Someone Needs New Running Gear…

on August 28, 2010
in All Posts

And that someone is me.

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I feel like a hot mess whenever I put on my running gear.  My knee sleeves are totally shot – they are fraying at the top of the patella hole and the plastic tube that supports the inferior part of the knee is popping out of the neoprene.  I typically replace them every 3 – 4 months but I’m nearing 6 months without new ones.  My knees are starting to feel it (here’s why I wear knee sleeves).

 

Plus – my sneakers are destroyed (I wear Brooks Summon).

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I haven’t replaced my sneakers since the Disney Marathon (I got away with this because I spent most of the spring on my bike).  The tread is fine, but the back fabric has worn away, leaving the hard plastic exposed.  I’ve got the blisters to show for it!

 

I’ve ordered new sleeves and shoes and CANNOT wait for them to get here!  New gear makes the difference, doesn’t it?

 

Pre-run breakfast:

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Toast with chunky PB and fresh raspberries (oh, how I love it when raspberries are in season!):

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I ran 3.0 miles this morning in about 29:00.  I’m keeping it light for a Saturday because tomorrow is a long-run day for marathon training.  I’m going to try to pound out 15 miles (I have a back-up pair of older sneakers that I’m going to wear – the current ones would not make it 15 miles!).

 

I’m off to brunch at Emily’s house!  I hope you have a wonderful Saturday. 

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How often do you replace your workout gear?

{ 79 comments }

 

  • Kelly August 28, 2010, 10:40 am

    Like you I replace my workout gear regularly but sometimes I forget when I switch up what I do a lot (like you said you were biking a lot in the spring)- then I tend to forget I need to replace my running shoes or other running gear. Right now I should probably replace my running shoes- but I have no idea how much I’ve run on them because I have two pairs of shoes one I use on the treadmill and one outside haha.

  • Freya (Brit Chick Runs) August 28, 2010, 10:40 am

    I’m yet to replace mine yet..I definetly need to!
    I’m confused..yoour marathon is later than mine, but my first 15mile run of training isn’t til a week tomorrow! How long are you planning on tapering for?
    Have a good brunch 🙂

    • Caitlin August 28, 2010, 1:22 pm

      I’m trying to do more long runs and more frequent long runs. This is one of the lessons that I learned from Disney – I think I need to prepare myself differently. Do what works for you!

  • Courtney August 28, 2010, 10:46 am

    I replace my shoes every 300-500 miles, or whenever they start to feel old. Putting insoles in them can help extend their life if you want to save some $. 🙂

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) August 28, 2010, 10:54 am

    Oooh, running shoes = priority numero uno when you run that often! I try to follow that 500 miles rule, and keep the old sneaks around for random hiking or whatevs..

  • Meghan@travelwinedine August 28, 2010, 10:56 am

    I get new shoes every 4 months or so, but my workout clothes are OLD. I have shorts from high school still!

  • Stacey August 28, 2010, 10:57 am

    Yay! I love getting new running gear. It’s fun to buy 😀 I still use my running shoes from 2 years ago..I bought them at Run For Your Life in Charlotte, had them fitted to my foot and they have been amazing..still holding up after all this time! Have fun at Emilys 🙂

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans August 28, 2010, 11:00 am

    I usually replace my running shoes every 5 months or so, but my physical therapist just told me that I should be replacing them every 300 miles!

  • Nicole - yuppieyogini.com August 28, 2010, 11:00 am

    I need new clothes too. I always replace shoes every 500 miles…I think that’s the rule of thumb.

  • Kristen @ That Hoosier Girl August 28, 2010, 11:07 am

    I replace my shoes at least twice a year…the rest of my gear is another story! I typically wear it until it falls apart. I believe I still have a pair of running shorts from high school (and I’ve been out of college more than a minute!)

  • Wei-Wei August 28, 2010, 11:07 am

    I don’t, yet, because I just started! 😀

  • The Hot and Fit August 28, 2010, 11:16 am

    I havent changed mine since the marathon either….and also cause I have decreased my mileage quite a bit these last couple of months…

  • Callie August 28, 2010, 11:16 am

    I need new running shoes pretty soon. I’ve had mine for only about a year. Now they’re falling apart and giving me awful blisters.
    Workout gear is actually one of my favorite things to shop for. I guess it motivates me to get moving more often? haha. 🙂

  • hippierunner August 28, 2010, 11:22 am

    I get running shoes for Christmas every year!

