Since I want to be always fair, it ought to be noted that being a shirtless runner has its occasional negatives.
1) I've received everything from unmistakeably disapproving raised eyebrows to schoolgirls giggling to each other; anything from blaring car horns to catcalls and yells of "Put a shirt on, mate" could be directed your way.
2) If you do without a 'safety shirt', it isn't really convenient to drop by the corner store on the way home for a few supplies or the morning paper.
3) There are still people that I would rather not encounter during my shirtless runs. Certain old friends and the like. Irrational? If you like. But most folks have their 'hope not' lists, I suspect.
4) If you get used to running without a shirt, it's rather constricting to have to plod along in some form of upper-body wear. So when it's too cold to do without any, one is caught in a fitness 'no-man's-land'.
5) Gyms typically require patrons to wear at least a tank-top, so I've mostly given up on them since I don't do weights and prefer the outdoors anyway. But for those who prefer treadmills and the like, the problem looks pretty insuperable.
6) Depending on the length of run and the weather, the shirtless runner really mustn't forget his sunscreen (thanks to respondents on community.active.com for reminders on this point).
3 comments:
as for #3, it depends on the corner store. Especially if it also sells gas, I wouldn't expect a problem, here in Salt Lake City.
Hi there, it's a great blog, please do continue posting here.
I'm currently trying out shirtless running, in order to build my confidence level, since im the 'shy' type.
your entries are inspirational.
To be honest, George, if I've been perspiring heavily, I'm a little chary of entering an establishment anyway.
As for you, Anonymous, take it easy and I hope the shyness dissipates - as it typically will, given time.
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