Friday, August 14, 2009

Make it work!

I got an e-mail this week from my tri friend that I'd made the city's online paper after the race. My parents were very excited, let me tell you. As is custom, I began obsessively analyzing. (What? Don't act like you don't do the exact same thing with race pictures. That's why they take them!)

Let's zoom in for a closer look, shall we?
Hmm, not bad. A couple of things came to mind:
  1. I wonder how much energy I waste keeping my arm at pit level like that. Sheesh.
  2. Girl, you need some longer shirts.

Now, I'm certainly taller than average, but I'm not exactly Amazon status. Still, finding shirts (and pants for that matter) long enough is ALWAYS a challenge. I've learned to layer a lot of tank tops and get creative over the years. Since a Target long and lean tank top isn't really an option under workout clothes, bring on Project Runway: Home Edition.

Here's the jersey I purchased (online) on sale and plan to wear for Sunday's big ride.


It looks pretty long, doesn't it? That's what I thought too. Trust me, it's not. Not flattering, not cute, and unacceptable for my first ride among actual cyclists.

Solution: Take this old race shirt from the 2008 Lincoln Half Marathon and get to choppin'. This was my first race, when I fell back in love when running, and just a wonderful memory. But if we're being honest, this thing was never even close to long enough to wear again. It would be sacrificed to the greater good.
(Despite evidence to the contrary, I was not drinking pomegranate vodka martinis while attempting to cut a straight line. Those are just my awesome home ec skills.)

No fear though, a careful little hand stitch, and no one will notice. 15 minutes later...

TA-DA! A custom jersey that doesn't make me feel like I'm wearing mom jeans! And plus, I cut it so the "Powered by Aquafina" part was still part of the original shirt. It's tucked in the back and sewed under, but it makes me feel like I'm actually sponsored by Pepsi.

Really, it's the little things in life that keep me entertained. Have a great weekend, and good luck to everyone racing!

54 comments:

Mel-2nd Chances said...

Nice home-ec skills, and congrats on making the cover! I think it's a great pic! have a great ride this weekend :)

Mark said...

Now aren't you glad you went out and bought those tri shorts?? Make sure you print a copy and leave it in neighbor boy's mailbox to emphasize what he missed out on. Nice idea with the jersey...I have the same problem, but I don't think that two-layer look would fly for a dude. Any ideas, Mrs. home-ec queen??

No Longer Using said...

WOW if i did that it would not look so nice. well it's a moot point because i can't sew so i wouldn't be able to do it anyway, lol. nice handiwork!!!!

and CONGRATS making the online paper!!!!!!!!!!!!! analyzing your pic, hehehe. you know there is this saying "if you've got it..." (flaunt it just in case you didn't know where i was going with that). lol. niiiiiiiiiiiiiicE!

Angela and David said...

That's funny. Your home-ec skills will also spare you the funny burn I always get on my back just above my shorts were my shirt and shorts no longer overlap when I lean over.

Nitmos said...

And is that boy trying to sell you a magazine as you run by? Stupid kids.

The Laminator said...

Congrats cover-girl! Glad the home ec skills are coming in handy. Have fun with your ride this weekend.

You have definitely gone from XC2 to awesomeness2 Great job!

RunningLaur said...

Love it. The pic is very exciting too!

Razz said...

So, if your friend were only into biking and running would he/she be your bi friend, then?

ShirleyPerly said...

Congrats on getting your photo in the paper!

And very good on your jersey solution. I have occasionally gotten a sunburn on my lower back from shirts not being long enough and, believe me, they hurt.

Alisa said...

How cool is it that you were in the paper? I too, run with "bunny" arms, that's what my hubby calls them!

I have such a HARD time finding pants or tops that are long enough too. Do you have any advice on running pants?

Katie A. said...

You look great in that pic! But isn't there like only 50 people in your town? J/K! Congrats!
And good job on the mad home-ec skills! Very impressed! You are gonna rock it this weekend! Can't wait for the race report! :)

Anonymous said...

It looks like the kid is excited for you too.

Jeri said...

Is that kid in the photo the neighbor boy? what a stalker... :p

Jamie said...

congrats on making the papers on your first tri! very nice home ec skills :)

teacherwoman said...

Congrats on making the cover! I thought you looked great.

Great job adding to the jersey... you're one smart cookie! :)

Anonymous said...

Great shirt! There is nothing like a bit of sewing to make the clothes fit better. There is nothing like a race pic. to make you realize you need to do some sewing.

Great stuff on making the papers! I would get at least 20 copies to hand out to anyone who is either slightly interested or too polite to decline.

Kathleen said...

Haha, you are sneaky, but hey, whatever works! HAVE A FABULOUS WEEKEND :)

Christy said...