  • MarathonVal August 28, 2010, 11:25 am

    Just a thought on the fact that your back plastic is exposed…. could totally be from normal wear and tear, but that happens to me sooner than it does to most people because I have a bone spur that sticks out the back of both heels that rubs the fabric off the back. I wanted to mention that because for YEARS I thought it was completely normal to have a bone sticking out the back of my feet when apparently it’s not 🙂

    • Caitlin August 28, 2010, 1:23 pm

      Hahah! No bone spurs here!

  • Amber@momsgottheruns August 28, 2010, 11:27 am

    There’s nothing like getting new running gear! It makes you want to go out and run right away! Shoes I replace often, but my clothes are rag tag. I have a pair of adidas shorts I wore in 7th grade for my soccer team! : D

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine August 28, 2010, 11:38 am

    I just got a new pair of running shoes…I’ve had my old ones for about eight months, but my stride is weird and they just wear way out! I love getting new ones though. It always motivates me to break them in!

  • Megan (Braise The Roof) August 28, 2010, 11:39 am

    I’m completely guilty of not replacing my running shoes often enough. That happened this summer and my shoes were so worn out I was getting horrible shin splints. I got a new pair and my running improved so much and the shin splints completely went away. There’s a reason why they tell you to replace your gear! 🙂

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) August 28, 2010, 11:40 am

    I don’t replace my stuff nearly often enough. I’ve been having some knee issues but I’m waiting to see if the physical therapist will give me some sort of knee sleeve/tape/brace before I buy. Otherwise I’ll be buying some knee sleeves!

    Shoes I replace every 4 months. I wear Brooks too and it can get expensive. But so worth it!

  • Evan Thomas August 28, 2010, 11:45 am

    I went 9 months without changing my running shoes 🙁 Hoping not to repeat that.

  • Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep August 28, 2010, 11:47 am

    I was just going to ask you where you got your knee sleeves. Thanks for posting the link!

    Have fun at Emily’s!

  • Chelsey August 28, 2010, 11:47 am

    I replace my workout gear whenever things start to get painful. Like today, the top of my foot was having shooting pain running through it during my 11 miler… time for new shoes/inserts.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat August 28, 2010, 11:54 am

    I totally agree that running gear makes all the difference. It’s such a huge motivator as well. I know that before I convinced her to change, my mum always worked out in old baggy t-shirts and shorts. Then I told her that if you look GOOD when you work out, it helps to make yourself FEEL good too. I had no idea about your knee condition but did wonder why you wore the sleeves. That’s great that you’re getting new ones – and shoes too! 🙂

  • Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat August 28, 2010, 11:55 am

    I replace my running shoes about every 4-6 months (whenever I start noticing new pains) and I usually keep my other workout gear FOREVER (so I know exactly what you mean about being a hot mess!). I used to never buy myself workout wear, because I didn’t think I’d get enough use out of it. Now, I use my workout gear as an incentive. Having new gear certainly makes me look forward to my workout!

  • Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul August 28, 2010, 11:57 am

    I replace my workout gear whenever I’m home and can guilt my mom into buying me more. Otherwise I stick to the old stuff for as long as possible (before injury ensues)… =)

  • Anna August 28, 2010, 11:58 am

    I personally believe that any type of pain that is similar to your knee issues can be corrected by strengthening the surrounding muscles. Pilates is fantastic for this(reformer work, not mat). I wouldn’t enjoy being dependent on knee sleeves and ibuprophen, instead working to truly correct the problem instead of “masking” it might be better in the long run. No pun intended. 🙂

    • Caitlin August 28, 2010, 1:24 pm

      I do physical therapy prescribed exercises and while it’s made a difference, nothing compares to the knee sleeves! Those little plastic tubes are golden.

  • Lindsey August 28, 2010, 12:06 pm

    I replace my shoes every 6 months–about every 300 to 400 miles. I actually just got a new pair, but sometimes it’s tricky finding ones that fit as perfectly as the old pair.
    As far as workout clothes…I hardly ever get new ones, except the occasional pair of shorts. However, I’ll hopefully be getting some new gear here in a few weeks, haha.

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape August 28, 2010, 12:11 pm

    Your breakfast photos look like they’re out of a magazine! The clarity is wonderful! I rarely update my workout gear which will probably be an issue in the future but for now it isn’t making much of a difference.

  • Carol August 28, 2010, 12:12 pm

    For the tops/shorts/pants, I seem to “replace” those any time I see something pretty in the store! I’m almost at the point where I can open my own running clothing store, albeit with limited size selection!
    As for my runners, I use my online training tool where I record my runs and workouts, right down to the weather and the shoes I was wearing. This way I can check out the mileage.

