tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30196371658135803402023-08-06T02:09:44.640+08:00Running ShirtlessIt's true: Going bare-chested (or stripping down to sportsbra) can be liberating.barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-33271290147437657052022-02-22T12:08:00.000+08:002022-02-22T12:08:10.960+08:00[Guest post] A new shirtless brother<p>(<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Andy wrote in with his recent 'conversion'... He dispensed with the safety top in double quick time too. Welcome him, brothers and sisters đ€. Like he says, it's about enjoying your running.)</span></p><div class="mail-message expanded" id="m#msg-f:1707817314877462140" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><div class="mail-message-content collapsible zoom-normal mail-show-images " style="margin: 16px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; user-select: auto; width: 361.091px;"><div class="clear"><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">Growing up as a chubby kid, being shirtless was one of the last things I'd ever do in public. Even at home, I never showed my bare chest to any of my family members. For pool parties, tubing events, or beach parties, I always had my shirts on. In my youth, as soon as I formed my identity and started thinking (~5 years old), I never took off my shirts in public.<div><br /></div><div>Then when I was 16~17 years old, I lost lots of weight. My adolescent hormones definitely helped, but I also wanted to be in decent shape for the first time of my life. So I ran a lot, every day, around the neighborhood and school. I finally got a teenager runner's body. However, although I gained enough confidence to at least show a bare chest when changing to PE clothes in the locker room, I'd never take my shirts off in public.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fast-forwarding my story, now I'm 37 years old. Over 20 years from high school, I've gained lots of weight and lost all that for like 3 times. Every cycle, I learned that I had to work out a lot harder as I got older, and by the 3rd time I lost weight, which was in 2019, I decided to break this cycle. So far, for two years, I've been maintaining well and losing more fat while gaining muscle through weight workouts. But I still wouldn't take my shirts off in public.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hadn't been consistent with running. Since 2019, after my 3rd cycle of gaining and losing weight, I was able to maintain my weight without running. But I could not forget the runner's high, the breeze over my face, and just the good refreshing feeling after you complete the loop. Plus, I got more ambitious now with my body shape that I really wanted to get rid of those couple inches of persistent love handles. I knew running is the key, so I started running again last week. All those good memories of running immediately returned and I enjoyed every minute of it. But I realized that somehow the weather felt a lot hotter than before.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe global warming, or just me. But taking political subjects out of the context, I couldn't explain why, but I just felt like it was just too hot to run. I've run in August plenty of times in my life, and yes, every time it was sizzling hot. But somehow something was different this time. I ran for 3 days with shirts, and I couldn't enjoy running anymore. So on the 4th day, after passing a half point of the loop, I took my shirts off. That's when I suddenly got a boost of refreshing energy, as well as a bit of embarrassment, and started running again to the completion without stopping. It felt great, but I was also super conscious of other people's glimpse of me, that I just wanted to finish running. But in the end, inside my car, I was so proud of myself and decided to try the next day.</div><div><br /></div><div>And the next day, I got out of my car, leaving my shirts inside the car. I put my music on and started running. At first, I was so embarrassed, so I skipped all my warming-up routine and just started running. After running for a mile or so, I've realized two things - 1. No one really cared about my body, and 2. I stopped caring about what others think of my body. I was drenching and breathing hard that I was just too busy focusing on myself to finish the loop. As the runner's high started kicking in and feeling the nice breeze all over my body, I told myself I'm never going back to running with shirts (unless the weather will freeze me to death).</div><div><br /></div><div>So it's been about 5 days, and I'm proudly running with no shirts. I've passed a couple of acquaintances, and although at first I was a bit embarrassed, I convinced myself to think like I'm at a public swimming pool or so. And I'm using this as my motivation to work out harder to stay in shape. I'm not trying to say that people with bad body shape shouldn't run shirtless. It's just that everyone has a different comfort level to get shirtless, and for me, I like my current shape to get myself shirtless. When I look at other runners, whether shirtless or not, it's not their body shape I care, but more about how fast they are or how good runners they are.</div><div class="signature-text" style="color: #888888;"><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div><div class="mail-message-footer spacer collapsible" style="height: 0px;"></div></div>barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-69444182601142726992020-06-22T08:36:00.000+08:002020-06-22T08:36:00.765+08:00How I got hooked on running shirtless (guest post)<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.8px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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On a steamy June morning, I put on a pair of running shorts, shoes, and my fitness tracker watch, locked the door, and left my apartment for my morning run. You might have noticed I didnât include âshirtâ on that list â a nerve-wracking decision. Even though I wasnât new to shirtless running, it was my first time doing it in this new neighborhood. I felt myself gravitating back towards my door as the elevator opened up to take me to the lobby. But I took a few deep breaths, saw nobody was coming (still skittish about my neighbors), and went down the elevator and to the park.</div>
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I had a great run. It was a lot better than my run the day before, where I wore a âmoisture-wickingâ singlet that was stiflingly hot and uncomfortable. But stripped to the waist, my run wasnât just tolerableâit was fun and exciting. And go figure, as I rounded the corner, I saw another runner who had taken off his shirt in an effort to combat the humidity. Solidarity!</div>
