Is this the beginning of the end for bling?

[linda9389]

I just received an email from Virgin. They're doing a free virtual Oxford HM after all, with digital bib, certificate and goody bag (looks like they never got round to ordering medals!) Or for £12 you can upgrade to a physical goody bag with a notch bracelet and charm or notch or whatever they are. I keep seeing these notch bracelets - do you think they're going to replace medals? I'm not sure how I feel about that ... granted, they're easier to wear round the supermarket the day after a race, but all the same ... 😥

[Sqkr Half Marathon]

I've not seen one of those yet, though I've had a few keyring type medals... I'm not that keen. I guess it sits well with my less waste ethos but it probably takes the same amount of resources to produce so I'm not sure of the benefit. I love the bit where I get a medal, and I especially love when they make me put my head forward and place it round my neck with great ceremony, like I've won the whole thing.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sqkr]

Me too! And I love how NOTICEABLE it is too ... when you're walkingbback through town, or having a good lunch, or on the bus or train ... you find all these fellow runners to exchange smug nods with ... imagine hunting out notch bracelets on public transport 😆

[Sqkr Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Yes! Clanking my way proudly through Lidl to get a snack and onto the bus afterwards. It's all part of the experience 😄

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sqkr]

Too right it is 👍👍👍

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Sqkr]

😁😁😁😁

[TailChaser Marathon]

I can see the logic in these but the notches would have to be standardised for them to be truly useful as an everyday object to collect and thread them on. Can’t see that happening. More likely they’d only be available through one company and other companies would do them differently so we’d be back to the medal situation with all it’s environmental unfriendliness. This is a shame but then, who wants standardisation of bling either. I suspect it will probably just be a gimmick that will die off - we like to copy pro athletes and they won’t give up their medals!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Yeah that's very true, I can't see notch threading on the podium to be honest 😆

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

I quite like the look of that!

I'm ambivalent about medals, I also like recieving them, and having them on my desk for a while, but after that they just become clutter and they are wasteful really. I can see many future events ditching them, along with t-shirts. I liked that 2021 Brighton Marathon gave me the option of a tree being planted in lieu of me having a t-shirt 😊😊😊

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to roseabi]

The tree thing is a really neat idea for sure, but bling still has proper novelty value for me 😆 As for t-shirts ... finding one that fits, in a colour I like is going to be a lifelong challenge at this rate (still, my boys have gained a few tech t's for working out, they haven't been wasted)

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to roseabi]

I picked the plant a tree option for LEJOG4 roseabi . I have my favourite running tops and they don’t include any I’ve received from races so they remain in my drawer!

[Run46 Half Marathon]

I may be in the minority but I like it...my medal got put in the drawer a couple of days after the race and the 2nd I'm hoping to earn shortly will likely do the same.

The notch bracelet though decidedly down key compared to a medal I could see myself wearing daily.

I can't imagine it replacing medals for live races but would be happy with it as an addition, or an alternative option, especially for virtual races.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Run46]

maybe I'll come round to the idea ... 🤔😊

[Run46 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Lol, probably not...you do love your medals 😉

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Run46]

🤷‍♀️🤪

[skysue16 Half Marathon in reply to Run46]

Agree 😊

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

NOOOOO 🙀 I want my bling and lots of it! I enter races mostly for the bling and so this would be a big no-no for me. In fact, I’m such a bling slut that I found myself with a choice of two virtual runs the other day and the deciding factor was the difference in the medals so I picked the nicest one 🙄🏅

As you can probably tell, I love my bling and a bracelet thing just wouldn’t cut it for me ☹️

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

I'm definitely in your camp at the moment. I have not upgraded to the bracelet option (for now anyway)!!!

[Madge50 Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Me too, mine are all on display on a cork board covered in event photos with hooks underneath to hang the medal......no bling? Noooooooo😱

Mx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Madge50]

If my post was really a surreptitious attempt to check there are other bling addicts out there ... well, let's just say it seems to have served it's purpose 😍. Safety in numbers 😊

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Madge50]

Good idea about the photos Madge. I must create something similar during next lockdown 🙄

All my bling is hanging on a lovely hanger in the downstairs loo. I put it there on purpose just to make sure that everyone who visits sees it 😂 😂

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

They’re lovingly displayed on a hanger, not going into landfill 😇

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Nooooo, they can’t do away with bling surely? 😱😩 Everyone loves a medal. Ok so you can wear a notch bracelet and I guess they’re fun to have as well - but instead of? No way! You can’t display a bracelet for the family to see (ignore) at home.

