Bonum Cursum

As a runner and cyclist, my wardrobe and gear are basically their own obstacle course. I have this… let’s call it a “seasonal rotation system,” which happens maybe two or three times a year. And every single time, I manage to do something completely wrong.

For example, just now I grabbed my summer clothes… in the middle of autumn. Classic. You would think after a few years of training, I’d have this down. But no. Somehow, my closet ends up being like a personal comedy show: cycling jerseys mixed with winter running tights, summer shorts chilling next to wool socks, and at least one pair of sneakers that should probably be retired but keep making cameos.

Sometimes it’s even worse because I live in more than one place a year. One is colder, one is warmer, and I keep going back and forth. By the time I switch my clothes to the right climate, I’m already halfway insane. And that’s just the clothes. Don’t get me started on my Camelbak, bottles, headlamps, gloves, hats, and random accessories. Packing all of that for the right season, in the right place, is basically a full-time job.

I’ve tried to organize it like a “pro wardrobe and gear system”: summer clothes up high, winter down low, race kits in one corner, casual stuff in another, bottles and lights in drawers, Camelbak on the hook… but the laws of the universe conspire against me. By January, I’m wearing flip-flops in snow, a hoodie in 30°C heat, and wondering why my headlamp is missing while my bottle is empty.

Yet somehow, despite all the chaos, it’s a huge amount of fun. There’s something exciting about the challenge, the mix of running, cycling, switching climates, and juggling gear. It’s hard, sometimes crazy, but that’s exactly why it’s worth it.

So here’s my expert advice for fellow runners and cyclists on handling wardrobe and gear: rotate, rotate, rotate… and then accept that you will inevitably get it wrong. Twice. Maybe three times. But you’ll do it with style, sweat, and a smile. And hey, it’s a perfect excuse to buy a new pair of socks, a new bottle, or maybe even a headlamp.

PS: I have way too many headlamps and other lights. I rarely remember to pack them, so somehow I keep accumulating more and more. At this rate, I might need a separate backpack just for my lighting collection! 😄