This post will probably come across as trite and insignificant. If you have been reading my blog for any amount of time you know how much the Boston Marathon means to me. Well, the marathon and the jacket. I have wanted that damn jacket for the past 10 years. Sounds silly but it means a lot to me.
After stalking the Adidas website for what seemed like an eternity, the 2012 Boston Marathon jacket was finally unveiled. Honestly, it’s a bit of a letdown. Specifically, the fit and color are disappointing.
Color
Why can’t they just stick with the old blue and yellow jackets? Ya know, the Boston Marathon jacket that everyone recognizes? This year’s color is an awful red-orange and black.
Fit
I read on the Runner’s World discussion boards that the jacket runs small. Crap, they weren’t kidding. I normally wear a small but ordered a small and medium to be on the safe side. I took pictures so you can see how ridiculous this is.
Womens Small – It’s way too short and too tight in the neck. I look like I’m wearing doll clothes. And why is it too tight in the neck? My neck is definitely a normal size.
Womens Medium – too wide
So I ordered a mens small to try out. What the hell, right?
Mens Small – perfect length, not too wide, fits in the neck area. But…wait…it’s different than the womens jacket.
I actually like the mens jacket better. Will I look like a jackass wearing the mens version? What would you do?
Side note: I have NO intention of wearing this jacket until after I cross the finish line. That would just be bad luck.
Boston Week 5 Recap
MON: 3 miles easy
TUE: 6 miles speed with 3 x 1-mile repeats
WED: barre class
THU: 7 miles with 5 long hill repeats
FRI: rest
SAT: 17.5 miles progression run
SUN: 6.5 miles easy
40 miles total for the week. This was a drop back week. I hope to hit 48 this week and then head into the 50s next week!
I think the men’s fit is the best, but people might assume you have a small, very fast husband and you’re borrowing his jacket. 🙂
I’m surprised it’s not yellow and blue!
wonder why they switched from the known blue and yellow?
I’d wear the mens small if i were you ..it fits the best.
Definitely go with the men’s small. I don’t think anyone will notice the slight differences, and you’ll feel more comfortable in it. I have to say, I kind of like the orange 🙂
If they’re gonna change the colors, my vote is they change it to pink and black. 🙂
Hope they change it back to normal for 2013, then we can both get it next year!
I’m bummed now too! I liked last years jacket a lot, even though it wasn’t blue and yellow. Those Coles this year are blech! Thanks for the heads up on sizing.
I actually like the men’s one better, and it definitely looks like it fits you better.
I encountered the exact same issue last year with the jackets. I ended up holding on to the w’s medium, but I didn’t even think to try the m’s small. I don’t think anyone will know it’s the men’s version except for you! I have to say, my favorite piece of Boston gear was the qualifier zip up jacket. I get more compliments on that thing than anything, and its great for exercise or lounging.
Oh man! I see your conundrum! I actually think the men’s small looks great on you, though! I love the faces you’re making in these photos. HAHAHA!
SO EXCITING that you’re finally getting one of those babies! Yippeeeee!!!!!!!
I am cracking up at your cute facial expressions in the first two pics. I know… why do they have to change things around? The color looks perfect on you, nonetheless, but yeah, the blue would go with everything! I hope that post-Boston, you’ll be rockin’ that jacket every day… and I bet you’ll be wearing it to sleep.
I am getting so excited for you. April will be here before we know it. Okay, I won’t rush things. I know you’re only on week #6.
Go with the men’s small. The year I ran Boston I did not get the jacket (that year the women’s colors were fluorescent blue and yellow, not the regular blue/yellow and I just didn’t want to spend that much $ on something I didn’t like that much.) In retrospect I should have bought the men’s version. Definitely regret not having a Boston jacket!
Ew, why did they change the colors and why did they pick those colors! But at least you have the jacket….and at least no one will miss it with those colors 🙂 I actually like the design of the men’s better than the women’s and no one will know….and even if they did, so what? It’s definitely the best fit and I like that the stripes go all the way down the sleeves!
Ooh, I want one of those jackets too–between the Trials and the marathon last month, Houston was crawling with them.
I agree the new colors aren’t as nice, but I don’t think you should feel funny about wearing the guy’s jacket. It looks good on you and most people won’t know the difference. They’ll just know you’re a badass who ran Boston. (And that logo remains unmistakable, regardless of the color.)
Aw, that sucks! You’ve been waiting so long – how dare they change it?? I think you look good in the mens….it doesn’t look that different to me?
i’ve wanted that jacket for so long too! So excited you get to have one! And, totes go with the men’s one. It looks perfect on you!
I would definitely go with the men’s jacket! I HATE when women’s running gear is too short/too wide! You will look great in that jacket this spring 🙂
Go with what is the most comfortable!!! I do hate when things are too short and wide. Jacket — its official!
I definitely agree that the men’s jacket looks better! I have the 2009 jacket and I don’t love it. Took 2 returns to get the right size, same problem with way too small sizing. I ended up with a medium and I wear XS in everything! You’d think Adidas would have sorted this out by now.
Good luck at Boston!!!
I know this might seem like a silly thing to complain about but seriously – I’m so disappointed!! I ran Boston in 2009 and was so excited to get the jacket. Even though the blue and yellow is super bright, I LOVE that thing and wear it all the time. I don’t understand why they switched the colors this year…and why the fit is so weird. If I were you, I would just get the men’s if you’re most comfortable in it. Most people probably won’t know the difference.
PS. I know I’m super behind on this but the blog looks amazing! I love it!
The men’s jacket looks good–you seriously couldn’t tell anyways. 🙂
Go with the mens! It looks perfect on you! I wouldn’t even have known the difference until you mentioned it and then I scrolled up and down a bunch of times to compare. Definitely, you will not look like a jackass! Go for it! 🙂
I agree with you on the colors!
I agree that the orange is loud. I can appreciate that they want to change colors every year to make each year special. 2012 will be my only Boston and will always remember all of the orange at the water stops and expo.