Since my head is still in a fog I thought I’d get after a little spring closet purging.
Out went a pair of yummy lime sandals that (who am I kidding?) were never comfortable
A trio of capris sporting waists just a tad north of fashionable
A warmup jacket that lost its matching pants long ago
and on I went.
Then I glanced at my bottomless drawer of running essentials. Dare I purge and declutter my running stuff?
Tech fabric stuff, which is basically everything, is virtually bulletproof. So it’s not like I have anything ripped, stained or wearing out. Chalk it up to my domestic prowess and/or too many buckets of Oxyclean to count, I’ve also managed to keep all of it de-stinkified.
Like other clothes, does running stuff fall ‘out of fashion’?
Is it time to say adieu to the lucky orange tee I wore in Grand Rapids at what turned out to be my first ever Boston Qualifier? I’ve since bought 2 pairs of black capris to replace the ones in the pic. But I haven’t been able to bring myself to ditch em. Call me fickle, I just don’t like the new ones as much.
Obviously I have emotional attachments to this stuff. There I said it. Plus they’re all in perfectly good shape, still in ‘style’ (you’d tell me if they weren’t right?) and I do wear them…maybe not a ton, but I do. So all grounds to keep, right?
I say keep the stuff!
I get rid of my running stuff from time to time, but mine usually has oil spots (I have no idea how?!) and smeared mascara (apparently I don't really wear waterproof) all over the tops.
I have problems parting with all clothing. So as long as you home does not make you a candidate for Clean House or Hoarders, I vote for keeping it.
personally – if i'm working out i don't care how stylish i am. i'm the chick on the treadmill wearing capris 2 sizes too big because she just can't justify buying new ones "just" to work out in.
My closet is starting to get pretty full. I haven't gotten rid of anything yet, but will need to soon.
It's hard to give things up when you have been through so much together.
Keep it! I've gotten rid of some running clothes (the tanks too short that they expose my not so nice post-baby belly, etc.), but not the stuff that I'm either emotionally attached to or have some reasonable belief I may wear again someday.
No way! There are stories behind every item and I just can't part with anything. I do have a box in the closet with things I don't wear…. ill-fitted race shirts, stuff that doesn't fit well, etc.
I agree with the other comments…keep it! If it's still in good shape and you still like it then there is no reason to get rid of it! I actually just threw away one of my favorite running shirts b/c of the pit stains…yuck! It is about 4 years old though, so it was time. 🙂
I'd keep them too, don't think running gear goes out of fashion… I don't really care when I'm training, I definately don't look fashionable in my training gear!
I don't know why it hurts so much to throw out running stuff – but it does! I have no problems chucking out the every day clothes but not my running gear (except running shorts when they've lost their elasticity) I think it's because each garment holds good memories.
I'd keep it, especially the sentimental stuff. I have a couple of tanks that are really too big to run in, but they are so comfy and I love them. It took alot of confidence to wear them at first, and I'm reminded of that whenever I see them.
I was just thinkin' it's almost time for some spring cleanin! b/c some of my workout stuff stinks 5 min into the workout…uh-oh!
and i don't even wanna go there about my DH's stuff!! yikeS!!!
I totally understand the emotional attachement. I still have my first Boston long sleeved shirt from 1998. It's just a piece I can't let go of. HOWEVER some of that stuff is UGLY. You MUST let go if you have not worn it once in it's last season. Out with it I tell you!!
Keep it!! I still have a sports bra from my high school dance days…I haven't worn it in about 10 yrs but I just can't bring myself to throw it away. Mostly because it reminds me of my younger "perkier" days…
i keep everything. but i think i'm a bit of a packrat in general 🙂
i do use all the stuff that's in my "running bin" but i can see that if you don't use it then it might be time to pitch it.
No, but I've lost a bunch of it 🙁 And stained a bunch more of it (though I have no idea how!) I'm sure it will go out of style eventually, but technical stuff is still "new" enough that it hasn't. So I don't see why you need to get rid of yours. 😉 Does that help?
