Thursday, January 25, 2018

Runfessions: January

Here we are again, standing in front of the runfessional. Yes, it's the last Friday of the month and it's time to clear our running conscience of all that is staining our runners' soles. Nothing to runfess? That's a runfession right there. Come on in. I promise you'll feel so much better and lighter on your feet!



I runfess that I won't be shopping at Lululemon anymore. After completing the Lululemon/Strava 80/40 challenge earlier this month and seeing how many people--34,571--finished the challenge, I had my doubts about any kind of significant prize. I wasn't expecting anything like last year's prize of a shirt and shorts, but receiving a 25% coupon off full priced merchandise didn't feel like much of a prize at all. Here's how I see it: my prize requires me to shop at Lululemon and spend money? Sounds like the only winner here was Lululemon. I'm good with my accomplishment of running 52 miles and my 80k badge from Strava, thank you very much!


I runfess that I am ending my longtime love affair with Asics Gel Nimbus. The Mizuno Wave Riders that I have been running in this winter have been a game changer for me. I don't know if something has changed in the way I run, be it RA or age or CrossFit, but I have regained speed and strength while training in the Mizunos. It isn't a fluke. It really is the shoes! The Mizunos are much lighter and that may be why but whatever it is, I finally was convinced to move on.


This winter, many of us have been complaining about running outside in the bitter cold. Let's not sugarcoat it: it's been awful. True story: when it's cold, it takes me longer to get ready to run than the actual run itself. With all the layering, the laundry is out of control. But dare I runfess that I'd rather run in the bitter cold sunshine than the damp, gray chill of milder temperatures. It seems to me that we've had many more sunny days than usual for the month of January. I have no way of knowing for sure, but what I do know is that I love seeing the sun. Even if it means it's cold.


I runfess that along with having to layer up in this cold weather, there has been recurrent wardrobe malfunction with my tights. I can't keep them up around my waist. As I run, the tights start making their way down my hips to the point at which I can feel my thighs touching when I'm running. Ewww. Since these are compression tights, they're a little hard to pull back up. So riddle me this: why do they keep falling down? Isn't the purpose of compression to compress? Wouldn't you expect them to stay in place? This doesn't happen with my regular tights so I assume it's the fleece lining making them slippery. Guess I could wear a belt. Or maybe I need to do more squats.


I runfess that I am done running marathons. I've only done 4, but that is 3 more than I ever set out to do. I'm loathed to admit it, but I am really starting to struggle on the long runs. When I turned 50, I declared that age was just a number and I wasn't going to let it slow me down. Naturally, the karmic gods had a good laugh at that one, and for good measure, they threw RA at me. I'd be lying if I said that RA isn't affecting my performance on the road. For all my "push outside your comfort zone" bravado, it's not a whole lot of fun when your comfort zone starts pushing back! Here's to accepting limitations and doing what you can! Oh, and having fun while you're doing it!


What do you have to runfess? Are you tired of the cold? Have you ever changed shoes? Do you have trouble with your pants falling down when you're running? Did you run the Lululemon/Strava challenge? What do you think about the "prize"? Have you ever called it quits on a distance? Will you still love me even if I don't run far?

I'm linking up with Marcia's Healthy Slice for Runfessions and Fairytales and Fitness and Running on Happy for the Friday 5.0.









83 comments :

  1. Meh, marathons are over rated anyway. Now I'm really glad I did not do the Lulu challenge. I checked and I did get a $25 gift card for the Ghost Race. For a sec I thought it was a discount. It'll be interesting to see where Lulu goes from here with their "treats". Does that mean you're not getting in the Sea Wheeze lotto?

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    1. I didn't even know about the Ghost Race, so there's that. I even posted a message on Lulu's FB page and got a typical PR response. Buh bye.

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  2. I think that Lululemon really messed up with the 40/80 Challenge. Granted I don't think anyone expected to get 2 pieces of free merchandise, but they could have at least offered a gift card, or make the coupon valid on sale items - 25% off full price items just won't work for me!

    Although its been very, very cold this winter, I would still take that over running in high heat and humidity - I just hate summer running so much lol

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    1. You don't award a prize that requires the winner to spend money. That is all.

      I don't hate summer running, it just presents its own set of challenges!

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  3. Yay for the Mizunos! Although the Wave Riders would be a big fail for my stability needs, I have had great luck with their Wave Inspires (even with the tweaks with the newer models). That Lululemon/Strava thing made me mad, and I didn't even participate. I sorta have mixed feelings with the warmer temps, too.....the constant thawing/re-freezing and never-ending mud are not that fun.

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  4. I thought that the Lululemon prize was stupid. In order to claim your discount, you had to sign up for their mailing list or something. When that nonsense happens, I'm out. I also quit Strava this month and that has been pretty liberating. :)

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    1. Garmin Connect dumps my runs into Strava, so it's easy peasy for me. I don't go there regularly.

