In my intro class, I teach students about conspicuous consumption and how it drives the leisure industry in the U.S.  I think about this a lot when it comes to my own leisure, particularly running.  You have to understand that I love running gear.  When I get my running magazine each month, I spend a goodly amount of time looking at the ads and going, "Ooo.  Shiny."  

I'm a gearhead in other realms, too.  I like backpacking gear and techie gadgets.  When it comes right down to it, it's probably more about nerdy consumption than conspicuous consumption with me.  

Nevertheless, I do try to be reasonable.  Except in the most extreme weather, I don't have a problem with going for a run in an old race t-shirt. Over the years, I have tried to sort out for myself which gear is necessary, which gear is optional, and what's downright silly.  

I was completely surprised recently to find that race number belts are in the optional and not the silly category.  Here's a picture:

The whole point of this item is that you can put your race number on it.  This seemed a somewhat ridiculous item for someone who does not run triathlons.  There's no quick change for me.  Why would I need this?  

Well, Brother Metronome seemed to feel that I was lacking in this area, so I am now the proud owner of a Fuel Belt race number belt.  In spite of myself, I came to appreciate my belt when I was at the Race for the Cure.  

It's not the putting-your-number-on piece that's nice about it. I generally have plenty of time to put on my number.  It's the taking-your-number-off part, where presto change-o you now (except for being sweaty) look like a normal person when, say, you go to a restaurant for breakfast after the race.  I liked this much better than I expected.  It's quite handy.

So, there you go.  Race number belts aren't silly.  Who knew?  

I still think running socks are utterly useless.