Something SWEET and something SPOOKY for you this morning!

 

Sweet:

IMG_3511

IMG_3513

IMG_3515

A toasted quinoa bowl!  I love to toast raw (yes, raw) quinoa as an alternative to oats or granola.   Here’s how I made today’s toasted quinoa.  Also in the mix:  pecans, canned pumpkin, vanilla Greek yogurt, and chia seeds.

 

Now… something spooky!

 

My upcoming marathon is on October 30, and I’m debating whether or not I should run in costume.  Part of me thinks, “That would be so much fun!” and the other part thinks, “That would be so much fun… for two miles or so.”

 

But I asked readers and bloggers to send in photographs of their Halloween Costumes from Runners and here are just a few!  This series will continue, so if you have a running costume, e-mail it to me at caitlinjboyle@gmail.com.

 

*   *   *

 

Gaylemarie wrote, “My sister-in-law and I ran the Disney Princess Race this past year.  We decided to dress up as our favorite princess’, Belle and Ariel!  The costumes were SO fun to make and we didn’t have any issues!  A short skirt with shorts underneath worked our perfectly!!”

66590023

Julia wrote, “Last year my boyfriend and I ran the Healdsburg Half Marathon on Halloween Day in costume. I dressed as a cat (sewed ears on stretchy headband, drew on whiskers and wore a "tail" pinned to my spibelt) and my boyfriend ripped up a shirt, drew  "blood" all over his face, and ran with a dagger and a plastic foot  in his hands, telling whomever passed him "you’re next!" or something like that. It was a big hit. Both of our costumes were pretty minimal and really didn’t interfere with the running.”

CIMG1685 

Emily ran a 5K dressed as a bottle of ketchup!

download1_thumb5

Suzy ran a Jingle in July 5K and dressed up like SANTA!  She also ran a marathon dressed as a Superhero.

 36645_1504161173152_1507937612_31268824_6448839_nhatfield mccoy.2

Carol did a 5K Walk for charity and dressed in this awesome outfit.  She wrote, “I tend towards the "Go Big or Go Home" motto at times…so I’d like to introduce you all to Dominatrix "Lady Chemo", ready to whip cancer!  Vinyl doesn’t breathe well, but I did manage to avoid any serious chafing (thank goodness for Body Glide!)…I did not wear the boots on the walk, changing into my runners, but I still received many compliments on the outfit.”

DSC01231

Lauren ran a 5K as Dorothy’s House in the Tornado.  She wrote, “As I was headed towards the bagel table, I heard another woman talking to a friend, remarking how the “lady in the house” beat her. A friend just loudly exclaimed, “Aw, man!” as I passed her. I taunted back, “You can’t let a house beat you!”  But she didn’t catch up.”

4043020871_9c74bc3093

4043020641_cdbc807e35

Lauren actually has an entire PAGE of Halloween-related running costumes.  Here’s another one of her great ideas!  It won the race’s costume contest!

2989468898_0906721b14_o (1) 

Lori wrote, “I was looking for a costume on the cheap, so I had black running leggings and used a very thin black turtleneck.  I wrapped yellow duct tape around for the bee stripes.  Then I tied pipe cleaners to a head band with little balls glued on the end for antennae.  It cost me about $7 to do this costume.  It was fine to run in and the race was really fun.  I got so many comments as I ran by, like "Go Bumblebee!" and kids would point me out, so I guess it means my costume was recognizable LOL!  My only caution with this costume is to take a deep breath in and hold it while wrapping the tape around your chest, otherwise you won’t be able to breathe later!”

bee1031

Stacy and her friends ran a 5K dressed as PENGUINS.

penguins3

penguins4 penguins5

Sarah wrote, “This past May, on Memorial Day Weekend, I ran in the ODDyssey half marathon in Philadelphia. It was a brand new marathon and the ODD part is that runners are encouraged to dress in costume. I ran with my friend, Alex, and we both sported tutus which are REALLY easy to run in, affordable, and cute! Plus, it’s funny when people cheer, "Go Tutus!" Among other runners I saw costumes including: an older man in a kilt, a gingerbread man (in full costume) being "chased" by a baker, Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck (also in full costumes), a group of devils, a group of Lady Gaga girls, Hawaiian girls, and a man who juggled the ENTIRE race. Honestly, my costume had zero malfunctions, and it was so fun to pass the time looking at what other people were wearing!”

half

Karen ran the Disney Princess Half as a…. princess! Here’s her recap.

