Seeing signs of spring out on your run? Ready to emerge as a butterfly after a winter of treadmill runs? Now is the perfect time to do a check in with your running gear. If you are anything like me, you have piles of running shoes and gear in a few places. Here are a few quick steps to spring clean your running gear and organize it for spring and summer outdoors.
Easy Steps To Spring Clean your Running routine
Just as your house may need a spring clean, your running routine may as well. I like to do a seasonal update in the spring and the fall. Let’s start with your running gear.
Shoes
Running shoes can get pretty beat up over the wintertime running in slush and snow. While most experts suggest replacing your shoes every 300-500 miles that distance will vary depending on weight, foot strike, and terrain for example. Check the tread on your running shoes for any wear and tear. Did you know you can track your mileage on sites like Strava?
Wondering what to do with your old running shoes? Here are a few ideas on where to donate them so they do the most good. You can mail them off for free right from your house.
Wash and store winter gear
I like to give all of my winter running jackets, face coverings, hats, and gloves a wash and store them away clean in these bins for next fall. I keep all of the accessories in sealed plastic bins.
Check for items that need replacing
Check high wear items like socks and sports bras as many will need replacing yearly. No one wants to get blisters from worn-out socks. Or worse, chafing from old sports bras. Looking for new sports bras? see here.
Marie Kondo your gear
Consider going through your winter running and gear and purging your closet of items you have not worn in over a year. They can be donated, swapped with a friend, or sold on sites like Poshmark. I have been able to sell a bunch of athletic wear and pick up some good deals on new stuff with Poshmark. They might not spark you joy anymore but they might someone else.
Seasonal Organization
Store your winter gear away for the next few months and move your spring and summer gear so it’s more accessible. A few years back I started using these 4 tiered hangers for shorts, capri pants, and skirts. They allow you to easily see all of your choices without taking up a bunch of space in your closet. I swap them out seasonally.
Hydration Gear
Many hydration packs and water bottles need to be replaced yearly especially if you wash them in the dishwasher. Better to check for leaking caps or tops before the heat of the summer. Looking for a new hydration pack? Here are some things to consider before buying.
Safety Gear
Just like we are reminded to change the batteries in our smoke detectors in the spring, it’s a great time to make sure your personal safety gear is ready to hit the road. Check reflective gear and headlamps to make sure they are still effective. Update any emergency contact info in your phone or on Road ID wear.
You may also like
Summer shorts that pass the sweat test
Summer suncare products for runners
Spring clean your home gym equipment
Spring clean your running routine and enjoy the best time of the year for an outdoor run. Happy miles!
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Laura, Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
Oh yes, I need to Marie Kondo my gear! I have so many things that I haven’t worn in a year and that don’t spark joy.
Just yesterday I saw a woman run in a race shirt from 2013. Which reminded me that I have shirts like that too. Marie K. would say: nostalgia is not your friend!
ha ha yes I know I need to do it again myself. I have ridiculous amounts
I need to go through my running clothes, I just haven’t had time! I actually just keep all my clothes in my closet year round. I have bins for my running tights and jackets. I also have a bunch of shoes that I need to donate!
I just donated shoes and need to do it again. Why are they so hard to part with?
Just the blog I needed! We are moving into Fall, but the same still applies, so I will start on that project. It makes such a difference to separate stuff so its more easily accessible given the specific season.
Yes it sure does help! I always forget you are opposite seasons
I have been progressively swapping out things in my closets (the son’s former upstairs closet now is MINE LOL). I do need to purge a lot of stuff, though. It’s not just the shoes that are hard to part with…
Oh that’s a great idea I should take over one of my kids’ closets!
I definitely could use some spring cleaning for my gear. I have way too much that I don’t wear but I guess I get attached to some things. 🙂 Also, when it’s a mild winter like this one was, I rarely wear tights or other warmer gear so they’re just stuffed in a drawer for another year.
yes it happens to me too but I am happier when things are arranged and organized!
I don’t switch out my running clothes much from one season to another- although I do have some “winter” tank tops that are too hot for summer (ha ha… you can tell I live in Florida.) Your post did remind me that I need some new sports bras though, and I also like what you had to say about the hydration packs- i’ve been wanting to get one but worry it will make me too hot. The one you have sounds great!
love the hydration pack I have and use it all year around. If you have any questions about it let me know happy to help. LOL on the winter tank tops
Wow, I never replace hydration packs and water bottles! I probably should.
It’s too early to put away our Winter gear up here, unfortunately. Just yesterday I was running in the mid 20s! Soon, though. I have a few cubes where I swap out my running gear. And yet I never can seem to find what I want when I want it . . .
Yes it’s easy to purchase replacement hydration bottles or tops. I like to do it yearly. I am still wearing some of my winter gear but it’s phasing out
Oh! I love this!
We don’t really have to store seasonal gear since we don’t need a lot of cold weather gear at all, but I love the idea of replenishing and replacing gear.
I’ll be going in for some new shoes in the next couple of weeks!
new shoes are always a treat for the feet!
These are great tips! This year, every time I get ready to put away my winter running clothes, we get another cold front lol
That sure has been the case the last 2 weeks! Spring one day, winter the next
I just Marie Kondo’d my running gear and I’m so glad! There were so many tanks and shirts and stuff I didn’t wear. Now everything fits in my drawers haha.
Can you come and do mine for me!?
This is such great advice to clean everything up for the new season! I didn’t know that about hydration packs! Good to know.
Yes, you can replace the bottles and tops often every season
I love your Mari Kondo tip! I think I have way too many workout clothes and that sometimes overwhelms me and prevents me from “just doing it”!
ha yes it does help to organize and streamline them
Such great advice here! Washing and storing winter gear for the following year is such a great tip! I usually leave my stuff in the closet but keeping it clean and storing it would be super beneficial!
Yes and then I am excited to take it out again next fall
Great tips, Deborah! I just washed all of our biking heavy gloves, etc. this afternoon with the hopes of not needing any of it again this winter. I hope it wasn’t premature. 😬
I know it’s freezing out this morning!
I wish I could store my winter gear! Cold weather can last until late April/early May in Northwest Indiana. I do like to clean out my running drawer and donate gear I don’t wear often at the end of each season.
Yes, I can see how it might be more challenging for some of us!
You know why it was windy with a real feel of 12F Monday and 18 today? Because you’re talking about putting away the winter gear 😀
I don’t blame you, itching to do same.
Best investment I made a few years ago was clear drawers so I could see whether that drawer was water bottles or buffs without rummaging. Doesn’t look the best, but even in normal times I didn’t entertain a ton. Going to look into more of these.
ha yes I have already put my gloves away twice! I am not pulling them out again!!