it's over... it's finally over #raceshirtchallenge

This past Sunday, with my double run day, I completed the #raceshirtchallenge.  It took 83 days.  More precisely, 83 runs (since I had a double day).  It's entirely possible I skipped a couple of numbers, since counting is hard.  More likely, there are 2 poor shirts out there with the same day label.

I had fun with it, for the first couple of months, but once the stack lessened, I was sure glad the end was near.  It was SO LIBERATING today to be able to go out and wear whatever I wanted.  I wore a plain gray Brooks shirt, and some obnoxious shorts.  It was fantastic.

I wore shirts from races I DNS'd.  I wore shirts from races where I DNF'd - those were tough to wear.  I wore 2 of the most ill-fitting shirts in the history of the world... each one went practically to my knees.  I wore shirts with sleeves that were way, WAY too short.  I wore ones with sleeves that were too long.

I realized that I really, really love race shirts.  Unless someone has a cool idea of what to do with ill-fitting or retired ones (that's your hint to leave some suggestions in the comments!), then I am stuck with them.  I tried to think about each race as I wore its shirt, the good and the bad.  I have a lot of running memories, and I could never part with these things.  I know, it's stupid, but I feel like the race people worked hard to give us something nice, and I am grateful.  (I also may or may not be a running gear hoarder.)

I saved a bunch of my favorites for the end, in case I was racing a lot, and also so that you can take a walk down memory lane with me. 

In no particular order, my top 10 favorites... enjoy!

Bank of American Shamrock Shuffle 8K (2010)

Madison Mini Marathon (2010)

Soldier Field 10 Mile (2011)

Frontier Days Stampede Run (2010)

Frontier Days Stampede Run (2011)

F^3 Lake Half Marathon (2012)

United Run for the Zoo (2010)

Bank of America Chicago Marathon (2009)

Windrunner 10K (2010)

Cinco de Miler (2011)