    Model Purchased Usage to date Maximum Usage Condition

    Asics Gel-Cumulus II RED Mar 18, 2010 742 km 650 km Expired Edit | Delete

    Unfortunately with this pair, I am way over the mileage because I did what you did and bought, without trying on, what I always wear/buy. However, Asics tricked me and changed the toe box! Now I have a very black toe on my left foot, after wearing the new shoes for a week, and am just waiting till payday to go and try on another style (I do love Asics – will just try a different breed) and probably another size. Black toes suck, especially when they result from a short run in new shoes!
    🙁

  • Amber K August 28, 2010, 12:13 pm

    I’m not good about replacing my workout gear. I also can’t bring myself to spend a lot of money on it. We have a lot of bills/debt we’re trying to pay off, so I feel guilty spending money on just me!

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] August 28, 2010, 12:20 pm

    New gear totally makes a difference!! I’m convinced wearing newish/stylish workout gear contributes to better workouts. Even a new pair of socks does the trick for me : )

    In terms of running shoes, I go by the 500 mile rule.

  • Lisa Paige August 28, 2010, 12:29 pm

    I replace mph sneaks every 6 months.

  • Lauren @ Health on the Run August 28, 2010, 12:42 pm

    New gear not only makes the run FEEL better, but it’s also fun to get! I’m convinced that there’s no better feeling than that first run in a new pair of running shoes. You almost forget how wonderful it is to run with so much padding and support! I try to replace my shoes every 500 miles, but sometimes I forget and end up wearing the old pair for way too long.

  • Mama Pea August 28, 2010, 12:47 pm

    I read your post title and thought, “Aw, that’s so sweet! Caitlin devoted a post to me!”

  • Melissa @Trying.to.heal August 28, 2010, 12:49 pm

    new gear is the best! i just replaced my mizunos for the latest version of wave riders and i can totally feel the difference. and getting a camelback for my long runs? best.investment.ever.

  • Kirsten August 28, 2010, 12:58 pm

    I replace my running shoes every 500 km or so. If they start to feel worn before then I’ll replace them. Love new shoes, but my biggest running vice is buying run clothes from Lululemon – I’m an addict!

  • Lee August 28, 2010, 1:14 pm

    I run roughly 2 half-marathons a year and I tend to replace my shoes after each. I have sports bras, on the other hand, that are from my sophomore year of college. Which was 1998!!

  • Liza @ Health Nutting August 28, 2010, 1:23 pm

    I usually replace my running shoes every 2 years– too long? They usually get holes in the same places haha and that’s how I know it’s time! 🙂

  • Daniel August 28, 2010, 1:28 pm

    I replace my shoes every year or two – whenever I feel that the soles aren’t doing what they’re supposed to be doing (I overpronate so I get fitted for corrective shoes). The shorts and shirts don’t really need replacement though. 😉

    I was just curious, do you ever find yourself feeling anxious, worried or dreading a workout? Like, you said you’re planning a 15 mile run for tomorrow – do you get a looming feeling of “oh my this is going to be killer” when you think about it?

    Just wondering – I used to alternate lifting and full cardio days and I would always look foward to the lifting because it meant a slightly easier running workout. (This was when I was really over-do for tuning into my body and when I should exercise.)

  • Britney August 28, 2010, 1:33 pm

    I just replaced my running shoes after 4 years, but for the first 3+ years I owned them I only wore them occasionally and almost never for running, so they weren’t too worn out. I did promise not to wait 4 years before replacing the new ones when I got them fitted, though.

    I have two pairs of 11-year-old ballet slippers. I’m just waiting for the leather outside to get holes matching the holes in the lining before I throw them out. They actually don’t look that old when they’re on my feet.

  • holly @ couchpotatoathlete August 28, 2010, 1:43 pm

    I buy a new pair of shoes every Spring — I’m usually training for a race (half or full marathon) and need a new pair. My feet are worth it! I buy new socks, a new tank and a new pair of shorts every couple of months and throw them in the rotation. Good luck on your run tomorrow!

  • Laura August 28, 2010, 1:47 pm

    Hey Caitlin! I am an acting major in college and just got a role in a play that requires me to show quite a bit of skin! I am going to take some inspiration from the healthy living blog community and start a blog to track my eating and exercise habits until the show opens and, hopefully, beyond! I was wondering which site you would recommend to me to start my very first blog? I have very little knowledge of HTML and would prefer to avoid paying for my own domain name. Thoughts? (Anyone can please feel free to answer! =))

    • Caitlin August 28, 2010, 1:51 pm

      You should definitely use wordpress.com!