20090309_84

Laura wrote, “A friend of me sent your blog suggesting I should send in a picture of my sister and I running as the Incredibles in this past year’s WDW Marathon weekend.  We both ran Goofy’s Challenge (half marathon on Saturday and full marathon on Sunday).  For the half marathon we decided to take it easy and run together.  It took us almost an entire year to decide on our costume!”

Walt Disney World 2010 092

Which costume is your favorite?  Which would you be most afraid to run in?

{ 101 comments }

 

  • Samantha October 6, 2010, 9:19 am

    Kudos to them! I couldn’t run a 1/2 in a costume, I start to hate my socks after a few miles never mind a tutu but its really cute and must be fun for the other runners out on the course.

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete October 6, 2010, 9:20 am

    These were hilarious! I would be afraid to run in the house! Although I *love* the ruby red running shoes!

    I would love to run a race in a tutu!

  • megan @ whatmegansmaking October 6, 2010, 9:20 am

    haha those are awesome! I think the penguins are my favorite, but I wouldn’t want to run in that!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday October 6, 2010, 9:21 am

    Ah, I LOVE the costumes!!
    Particularly the Incredibles

  • Kristy @ Kristyruns.com October 6, 2010, 9:23 am

    This is all so awesome! I can’t get over running in vinyl!!! Maybe ok for a 5k,but a marathon? I don’t think so. The cat or superhero seem luke good/comfortable choices. 🙂

  • Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul October 6, 2010, 9:24 am

    I particularly love the penguin costumes, though it would have to be pretty darn cold not to sweat to death! I hate dressing up for Halloween (yes, I’m a party pooper) but dressing up for a race might be a whole different story!

  • Shannon @ Freshman Yr of Life October 6, 2010, 9:24 am

    the penguins are cracking me up! I’d be afraid to run in the bottle of ketchup. ahha that’s so funny to day.

  • Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place October 6, 2010, 9:25 am

    I thought your marathon was in December? Did I miss something?

  • Freya October 6, 2010, 9:26 am

    Ok – LOL! Some of the best costumes ever!!

  • Krystina October 6, 2010, 9:26 am

    I love Lauren’s Wizard of Oz costume! Good idea with the quinoa, too.

  • Kiki October 6, 2010, 9:27 am

    I did a 1/2 last year on Halloween. My coworkers and I just dressed up as 70’s joggers.. not too original. But there were some great costumes! There was a group of 15 people all wearing prison stripes and a jailer who ran behind them with a stick. There was actually an old man dressed as a rock star running with a real guitar AND playing! It was fun to watch

  • Amanda October 6, 2010, 9:29 am

    So cute! I love the penguins–they have great attitude!

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman October 6, 2010, 9:29 am

    Wow, way to go ladies. I can’t run a marathon in shorts and t-shirt, never mind pleather! That takes serious dedication.

  • Lee October 6, 2010, 9:30 am

    I run the Peachtree Road Race every summer and there is always a guy that runs in a full Eeyore suit carrying a cooler of PBR. And he beats me every time!

  • Courtney (Pancakes & Postcards) October 6, 2010, 9:30 am

    these pictures are AWESOME!!! oh man. i would have such a hard time choosing. out of irony i think i would want to run as a cupcake. or a carton of french fries.

  • karen October 6, 2010, 9:33 am

    Lady Chemo is awesome! Hilarious!

