This Old Runner Writes About Running

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!

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SAVE 25% Site-Wide and Get Free Shipping Through Labor Day

9/6/2020

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through the links you won't pay a penny more, but we'll be compensated.

Grab a Great Pair (or 2) of Shades This Weekend

That's right! EVERYTHING is 25% off at Knockaround until 11:59 pm on Monday, Sept. 7. That includes custom glasses, limited editions and special collaborations. Those cool Deep End shades I mentioned the other day are on sale, too!

Go get yours! They ship for FREE when you order this weekend. #WinWin

Below are a few examples of the deals Knockaround has right now:

Dive Into the Deep End with Knockaround

9/2/2020

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through the links you won't pay a penny more, but we'll be compensated.

You guys — Knockaround did it again! Check out the new "Deep End" Limited Edition Premiums! BTW, they onlyl made ONLY 1,000 pairs, so don't wait to order.

Scroll down to see these beauties from every angle!

I love the color! The clear blue frames have rippling reflections that will make you think of the sunshine on water. The arms have rows of red and white pool lines.

The Deep End Premiums are form-fitting and look good on every face. The lenses are polarized. You get UV400 sun protection along with awesome style.

Every pair comes in a lap-lane pouch. I love that neon yellow drawstring and tag! Stash your shades in Use the protective pouch to keep 'em safe It also doubles as a lens cleaner.

Each order includes a hand-numbered limited edition card. Remember, they're only 1,000 pairs available. Go get yours now. They're gonna sell out!

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.

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!

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!

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Reminder: Shark Week is Here!

8/8/2020

It's Here! It's Here! Discovery Channel Shark Week is Here!

Every year, Knockaround teams up with Discovery Channel to create an awesome pair of Shark Week shades. This year it's Knockaround Shark Week Fort Knocks.

When you grab a pair, they'll make a $5 donation to Oceana.org to help protect the earth's water. You'll look great, protect your eyes, and help save our oceans!

#KnockFan #BibChat #SharkWeek2020 #WinWin #TeamEarth

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