With March comes spring, and with spring comes spring cleaning: running edition! I don’t know what it is about the upcoming time change and warming weather that just makes me want to clean, and organize, but here we are. Cleaning out cabinets and shelves is awesome, but our running and fitness gear also needs some TLC from time to time.
Check Your Fuel + Nutrition
Do you have a giant box of fuel and nutrition set aside just for your running or physical activities? I know I do. Sometimes, in the height of training, I stock up a little too aggressively, which leads to some things expiring. Oops. Now is a great time to check expiration dates and packaging to ensure that everything is fresh and ready to go.
Take A Peek At Your Shoes + Inserts
I have an ongoing rotation of shoes, but sometimes we reach a point where it’s time to say goodbye. Take some time to go through your running shoes. Check the treads for wear. Look at how many miles are on each pair (400 is about the average of a shoe’s effectiveness). Even examine those third party insoles to ensure that everything is in order. Donate pairs that are no longer useable, downgrade older shoes to dog-walking or yard shoes, and even treat yourself to a new pair if need be.
Match Up Your Socks
I am forever trying to match up my socks, keep them in pairs and keep them organized. When you do your spring cleaning, take time to sort those socks. Those without mates can be purged, as well as those who any holes or lumpy seams. Have a pair that now cause you blisters or uncomfortable rubbing? Those can go, too.
Take Stock Of Your Sports Bras
They say that a sports bra should never see its first birthday, so now is a great time to check out the bra situation. You’ll want to say goodbye to any bras that cause chafing, or no longer offer great support. This might even be a great time to get remeasured and ensure your sports bras are the correct size for you.
Sort Through Your Activewear
I struggle purging my activewear and running clothes, but sometimes you just have to do the hard work. While you’re cleaning things out, look for items you don’t wear, or that no longer fit. Again, set aside items that lead to chafing or rubbing, or where spandex and elastic have given up. You can even pull out items that haven’t stood up to the washing machine and sport small holes or loose seams. Repair what you can, and donate what no longer works.
Do you do a regular spring cleaning of your running gear and accessories? Anything you would add to the list?
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I have been purging big time.
My socks are matched. Sometimes I hold onto a single sick hoping its pair will show up.
Thanks on the reminder on expiration dates on gels. Esp since I’m not racing now.
It’s a great time to update those sports bras. Most people don’t do that often enough!
Oof. I need to spring clean EVERYTHING in my house, running gear included. Thanks for the reminder.
I am really bad at purging my sports bras. I still have some from years ago because I haven’t found the ones that I like. Why is it so hard and why are they so darn expensive?
yes! the socks thing!!!! I am totally going to do that this weekend!! we tend to leave socks for the other person to fold in this house which basically means it doesn’t get done!
we’re pretty in sync with the other spring cleaning tips!
I have a box for wayward socks as sometimes they don’t make the same laundry drop off. Stuck in a sheet, in a bag etc. But quarterly ish if they haven’t found their mates, they go.
Had no idea of that re: a sports bra. I toss those that chafe but definitely running in some 3+ years old.