamEarth #EarthDay2020
Disclaimer: I received a pair of Knockarounds to promote Plogging for Earth Day as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews. My Original Plan was to Celebrate Earth DayMy original plan was to double-down on my usual plogging efforts. I was off and running to the beach, trails, city sidewalks, parks, and streets of my neighborhood. Why? 'Cause it's a nice way to say thanks to Mother Earth. And this year is the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day! And, every so often I find interesting souvenirs. Back Up a Minute -- What Exactly is Plogging?Plogging is easy: it's the simple act of picking up trash while running. It began in Sweden, and quickly spread around the world. It's an excellent way to reduce the impact of plastics on our environment while getting a work out. I've been plogging for as long as I've been running. When I see an abandoned wrapper or plastic bottle, I stash it in my pocket. Then, I toss it into the next available recycle bin or trash can. That's why when Knockaround challenged me to celebrate Earth Day by plogging this April, I was all in! But then, COVID-19 changed the plogging landscape. Plogging During COVID-19By mid-March, the items I saw during my solo runs began to change. Gloves — lots of blue and purple gloves — and protective face masks. I decided to put my bare-handed, pocket-stashing plogging on hold. I needed plogging protective wear. Can You Plog During a Pandemic?
Safety First — ALWAYS!If you go out for a run for your mental and physical well-being you don't want to come back with a virus. (Insert Mom Voice: Use common sense while plogging so you don't catch or spread the Corona Virus.) If you're stretching your legs in your neighborhood and see trash — pick it up only while wearing gloves or using a grabber. When you get home, throw your gloves, bag, and clothes into a hot, soapy wash cycle. Disinfect your grabber. If Plogging Feels Risky Now, Try It LaterIf plogging feels risky now, try it when COVID-19 is in our rear view mirror. It's always a good time to pick up trash and keep plastics out of our environment. Keep it in mind, and give it a try when daily life returns to normal. If you don't want to plog, may I suggest you find a tree-filled trail or walkway and soak in the beauty? Gratitude is always a safe activity! Wash Your Hands, Again!Go ahead. Wash them again and use lots of soap and friction. Follow the advice from the World Health Organization on proper hand-washing. WHO advises that washing your hands properly takes as long as singing "Happy Birthday" twice. Use their images below as a guide for good technique. #KeepYourDistance #PloggingKnocksBR #BibChat #AfterShokzBR #StayHome #WeRunSocial #SRTT #RunFlorida #RunStPete #InstaRunner #RunnersofInsta #BibRavePro #RunHappy #OptOutside #HoorayRunning #Plogging #ClimateAction #CleanUp #KnockFan #ReduceReuseRecycle #ThisOldRunner #OptOutside #Motivation #HoorayRunnning #EarthDayKnocksBR #WashYourHands #SocialDistancing #StaySafeAtHome #StayHome #COVID #Coronavirus #TreeHugger #EarthDay
Register for the Pittsburgh Marathon, Half or Relay and you'll get a FREE pair of Knockaround sunglasses at the race expo and packet pickup. ANY runner who registers now (or is already registered) for a SUNDAY race — the half, relay or full marathon — gets a FREE pair of these awesome shades. Race Day is Sunday, May 3, 2020. Prices increase March 3 at midnight, and online registration closes on March 31. Custom Pittsburgh Marathon Sunglasses by KnockaroundIt's fun when a race has custom swag like these sunglasses! It's even better when it's a product you love. I've been a #KnocksFan for a while. Knockaround Sunglasses are fun and lightweight, making them perfect for running a race or running around town. (Use my link to SAVE 15% on your first Knockaround purchase.) Check out the 2020 design below featuring the iconic Pittsburgh bridges from the race course. You May Also Like:
Knockaround Sunglasses in Teal GeodeTeal Geode with Smoke Lenses. That's the name of the sunglasses I'm testing for Knockaround. OMG, I love the name. Teal Geode is a great color, and it reminds me of a dear old friend who collected geodes. So there's that. But, there's more. Disclaimer: I’m promoting Knockaround Sunglasses 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. These shades are lightweight and stay on my face. That's really important when I'm running. There's not much worse than glasses that slide off your face. The Fast Lanes worked for running and walking around town. Doing yard work. Reading a book outside. Or driving here, there, and everywhere. They're just right for people like me who wear sunglasses every single day. And, if I was the kind of person who needed lots of different pairs of glasses, in lots of different frame and lens combos, Knockaround could deliver. In budget. The Fast Lanes start at $20. At that price, if I'm on a boat and lose them overboard I'd be very sad, but not devastated. I could easily afford to replace them. Fun and Affordable Glasses Made in San DiegoKnockaround as a company has a fun, friendly vibe. They're very sociable and responsive to questions. Check out their Instagram account. If your pup wears Knockaround shades use the hashtag #KnocksOnDogs and let them know. Follow the hashtag for a regular dose of cute dogs! Here's an example from their website: Use My Discount Code Before It Expires!If you haven't been checking my brand discount page you may have missed this sweet deal! Use the code: "BIBRAVEKNOCKS1" to get 20% off your ENTIRE ORDER! The offer expires on May 1, so hurry. Order online at Knockaround.com. You can get Knockaround Fast Lanes in ten different frame shades. Lenses come in Smoke, Amber, Green Moonshine, and Sky Blue. Polarized and Non-polarized. Another option is to design your own custom shades, or choose limited edition sunglasses. There are so many choices! All orders over $50 receive free shipping. My View of Knockaround SunglassesI really (really!) like the Fast Lanes. The larger lenses are good for protecting my eyes from the sun, and from flying debris when I work in the yard. I like the color and lens options, and the price point. I'm really happy I was able to test them. I'm even happier that I get to keep wearing them. I don't know if Fast Lanes make me look fast. But, I do feel fast running in them! #KnockaroundBR #Knockaround #FastLanes #Sunglasses #BibRavePro #BibChat #KnocksonaRun #KnocksonDogs #Shades #RunFlorida #DiscountCode #BrandDiscount #KnockaroundDiscount Want to know what other Bib Rave Pros thought about Knockaround Fast Lanes? Check out their reviews below: |
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