Comments on: Challenge 2: Can this shopaholic get through the year without entering any races and without buying more running clothes?

By: thephdrunner

thephdrunner — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 18:11:38 +0000

In reply to Graham. That's amazing. There's little chance of me fitting into some of my older running gear. Even running tops I bought a couple of years ago have shrunk in the washing machine. It's strange.

By: Graham

Graham — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 21:54:58 +0000

In reply to thephdrunner. I do wear the Glasgow Marathon T-shirt, I guess it’s a good thing that I can still fit into it (it has unaccountably shrunk a little over the years...)

By: thephdrunner

thephdrunner — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 16:03:17 +0000

In reply to Graham. Hi Graham. I agree, running stuff does last a lot longer than people give credit for. I always buy more expensive running gear as I know it will last longer. I once made the mistake of buying some cheap running tops and they didn’t last very long. I’ve got a couple of Helly Hansen tops that I’d estimate are at least 10 years old, possibly older. The problem is they’ve either shrunk in the wash or I’ve put on a lot of weight as they don’t fit. I don’t think I can blame the washing machine! 20 years for a pair of shorts is good going. I hope that you wear the Glasgow Marathon 1985 t-shirt.

By: Graham

Graham — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 13:10:09 +0000

Running stuff lasts a lot longer than people give credit for. I have a number of Helly Hansen Lifa tops that are certainly old enough to vote. My favourite pair of shorts are certainly coming up to 20 years old. And there must be a certain kudos in having a Glasgow Marathon 1985 T-shirt!

By: thephdrunner

thephdrunner — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 19:06:21 +0000

In reply to Maria @ Maria Runs. Thanks! I think this challenge will be relatively easy until races start up again. Then the race and medal #FOMO will start. I just have to hope that parkrun is allowed to start up as well so I can get my organised event fix through parkrun.

By: Maria @ Maria Runs

Maria @ Maria Runs — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 16:28:56 +0000

Good luck !
I have sold a few bits on ebay after being inspired by you. I know I never need to buy a t-shirt because I have so many race t-shirts!

By: thephdrunner

thephdrunner — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 12:44:45 +0000

In reply to Elle. Thanks Elle. I’ve never tried depop but did do quite well last year selling my unwanted gear on eBay and on Facebook selling pages. I know I’ll be fine with my challenges until the shops reopen and life returns to something a little more normal. This has to happen at some stage this year...

By: thephdrunner

thephdrunner — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 12:37:07 +0000

In reply to Derek.

Thanks Derek! I hope that you had a good Christmas and New Year. Let’s hope that 2021 improves at some point…
I’m not sure I’d call my collection of running gear impressive. Embarrassing yes but not impressive. Some of the tops are race t-shirts but most are t-shirts I’ve bought and rarely worn. I tend to have favourite running tops so the rest sit gathering dust. I had no idea how bad the environmental costs are until I did some research for my challenge. I’d love to see more races moving away from handing out race t-shirts. Another option I’d love to see more of is race organisers making race t-shirts optional and offering cheaper entry in return for not having a t-shirt.
I’m not sure how often I’ll produce updates on my challenge posts. Perhaps a really short update at the end of each month. My birthday is in May so if I’m really struggling a couple of race entries may well feature on my birthday list.
Please stay safe and well!

By: Elle

Elle — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 16:56:18 +0000

I dare not do an inventory of my running and fitness kit! Have started putting much of it on depop to help me make some space lol …pretty sure you will smash this challenge. The climate of 2021 will pretty much support you!

By: Derek

Derek — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 11:41:14 +0000

Good luck with your challenges Emma! You do have an impressive collection of running gear. I imagine mine to be a lot less, but I think I would be surprised at the number of tops I have. As with all goals, you are right to keep in focus the reasons why they are important to you. Your stats about the environmental costs were quite shocking to me.
I look forward to hearing about your progress over the coming months. All I would say is be realistic about what is achievable and switch in to some self-compassion if you feel yourself falling short of your admirable aspirations.