Summer Running Hacks? I Got a Few..

Running? Yeah, we all have our own way of doing it.

Some of us even have a few tricks up our (compression) sleeves. 

After all, why not? As much as we all love our dear sport of running, it would be pretty boring if there weren't a few shortcuts along the way. 

Here's a few of my favorites:

First of all, there's the shoes.  I sincerely hope most know to start with a professional fitting at a reputable running store.  And, I sincerely hope you are doing your part to support your local stores. That said, running shoes are expensive. After an initial fitting (and hopefully a purchase), you'll know what model is best suited for you. In an attempt to stay current with the trends, most shoe brands try to be constantly improving  their products. Often times, for me at least, I will fall in love with a certain model only to have it changed when a newer model is released. Sometimes, though, I have found the "previous season's model" (which usually is the current one I'm still loving) on various websites, including the actual shoe company website itself. The new models seem to premier in the spring, so late fall/winter, is the prime time to search for these older models...usually at a discounted price.  At one time, I had four pairs of the Brooks Adrenaline 18's (in four different colors). I'd bought the first pair from my running store, and then the others were all discounted several months later on the Brooks website.

How about the socks? I learned, a long time ago, that simple cotton socks were a no-go for running. I was gifted a pair of SmartWool no-show socks, and it was love at first run. The thing is, these socks are pricey (starting in the $18 range, and upwards). The socks are well-made, but often the big toe region is the first place to show signs of wear. My left foot is slightly bigger than my right, so that sock is usually the first to bite the dust. Did you know, though, that you can wear the compromised sock inside-out, and get a lot more wear out of it before it's time to toss it?

You're welcome ;-)

So many ill-fitting race shirts. Can I just say UGH? A lot of my race shirts have really cool graphics, but not a flattering or comfortable fit. On a whim, I got the idea to convert a short-sleeved shirt into a tank top, and presto! It was just a matter of cutting out the neck and shoulder/sleeves. I used a favorite tank top as a pattern, and all was good. This works best with tech fabric (cotton may fray). Want to give it a go? The detailed instructions are HERE.

My first-ever "Kim-ified" shirt

DIY arm warmers. Let me share a deep, dark secret...I LOVE arm warmers. I have some that were won (door prize), and a few pairs that were purchased at race expos. I think they cost $25-30, which may seem pricey, but I probably wear them at least a couple times a month, nine months out of the year. If you don't want to spend the money on arm sleeves, you can make your own from knee-high socks. For the Des Moines Half Marathon, several years ago, I bought a double pack of socks at Walmart, for less than $5. My original plan was to cut off the feet and use them as "throwaway arm sleeves." Well, I liked the color and pattern so much, I still have them. They have been washed & worn several times since.

Look closely....you can see the frayed edge of these DIY's

Say goodbye to boring shoes. Sometimes the selection of shoes may not be that grand, especially if you're perusing the previous season's options. Have you ever thought about simply swapping out the laces? For a few dollars, you can have your very own one-of-a-kind shoe.

full disclosure...not one of these is sporting their original laces

So, there you go. I'm a strong believer in keeping things within a budget. After all, don't we already spend a lot of money on races (well, in any other year than 2020)?

Here's a few related posts with hints/tips for summer running:

Summer Running Coping Strategies 

5 Spring - Summer Transition Hacks

My Summer Mileage Must-Haves

Any of these look like something you'd like to try? Do you have any hacks you've used for your running gear? Are you ready for summer running?

 I'm linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up

I'm also linking with Debbie,  Rachel, Deborah, Lisa, Sandra and Jenn for the Runners' Roundup

 By the way...are you following me on social media? You can find me at these various platforms:

Let's connect : Facebook Instagram  Pinterest Twitter