      Also I am adding a new section to the blog called Blogging Tips in the next few days – so stay tuned!

    • Pattie August 28, 2010, 6:16 pm

      I agree with Caitlin, Wordpress.com is great. Although I started on Blogger.com, I moved to Wordpress. There are a lot of great features with wordpress and it is very easy to learn and navigate. Plus, enough bloggers use wordpress so it’s easy to Google a problem and find an answer.

  • Susan @ Journey for Health August 28, 2010, 1:53 pm

    I actually have a question regarding running gear. I am a walker (still working up to running) and need new athletic shoes. I had planned on getting fitted at a store before my move, but didn’t, and now I’m nowhere near a place that does fittings. Can I just buy any pair of running shoes that seem to fit comfortably, or would getting “fitted” give me more benefit? I kinda need new shoes, so I would probably buy more than one pair, so I guess I wanna know if I can just buy two pairs of any shoes that fit, or buy one and then wait to get fitted for the other?

  • Veggielady4life August 28, 2010, 2:05 pm

    I just got into this long-distance running thing, so I haven’t had to replace anything yet. I will say that the latest addition to my gear, though, are some neoprene calf sleeves. These guys are AMAZING for shin splints. Love them!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) August 28, 2010, 2:07 pm

    I have to replace my shoes every 500 miles or 6 months. My back doesn’t let me forget. My back brace is doing amazing so I don’t have to worry about that yet. Now that I have calf sleeves I don’t know how often I’ll have to replace them. We’ll see.

  • Neen @ Broad Bean to Runner Bean August 28, 2010, 2:08 pm

    ohh exciting! i love getting new work out gear!! have fun at Emilys!

  • Mandy A August 28, 2010, 2:14 pm

    I usually try to at least replace my shoes up to every six months – I’m not a runner, I work out at home to some intense work out vids… but I have had a major cut in our pay due to my hubby losing his job… so – my shoes are KILLING my feet right now! I really need some new shoes!

  • Amanda @ Eat to Live, Live to Run August 28, 2010, 2:30 pm

    I need new running gear in a bad way as well. I ordered new shoes yesterday. My old ones look perfectly fine and I’ve only got a little over 200 miles on them, but I’m starting to get shin splints and thats a sure sign that I need new shoes regardless of what my mileage says. My running shorts look horrendous! They have holes in the crotches .. some of them even have 2 holes. (That sounds gross, but you get what I’m saying).

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit August 28, 2010, 3:09 pm

    I get new running sneakers twice a year now, but I wear my running clothes until they’re really really worn out!

  • Amanda (modernation) August 28, 2010, 3:23 pm

    I am SO in need of new running gear – shoes, clothes, sock – you name it! I don’t have the money right now, but know that I am going to need to bite the bullet and get new shoes soon since I am training for a marathon!

  • Sana August 28, 2010, 3:25 pm

    I love shopping for new workout clothes and shoes. I actually rotate between 3 sneakers 1 for teaching group fitness, 2 for running and 3 for tennis so they all last a long time!

  • Kelly August 28, 2010, 3:58 pm

    Getting new workout gear is one of my favorite things to buy. It’s so much fun, haha.

  • Chelsea August 28, 2010, 4:26 pm

    I should replace my gear more than I do. I got a new pair of running shoes last summer, and usually I would have to replace them soon, but this last year I didn’t do many high impact activites due to a hip injury, so they still seem okay so far!

  • eatmovelove August 28, 2010, 4:27 pm

    LOL I don’t have any. Does 5-year-old T-shirts and shorts that I wear everywhere – everywhere – during the summer (embarrasingly) count?

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write August 28, 2010, 4:28 pm

    I’m guilty of putting off buying new running shoes. It’s not a good thing. I’ll run in the same pair of shoes sometimes for more than a year. I wear Nike, and love them. Never heard of your brand.

