When I started running, the shirts were great motivators. Never having participated in a sport of any kind, I was thrilled at every race to get a new tee proclaiming my new-found athleticism (or at least proclaiming that I pre-registered and made it to the pick-up point without getting lost).
More than 20 runs later, the shirts still give me joy, although they may have been replaced by beer as my primary motivating factor. Many of them are too big on me, and the majority will never see the outdoors again, but each symbolizes a run conquered and a challenge met. I’ll eventually donate them, but for now, they take pride of place on my shelf, and here …
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- Ukrop’s Monument Ave 10K. Richmond, Va. March 31, 2012
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- NC 5K. Charlotte, North Carolina. March 25, 2012
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- Ras Na hEireann USA. Boston, MA. March 18, 2012
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- Hynes Five Mile Road Race. Lowell, MA. March 11, 2012
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- Claddagh Pub 4-Mile Classic. Lawrence, MA. March 4, 2012
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- Frozen Shamrock 3-Mile Run. Haverhill, MA. February 26, 2012
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- Old Fashioned 10 Miler and Flat 5K. Foxboro, MA. February 19, 2012
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- Frosty Knuckle 5K. Salisbury, MA. February 11
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- Super Sunday 5. Cambridge, MA. February 5, 2012
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- Run for Your Lunch 5.5K. Middleboro, MA. January 15, 2012
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- Frozen 5K. Quincy, MA. January 8, 2012
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- 1st Run. Lowell, MA. January 1
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- Cambridge 5K Yulefest. Harvard Sq., MA. December 18, 2011
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- Santa Sightings 5K Fun Run. New Bedford, MA. December 10, 2011
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- Jolly Jaunt 5K. Boston, MA. December 3, 2011
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- Pentucket Pride 5K. West Newbury, MA. November 27, 2011
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- Feaster Five Thanksgiving Day Road Race. Andover, MA. November 24, 2011
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- Jack Kerouac 5K. Lowell, MA. September 25, 2011
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- Tanger Outlets Fit for a Cure 5K Run/Walk. Tilton, NH. September 24, 2011
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- First annual Semap Bog Jog. Wareham, MA. September 17, 2011
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- Officer Jamie Cochrane Memorial Road Race. Quincy, MA. September 11, 2011
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- The Covered Bridge 5K. Henniker, NH. September 4, 2011
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- Jamie’s Fund Road Race. Mansfield, MA. August 27, 2011
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- Butterfly 5K Road Race. North Attleboro, MA. August 21, 2011
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- Chick fil-A 5K. Newport News, Va. May 28, 2011
Stride and Joy 
I want to make a quilt out of mine- but now most of the shirts are the tech material so I don’t know if I still can. It was so nice chatting with you today. Good luck with your races! Probably see you April 7th in Newmarket!
Nice chatting with you too!! I have also pondered the idea of the quilt, but I have a feeling it would get stuffed into a box and never looked at again. Quandary. Good luck to you too, and yes, will definitely see you in Newmarket! 🙂
A most excellent read! More than 20 runs later….so awesome!
Thanks!! I know, it’s crazy, right? I never thought I would be so involved with running! Haha. Every time I really think about it, I’m convinced aliens have taken over my body. 🙂
I hear ya chica! Your shirt/race collection…simply amazing! Looking forward to reading your new post. First thing tomorrow morning. 🙂
Wow, that’s an impressive collection – it puts mine to shame! I would love to wear some of mine but just wonder why shirts celebrating athletic achievement seem not to be designed for athletic activities?
Ha, it’s so true!! In fact, until this past weekend, I’ve never actually worn one on a run. They’re either far too big or the wrong fabric! I do appreciate them as mementoes though.
Oh, I love running shirts. They’re great mementos. I love a few of yours, especially the santa, the butterfly and the covered bridge. Keep it up!
Thanks so much!! I definitely agree about their souvenir value. I LOVE the covered bridge shirt. It was one of the first ones I got and it’s still one if my faves. Funny, as it’s also the smallest run I’ve done. There were only about 65 people! And yes, I also love the Butterfly 5K shirt. They are two of the simplest ones, but definitely eye-catching. I guess there’s a whole industry built around these shirts! 🙂
I wear my tech teas when I run, but I’m thinking about taking the cotton one’s and making a blanket out of them.
I ran the Butterfly 5k in 2009! Haven’t done it since; it always seems to be too hot. But it was a nice course!
Yeah, I think the cotton ones would make for a cozy blanket! Not sure to do with all the tech tees. I wish they came in extra small!!
I also recall the Butterfly 5K being insanely hot! I think I’m getting too used to running in the lovely cooler temps of right now. Bit worried about the impending heat. That run was for such a good cause though! I think we’re going to do it again this year.
I wanted to vote for my favorite design–the Bog Jog! 🙂
Ha. Yep, that is still my No. 1 favorite. It was an awesome run; my first (and still only) trail run. We also got a tote bag with a similar design. Fabulous all around. You should come up to Massachusetts and check it out! 🙂
http://thecolorrun.com/locations/ Here’s another run for you. 🙂
Thanks!! I’m on the list for the one in Washington, DC, although it sounds like these runs are insanely popular. I SO want to do one though; it looks like amazing fun.
Someday, you’ll make some homeless people or Salvation Army-shopping hipsters very happy with these T-shirts.
That’s the plan. Although I have a feeling my running shirts are not going to be as popular with the hipsters as those retro bowling shirts.
Five miles! Five miles!!
I know!! It’s crazy. CRAZY! Did you ever think you’d see my name and “five miles” in the same sentence?
This is a great idea for a photo gallery! ALSO love the Bog Jog one!
Awww, thanks!! I have been meaning to do it for freakin’ ages, but never seemed to be able to find a moment to take photos of them all. Now that the bulk is done, hopefully I can just keep adding weekly. Yay for the Bog Jog!!!
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Did I read that correctly? You are looking to do the color run in DC? Let me know, I was thinking about that too!
I am! I will definitely keep you posted. I have a feeling it’s going to be a tough one to get into!
That is QUITE the collection you’ve got there!
What a cool idea! I have a ton of shirts, and always take photos of them, but I never thought to keep them all together like this! I love it. What a great collection!
Thanks!! I could never think of what to do with them all. The collection grows every week, too! I figure after I’ve enjoyed them for about 12 months it will be time to donate. 🙂
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