Five running things I wish I could "un-purchase"

Ever have buyer's remorse..... as a runner?

It has not happened to me very much, thankfully. But, there have been a few things I wish I could "un-purchase."



For example:

Color Run registration
This was a new-on-the-scene event back in 2012, and was marketed (quite effectively) as a fun running venue. Myself and a couple friends from work decided to do the race together. We even formed a "team" to guarantee a spot for us at the Run. Race day arrives, and The Des Moines weather (late October) was none other than cold, damp, and windy (can you say, "triple whammy?").

The three of us were planning to meet there, and while en route, I got a text from one of the gals...bailing on the day. We arrived, and I found my other friend. She was going to run with her daughter (in a stroller), so she thought it best for her to line up towards the back of the pack. So, I was on my own...but I've done many races on my own. No big deal, right?

I don't know if they still do this, but back then we were assigned waves. The thing is, none of our bibs were pre-assigned, so they would have had no way of knowing if you seeded yourself in an earlier wave (unfortunately, I didn't have this epiphany until after I had finished).

image from www.runnersworld.de

Let me just say this....I am all for people getting out there and moving. I respect the walkers just as much as the runners. And, it was awesome that there were so many families (with so many kids) doing this race. But it was a flippin' circus. I was planning to "run," but I had to do so much weaving, dodging, and stopping that there was not much running happening on that cold, damp, windy day in Des Moines. This "color run" was more like a "crowded walk." Had I known it was going to be nothing like I'd expected, or if I would have had a few friends to run/walk the course with me, it would have been a much different experience. That's $40 I'll never get back, and the cheap cotton "keepsake" shirt is long gone (just like the "permanent" colors that faded out of it the first time I washed it). Bottom line, do a "race" like this with a group of friends, and do it for the fun.

Saucony Triumpth 11's
I acquired these in September of 2014, about six weeks prior to the IMT Des Moines Marathon (my second 26.2). I had been having a lot of issues with my left hamstring/glute, and went to a new-to-me running/bike store and had a gait analysis done. I have always worn stability shoes (for my crazy extreme over-pronating feet), but the guy convinced me I needed neutral shoes instead....and sent me home with these beauties. I knew Saucony was a reputable company, and I was excited to have some new shoes that would solve all of my problems.

Except, these pretty shoes didn't seem to work any magic on me (or my left hammy or glute). I don't think they made my issues any worse, but nothing was feeling any better and I had a big race happening soon. After a couple weeks of trying to break them in (ironically, just as I was approaching my taper), I made a command decision to just go with my tried-and-true Mizuno Wave Inspire 8's (even though they were well past their prime). Alas, all went for my marathon (I even PR'd!), and decided I'd wait until after I'd had a few weeks to recover before giving the new Saucony's another try. I rationalized that it would be better to take my time breaking them in during my off-season (through the winter). Well, long story short, they never worked out. And I never took them back....so any gal out there who wears a size 11 neutral running shoe, I might have a great deal on these for you. There's probably less than 50 total miles on them, and they still look (and feel) brand new. These are awesome shoes...but my over-pronating feet don't belong in them.

Low-waisted yoga pants
Oh my gosh. Whose great idea was this invention? I have several pairs of the traditional roll-waist yoga pants, and those are fabulous. But these? Every downward dog guarantees a "smile" to any (and every) one who glances my way.

Maybe it's just me? I am slender, and have a pretty small waist...but these pants refuse to stay up on me. Buying these was a fashion purchase fail.

An awkward hydration/fuel belt
In an effort to be better with hydrating (and fueling) while on the run, I purchased this belt at an expo. I loved the design (it has two big pockets on either side of the bottle sleeve), and the water bottle is big enough that I would not need any refills.

The thing is, going back to my waist (again), I have to wear this hiked up and tight at my natural waist to keep it from bouncing. I would love it if this (or any) belt would stay put on my hips, but everything works its way up to my waist within the first quarter mile or so. And that big bottle? It's pretty heavy when filled with water, not to mention the cap leaks a bit...so, yeah, there's that (#wetspots).

An infuser-type water bottle
I have never been much of a water drinker. Of course, I'll grab a water bottle after a hot run (or race) and gladly drink it. But to just drink water throughout the day? I have to add flavoring to it, no matter the source (bottled, filtered, tap, you name it).

I bought this bottle thinking I would instantly become an overnight water lover. I tried infusing lemons, but the flavor wasn't strong enough (and I was temped to add sugar in hopes of making it taste like lemonade). I tried cucumbers, but they got rather nasty-looking. I tried mixing different flavors together (lemon and mint leaves, for example). Granted, the infused water tasted better than plain water, but not enough for me to crave it and drink those recommended eight glasses every day. Spoiler alert...this bottle now sits in my cupboard with several other infuser bottles (that were swag items from races...so those, at least, were free).

So, there you have it. I really had a tough time coming up with five things I'd rather NOT have purchased because I love all of my running stuff. If I come across anything that doesn't work for me, I usually can find someone who has a need for it.

What are some things you bought that you never used? Any "great" gear that wasn't so great after all?

I'm linking up with Meranda and Lacey and Rachel for their awesome Friday Five 2.0 link-up. Today's topic is all about things we wish we'd never bought. I invite you to check out their blogs, and drop by some of the linked blogs as well. Happy Reading!