Goodbye, 'Jogbra'...

May 2015: First up, though I still try to put up blog content whenever I can, it has been easier to more regularly visit the the Twitterverse. Follow me at @barethomas10 and let's keep the shirtless running flag flying. Of course, the blog still attracts very interesting comments, and good discussion. Keep it up.

Second, in the years since this venture launched, and as shirtless running among women has gone increasingly mainstream, the term "jogbra" has clearly declined in use. I will thus prefer "sportsbra" henceforth - as has already been the case on Twitter, and in recent posts here.

I continue to welcome guest posts (sent to barethomas@gmail.com) on any related topic, including from those who would discourage stripping to the waist. I am myself of course a fervent convert to the joys of running bare. But let all voices be heard!

Saturday, August 29, 2015

'We shirtless guys and girls in jogbras' (Guest post)

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.