You look FABULOUS in that photo, even if your arms are a little high! :o)

I definitely don't have to worry about too short tanks. I'm a shorty. I usually have to make sure they don't look like mini-dresses on me.

ShutUpandRun said...

You are one creative chick. Is that playboy he's holding while looking at you?

Niki said...

Yay for making the papers! That's awesome! Love your "homemade jersey"!!

SchoolKidRunna23 said...

Nice handy-work

Jen Feeny said...

McGyver strikes again! Great idea and damn girl you have some great legs! JELAOUS! :)

Glaven Q. Heisenberg said...

Here's my analysis of that picture -

That 10 year old kid behind you who's staring at your body with his mouth open?

He doesn't know it yet, but 20 years from now he'll look back at this picture and say, "THAT day, I became a man!"

And then his wife will say, "That's what YOU think, little boy! NOW RUB MY FEET!1!"

"Yes, ma'am ..."

Hahahahahaha!

You're his first!

Clare said...

creative solution! do we get a modeled picture of the custom jersey? i'm curious what it looks like on!

ym said...

Look at you cutting&sewing! Any home-ec teacher would be proud. I love those shorts you wore too for your race, they're pretty sweet.

Cindy said...

very crafty! martha stewart would be proud :)

Unknown said...

Great solution. You should model the finished product.

Marlene said...

Now THAT is creative. You're going to have to show us some pics of your handy work in action.

Unknown said...

Your stitches left me in stitches...no really, very cute!

Have fun racing!
meg

NY Wolve said...

That's awesome. I'm like 6'2" or so, and maybe I need something like that! And I analyze my race pics for same thing, form issues, style points, etc.

Laurel said...

LOVE your custom jersey! That's awesome!

That's also pretty cool about making it into the online paper! Very nice.

Love the kid in the background. What is his deal?

Ace said...

Grats on the front page. After winning so many races in a row, it was inevitable. Love the kid reaction, he is clearly astounded by what he sees.

joyRuN said...

Well damn! You're athletic AND can sew - I superglue buttons back where they belong :)

Excellent press coverage there!

Denise said...

So creative!! It doesn't matter what we look like, at least that's what I tell myself cause I always look like azz when I work out!

Running and living said...

V creative! Also, awesome pic in the paper! Good luck with the race! Ana-Maria

Anonymous said...

I LOVE Target Long 'N Lean tanks!!! If they made a moisture wicking version I'd be the happiest woman EVER. i liked your creative solution, though. Wish I was handy like you!

J said...

Very creative!! I like the home-ex skills!

Mica said...

That shirt is FIERCE!

Anonymous said...

Way to be resourceful! I usually have to cut my stuff to make them shorter.

Great front picture. Can't wait to real all about the ride.

Lindsay said...

ummm what do you mean not long enough? if that were me the shirt would have ridden up and you would see part of my buddha belly exposed... i think it's a great pic. no flab, just toned sexiness :)

i'm glad you were able to correct the lovely scissor job... i was worried for a second but all turned out OK. my home ec sewing-skills involve iron-on seam, no sewing required!

Erika said...

Cool cover pic and way to make that shirt work for you!

MCM Mama

That Pink Girl said...

So clever! Asics makes a looong dry fit cotton tank you should check out. It might work for you!

Nicole said...

I love the shirt! you crack me up!!!

that picture in the paper is great- i don't know what your talking about you look awesome!

Unknown said...

Congrats on making the paper. And nice tush and legs. I'm jealous!

Lauren said...

I have no cutting skills either. It really doesn't seem like it would be that hard.

Amy said...

Dude, listen, if I had your legs, I'd wear NO shorts. Realy, it's true...

Felice Devine said...

She runs. AND she sews. Talent!!!

Hope the ride went well.

SDrunner said...

Way to go on making use of old race shirts, I don't know about others, but there are more than a few race shirts that I wouldn't want to wear again for one reason or another. Very fine hand-sewing you got there!

RoadBunner said...

Awesome job!

Have you heard of Blush undershirts?? http://www.toplessundershirt.com/

Same concept but for regular clothes. I recently got a few and they work pretty good to put short shirts back into rotation.

Susan said...

Nice handiwork! You should start your own line of extra long tops...money in the bank!!

The Boring Runner said...

Let's analyze the picture a little further..

3: What the heck is that kid in the background shielding his eyes from?

Since I am more on the short side I don't have any of these issues. I'm not jealous at all.

Irish Cream said...

HA, you have got some amazing home ec skills, girl! If I had attempted that project, there would have been far more duct tape involved :)

N.D. said...

that's awesome you made the cover, how cool is that!!

Runner Leana said...

Crafty! That's awesome! I don't know why they insist on making jerseys so short. After all, we are bending forward to reach our handlebars, so chances are good that they are going to ride up.