Black Friday and Small Business Saturday deals for runners

Eat all day Thursday. Shop all day Friday. Shop again at the second Small Business Saturday. Isn’t that how all Thanksgivings are supposed to be scheduled? Feasting followed by retail therapy? If it means replacing the running shoes I burned out at yesterday’s Turkey Trot or saving on gifts for the other runners in my life, I’ll take it. Even if that does mean venturing out to the stores on this Black Friday, a day that might be better spent running (they are calling for a high of 60 after all) than waiting in line.

But I’m not suggesting pushing through the crowds at Water Tower Place, the State Street shops or the suburban malls. Nor am I urging a fight over the price-is-right sports gear at Old Navy, where the entire store is seemingly on sale at its Gooblepalooza, or the electronics sales at Best Buy.

Nope, running is on the brain when it comes to these Black Friday steals. Here are a few to check out, some of which continue through the weekend (even better!).

The Leftovers Sale. We have food leftovers in the fridge and Fleet Feet has a season’s worth of “leftover” gear in their stores at Piper’s Alley and Lincoln Square. The retailer’s Leftovers sale went into play when the doors opened this morning at 10 am and runs until Monday. Shop early because it’s only while supplies last in terms of scoring the best gear. But chances are it’ll be tough to go home empty handed considering apparel, shoes, sports bras and more are on sale.

Winter Gear Sale. Universal Sole’s flagship location is serving as the packet pick-up spot for Saturday’s Grant Park Turkey Trot, but it’s also serving up some deals on winter gear until Sunday. Not only is winter apparel discounted, but so are sale items (more than their sale price).

Online sales. Yes, we have to wait a few days for Cyber Monday, but apparently it’s not stopping online retailers from offering up the bargains. Under Armour, Skirt Sports, Adidas, Nike, to name a few—there’s something to be saved. It might not be a tamer crowd at the running stores, but it’ll be a familiar one. And who couldn’t use a closet restocking, especially adding winter gear, or a running shoe refresher? Not me.