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  5. Thats pretty messed up with the challenge. I remember everyone getting outside to run during that extreme cold streak, so you definitely deserve more than a coupon. Its great that you found shoes that work well for you! Its probably good to try different shoes once in awhile since so much changes over the years, what worked at one point might not still be the best option.

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    1. The challenge forced me to run outside when I probably would have skipped a run, so that was a good thing.

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  6. I have never liked Lululemon. I think their clothes are overpriced and super boring. You're making the right decision my friend! And yes, this winter has been horrid on the days I'm out there. I was running in freezing rain on Monday. Not cool but also not as bad as I thought it would be. As for being done with the marathon - it's not a bad thing, unless you feel forced into the decision by RA, which no one would blame you for. IMHO you are truly amazing to continue day after day with the pain you must be in, not to mention the mental mind games. You really are in inspiration - marathon or not.

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    1. I don't feel forced into not running marathons anymore, I just get so wrecked from running far. We'll see how things go this spring. But I'm good with not doing that distance any more. Unless someone wants to send me to Boston!

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  7. I was thinking about doing that Lululemon challenge when it first came out, but I knew it wasn't going to be much for the prizes. I rarely shop there anyway, because that stuff is so expensive. $100 for a pair of leggings, Really?

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    1. I don't mind paying $$, obviously since I wear INKnBURN, but the philosophy of the companies are 180 degrees apart!

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  8. And the people who ran the 40 got the same prize as the people who ran the 80. That's not cool either, in my opinion. I fold the waist band of my tights over. That seems to help mine. You'll get a double layer of squeeze at the waistband. I love Mizunos. I only strayed once with a pair of Brooks Ravenna. Bad decision.

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    1. That's a good idea with the waist band. I'll try that! Thank you. What would I do without my running friends!

      Good luck at Callaway!

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  9. I would have been fine with no prize, but don't promise something and then give a coupon!

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  10. That's odd about the compression tights. Are they old? I'm guessing not. I have a pair of capris (not compression) that are probably past their prime (but you still can't see through them!) that slip some. So frustrating! I'd go with the whole folding the waistband thing too. But, the belt is a cute idea. lol :)

    I didn't participate in that challenge but the people in my running group have been chatting about it. General consensus is that the whole thing really sucks. One of the girls is a self-proclaimed Lulu "whore" (her words, not mine) and she even said she was pretty much done with them. Somebody did not think that one through.

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    1. No, the tights aren't past their prime--they're tough to put on, which just makes me shake my head that they keep sliding off! I do think it's the fleece lining since the pants are different brands.

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  11. Not only might Lulu get some sales when people redeem their prizes, they got a ton of data on where/when/how people run .... You've inspired me with all your frigid runs. I'm pysching myself up to bundle up tomorrow.

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  12. I totally agree about the Lululemon thing. I didn't do it last year, so I didn't even realize at first that there were prizes, but a 25% coupon is pretty ridiculous. As a trainer I already get a discount. Besides, I never shopped there anyway...too expensive even with the discount.

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    1. I think Lululemon has just had too many bad incidents to make me want to shop there anymore. There really is nothing worse than an arrogant company.

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  13. I switched from Acics Gel Nimbus to Brooks Ghost 10 and have not looked back. Will try on the Mizuno's when I am at the running store looking for my next pair. Thanks for the tip!
    Chris

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  14. I agree with you on Lululemon. I have one pair of arm warmers from there I like (a gift), but it's too overpriced and meh. If I am going to spend a ton on workout clothes, I prefer Athleta because at least they are into sustainability and fair trade and use real-sized women in their catalogs... and have better colors. I did the Strava challenge and was not impressed with the prize - and I totally see what they did with giving out a great prize the first year to get more people to participate this year.

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    1. Isn't a shame that they did this? I keep thinking about this whole experience and wonder what it is they are going for.

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  15. Oh I think that 'prize' sucks! Granted they probably couldn't give that many participants two free pieces of clothing ..but they sure as heck could've given a smaller item, i.e. headband, water bottle ..something that is truly a prize.

    I truly believe that our bodies change over the years which may require a change in running shoes. Glad the Mizunos are working for you and helping to offset some of those RA related running issues.

    Of course we'll all continue to love you even if you give up long distance running. Heck, I'm impressed with anyone who just runs ..period. Any distance. And I swear, if I make it through this marathon I'll NEVER do another! I just want a check mark by that bucket list item. I just hope I haven't waited too late to tackle it... my body is not happy with me right now and it's really going to be pissed tomorrow!! Lol

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    1. The marathon is a beast that should never be taken lightly! It is way more than 2 half marathons. But it's an accomplishment that to me was only surpassed by the birth of my children. I'm really excited for you to do it!

