A big thank you to everyone who entered the Brooks “Run Happy” Makeover Giveaway contest. There were some awesomely bad running outfits out there.
You can check out all of the entries (complete with stories!) at the Meals and Miles Facebook page. Check out the Brooks “Run Happy” Makeover Entires Album.
There were definitely a few themes out there:
Costumes! Always a cute idea, but not always practical when actually running in them.
Weather! It’s hard to dress for extreme cold, hot, and rain.
Beginner mistakes! Short shorts, cotton, too much, not enough, it’s always rough when it’s your first race and you have no idea what to expect!
Alright, let’s get down to business. The runner ups are…
Heena
“I am still new to running. This was after my first race in 2012 (5 miles and included some walking as needed). Looking forward to the day when my thighs no longer touch so I can ditch the compression shorts but I can run 13.1 miles now without slowing to a walking pace.”
Elyse
“My worst running outfit was from this winter when temperatures dipped into the single digits (plus there were high winds) here in Boston. I had 10 miles on the docket and didn’t want to go to the gym, so I bundled up and went outside. The run was cold, but I actually really enjoyed it!
In the photo I’m wearing multiple shirts, including a running turtleneck and lime green overshirt plus a too-small fleece vest. I have on a baseball cap plus a fleece ear warmer. And on the bottom, fleece running tights and purple shorts. I also put purple gloves on after this photo was taken. It was a disastrous look but I was warm! “
Lindsey
“I must preface this picture by telling you I live in North Dakota and this was taken this winter. My husband snapped this pic before my evening run with my dogs…it was cold and dark, what can I say! Safety first!”
And the winner is…
Lindz
“I started running as part of my weight loss regimen in August of 2011. I had already lost 30 pounds but still my weight was 220. I ran my first Turkey Trot in November of 2011 and had no clue what to wear.
The race started at 10am. The temperature race day was 70 and sunny. I was so proud of my cotton race t-shirt I layered it atop a thermal tank top and cotton turtleneck. I had thermal pants on with my then favorite workout pants! Although I was a sweaty mess and uncomfortable, I had the time of my life! Come shower time, I had to peel my clothes off- I felt like every layer was glued on. This picture is so embassing to me but I figure, whatever!
Through the years I have continued to run, completing a half-marathon last year. I took some time off running to focus on cross training but recently got back into running. I’m down 77 pounds to date and credit running with a big part of my success!”
Congrats, Linz!! You won a head-to-toe makeover from Brooks! I’ll be in contact by email.
I’m not sure which is worst – wearing too many layers in the heat or not enough in the cold?
What am I saying? Too many in the heat is definitely the worst! Just reading Lindz’ story makes me sweat. I hate being too hot. Way to go Lindz for pushing through!