Save our bling! 🏅 🏅 🏅

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

SOB 😥😥😥

😍😍😍

[UnfitNoMore Metric Marathon]

It’s cute and all, but I’m not one for anything on my wrist. It took me a while to get used to wearing a watch again last summer having not worn one since I was 15. Maybe I’m old fashioned too, a non-PC dinosaur if you will, but they’re a little bit too girlie for me.

I know some races are now medal optional, which suits me, I have my HM one from last year hung in the hallway for all to see, but I think I’d now decline any other HM ones given the choice. Maybe it’s just me, 13.1 is now a conquered challenge... I’ll run lots more of them, but none of the medals would mean as much to me.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Conquered? just one HM medal? Pahhhh!!! No imagination! Stack them one in front of the other - multicouloured ribbons, different sized/shaped/coloured medals all glinting in the light ...

I have mine on a low row of unused coat hooks (which were for the kids when small). The dog crate is right alongside them so you can't see them very well - just a blur of cheery colour. Oh, but the noise they make in the middle of the night if the crate has got pushed too close to the medals ... every time the dog turns over they chink and tinkle loudly into the still night 😂.

The more the merrier UNM - keep collecting 😊

[UnfitNoMore Metric Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Hehe... I’ve only run one... never entered a 5k or 10k event either... can’t be bothered really. While I like to know what I’m running when a week or more ahead (Garmin coach messes with my head) I wouldn’t like having to book a run I know I’ve done loads of times before months in advance. For something I’ve not done before, having it on the calendar early helps me motivate... South Downs 100k May 2022 looks like it’s going to be on there, I’ve been studying the route, planning pace, checking out hotels in Arundel... I guess I just have to go run it now!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Oh wow! I do hope you get a good medal for that 😅😅😅

[UnfitNoMore Metric Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Me too... they’d best not go medal free! I’d take a towel over a shirt though... got a feeling I’ll be straight into the sea when I get to Eastbourne!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to UnfitNoMore]

😍😍😍

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Wow! Go for it...I was looking at the HM distance...🙂

[Runsome Marathon]

Its like the race that finishes by running off a cliff and my first question would be do I get a finishers medal 😂😂😂 love the little things although I wouldn’t put it on again after I’ve changed out of my running gear after a race 😊

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Runsome]

Whhhaaaatttt? Not sure I love medals quite that much - but very valid question 😍

[Wimborne Half Marathon]

Love the chatter on this post. I have only one medal ( race your pace or something) and I haven’t run in any organised events... I am thinking I am missing out now 😂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Wimborne]

You are DEFINITELY missing out! Race at your Pace medals are really nice, but there's nothing quite like being handed a medal at the end of the race, especially when they hang it round your neck for you (pre-Covid of course).

My first medal was for a Race for Life 5k - I wore that through town, on the train, then on the walk home with SUCH pride and SUCH a great feeling inside. But that's just me🤪🤪🤪

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Not quite Pandora is it? But very novel and more likely that you would show it off for longer than the journey home. I’m all for wooden medals rather the clunking of the metal ones (which seem to get bigger every year).

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Haha! I saw it and immediately wondered if fake 'notches' will be available to buy in Turkey and Thailand, just like Pandora charms 😍. I like the wooden ones too ... although they don't have the same shine in the sunlight ...😂

[backintime 10 Miles]

they're not big on medals in France, they seem to go for the t-shirt option more

I only have 1 medal (my first ever event, 7K), I didn't get a medal for my 10k (goodie bag and t-shirt only, given before the event).

My next medal would have been the Paris HM, but alas, not to be.

I quite like the idea of a bracelet, where you could wear your bling, like one of those pandora bracelets. In fact, I could get myself a Pandora bracelet and buy myself a charm for every event

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to backintime]

Now you’re talking backintime. Someone posted a running shoe charm on the bridge I think.

I hope you are keeping well a la France 🇫🇷

[Run46 Half Marathon in reply to backintime]

I've just ordered a Pandora running shoe charm with 💛 to run on the sole...it was only £23 so not bad. You can see it if you read my last post 🙂

You can buy Notch bracelets in black leather with chrome/gold coloured charms...I quite like it as I could get C25K, 5K, 10K, 10Mile and 13.1 charms and wear a reminder of my achievements daily. Not sure I'll do it but tempted 🤷‍♀️

[skysue16 Half Marathon in reply to Run46]

Me too!

