Calling all crafty and creative types!

As is the case with most of us runners, the more we continue to run the more we accumulate medals.  I'm not going to lie, I love getting medals.  LOVE IT. What a great and tangible way to appreciate the fruits of your hard work.  It isn't the only reason I run, not by a long shot, but it certainly is a nice motivator. I remember wearing the medal from my first 1/2 for 2 or 3 days straight, I was just so proud of myself for doing what I once thought was impossible.  Now, if you've been following along for the duration of this blog you will have noticed a theme related to my confidence and motivation.  As in, I have none.  While looking for something else on the abyss that is the top of my dresser I cam across several of my medals.  It just didn't seem right that they end up jumbled in a pile with receipts, mismatched earrings, and the like.  It also made me pause for a minute and remember where each one came from and what it felt like to receive it.  I stopped what I was doing and spent the next hour finding every medal I'd earned since I moved to VA and started running.  For the moment they are hanging on a doorknob in plain sight (and the sight of them is helping) but I think they deserve something more permanent. This is where you, my dear friends, come in to the mix.

I really like the idea of getting something like this, especially from a place like Etsy where it will be one of a kind. (I also like her race bib display too!)  I'm not really sure I want a shadow box, they just don't seem as accessible or fun (too formal?) and I don't want to accumulate multiples across my bedroom wall.  However, I have a few medals that don't have ribbons attached to them nor is there a way to attach one.  So the hanging hook option doesn't quite work for those.  Ideally I'd like to have one display that can showcase both types.  I did some basic Google searching and haven't come up with anything yet.  I did email the owner of the above-mentioned Etsy shop to see if she had any ideas.  What do you think of the linked item?  Should I reconsider the shadow box idea?  How do you currently store your medals?  Do you have mad crafting skills or know someone that does and want to help a girl out? Can't wait to hear all your great ideas!

P.S. I read a really inspiring race recap today, and you should read it too! I don't know what it was about her post but it really seemed to shake some of this bad juju off me.  I hope this is just the beginning!  Hitting the gym after work tonight, say a prayer to the treadmill gods for me :)