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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.  The stick-on bifocal lenses are in place. It took me a couple of tries to get them in the proper position — had to flip them over. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)  Looking at my watch through the bifocal lens on my sunglasses. This is a game changer for me. (Photo credit: This Old Runner) 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
Popping in to show you this awesome collaboration by Knockaround and Green Flash Brewing Company. They put together this awesome design on the Fast Lanes frames.  Check out these tropical beauties. (Credit: Knockaround) If these don't scream tropical paradise with a cold one, I don't know what does. You need them for spring break, summer vacation, and running, of course! These sweet UV400 sun protection lenses are available for a limited-time. Go get yours for just $30. Every pair comes with a sunset palm pouch. Click the image below to grab yours. Find them under the Collections —> Custom Collaborations tab at Knockarounds. Scroll down to learn how to SAVE 15% on your first order. Knockaround x Green Flash Brewing Co. Custom Sunnies These custom sunnies get a unique protective bag. It doubles as a lens cleaner. (Credit: Knockaround) SAVE 15% on Your Entire First Order at KnockaroundLook for the box below on the check out page. When you sign up to get texts from Knockaround you'll receive a 15% OFF CODE. Use it right away when you place your first order!  That's all there is to it! If palm fronds and beer aren't your style, use the discount code to create your own custom Knockarounds. Fast ShippingShipping is fast with Knockarounds. I ordered my last pair on a Friday, and received them 3 days later, on Monday. (I live on the opposite coast!) All orders over $50 receive FREE shipping.
Enjoy your new sunnies! Disclaimer: I received BibBoards to review 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! The first time I ran a race I worried a lot about what to wear:
I'd Operated Safety Pins Before. I Didn't Think Pinning My Bib was Going to be a Thing.My poorly pinned race bib irritated me for 13.1 miles! It was the first half marathon where I RAN the entire race. That bib was a big distraction. It flapped. It wrinkled. It moved around. It caught the wind like a parachute on a downhill slope. It made noise on every single step. What's the Big Deal if a Race Bib Makes Noise?A noisy bib is like a dripping faucet — a constant irritant. During a race, you don't want to think about anything except putting one foot in front of the other. Little things are annoying. (Especially in mile 10 to 13!) By the end of the race, my bib was a mess. The safety pins pulled the bib until each corner was permanently wedged in the circle end of the pin. When I took the bib off, there were pin pricks on my shirt. The corners tore. The bib was crinkled.
BibBoards Beat Pins and Saved My ShirtsAfter using #BibBoards, I'm done with safety pins on race bibs. Here's why:
That's Why I'll Keep Using BibBoardsThere you have it. That's my honest (overly detailed?) review of BibBoards. Bottom line? I really like them! Give them a try! Don't Forget! Code #BibChat for 20% Off!See you at the starting line. I'll be one of the runners wearing BibBoards! 😎 #BibBoards #SaveTheShirt #BibChat #BibRave #BibRavePro #RunSarasota #RunMIA #Run305 #BDR #BestDamnRace #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunBradenton #RunFlorida #RaceDiscounts #PromoCodes #RunnerCodes
This year I'm a #BibRavePro. That means along with tons of race discount codes, I get to share info on running gear with you. I'll be test-driving everything from drinks to tanks to techie tools. Then, I'll report back here. The first thing I want to tell you about is the explosion of orange that arrived in my mailbox this week. Take a peek at the photos below and you'll see what I mean! I'm Falling in Love with my #RunInRabbit TankEveryone has a favorite brand or two for running stuff. Ask any runner, and I guarantee they'll tell you all about it! Certain gear makes us happy. Maybe it's the color and cut. Or, it's the material — or, how we feel using it. Shoes, clothes, nutrition and gear has to be comfortable, practical and perform well. If it does all of that, it's a candidate for runner love. Well, my Rabbit racer tank is lovable. It's a lightweight wicking material with embossed rabbits all over it! Beyond cute, it stretches but keeps it's shape. Plus, my tank in this #BibRavePro orange means traffic will see me coming. I plan on wearing it a lot. Since I live in Florida, tanks are important here!
Take a Look at the Under Armour® Running Hoodie, Custom Brilliant Reflective Decal, BocoGear Cap, and Orange Nuun Hydration.I'll be back with more info on the cool stuff shown below as I put them to use in training and races. If you have any questions, let me know. You can find me on Instagram and Twitter, or shoot me an email from here. (Photo credit: This Old Runner) Disclaimer: I received this gear to review 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! #RunInRabbit #BeBrilliant #BrilliantReflective #UARunning #BocoGear #TechnicalTrucker #NuunLife #MakeYourHydrationCount #BibRavePro #BibChat #ThisOldRunner #RaceDiscounts #PromoCodes #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunSarasota #RunBradenton #RunTampaBay #RunFlorida
Since I've encouraged people to get out there and run in the rain, I feel I should tell you how to dry your shoes afterwards.
Please don't put your shoes in the dryer.
Things have changed since Old Runners were kids and the fastest way to get your wet canvas sneakers back on your feet was to throw them in the dryer. If you do that with your expensive running shoes you will break down the materials, and they won't last as long as they could.
Drying your grown up running shoes takes patience, but it is well worth it for the additional miles you'll run in them. 
Shake off the any moisture, unlace and open up those shoes.
Not all running shoes have a removable insert. If your shoes do, remove it for easy cleaning, and to speed up the drying process.
Don't put the inserts back in your shoes until after they are completely dry.
Gather up some newspaper. Regular newspaper works best — it absorbs moisture better than glossy paper (skip the shiny advertisement supplements). If you don't get a newspaper delivered, grab a bunch of weekly circulars from the grocery store. Keep a stash ready for use.
After you stuff newspaper in your wet shoes, check them every few hours. If necessary, remove wet newspaper and restuff the shoes with dry newspaper. If your shoes are damp, you may only need to do this once. If the shoes were soaked, repeat until the newspaper and shoes are dry. You can speed the process by placing your shoes in front of a fan, or in the sun if possible.
Once your shoes are dry, replace your inserts.
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