  • natalie October 6, 2010, 9:33 am

    some of those costmes are amazing! i think the best part of the race would be seeing what everyone ELSE dressed up as 🙂 I think the penguin costumes would get super hot! and the house would be hard to maneuver. They look amazing though!

  • Marie @ ReciPeas & Musings October 6, 2010, 9:38 am

    Lady Chemo is absolutely awesome and hilarious. I also love the Wizard of Oz costume! I think I’d definitely run in a tutu though, how cute.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat October 6, 2010, 9:40 am

    ahh i keep meaning to try your toasted quinoa but haven’t done it yet – thanks for reminding me!
    those costumes look great – love the red running shoes! 🙂

  • Kelly October 6, 2010, 9:40 am

    Haha those are great! I love the penguin costumes!

  • Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama October 6, 2010, 9:42 am

    I cannot imagine running in a costume-I absolutely hate clothing touching me when running. I’d run naked if I could! 🙂 My faves were the house with red shoes and the Incredibles. They were all clever, though!

    I am going to try your pumpkin spiced quinoa tomorrow. I think my two-year-old will like it. Thanks for the recipe.

  • rebecca lustig October 6, 2010, 9:43 am

    i ADORE ‘dorothy’s house’ costume.

    i agree, i think you should go big or go home!! 😉

    also– loving the idea of toasted raw quinoa. i have yet to try

  • Anne P October 6, 2010, 9:43 am

    OMG those are all so awesome! I’ve never run in a costume, but I love when others do because it entertains me and distracts from the running! I definitely need to wear a costume for a race sometime 🙂

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) October 6, 2010, 9:43 am

    MAJOR LOLs. This made my day!

  • Katherine October 6, 2010, 9:45 am

    bahaha you should totally go for lady chemo!!!
    Or go as Eve from adam and eve and just put a few leaves on you, that will help with speed!

  • Orla October 6, 2010, 9:45 am

    I am chuckling away at the picture of the penguin sitting and relaxing – just chilling!!!
    I would be too scared to run in costume! I do not need any attention drawn to my running – or shuffling!!!!
    Maybe next time! 🙂

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) October 6, 2010, 9:48 am

    Huge props to the house. That couldn’t have been comfortable.

  • Stacey October 6, 2010, 9:54 am

    HAHA! The dominatrix one was pretty funny. I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to wear that. The costumes are all so cute and unique 🙂 I think you should go for it!

  • Leah @ L4L October 6, 2010, 9:57 am

    I like the bumble bee!!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) October 6, 2010, 9:58 am

    Hands down, Carol’s outfit wins!

  • Wei-Wei October 6, 2010, 9:59 am

    LADY GAGA MARATHONER!!!!!!!

  • emily October 6, 2010, 10:00 am

    This post is so fun! There is a 5k on the 30th my husband and I are eyeing just so we can dress up 🙂

  • Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels October 6, 2010, 10:01 am

    Hahaha, those are hilarious! Carol’s costume is beyond hilarious, I LOVE it!

  • Liz October 6, 2010, 10:14 am

    I was thinking of dressing up for my marathon (Marine Corps, actually on Halloween) but I will probably do something that won’t mess up my running “uniform” like dying my hair or face paint.

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing October 6, 2010, 10:15 am

    Oh wow.. I think the easiest would be a short skirt with shorts underneath or the cat costume.

  • Sonja {ActiveFoodie} October 6, 2010, 10:15 am

    LOVE it! I’m running a 10k on Halloween and your post has totally inspired me to dress up!! Such cute pictures!

  • Beth @ Will Run for Books October 6, 2010, 10:20 am

    hahaha those costumes are awesome! i’ve never run in costume, but i’d consider a pretty minimal one – i like to be comfy!

    does quinoa not turn into a rock in your stomach?? every time i eat it i feel like there is a fire in my tummy. 🙁

    • Caitlin October 6, 2010, 10:27 am

      huh. maybe you are allergic?

