May is National Runners' Month?

When I sifted through the local Sunday paper last night, I stopped at the Dick's Sporting Goods sale insert.  The front cover proclaims that May is National Runners' Month, and I'm invited to "Celebrate National Runner's Month at DICK'S SPORTING GOODS." I've called myself a runner for a while now, but I was not aware that runners have a special month.  I noticed the fashionable young runners and rows of shoes and looked inside to see what sale Dick's is holding in my honor.  I was disappointed to see that the best sale items were socks and pricey, technical wrist gadgets.  Several pairs of nearly $100 shoes were discounted by about $10.  This wouldn't lure most runners I know into the store.

Curious to know why I was not aware of a whole month dedicated to me, I Googled it.  A few other bloggers were commenting on the same thing.  They knew about this before me through TV ads.  I don't watch much TV, and when I do, I don't usually watch commercials.  Reading further I learned that Dick's invented National Runners' Month two years ago.  It is a marketing ploy to boost sales.  If Dick's can promote running and get more people moving, that is a good thing though.  Will being able to get a few dollars off running gear motivate people enough to start running?

My favorite places to buy apparel are at Nike Factory Stores and on-line through Athleta.  Sometimes I grab something fun and colorful while navigating through Super Target.  I've gone through a lot of running shoes, and of all of those, I only bought one pair at Dick's.  That's because the shoes I had been wearing were on sale, plus the store had a generous shoe coupon in the paper after Christmas. I was tickled with that purchase.  Otherwise, I buy most of my shoes from local, specialty running stores or through mail order. I go to a running store when I am looking for a new type of shoe or my shoe has been discontinued because I value the wisdom and advice of the trained staff who share my love of running.  Once I find a pair of shoes I like, I stick with it and shop around for the best prices on-line.  I don't foresee changing my habits because Dick's wants me to celebrate with them by opening my wallet.  I look forward to seeing what is ahead for the rest of the month.  If a super coupon is involved, or if I run out of Gu, I'll be there.