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It took me a while to get here. Growing up, I was reluctant to take off my shirt. I didnât like my family seeing me shirtless, and I surely didnât want anyone else to either. I know a lot of women are jealous of menâs ability to be completely bare to the waist, but when I was a kid, I was actually jealous of women for not having to bare so much skin at the pool. So if you had told me at age 11 that one day Iâd willingly run shirtless, I think I would have freaked out. </div>
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Seven years later, I attended a university that was right across the street from one of my cityâs most popular running trails. Like I said, my city is hot and humid, so it wasnât out of the ordinary to see guys running without shirts. While it looked coolâboth in the sense that these guys looked comfortable against the beaming sun and in the sense that these guys emanated confidence and a devil-may-care attitudeâ I wasnât going to do it. I didnât have six-pack abs or a chiseled body. I wasnât even a good runner. But man, those guys were inspiring. </div>
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Recently, a series of life events led me to start taking my health and fitness much more seriously. Though diet and exercise, I lost 30 pounds last year. Six-pack abs? Not quite, but I decided it was time. Iâd drive back to that trail and run without a shirt. </div>
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Of course, you can guess exactly what happened: I got out of my car, freaked out, and keep my shirt on. Three times. But the fourth time, something changed: I passed a guy running shirtless. I saw that as a divine sign of permission, took a deep breath, and peeled my t-shirt off. I ran a grand total of 900 feet. (I remember exactly because I have a fitness tracker.) I put my shirt back on, but I had the sense of accomplishment because, at least temporarily, I was a shirtless runner. </div>
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Then one day, as I arrived at the track, I noticed three guys running together, all shirtless. No safety shirts. Full converts. I knew the time had come for me to do the same. So I took my shirt off, left it in the car, and took off running. That morning, I ran twice as far and had twice the fun. I was hooked. </div>
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Iâve had quite a few stories since fully converting to shirtless running. Iâll share my favorites. One was when I arrived at the trail and saw a shirtless runner in the distance waiting for his friend. Once his friend arrived and stepped out of the car, he nodded his head and took off his shirt too. Another happened when I was walking back to my car after Iâd finished a run. As I rounded the corner to the parking lot, I made eye contact with a guy wearing a t-shirt from his local running club, getting ready to start his jog. I was toweling, and not paying much attention until when I saw him again thirty seconds later. His shirt was gone. I canât help but wonder if I was the reason he decided to go shirtless. </div>
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But my favorite has to be when I met another shirtless runner. Around the 1.5-mile mark of my local running trail, thereâs a bridge that serves as a rest stop for runners to take a breather. And there was this runner, who, like me, had decided to bare his chest on his evening run. </div>
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âHow you doing?â he asked me between breaths.</div>
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âIâm good,â I said. âCatching my breath, like you are.â</div>
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âNice shirt,â he grinned.</div>
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âAll the cool kids are doing it,â I quipped back. </div>
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In closing, I hope you know this blog does more than inspire people to run shirtlessâit inspires people, period. Running shirtless teaches you that you can make a difference, When that fellow runner I mentioned above took his shirt off after seeing me, it was probably because of <span style="font-family: Helvetica-Oblique; font-style: italic;">my</span> decision to run shirtless. My actions impacted others and made a difference. </div>
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I know you advertise the three Câs for shirtless running as comfort, camaraderie, and convenience, but Iâd like to propose a fourth: <span style="font-family: Helvetica-Oblique; font-style: italic;">confidence</span>. Consistently running shirtless reassures you that those fears of everyone judging you are unfounded. In contrast to my anxieties, nobody has ever given me flack for running shirtless. In fact, by this point, if someone ever did, Iâd probably just ignore them because I like doing it. And doing what you want regardless of what others might thinkânow <span style="font-family: Helvetica-Oblique; font-style: italic;">thatâs</span> confidence.</div>
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Anyhow, itâs getting late. Iâm getting up <span style="text-decoration-line: underline;">at 5:30 a.m.</span> to go running tomorrow. Shirtless, of course.</div>
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Happy trails!</div>
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barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-32775786866809726092016-07-14T08:30:00.000+08:002016-07-14T09:09:39.328+08:00Beating the "blanket of humidity" (guest post)<i>Chris from Alabama, new to running sans shirt, tells his tale.</i><br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5e9d86c8-e6c9-1bb8-efe6-31aa4e150c14" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 27.4328px; vertical-align: baseline;">I grew up in south Alabama where the summer heat and humidity are extreme. It always seemed like shirts were optional for any kind of outdoor activity for my friends, but I never felt comfortable doing that. Iâd ditch my shirt to go swimming, but that was about it. Looking back, I think it was because I wasnât involved in team sports and didn't consider myself athletic.</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 27.4328px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 27.4328px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 27.4328px; vertical-align: baseline;">As an adult, I got a lot more into exercise and fitness and have always been pretty fit. Even with all of my lifting, running, biking, etc., I've never felt comfortable going shirtless. I'll admit that always wanted to feel more comfortable doing so, because it looked like a lot more fun. Mostly, I wanted that confidence that seemed to go with the ability to peel off your shirt before, during, or after a run. I never equated it with exhibition as much as being confident and fit.