  • Joanne October 6, 2010, 10:20 am

    I wouldn’t mind the ballerina costume, as long as my arms didn’t brush against the tutu.
    I would never run in anything of thicker material than my training run outfits or anything that crinkled (made noise) while I ran. That would drive me nuts especially for 26 miles!

  • Maggie October 6, 2010, 10:21 am

    I LOVE the house from the Wizard of Oz. So creative! But I would be pretty afraid to run it…

  • Kaci October 6, 2010, 10:22 am

    I love the last costume!! HOW FUN!

  • Katie @ Healthy Heddleston October 6, 2010, 10:27 am

    Wow those are amazing!! I think the house would have been really hard to run in and I think the tutus or bumblebee are the most function! So neat!

  • ashleigh October 6, 2010, 10:30 am

    I like all of them but don’t think I’d be able to run in any of the heavy ones! I’m more of a princess anyway 🙂

  • Natalia - a side of simple October 6, 2010, 10:43 am

    I’ve never thought to toast quinoa…can’t wait to try it, though. Thank you!

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing October 6, 2010, 10:44 am

    I love the bumble bee costume idea! I like how she just used regular running clothes and tape to create her outfit. That way she could dress up, without worrying about the costume getting in her way :).

  • Kjirsten- Balanced Healthy Life October 6, 2010, 10:48 am

    Dorothy’s tornado house was awesome! What a great idea….although I don’t know how practical it would be to run in.

  • Jessica October 6, 2010, 10:49 am

    I have to things to add today, only one actually related to the post. I’ll start with the non-related:
    – I realized that I had seen Katie Drummond before. She used to post regularly on Runner’s World food forums. She’s a notorious anorexic/exercise bulimic. Lashing out at you and your friends was probably a result of her own deep-seeded problems.
    – I once ran a marathon as a banana (but eventually took the costume off). My boyfriend ran the same race as a beer bottle. The race was a prediction marathon (no watches allowed)on Halloween eve – we finished 2 minutes from midnight and didn’t win. The beer bottle was pretty amazing, though (he didn’t chafe, and it kept him warm on a chilly Illinois fall night)

  • Michelle @ IronDivas October 6, 2010, 10:52 am

    I love the guy in the Penguin costume posing… HAlarious!

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) October 6, 2010, 11:02 am

    What a cute post! Thanks for compiling them – loved seeing the creative ideas:) Can’t wait to hear what ya decide!

  • Camille October 6, 2010, 11:02 am

    How cool!
    I love The Incredibles costumes 🙂

  • skinnyrunner October 6, 2010, 11:03 am

    the dominatrix all the way! hahahaha, im still laughing.

  • Megan @ AVeryMegGirl October 6, 2010, 11:05 am

    I love all these costumes!! I am running a 5K on the 30th and you totally inspired me to dress up 🙂

  • amanda @ Hungry Vegan Traveler October 6, 2010, 11:10 am

    Caitlin, you can totally come up with something awesome and manageable as a running-friendly costume. You should do it!

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa October 6, 2010, 11:13 am

    Love all the costumes. Kudos to running as a cancer dominatrix! I would be afraid to run in most of them, mostly because I fear chafing.

  • meghan October 6, 2010, 11:22 am

    the tutu’s seem easy but the house?? whoa no way, and those costumes that are full length, I think I’d die of heat exhaustion and end up ripping them off.

  • Kristina @ spabettie October 6, 2010, 11:24 am

    wow, my next run, Halloween or not, I want to wear a tutu!! 🙂 I even have a couple bondi bands with crowns on them! 😉

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape October 6, 2010, 11:28 am

    My favorites are definitely the ketchup bottle and the Wizard of Oz ones!! That Dominatrix one is funny but I can’t imagine working out in it!

  • Nicci (Nifty Eats) October 6, 2010, 11:35 am

    I love dressing up for Halloween, I say rock out in a costume for your race. It will be so much fun.

  • tina October 6, 2010, 11:39 am

    I didn’t get a chance to reply yesterday- but you should run as an 80s aerobics instructor- then you are still in workout clothes!!!!