  • Rachael August 28, 2010, 5:27 pm

    I haven’t ever bought new workout gear, for running or Bikram or yoga..I tend to be hard on my clothes (my usual method of watching involves an old-school scrub board and soap, pioneer style) so I just buy stuff at Goodwill. I never match and I sometimes consider buying new, tech-fabrics (especially for Bikram) but the only thing I replace once or twice a year are running shoes.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin August 28, 2010, 5:48 pm

    I’ve been running in my current shoes for about a year. I think they still have a bit more life in them! I don’t really ever throw out old workout clothes though – I just keep adding to my collection! 😉

  • shelly August 28, 2010, 6:05 pm

    I usually get about 6 months out of a pair of running shoes and then my right knee starts “complaining” and I know it’s time for new ones! I use my second oldest shoes at the gym and keep the others around for muddy stuff (and b/c I’m a pack rat).
    I get a year out of wicking running socks but find that after that I start blistering again.
    I get new clothes when I see a need or a good sale (I stocked up on shorts this summer).
    And I realized it’s been way too long on the same sports bras so I got some new ones yesterday.

  • Pattie August 28, 2010, 6:12 pm

    Thank you for that post about your knee pain. I have been going to a physical therapist for about a month now for the same exact knee problem. I’m not a runner, and the pain is only in one knee. But it is exactly the same problem. It’s good for me to know that running isn’t completely out of the question with this problem. I’m glad you’ve found a way to keep doing what you love. Thank you again for sharing!

  • Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ August 28, 2010, 6:44 pm

    I’m also in serious need of new workout clothes. Lucy’s is having a sale on there website and I’m loading up this weekend.

  • Paige @Running Around Normal August 28, 2010, 7:02 pm

    I just bought new running shoes is May, but my outter ankle tendon is starting to give me a dull pain, and that’s usually the sign to buy new ones. 🙁 Usually running shoes last longer than 3 months, right?! I haven’t run any marathons or even half marathons since then..

  • Caitlin August 28, 2010, 7:25 pm

    One reason I really love swimming is that it does not require shoes or clothing, and as long as you buy a polyester swimsuit, it will last a very long time. I only replace my suit when the straps don’t move anymore because the elastic is shot and exposed and realllly sticky and/or when the suit becomes sheer.

  • Laura (Starloz) August 28, 2010, 7:31 pm

    Brooks are so huge over here but when I was in the states, I barely saw them. they are a great shoe & i’m glad to see your enjoying them.

    I love raspberries too

  • Misty August 28, 2010, 7:33 pm

    At our run club we try to persuade everyone to turn in their shoes (recycle) at the six month mark minimum. We are lucky to have a really great running store sponsor us so we can at least offer our members a discount on new gear. Cause hey everyone loves new gear!

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa August 28, 2010, 7:37 pm

    Fun! I don’t know if I’m replacing as much as I’m upgrading. I just went to the Nike Store and got some workout clothing with “dri fit” which is cotton that won’t get all sweaty like cotton. So excited to go on a run with it!

  • Heather (heather's dish) August 28, 2010, 7:43 pm

    new gear really does make all the difference in the world…plus i feel like it makes it even more exciting to jump back up on the training plan! i typically replace my shoes every 4-6 months depending on the activity that i do in them. since lately that’s been walking more than anything it’s been a little bit longer since my last pair!

  • Fallon August 28, 2010, 7:57 pm

    I love when I need to get new workout gear. It just brightens my day up and makes me work out harder.

    For my running shoes I replace them about every 6 months. I need to learn to use running shoes for running and not going shopping in them after I’ve worked out!

  • Julia August 28, 2010, 8:22 pm

    umm…. how about never….? embarrassed to admit…. but until Im a rich person, I will wear them until they literally fall apart. Mine are all really old btw…. oh well 😉

  • Jen August 28, 2010, 11:06 pm

    Regarding new workout clothes: I just emailed you a coupon you can use this weekend at Athleta that may help with that!

    • Caitlin August 29, 2010, 7:24 am

      thanks!

  • Devon @ Fast Foodie August 29, 2010, 7:41 pm

    I replace my shoes about every 4-6 WEEKS. Yes, that still gets me about 500 miles per pair of shoes. Needlesstosay I run a lot. But 350-500 miles per shoe depending on the density of the shoe to start is a good rule of thumb.

  • Lisa August 30, 2010, 6:36 pm

    I need to replace my running shoes pretty often–like every 3-5 months. My favorite shoes are Brooks Ravenna and I need to get another pair of them soon. Hood to Coast tore them to shreds.

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers August 31, 2010, 9:33 am

    I’m horrible about replacing my running shoes because I get so attached to the ones that are broken in perfectly. 😉

    Where do you get your knee sleeves? I have such a hard time finding ones that fit well enough to make a difference & I’m getting tired of taping!

    • Caitlin August 31, 2010, 11:03 am

      rei.com

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