Yeah, yeah, running is great exercise and all, but who are we kidding? Spandex and tennis shoes pale in comparison to couture.

This weekend, once you're done cheering on loved ones at the best spots to catch the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon, do something for you and scope out the deals at CultureMap's Fashion On Sale.

Unfortunately, tens of thousands of runners and two days of road closures will provide significant and literal barriers to a fantastic shopping experience. Let us help you out.

On Saturday

Most vehicle-bound Houstonians will fare well during Saturday's Olympic trials. The races begin at 8 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. — and runners finish in as little as 2:07:37 — so most participants should be off of the roads long before noon.

Plus, the Olympic qualifiers will be limited to a loop between South Shepherd Drive and Discovery Green, along Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive.

If you're in downtown, park north of McKinney Street or south of Bell Street for the least inconvenience and the easiest getaway.

Sunday is more complicated

The courses for both the half marathon and full marathon on Sunday are more meandering, and traffic will be maddening at different times throughout downtown, Montrose, West University, the Galleria and Memorial Park, where runners and spectators will take over the streets.

The race will begin around 7 a.m. near Minute Maid Park, heading north on Elysian Street through the Heights, along Quitman Street/White Oak Drive, turning south on Studemont Street/Montrose Boulevard.

At Richmond Avenue, half marathon runners will loop back north to Allen Parkway and through downtown to the finish line at Discovery Green. The marathon course continues west, north and then east again, creating a bit of a hassle for anyone who lives outside of Upper Kirby, River Oaks or Montrose.

• If approaching West Ave from the Heights or Rice Military, your best bet will be to take Heights Boulevard to Waugh Drive, or I-610 S to the San Felipe exit. All of Shepherd Drive's southbound lanes will be closed from 6 a.m. until after 12:30 p.m., and Allen Parkway east of Shepherd Drive will be occupied until around 1:15 p.m.
• From downtown: Take 59 S, exit Kirby Drive.
• From West University: Before 9 a.m., take 59 to I-610 N to San Felipe Street. The blockades at University Boulevard and Kirby Drive should be lifted by 10:17 a.m.

Avoid a late arrival by anticipating traffic and leaving early. See a full list of road closures and anticipated re-opening times here.

Fashion On Sale takes place at West Ave at River Oaks and on Friday (VIP shopping party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.), Saturday (8 a.m. to 12 p.m. early admission, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. general admission) and Sunday (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. general admission). Purchase your tickets in advance here.