  • Jamie @ Food in Real Life October 6, 2010, 11:44 am

    Mr. Potato head is hysterical! I think you should run in your regular clothes but add some cute or funny costume accessories. Get them for cheap and then toss them when they bother you!

  • Amber October 6, 2010, 12:01 pm

    I am WAY to freaked out about the whole “don’t change anything on race day” creed to run a marathon in costume.

    The best ever running costumes I saw at a local Halloween run was someone that dressed up as a water station (they glued crumpled cups and Gu packets to themselves) and 2 people who raced together as the finish line.

    Those guys cracked me up

  • diana October 6, 2010, 12:02 pm

    i like that cat! she’s so adorable!

    hmm… i was a zombie in red (like lady in red) last year and the year before, i was a cop. i have to say i enjoyed the most was a cop because i was getting a lot of attention from cops all over in the city.

    but i would never wear a bikini to run for halloween.

  • Maya October 6, 2010, 12:20 pm

    I LOVE the ruby red slippers! Goodness!

  • Angela October 6, 2010, 12:20 pm

    Love the bumble bee. I think the most difficult thing to run in would be the potato head costume. I’d be scared of anything that blocks my vision or prevents me from breathing. I struggle to breathe when my face isn’t covered so I’d be having panic attacks in that outfit!

  • LC @ Let Them Eat Lentils October 6, 2010, 12:21 pm

    For Bay to Breakers in SF, everyone dresses up and basically walks the race after the runners (they usually dress up too). A fun idea if you have a big group is to have everyone dressed as M&Ms – you just all wear different full-color outfits and use white painters tape to have M&M on your shirts. Simple and doesn’t mess with the running, er walking.

  • Teacherwoman October 6, 2010, 12:22 pm

    Those are some great ideas! I think as long as you are comfortable in them, go for it!

  • Nicole @ yuppie yogini October 6, 2010, 12:24 pm

    Those are awesome! I love the dominatrix. I was a dominatrix for Halloween last year. You could borrow my costume… 😉

  • Amber K October 6, 2010, 12:31 pm

    I wouldn’t want to run in anything more than a tutu! I get hot too easily for some of those other ones.

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In October 6, 2010, 12:33 pm

    During my half marathon that spring, there was someone dressed as a ghost and then someone dressed as Scooby chasing him! They were SPEEDY until mile 3 when they started to, quote, “slow down at an alarming pace”.

    Somehow scooby found another person dressed as Clifford and they finished the race together! Hilarious!

  • Kiran October 6, 2010, 12:43 pm

    All looked awesome! Way to go!

    I loved the Disney Princess theme. So cute 🙂

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey October 6, 2010, 12:54 pm

    Those costumes are hilarious! I wanted to run the Disney Princess next February, but I can’t take off of work. Rats.

  • Cyndi @ Weightless Life October 6, 2010, 1:28 pm

    What a fun post! I would love to run my upcoming half in a superhero costume. There’s just something whimsical about running around full of energy in a cape.

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss October 6, 2010, 1:31 pm

    hahahaha those are awesome!! I can imagine running next to a penguin would be something new 😛

  • monicanelsonfitness October 6, 2010, 1:41 pm

    rad post!!

  • Lisa October 6, 2010, 1:49 pm

    I LOVE the dominatrix! And I am so glad she didn’t wear those boots for the walk! OUCH!

  • elaine! October 6, 2010, 1:53 pm

    Is there a trick to spray painting your running shoes like Dorothy’s House did? I really want to do that for my next big relay race… really get in the spirit and go all-out with my relay team’s colors! But I’ve been worried about killing the breathability of the shoes, or having the paint come off on my feet or in the van.

    • Lauren @ merrymishaps October 6, 2010, 5:32 pm

      Hi elaine,

      I painted the shoes with red acrylic paint first, and then added red spray glitter. I don’t think it affected the breathability, and the shoes looked the same before/after the race. I only had to wear them for 3 miles, though, and I don’t know what would have happened if it rained!

