When you run a race, you almost always get a race bib. You might get a medal or a ribbon at the end of the race. After the race is done, what do you do with these race artifacts?
Some people throw them away or put them in a box or drawer and forget about them. Why not display your accomplishments!? You put in the hard work to get to race day, right? You found a way to cross the finish line. You earned the right to have those accomplishments on display. Even if you don't like to have things on display for others, it can be a positive reminder of what you've accomplished and help keep you motivated to keep running.
A way to display these artifacts can be to add them to a shadow box. This makes for a great way to elegantly display your achievements as well as help protect them from getting ruined or worse yet, lost forever.
One shadow box I have has all my race bibs (which is quite a lot!) and three finisher ribbons when I first started running. With all the race bibs I've collected, I have the one that means the most to be at the front of the pack. All races are special and have great memories associated with them, but the Detroit Marathon race bib means the most to me. It's my first marathon. I entered, crossed the start line and found a way to cross the finish line.
Some people throw them away or put them in a box or drawer and forget about them. Why not display your accomplishments!? You put in the hard work to get to race day, right? You found a way to cross the finish line. You earned the right to have those accomplishments on display. Even if you don't like to have things on display for others, it can be a positive reminder of what you've accomplished and help keep you motivated to keep running.
A way to display these artifacts can be to add them to a shadow box. This makes for a great way to elegantly display your achievements as well as help protect them from getting ruined or worse yet, lost forever.
How to get started?
Putting together shadow box displays is relatively easy and doesn't require a large amount of time or skills. Most craft stores carry a selection of shadow boxes in different sizes, shapes and finishes and typically come with some sort of fabric or cork backing. If you don't like the shadow boxes your neighborhood store has to offer, you can also order shadow boxes online at various retailers as well.
Race bibs and ribbon shadow box - All my race bibs were put in clear plastic page protectors from an office supply store. If the page protectors are too large, they can be trimmed down to fit. You can also find smaller page protectors in the scrapbook section of arts and crafts stores.
Medals shadow box - Choose a handful of your favorite medals. Fold the ribbon up just enough to let some of the ribbon show and let the medal hang freely. It helps to gently sew the ribbon together at the edges with clear thread to keep it from tangling. You can also use silk pins or dressmaker's pins to pin the ribbon to the shadow box backing.
How I made it work
The other shadow box has a few of the finisher medals that mean a lot to me. I have my medals from Detroit Half Marathon, Brooksie Way Half Marathon, Detroit Marathon, Crim 10 mile, and Bayshore Half Marathon.
I have both shadow boxes hanging on the wall in my office. I use them as a reminder to myself of what I've been able to accomplish and as positive motivation to keep on running.
What about you?
What do you do with your race artifacts? Do you display them or have a special place for them?
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