[Tasha99 Marathon]

Oooh I like those! Haven’t seen them before 😍 But I love medals - NOT wooden ones though 🤣

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

I've seen them the notch bracelets a couple of times, but haven't registered that its been in place of a medal before ... I liked my first wooden medal ... wasn't so keen on the second one though, maybe one is enough 😂

[Run46 Half Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

If you're interested Tasha if you Google Notch you can get different coloured bracelets including a black leather option, and charms for C25K, all the different distances and races...I'm tempted 😁

[tiggs1 Marathon]

I bought a notch bracelet earlier this year after doing the Larmer 20 and I bought the notch for it and then bought another notch when I did a lockdown frolic. I did however get real medals for both! The notch is just a way of me celebrating my achievements every day going to get one for the virtual GNR too

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to tiggs1]

Ooh, what I'm hearing here is that there is a chance I might end up with a double addiction? 😨😍

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

No, I don't think it will replace bling! 🙏 I love my medals!

I have seen these advertised recently - a clever spin on the Pandora bracelet - but for runners! I think the idea was dreamt up by a runner actually. It's a great time to push that marketing - missing bling as we are and no doubt reminiscing about past races! I looked at the website yesterday actually and you can build up a collection of notches for landmark runs and races (retrospectively). There are also notches with inspirational phrases etc.

I like them and am very tempted (God, I'm a marketing dream!) - but NEVER in place of bling!🏅🏅🏅🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

I really think you shouldn't have told me that !!!!!!! Wonder how long I can resist opening that website?

[skysue16 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I have already looked!

[Run46 Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

I'm tempted too Sandra, having all your achievements, in the colours of your choice to wear daily! 😁

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Run46]

Yep, think I'm weakening...!🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

So I mIght have taken look... I was looking at named events which were £9.50 each. Even if I only bought my HMs that's almost £40 plus the £12 for Oxford which would get me a blue bracelet. And I don't like blue! I think I must be sensible and pass on this latest marketing attack on my vulnerabilities 😅😅😅

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I am literally looking at it now...and am still tempted! I think it's more a chance of when now, and not if...🙂😂

Thought you could choose whatever bracelet you want? And can buy the notches individually?

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Yes I think so. It's just that Oxford are offering a bracelet, Oxford 2020 notch and goody bag all for £12. If you want a bracelt the colour of the photo that's a good price ... but I don't so it might just save me!

[Run46 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

It's the price that's making me pause for thought...we'll see 😏

[skysue16 Half Marathon]

Interesting discussion 😊

I had never heard of ‘Notch’ so looked up their website. I rather like the idea of having a notch for each landmark run. Some of my events aren’t listed so I would need to get them to add them or pay more! Like others who have already commented - my medals are in a drawer, my hubby did get a hanger for them but I can’t decide where to hang them! A bracelet would be a daily, personal reminder of my achievements and incentive. But.....I do still like the medals, some of them are beautifully designed. So I think I am in the ‘same our medals’ camp as well as ‘love a bracelet’ camp 🤣 Sorry for long reply!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to skysue16]

SOM!!! SOM!!! 😍

[skysue16 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

SOM? Sorry for being a bit stupid, but not sure what that stands for! 🤔😂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to skysue16]

Your rallying call to - 'Save Our Medals'😍😍😍

[skysue16 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Ahh, got it, thanks 😂

[Run46 Half Marathon in reply to skysue16]

We work hard for these achievements, each one can take months so if money allows I don't see why we can't have both 😊

[Maddee_6333 Half Marathon]

I think a lot of event medals ultimately came from China?

To be honest, I’m not too fussed about medals. Granted, mine are currently adorning the banister, but I’d rather have the option of a technical shirt at a moderate price AFTER the event to remember special races.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Maddee_6333]

The day I receive a tech t that fits and is in a colour I like ... there'll be a big celebration for sure 👍😊 In the meantime I will relentlessly pursue the goal 😆

[Maddee_6333 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Yes!!!

The one I got for the March Beachy Head HM a couple of years ago had a great colour for the blokes’ shirts and a boring colour for the women’s ones. And - of course - the sizing discrepancy was huge. A women’s large is small on me, but a men’s medium was too big, as I found out when a friend let me try hers on.

And I hadn’t even thought to ask for a man’s one 🤦‍♀️

In contrast I bought my Autumn Beachy Head 10k t-shirt the year before, after the race and could try them on at leisure, so even though it’s still blue (yawn) it’s got the v neck I prefer AND fits.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Maddee_6333]

I find the sizes vary hugely and often they're too long and not wide enough across my very female hips!!!! But I'm not giving up yet ....

[Jonno34 Marathon]

I love my bling. I did an evening 8k in 32 degree heat a few weeks ago and got a fridge magnet.

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Jonno34]

We did a half marathon and got a water bottle. We were not impressed 😶🤣

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

Hmmm, disappointing.... but possibly practical 😀

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Jonno34]

Ahhh, don't think I'd have particularly liked that!!!