The Story Behind The Race Shirt

19
Jun
2012
By

I’m embarassed to admit this, but as I was running along the trails of Folsom Lake this weekend, I found myself gazing at the chests of all the runners running toward me.

I wasn’t doing it intentionally…

I hope no one thought me weird…

I was simply reading all the runners’ race shirts.

One gentleman had run the American River 50 Mile Endurance Run. I saw a few half marathon shirts and one young kid had run the Wounded Veteran 5K/10K Run I participated in a few weeks ago.

Our race shirts are badges of honor, aren’t they? They remind us of the roads we trained on, the miles we logged, the aches and pains, the victories and the disappointments.

Each race shirt has a story behind it, and while my intention isn’t to be “that creepy runner” on the trail who stares at others, I do appreciate seeing where the runners raced before.

  • Mtbob70

    I’m proud of my Luchador Run 5K shirt! Because I secretly want to be a lucha libre star. Who runs.

  • Randy

    I wear my race shirts with pride! Each one reminds me of the journey. As you mentioned it’s not just the actual race. It’s all the training prior to the race day. I remember the town, the hotel, the whole experience. Occasionally someone will comment that they ran that race and I feel an immediate kinship. Usually we will reminisce for a few minutes then go on our way. It’s amazing how I’m a solitary runner for training but love the group experience of race day. My favorite is still my first half marathon. I’m surprised I haven’t completely worn it out.

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