Who know that almost one year ago I would run my first race and become an addict?

After running the Shamrock run last March I knew that I would continue to race as long as I can, as many races I could.  Last year I was able to participate in five races.  Two of those races included finisher medals.

I was a loss for what to do with the bibs and medals from the races.  I am kind of sentimentalist so I knew I wanted to keep them, but how do I display them?

I figured I wanted a sign with an encouraging phrase on it and hooks to hang everything.  I also wanted to incorporate the distances I ran and one that I will run.  I found a blank wood sign at the craft store for less than $5.  I picked up the hooks at my one-stop-shopping store for a couple bucks, including the back brackets for hanging.  Because of the size of the sign I decided to attach the medal hook to the back and purchased a hook specially designed for that.  The paper and vinyl I already had.

I first painted the wood, but didn’t like that look, so I covered it with scrapbook paper using Mod Podge.

After determining the size of the area I had to work with I went to my Silhouette Studio to design my sign.  I used the distance (in miles) of a 5k, 10k, half marathon and full marathon (which I plan on running this year).  I used the quote “Take in the fact that you just did that”  I really liked the quote because it reminds me that every race, every run is an accomplishment.

I planned on using white vinyl for the numbers, because I wanted them in the background and not over powering the sign.

 

After cutting out the vinyl and taking the backing off the numbers I realized my vinyl was clear, not white.  I am not even sure where I got clear vinyl….

I thought it would be ok, and that the clear vinyl would make subtle.  It was, too much so.  If I looked at the right angle I could see the shiny numbers but I needed them to stand out a little more.

I took my white chalk pen and went around the numbers, it gave them more depth and I was now able to see them.  I actually like it better than if I used white vinyl because it is visible but subtle.  I went over the whole thing with a coat of Mod Podge to protect the paper.

 

At first I thought I would position the bib hooks so they would hang flat, one hook in each corner of the bib.  But I realized that even with only my five bibs there was a size difference, so that wouldn’t work and I decided I would just hang them by one corner.  This also allows for another hook if I need it.

 

 

I attached the hanging brackets and medal hook to the back, with screws.

Side note: I had to use one hanging bracket on each corner because the sign weight was uneven with the weight of the medals.  If I put one bracket in the middle it would tip towards the medal side.

 

I was going to put it in the living room, but decided the wall above my dresser was a better choice.

 

So now when I get up in the morning I get to see it.

 

 

It will also be easy to add my new bibs after each race.

 

 

Of course I am hoping that I will fill it up and need to make another one!

 

 

Just. Keep. Running.

Just a reminder that with my running I am raising money for St. Jude’s Hospital, click on the picture below to donate.

C25K interval information can be found here

Want to find out what races I’ll be doing next year?  Check out my list.