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  16. Well that prize sounds like the biggest pile of bull crap ever!

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  17. I agree that doesn't sounds like much of prize from Lulu! It's great the Mizunos are working for you - I've always found Asics to be a little on the heavy side.

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    1. I never did think the Asics were too heavy until this past year. I think my stride has changed or something. Anyways, glad to have found other shoes.

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  18. We will always love you, no matter what distance you run! I once ran a race where my running tights wouldn't stay up. So for 10km I kept having to hike them up - so uncomfortable and embarrassing! I saw the prize for the Lululemon Challenge on someone else's blog - after all that, and that's the prize you guys got. I'm sorry but that's ridiculous. Shathiso at www.thegaboronerunner.com

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    1. Isn't that so annoying, having to keep hiking up your running pants? Glad I'm not the only one here!

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  19. Good to hear the shoes are working for you. Once I find a good pair, I hang on to that style. I haven't shopping at Lululemon, ever, and with their continued screw ups, I'll take my business some place else.

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  20. I was pissed that you cuoldn't run on the treadmill I mean it's winter and sub zero and icy.

    Glad your shoes are working better. They are sooo important.

    That's one of the reasons, I may never run a full. I dom't training to take over my life, I don't want to get injured. I kinda like 5 and 10ks. Running has to be fun, right?

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    1. As much as you run, it would be nice for you to have the 26.2 to add to your arsenal of distances! But I get it. The marathon is a huge commitment.

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  21. I will choose to run outside in very cold weather over inside any day. I get so much more from fresh air!

    Here's to not killing ourselves anymore with longer distance races. Who needs that?!

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    1. Your post kind of spurred me on to runfess this! I've known for a while that I"m done with the distance but I hated to put it out there. It just seems so final!

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  22. Totally agree about the Lululemon/Strava challenge. I'll save my pennies for more INKnBURN!

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  23. The amount of clothing needed for winter running needs its own zip code!

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  24. So this was my first year doing the Lulu challenge. I admit on some of those really harshly cold days I only went outside to get the mileage in. I was pretty disappointed in the prize as well. I am not having a problem w my tights staying up as most have a drawstring too. The problem I am having is my shirt riding up under my jackets. It's like all the way up right under my bra! I am really hoping to get back into the weekly wrap this week. I keep sitting down to try to write about all that has happened and I just can't do it. Maybe it's too soon. I don't know

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    1. Oh, I had that shirt problem too. I have to remember to tuck my base layer into my pants and that keeps it in place.

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  25. I signed up for the Lulu challenge as well but didn't even start it, kinda glad I didn't force myself to run outside in our -25c temps those weeks!

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  26. I switched from asics nimbus to Brooks GTS about 4 or 5 years back. Never ever regretted it and I had been loyal for at least 10 years to Asics.

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    1. It's funny to realize that your long term relationship isn't working out anymore!

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  27. your compression tights are falling down???? HOW????

    I don't like Lululemon at all so I didn't do any challenge of theirs. Sounds typical though.

    I did change shoes in September. No more Nikes for me. In fact no more normal shoes. I'll be in Altras as long as the pain in my toe stays away!

    You can run any distance you want and we will still love you. I want to try again to run a marathon but I don't see my career lasting until I'm 80. We'll see.

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    1. Ok, you tell me why they keep falling down? Different brands, too. I think it's the fleece lining.

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    2. I wish I knew, but maybe you are right - could be the fleece.

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  28. I would be so pissed about the Lululemon challenge. I wouldn't shop there again either.

    I know I'm not in the same situation as you but I had 50K or 50M dreams for 2018. This injury has really caused me to refocus and ultimately I want to be able to run into old age so if my distance days are over, I'm okay with that. Do what you can with what you have, right? xxoo

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    1. Yep. I'm kind of surprised at the decline. Could it be age? Menopause? Or RA? Gosh, I hate to blame it on age or menopause!

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  29. I did the lulu challenge and I did wonder in the beginning what it would be - I didn't know of last year. I'm a little disappointed too - definitely more at the 25% off than anything else.

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    1. It's such a bad feeling--I feel like I was taken for a fool. Did Lululemon plan this whole thing?

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  30. Oh my gosh, Wendy! I usually don't comment when you have so many replies already, but I have a lot to runfess this month! First, I do not shop at Lululemon. The first time Hubby and I walked in, the "salespeople" completely ignored us. No greeting, no "how may I help you?" Nothing. I walked out and told Hubby I would not attempt to shop there again. I'm big on service--if it's terrible, clearly you don't want my business. My second runfession is that after the marathon, I have not run at all, and I don't really miss it. One and done as far as marathons for this girl! I have changed shoes a couple of times. I used to wear Asics, went to Saucony Triumphs, returned to Asics. Third: ALL of my tights fall down if I don't have a tie-waist. Hazard of pear-shape, I guess. Fourth, I am SO tired of the cold, but not because of running, although I am tired of layering up for runs. I have an outdoor afternoon duty, so I stand outside for @ 45 minutes each day. Finally (I know, I wrote my own blog post, right?), I LOVE your blog, and I won't care what distances you run!!!

