Retail therapy



This time of year many people love to shop. 

Near my neighborhood there’s a huge retail area visible from Interstate 25 in south metro Denver called Park Meadows Mall. It’s only about 10 miles from my home.

Each time I go by Park Meadows it’s packed with people and cars. If you didn’t know any better you wouldn’t think there’s still a recession based on how busy it is.

Park Meadows has valet parking and an American Girl Doll store with a hair salon — for the dolls that is — not human girls. (Lollilocks, another fancy place up the road, takes care of their beauty needs.)

The dolls at the American Girl Doll salon can get their ears pierced. 

Only in America …

This suburban bubble is a far cry from the current economic woes of the rest of the country and how I was raised.

The daughter of steel workers and immigrants from Eastern Europe, I grew up in a brick ranch-style house in a blue-collar neighborhood in Northwest Indiana.

The nearest shopping mall to us had one fancy store — Carson Pirie Scott and it did not have a salon for dolls or professionally pierce the ears of toys.

I’m explaining all of this because while I enjoy fashion, a clothes horse and shopping maven I ain’t.

At least I’m not a true shopper in the current standard of conspicuous consumerism that seems to define Park Meadows.

I think it’s because the older I’ve grown, the more minimalist I’ve become and closer to my roots. 

That’s not to say I don’t like a good bargain when I find it.  Who doesn’t?

I just make it a point to keep my retail therapy and my pocket book in check.

OK, now that I’ve cleared the air on that I also have a confession to make. 

This blog is about … well. shopping for running gear because ’tis the season after all.

When I do shop for gear I like stuff that’s functional, fun and good quality.  I also look for flattering cuts.

The list below cover things I like or think are fun. They aren’t necessary in my book but in the sage words of a Depression Era surviving relative of mine:  “Need has nothing to do with it.”

Perhaps these items can help you with the residual Santa shopping left on your list. Have fun! 

1. Sierra Trading Post, Micro Melange Shirt — It’s got some cute colors and a flattering cut as does the similar  Saucony Melange Tank.

2. Athletica Lululemon isn’t cheap but it is fashion forward. I dig the Heart Tank ,  Ultra Crop pants and Flow Y Bra. ( Plus their tops and bras come with removable bra cups.)

3. Road Runner Sports, Nike Long Y-Back top (it’s got nice colors and a better than average built-in shelf bra) and Women’s RR Pro Velocity Tight . (Nice slimming design in the photo.)

3. Nike skull cap with ponytail slot, shown on Nike site. I saw a friend wear one of these on a cold run. It’s cute on but functional, too.

4. Inspired endurance jewelry — the build your own bead bracelet for marathons and triathlons are kind of cool and unique.

5. At See Jane Run, Nike Convertible Mittens . My hands turn into popsicles in the winter. I love the idea of these because mittens are warmer but it’s nice to have an option that gives you dexterity.

6. Last I threw these in because if you are built with curves like me Adidas shorts are forgiving on bigger hips and thighs.

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Aging is inevitable, but growing old is a choice. Lace up your shoes, and let’s go!

Mileage today: 5; Denver to Boston miles logged: 915.5; miles left to go: 854.5

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