      • elaine! October 6, 2010, 5:57 pm

        Thanks Lauren!

  • Wendy Irene (Give Love Create Happiness) October 6, 2010, 2:09 pm

    Those were some great costumes!

  • Sana October 6, 2010, 2:15 pm

    I would go with something short and skimpy! JK But nothing too elaborate. A simple head band/ tutu will work!

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous October 6, 2010, 2:37 pm

    LOL, Dorothy’s House is my fave, but how on earth did she run in that getup!? I liked the tutus, too 🙂

  • Heather October 6, 2010, 2:47 pm

    awesome. I can handle some of the less invasive ones like a tutu but I could never run in a penguin suit!

  • Sarah October 6, 2010, 3:10 pm

    This isn’t my costume, but my house is at the starting point of the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston… and there are some mighty creative people who run that 10K!!! My personal favorite was the 9 boys I saw running by, all of them in full suits, running in formation with one of the guys in a G.W. Bush mask in the middle. All of the “secret service” agents had badges and walky-talkies. It was hysterical. I wish I had gotten a picture.

  • carlee October 6, 2010, 3:13 pm

    I’m not sure but you should totally do it! That would be sooo cute!

  • Sarah (A Runner's Heart) October 6, 2010, 3:20 pm

    My favorite movie ever is The Incredible’s, so I LOVED their costumes! The Dorothy’s House costume is so cute 2! Especially the “ruby slippers”! 🙂 I would be one of the ones with a tutu though. They are so easy to make and not much hassle to wear! 🙂

  • Betty October 6, 2010, 3:51 pm

    They are all so creative. I love them all. I want to have a costume for the Las Vegas half also. Thanks for the ideas 🙂

  • Miranda October 6, 2010, 3:59 pm

    I finally tried the pumpkin yogurt and now I know why you love it so much! It’s amazing!!

  • Jill October 6, 2010, 4:18 pm

    Omg! Those costumes are great. The house hands down is my favorite! Although the thought of having to run with that on makes me nervous.

  • Lauren @ merrymishaps October 6, 2010, 5:36 pm

    Thanks for including me. I love all the costumes!

  • Real October 6, 2010, 5:36 pm

    I am chuckling as I read the post. I love them all, especially that ruby red running shoes.

    In fact, as long as you are comfortable in them, just go for it. That would be so much fun.

  • Heidi - apples under my bed October 6, 2010, 6:38 pm

    Oooh do the princess one! You could wear just a little tutu and it shouldnt get in the way. cute! Dominatrix “Lady Chemo” – wow, she is a trooper! that costume is hilarious hehe. way to stand out.
    I agree with what everyone has said in that as long as you’re comfortable!!
    Heidi xo

  • Nikka B October 6, 2010, 6:58 pm

    Those costumes are so much fun!
    I love Dorothy’s house in the tornado!!

    But you gotta love Carol 🙂

  • maria @ Chasing the Now October 6, 2010, 7:00 pm

    Love The Incredibles costumes. I’ve been trying to think of some costumes (not for running) so these gave me a few cheap ideas. Thanks!

  • stacey-healthylife October 6, 2010, 7:20 pm

    Those are awesome costumes, so much fun. But they were all for shorter races which I think helps.

  • Lacey @ Lake Life October 6, 2010, 8:43 pm

    I love the Dorothy costume, simply for the ruby sneakers!

  • Monica October 6, 2010, 8:56 pm

    Awesome!! Thanks for sharing this with your readers. 🙂 I’m doing a 5K on the 30th and definitely will be dressing up.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin October 6, 2010, 10:11 pm

    Haha, these are amazing! I love the Dorothy’s house one, but it looks like it would be so hard to run in!

  • Charise October 7, 2010, 9:19 am

    Some of those are hilarious! I literally laughed out loud at the thought of a gingerbread man being “chased” by a baker. Would have loved to see that!

Previous post:

Next post:

Healthy Tipping Point