Running Shirtless

[38thparallel]

Hi everyone,

I have to ask the question: how do you feel about running shirtless (both male and female)? I live in an area that is extremely humid and there are times when I'm sorely tempted to tear off my shirt and run in my sports bra. Yet, I always chicken out in the end. I mostly run in my neighborhood, which isn't very large and is pretty private. Still, I'm a total chicken! I am never bothered by other shirtless runners. Whatever their body type, skin pigment, body hair, etc. -- just lob on that sunblock and boast that healthy awesomeness! I just cannot get the image of a Baywatch babe out of my head when I'm trucking down the street with my supposed "sweat wicking" shirt practically glued to my torso.

What are your thoughts/experiences?

Comments

[axelrod]

When it's at all hot, I always run with just a sports bra on top. It does make sense that you're more self-conscious about your own body, even while not being judgmental or anything about others who run shirtless.

[ilanarama]

Oddly, what makes me self-conscious about running with just a sportsbra is that I always wear my HR monitor strap, and I think that looks dorky.

[thalia]

Not as dorky as guys who run shirtless and wear a HR monitor strap. If I didn't know what it was I'd think it was some weird BDSM thing.

[38thparallel]

Ha! The first time I saw someone wearing a HR monitor strap, I had to perform a few stealthy stalker moves trying to follow them until I realized they were measuring their HR. Now, I covet everyone's HR monitors! When I see a runner with a strap, I am definitely impressed (and envious). :) Be dorky with your strap!

[38thparallel]

You're right, it's not unusual to be more judgmental about your own body than about other people's bodies. I get the feeling I should shed my shirt the next time I'm feeling like a soggy washcloth. Scandalized neighbors can GTFO!

[axelrod]

If you're more comfortable that way, absolutely. If anyone does take exception to that, well, it's not like you're standing in their living room with your shirt off :)

[blnchflr]

Me, too, with the coveting - you sport that thing proudly :o) !

[blnchflr]

I just bought a new sports bra, where I noticed (or thought) that my nipples were rather visible, and that would make me self-conscious about running in just the sports bra - but I think it would only take ½ minute, then I would forget about it and run unself-consciously.

I don't like to run when it's hottest, so I think I've only run once in just a sports bra, but it was fine for me, and I'd do it again, and have thought about doing it this summer when it gets hotter.

[nanila]

I can't do it. Too much body anxiety, even though, like you, I never care about other runners' bodies being on display.

I don't even like running in shorts very much!

[38thparallel]

I have a white sports bra that I love, but that also causes me to worry about crazy nipple exposure. I admire your ability to run unhindered by self-conscious paranoia! :) I think I'll head out in my sports bra tomorrow morning to test the waters (hopefully I'll be up and out before my creeper neighbor walks his dogs).

[38thparallel]

It is difficult. Sometimes I feel naked running in a tank top! I may try running in just a sports bra during one of my shorter runs. That way, I won't be stuck 4 miles out and feeling utterly self-conscious. I just hate suffering in the heat because of my own shyness!