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    1. I'm so glad you commented! But what's up with NO running? Did the marathon suck it all out of you? I totally get that--people need to respect that distance. It's hard. I hope you will come back to the road because it misses you and so do I!

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  31. Out with what's not working and in with new experiences and what works! Hoping this is the start of a great journey for you.

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    1. You know what's working? Strength training! That's a good thing--it's the only thing that will keep me running, I think.

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  32. Well we're obviously on the same page about Lululemon! Us and a bunch of other people. I've been running in Asics Gel Kayanos since I started running, but I've been considering a switch just to see what would happen. Funny thing is, I brought my Gel Kaynos to Dick Pond's over the summer and said I was thinking about switching. They did the gait analysis and said the Gel Kayanos were perfect for me--and I didn't even buy them there!

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    1. Do you think anyone at Lulu cares? Doubtful. Now I like the customer service you got at Dicks! Glad to hear you found the right shoes for yourself.

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  33. It's ok not to want to do a certain distance anymore! A runner is a runner, no matter the race distance!

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  34. I agree, a coupon in no way counts as a prize - and they also don't count as a "free gift" (like to entice you to sign up for something). It seems like companies are doing this more often recently - or maybe I'm just getting more fed up with it!

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    1. It's nothing more than a scam and companies that do this should be ashamed of themselves!

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  35. I also did the challenge and was bummed about the prize. For sure I'm not buying anything. Glad to hear your new shoes are working out for you. That is so weird about the tights falling down. How about writing to the company to let them know? Maybe it is a defective pair and they'll replace them.

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    1. The pants falling down issue is happening with a few different pairs so I think it's me that may be defective!

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  36. Heh, I also felt pretty certain that challenge would end up being bunk given the number of people. I stop shopping from them a few years back because of their corporate ethics (seriously, it's harrowing) but figured I might as well take free stuff from them. Oh well.

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    1. Now you've got me intrigued! But yeah, this was just a bad deal.

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  37. I did a loop with Lululemon for their Frozen Fifty charity run today. I was talking to a store manager I know. The store folks were pushing back on corporate. They said it was because of their expansion into Asia. But... they know that people are pissed. I'm still glad I got the fresh air and Vitamin D. I needed it! :)

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    1. It was a gorgeous morning for a run! I did 9 with a friend. Could have gone longer!

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  38. Oh and I have that same issue with the compression tights falling down. I think it's because my waist is small relative to my quads/thighs. Also there is no tie or way to make them tighter. Annoying!

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    1. I have the opposite issue--no waist! LOL! So what is the issue? :p

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  39. Compression tights falling down, oh my yes! I've found if it wet my belly and back (putting my hand under the faucet and dabbing my belly and back - its really not a lot of water) and maybe hips they stick better. I noticed that after I sweat they stay up so I surmised it may be the moisture of the sweat? Seems to work pretty well for me now.

    Run what ever distance is comfortable. I won't be going much over 5 miles, maybe a 10K once in a while. I took a month off and for the first time in years felt no pain going up or down stairs, I had forgotten what that felt like. I'm up to a couple 4 mile runs a week and we will go from there. The push yourself and all that BS makes me want to cry, really it does, it makes me so angry, if I push myself I spend two days miserable as a result, there is no gain, only a lupus flare and the resulting misery until it passes. Here's to doing what you CAN and not measuring up so someone's silly meme!!

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    1. I like your attitude and your tip! I won't lie, Beth, it's hard for me to let go of the hope to run one more marathon. After all, 5 is such a nice round number. But it's time to relax my goals and enjoy the rest of my running days.

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  40. I saw you and so many other braving the frigid temps to get those k's in for the challenge... I was shocked when it was a measily discount... especially compared to last year!

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  41. Am reminded by all this talk of the Lulu challenge why I don't shop there. A few items I do have were gifts. I got one of their water bottles for Christmas and I have already had to exchange it twice with issues with the lid!
    So glad to hear you found shoes that work for you! I always find that so challenging!

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  42. I feel you on the Asics breakup, that was me last summer. New Balance Vongo 2 have been the dream.
    And yeah, didn't bother with this Lululemon one after the ghost race gift card was a pain to use. It was only valid in this, on that day, in this store. Nope

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    1. This has got to eventually backfire on them, right?

      I've never hear of those shoes! Seems like every brand has that one crowd pleaser!

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