Phil from Rhode Island describes his "feeling of elation" at sustaining his conversion to shirtless running.
I wanted to share my story about embracing shirtless running.
Ever
since I got married, I have been trying to be more active, for the sake
of my wife and my future kids. One way I've been accomplishing that
goal is through running. I've always enjoyed running and until recently
have only done so fully clothed. But recently I decided to change all
that.
I've been on shirtless runs before. Many
years ago I used to run with a friend who was a track runner. One hot
day on the trail he pulled ahead of me and in one swift motion pulled
his shirt over his head and continued on. By the time I caught up the
sweat was pouring down his chest. He looked over to me and suggested I
did the same, telling me that I would be more comfortable. Without a
second thought I did the same. The feeling was liberating; the cool
breeze against my bare chest, the warmth of the shaded sun. Not to
mention the charge of two shirtless guys on the trail encountering
several girls in tank tops and jog bras.
Fast
forward to now. With the long New England winter finally behind us I had
been itching to get out and enjoy the weather. My first few morning
runs this year have been chilly, still cool enough for a t-shirt. Now
that the summer has arrived though, I've been out shirtless as much as
possible. And I still get the same feeling of elation as I did back
then. Seeing my fellow fitness buffs out on the road or along the beach
helps to push me along. It has even inspired me to complete my first 5K
since high school.
Now if only I could find a gym around here that would allow guys to lift shirtless.
