The truth is, I run for bling. You might say it’s a bling thing. There are times I choose (or reject) a race event completely based on the medal, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.
Why the Bling Thing Obsession?
The reason for my bling thing obsession probably has to do with the fact that I was never athletic. I was overweight, uncoordinated and lacked a killer instinct. Now, I earned trophies and ribbons for equestrian skills (I was a fairly decent jumper back in the day) and for my dazzling skills with dramatic poetry interpretation on my high school Speech & Debate Team, but that was about it.
When I found running, seven years ago, the idea that I could actually earn a medal for training hard and crossing a finish line was a huge motivator. Maybe it’s silly, but I loved getting to have a piece of every race to take home with me and hang on the wall.
Bling On Display
As a result, every medal I have ever earned hangs in our loft (Mr PugRunner has some hanging as well). Each race I have run has a story and I love reminiscing over each event. These medals remind me of miles I’ve run, friends with whom I’ve traveled, cities I’ve visited, and so much more. From 5K to marathon, relay to race challenge, every medal has a place on my display rack.
Extra Motivation
Now, more than ever, that bling on display serves as a motivator. When I pass by, I am reminded of what my body could do before I broke my leg, and it serves as a motivator for me to do my PT and workouts. We all have our proverbial carrots, and I cannot wait to cross my first, post-injury (post COVID-19) to prove that I can do it again.
My Favorite Medal Holder
All our medal holders are from York Sign Shop. I happened to come across their site several years ago and just really liked the look of their product. The quality is on point, as well. I’m about due for another one, and I think I’m going to go with something like this to help display my “bling thing” earnings.
It’s Tuesday, so we are linking up for Tuesday Topics with KookyRunner and Zenaida!
Please visit these lovely bloggers, plus check out some of the other blogs on the link-up, and don’t forget to share your own post, as well!
Do you have a bling thing?
What do you do with your medals?
I don’t run for bling specifically–but I did run Big Sur for the medallion! LOL! I also ran it for the scenery and because it was where we honeymooned many years ago. That race had so much emotional stuff in it for me. I cried when I got the finisher’s medal there.
I love getting a medal for a marathon or a half; I’ve gotten some AG awards and those are really, really special. Like you, I was never ‘athletic’, never good at sports–to have found my stride (pun intended) in running has been such a gift for me.
I love all your medal holders! Wow! Feeling inspired to get some now! I keep my Half Marathon medals hanging on my dressing table together with the medals from the current year and then put the rest in a box… it’s a pretty box… but would much rather have them out on display, because like you, I’m not embarrassed to say I RUN FOR BLING!!!
I love all of your medal holders, especially the 50 states one!
Like you, I’m a huge lover of all my race bling and I love having them on display to look at every day.
I LOVE your “Every Race Has Its Story” medal holder! It’s perfect. I may need to find one like it 🙂
I also run for the bling. Unfortunately, most of my favorite local races don’t give bling, but I like to think that just means more funds for their charities. Sometimes I’ll sign up for a virtual run around the same time so I earn some bling that way to even things out.
Love your medal racks! My house was built in 1759 and has a lot of random nails around so I just hang my medals on those.
I love your medal displays! I actually just got a new one and I plan to reorganize this week.
I don’t have a medal rack, but I will need to get one soon. Some of my medals are in our family room, hanging on our Christmas stocking hooks by the fire place. I had my half medals on my desk at work and yes I brought them home with me when my company enforced WFH last month.
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Race bling is our reward for pushing our bodies and reaching our goals! You have a great collection of medals. I ran out of space on my wall and bought a stand for my husband’s medals, but there’s so much room left I’ll probably end up taking it over!
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I don’t run for bling. That being said, I savor every singe medal I’ve gotten. They are all displayed on a variety of wall hangers. I even have all my bibs but in an album – in no order.
I might need to look into an album for bibs. Mine are out of control, even on the display board.
I don’t run for the medal. I am OK with not getting a medal. However, there are a few that I love or are just different than the other ones (i.e. Little Rock Half Marathon). I love your displays! I will have to check it out when I am ready to hang mine up. Thank you for linking up with us and I am sorry for responding so late.