This Old Runner Writes About Running

How Many Dinosaurs Were #SeenOnARun ?

1/9/2019

If you're on social media, you probably noticed a lot of year in review posts. After seeing a few, I wondered how my year would look.

Dinosaur Theme in 2018

Technically, the year of the dino began on Dec. 30, 2017. Maybe that's why Top Nine didn't see it. Also, it could be because this post was on Twitter.

Dino #1

Spotted my first dinosaur facing his inevitable fate after the holidays. I left him there. Although, I like the picture in my head of me running a mile back home with this guy under my arm. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner)

Dino #2

This one was posted to Twitter, too. I found this at the park. He must have escaped one of the many strollers. I ran past him a couple of times before slipping him into my pocket. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner)

Dino #3

It took a couple more months until I found my next dinosaur. I spotted a Santa Dino (Santa Dino?) in early April. That's right, he had on a hat and had a gift to give. Although the sign encouraged me to take him home, I didn't. Where would I keep a Santa Dino?

"I'm FREE. Take me home!" (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner)

Dino #4, 5, 6, 7

I found lots of fun stuff over the summer, but no more dinos until I hit the jackpot in September.

My neighborhood embraces Halloween. There are decorations on decorations on decorations. And yes, they go up early. Check out the 4 Halloween dinosaurs below.

These creatures brought my total dino count to 7 for the year.

Along with a grave yard of skeletons, this house decorated with dino skeletons. Add 4 more dinos to my #SeenOnARun total. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner)

Dino #8? Maybe, Maybe Not.

Found this guy at the end of October. Now, I know a dino and dragon are technically different. But they seem similar enough to me.

Sure, a dino doesn't breathe fire. And, a dragon is a myth. But other than that: big scary creatures that roar. Right?

I guess it depends on how seriously you take the #SeenOnARun game. I'm going to count him.

This fire-breather had glowing eyes and made scary sounds. He's not technically a dino, but I'm counting him. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner)

What's Ahead for 2019?

I've had 5 neighborhood runs so far this year. I've seen a drone, a man's suit jacket, and a baby's sock. I don't see a theme yet. And no, I didn't bring anything home.

Nice gray men's suit jacket. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner)

Drone sitting in a tree for over an hour. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner)

Here's to a new year filled with fun runs. I hope you find lots of interesting things while you're out and about!

Breeze Turns Sailboats into Musical Chimes

5/15/2018

Today at lunch, I ran along the waterfront in downtown St. Pete. It's one of my favorite routes. There are water views and people-watching opps.

It was 78 degrees with 85% humidity. Yet, the steady breeze made it pleasant. When I reached the south yacht basin near Albert Whitted Park, I heard the boat chimes.

The sound comes from all the ropes and wires hitting the sailboat masts. When you have a bunch of sailboats together, it sounds like bamboo chimes to me. I've posted a short video below so you can hear it.

(Video credit: This Old Runner)

I'm sure the sound isn't as pleasant to sailors trying to sleep at night. But, to me it was a soulful, soothing sound found on my run. And look at those clouds!

Panoramic view of the south yacht basin in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

The Dali Museum as a backdrop. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Love those clouds! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

#RunStPete #RunTampaBay #RunFlorida #DTSP #DaliMuseum #StPetersburg #SailboatChimes #BibChat #BibRavePro #ThisOldRunner #RunSarasota #StPeteWaterfront #SunShinesHere #DowntownStPete #SeenOnARun #SceneOnARun

Tibetan Monks Create Sacred World Peace Sand Mandala in St. Pete This Week

2/3/2017

January 31 - February 5, 2017

The Florida CraftArt gallery is hosting eight Tibetan Buddhist monks this week as they create (and then destroy) a mandala made from brightly colored sand.

I stopped in yesterday to see their progress, and it's impressive! This has nothing to do with running, but it's an fascinating display of consistency, patience and teamwork. (Maybe that's kinda like running, right?)

