Guest post: One new full convert's story

Richard has just this year become a full convert to shirtless running. He describes his journey in the following post (the 49th on this blog: The next will be our 50th)!


'I had thought of doing it for several years'
by Richard


Running shirtless… it is something I had thought of doing for several years.  I’d seen people on the streets – sans shirt.  I wondered what others might think.  A few had great bodies.  Most – like me – were less than sculpted, just average.  A few were maybe even less than that.


Now 45, I finally got the nerve to give shirtless running a shot just one year ago.  Sure, the fears existed.  What would people think?  What if I was spotted – naked from the waist up – by a neighbor or co-worker?  But, it didn’t matter.  Inspired and given reassurance by Bare Thomas’ Running Shirtless blog, I took to the streets.

Much to my surprise and comfort, I have survived.  I’ve moved from a safety shirt in my hand to a full convert. In fact, just recently, I didn’t store my condo keys in my normal hiding place, so I had to buzz another building resident to let in her shirtless neighbor!

Running barechested is liberating and comfortable.  No shirt sticking to my torso on humid days.  A cool breeze on my skin.  I have a 4.5 mile loop – on well-traveled streets – and I have yet to cause any accidents or be scolded/ laughed at by anyone.  In fact, I’m just now becoming secure enough to stand pat at street crossings (waiting for the lights to change and right time to safely cross).  Previously, I’d run a little to the left or right and loop around, rather than take the chance of those cars viewing my bare chest while they waited at the light.  I’m now convinced no one is bothered by my average torso being exposed.

Now, I look forward to running shirtless.  It’s fun, relaxing and easy.  The “what is he doing” stares – if they exist – aren’t evident.  My runs are better than ever (I didn’t say faster than ever!).

I thank Bare Thomas and his blog, and all those who contribute,  for giving me the courage and the push to shed my shirt and get out on the streets.  From this point forward, my neighborhood runs, weather permitting, will be shirtless.

I still haven’t run into – literally – any friends or co-workers on my shirtless jaunts.  I don’t run shirtless when I run from my work place (we have facilities here).  But I’m convinced I can continue the movement to shirtless running … and hopefully inspire others to join me.

Just do it!!

Guest post: Tips on shirtless self-confidence

Going barechested or jogbraed for the first time can be a daunting experience, so ROBIN VANAGS has offered a few tips on how to weather that initial storm.

 Shirtless Self-confidence
(perhaps it’s obvious – but...)

(a) First off, remember:  Hesitation is the enemy. Whenever/wherever you run shirtless, take the shirt off decisively and keep it off, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world; you’ve been doing it all your life. The illusion of confidence can be beneficial.

(b) To shield from insecurity, try the ‘what are you looking at?’ technique. I don’t advocate hostility to those you encounter, of course. Rather, try a blank stare if you sense unwelcome attention. Let them question their own behaviour – not yours.

(c) Mental application is important: To fend off self-consciousness, concentrate intensely on what you’re doing and your surroundings – or on anything other than just that you’ve got your shirt off.

(d) Remember your posture! Keep your back and head up straight and your shoulders back – so nothing sags and you don’t slouch. This is one area where thinking about what you look like is going to help (well, I think so).

I hope this isn’t too patronizing – it helped me in my early twenties, I hope it could help others.