Hi Marcia,
I would keep it if it is something that you are emotionally attached to:) If it is something that can easily be replaced and you have no attachment toss it:) It is fun purchasing new stuff every now and then!!
my running clothes collection is still pretty thin so I am trying to increase rather than increase at this point, but I say if it still looks and feels good keep it. 🙂
I just can't do it! I can't get rid of my running stuff. I still have the shirt and shorts that I wore for my first marathon, Chicago 2005. I used to keep all my running shoes too because I might just have a show emergency (what is that?)! Now, I donate my shoes, unless they are just too gross even for me.
I say keep em, keep em all!
oh my gosh you can't throw that stuff away! It has sentimental value…keep it!
I tend to keep stuff. I have given away most of my cotton race shirts as those aren't really running clothes. But tech stuff I keep.
ummm. i definitely don't… 🙂 granted, i only started running in just-tech-fabric shirts last year and plan on having all my old cotton ones made into a t-shirt quilt. but yeah, i never get rid of it. i mean what if one day everything is in the laundry and you really need a run? would you rather run in a smelly shirt from the bottom of the pile or a clean-but-really-old one?
I was soooo smiling when I read this cuz I wonder if I'm the only freakish soul out there who won't part with items from important races. But more than that, I am very superstitious about never wearing anything in a race if it "failed" me in a previous race nor will I wear something if I rocked it for fear if I do poorly, that item will no longer hold the same meaning it once did. Confused? Yeah, me too! I have one pair of socks I will only wear on an easy run cuz they've failed many tempo runs. You probably are now afraid to meet me in Boston. So you know my answer is you gotta keep that stuff. But lordy, lime green sandals? Yea, those had to go! btw, I still have my first marathon shoes, 1997, hanging in my garage. :/
Keep it! That stuff is expensive – and has some nice memories attatched 🙂
So Oxyclean is the key to un-stinky clothes? Hmmm…might have to break down and buy some!
I've gotten rid of a few tops that became unfashionably short as longer shirts became available. I was tired of showing off my then-doughy 2-pack (upper and lower rolls) every time I stretched my arms up over my head.
Thanks for all your nice comments on my blog! I will keep stuff until it falls apart! I can't part with it 😀
I'd hate to get rid of all the tech stuff. I have some old cotton race shirts that I thought about turning into a quilt or something…lol! I say keep it!!
Blah – I tried posting earlier and it didn't work. Long story short…keep them. 🙂
I say keep it! Unless it's falling apart, it's fair game.
Must keep the orange shirt at all costs!
I did a huge purge earlier this fall–over 100 old t-shirts from races. I am now feeling overwhelmed with all the tech shirts they give out. I'd love to high swap entry price for no shirt! As to your dilemma–keep those that are important, such as your first marathon shirt, but ditch the others.
I don't know if I could get rid of my shirt from my first marathon, maybe the other stuff but really significant races I don't think I could. That would be almost as bad as throwing away your number. LOL
I am totally spring cleaning right now too! I have been getting rid of EVERYTHING!!!! It feels pretty good too 🙂
Keep it!
Spring cleaning must be in the air. I've been way too into it lately.
Oh gosh! I would totally keep it! My running clothes have more value to me than my work/street clothes!
I vote for "keep the clothes," especially if you still wear them! I'm really interested in your use of Oxyclean. Do you soak your workout clothes in it before washing them?
I so behind on blog comments 🙁 I had a quilt made out of my 12 favorite running shirts; every time I cozy up on the couch I get to enjoy my races all over again.
I have thrown some shirts out; they get stained or stinky or ???
First, let me say, I hope you are feeling better! I too have stuff from 1991 that I can't bear to throw out (but I also can't bear the stink to wear again!) I have such an affection for items that got me through, and kept me warm/cool on some runs! There are also some items that I'm embarrassed I ever wore! 😉