It was mesmerizing to watch the monks precisely place sand granules to create the complicated design shown above. Their metal tools made the only noise in the studio as they tap, tap, tapped tiny grains onto their canvas.

The monks will dissolve their creation in a special ceremony on Sunday. They will carry the used mandala sand in a half mile procession to Tampa Bay. The sand will be deposited in the bay. The week long meditation on peace with end a final blessing at the water's edge.

#SandMandala #TibetanMonks #StPetersburg #FloridaCraftArt #WorldPeace #ThisOldRunner

Did You Know There Was Such a Thing as #SerpentDay?

2/1/2017

I didn't when I discovered these creatures during my run today. Best. Serpent. Ever.

Mosaic wildlife sculptures at Riviera Bay Park in St. Petersburg, FL

I've seen plenty of plants, snakes, foxes, birds, bugs, gators and cats while running local trails and parks. But none like these. These art installations are in Riviera Bay Park in St. Petersburg, Florida. They are a fun surprise.

A plaque at the park's entrance invites visitors to enjoy a native flora and fauna hunt by finding all the sculptures in the park. Artist Tom Pitzen, of PitzenStudios.com, created the eight beautiful creatures you can find. I'll post an indepth review of Riviera Bay Park soon.

Happy #SerpentDay, everyone. That's a holiday I never planned to celebrate, but I'm glad to find such a beautiful snake on the right day.

#RivieraBayPark #TomPitzen #StPetersburg #FloraAndFaunaHunt #ThisOldRunner #SerpentDay #SeenOnARun #SceneOnARun #RunStPete

Jingle Bell Run is Done!

12/15/2016

The only snow during the Boley Jingle Bell Run was from a snow machine blowing fake flurries as runners crossed the finish line. Runners, walkers, dogs, bands and spectators came dressed in neon, holiday lights and jingle bells. The full moon added a special glow to the festivities.

#Snow #JingleBellRun #SeenOnARun #SceneOnARun #StPetersburg #ThisOldRunner

Monday Morning Musings

8/1/2016

Pokemon Go

There are people tracking Pokemon around Crescent Lake lately. I've seen teenagers, parents with kids, and groups of pre-teen boys wandering aimlessly around the park with phones in front of their faces.

I heard that the idea behind Pokemon Go was to get kids to go outside and walk around. While the Pokemon hunters may be outside, I haven't seen any moving fast enough to burn calories.

This past Saturday I noticed a couple of serious 12 year-olds at the park during my morning run. The two boys held their phones at arms length as they meandered onto the path. They were pale indoor types, so I was happy to see Pokemon Go encouraged them to be outside in the fresh air and sunshine. But just a few minutes later, they were sitting under a tree where they remained for about 20 minutes.

The real exercise generated by Pokemon Go may be the extra steps runners and walkers take moving around the preoccupied people playing the game.

If you're a Pokemon fan and a runner, then Salty Running has advice for getting in a good run while playing Pokemon Go. Have fun!

#PokemonGo #SeenOnARun #StPetersburg #Florida #ThisOldRunner

Running in the Rain

It's summer here in Florida and that means you have to be ready for sudden torrential downpours.

It's been so stinking hot lately, that a pop up shower during a run is welcome relief. Plus, once it starts to rain, I usually have the trail to myself, which is fun. However, there are a few wise considerations that will help keep you safe while running in the rain.

Tips for Running in the Rain

Check the radar before you go. Rain is okay, lightning is not.
Wear bright colors so cars and people can see you.
Wear a hat or visor so you can see.
Put your electronics in a waterproof baggie.
Watch your footing. Be aware of puddles and slippery surfaces. Take smaller steps.
Wet clothes will chafe. Put a coat of vaseline on spots prone to chafing.
Wear old shoes, or shoes that are waterproof. I wear a pair with solid plastic uppers.
Dry your shoes out when you're done.
DON'T run in a thunderstorm. Lighting is dangerous!

#RunningInTheRain #SeenOnARun #StPetersburg #Florida #ThisOldRunner