This year for Bloomsday I made a few changes to my running attire compared to previous races. Perhaps these alterations were responsible for my less than spectacular finish time OR maybe they saved me from going even further south from my PR. Here is what I did…

I made some changes to what I wore this Bloomsday. This is me on the morning of the 2026 race.

Sweatband – Don’t get Sidney started, she HATED the sweatband I wore. However, I decided to sport it because many times in the past I have suffered from sweat dripping down into my eyes (the burn!!). I hate wearing hats while exercising, especially while running, so I wanted to go with the band. It worked absolute wonders! I didn’t combat sweat in my eyes once—a complete non-factor this Bloomsday. When I finished the race I touched my sweatband and it was absolutely soaked, a result that made me think Better the band than my eyes.

Hip Pack Pouch – When I run, I usually try to not carry anything at all. Sometimes that is not possible and I will stuff a key or some cards (debit card, driver’s license, etc.) into my pocket. Because I was running Bloomsday solo this year, I thought it best to take the essentials downtown with me, specifically my phone and cards. Not wanting a smart device weighing me down, I purchased a hip pack (aka fanny pack). Having never used one before, I didn’t know how it would feel or if it would slow me down. However, once I started running I forgot I was even wearing it. For the first time ever, I could take photos on the Bloomsday course and update my family once I finished. Perhaps the pack added a couple minutes onto my time without me consciously realizing it was weighing me down but I think that is just a sorry excuse for my slower time.

Foot Care – At both Bloomsday and Hoopfest in the past I have battled intense blisters. This year, I made sure my feet were protected. Even though I still wore old shoes I purchased from a discount store, I placed padding support along the sole. I also wore cushy socks that were a major step up from the very worn-in exercise socks I wear to the gym. My feet didn’t bother me in the slightest during the race or after it.

I always lay my clothes out the night before and with Bloomsday it is no different. You can see my extra padding in my shoes.

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Like I said, I wish the above improvements would have translated into a better time. But I guess things don’t always turn out the way you hope. Even though I ran a few minutes slower than desired at least I did it on comfortable feet with no sweat in my eyes or items in my pocket weighing me down. Don’t Blink.