</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 27.4328px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 27.4328px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 27.4328px; vertical-align: baseline;">Iâve always set and motivated myself to achieve short-term goals. After recently discovering and identifying with @barethomas' blog, I decided that one of my fitness goals in May would be to strip off my shirt during a regular morning run. (A perfect time since that's usually when the blanket of humidity that covers us May - September, moves in) The posts and stories included in the blog helped encourage me to stick to my goals and served as a reminder that there are always people around that understand how you feel.</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 27.4328px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 27.4328px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 27.4328px; vertical-align: baseline;">On one of my morning runs late in May, the summer heat and humidity had kicked in and I knew it was time. I told my neighbor/running-buddy it was time for âpower-mode,â and peeled off my shirt to finish the run. I definitely felt more comfortable without the soggy shirt, but it was the surge in confidence and energy that made me finish strong that morning. (I do usually run with my neighbor. Heâs taken his shirt off during a couple of extremely hot mornings, so I never thought that it would he would think twice about it.) After that day, I pulled off my shirt during a run or cool-down a few more times, but as other posts in the blog have mentioned, I knew that my shirt was still there for safety. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 27.4328px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 27.4328px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 27.4328px; vertical-align: baseline;">In June, I challenged myself to act like a shirtless-convert and leave my house for a run without a shirt. Last week I completed that goal! It felt fantastic, but my running-buddy was on vacation and I knew that made it a little (okay, a LOT) easier. Because of that, I feel like I'm not quite done. It wasn't a normal run.</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 27.4328px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 27.4328px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 27.4328px; vertical-align: baseline;">Iâve continued to leave my house shirtless for more than a week now, but the hurdle of showing up in shorts to meet my running-bud for a typical run is still there. I'll be closer to calling myself a convert then.</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 27.4328px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></div>
barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com78tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-39919974435559827732015-08-29T10:29:00.002+08:002015-08-29T10:29:27.245+08:00'We shirtless guys and girls in jogbras' (Guest post)<div>
<i>Phil from Rhode Island describes his "feeling of elation" at sustaining his conversion to shirtless running.</i></div>
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I wanted to share my story about embracing shirtless running.</div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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Now if only I could find a gym around here that would allow guys to lift shirtless. </div>
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barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-54801324439744347642015-05-19T19:41:00.000+08:002015-05-19T19:45:17.476+08:00'One of the completely converted': First day sans safety shirt [guest post]<div>
<i>John D has just undergone that rite dubbed "full conversion" - heading out for a run barechested (or in sportsbra), without a safety shirt. This is his lively account, originally an email.</i><br />
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I've come a pretty long way from when I was a kid and had a very
strange aversion to being shirtless around anyone, anywhere. Even when
my fifth grade class went to the Y for a week of swimming, I insisted I
keep my T-shirt on (this was completely my idea, by the way. I was a
stubborn kid). But over the years, I've gotten used to the freedom of
being shirtless in various appropriate contexts, whether it is ninety
minutes of hot yoga, hanging out at a gay pride festival or playing a
shirts and skins pickup soccer game.</div>
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But
actually jogging shirtless for some strange reason has always made me a
bit nervous. Like you [<i>referring to the owner of this blog</i>], I was once one of those guys that thought the
men running around without shirts were - gasp! - exhibitionists, and I
H*A*T*E drawing attention to myself! But the first time I actually got
the nerve to go running shirtless was last year, when I whipped my top
off as I was jogging past Johns Hopkins University (lovely campus).
Despite the worries about my not terribly buffed upper body (I've lost a
bit of weight but still have a pound or two that likes to show itself),
my chest hair (there's more than a bit) or people maybe yelling "PUT
YOUR SHIRT ON!" (no one has ever done that), I got more comfortable with
taking my shirt off when it was overly hot.</div>
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But
today, I became one of the completely converted. For the first time
ever, I made myself take my shirt off in my apartment, leave it on the
bed, and head outside completely bare chested. My apartment is next to a
small garage where some tenants have cars, so sneaking out the back was
easy enough. But at least twice from the alley to the street, I told
myself "Oh damn, I can't do this!" Still, as I got to the street, I just
decided to forget about the others around me. I now live closer to
downtown Baltimore, but it's still easy enough to find
not-so-well-traveled side streets that I can jog without too many people
seeing me - that does make it easier. But I jogged for the better part
of an hour in the warm sun, completely stripped to the waist. </div>
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And
I gotta say, man, it felt so much more natural, comfortable, freeing
and even a bit empowering not having a shirt in hand. To top it off,
not a single person seemed to care, or if they did they didn't say
anything. On the downside, I forgot to bring water with me, so that
made me miserable, but apart from that it just felt awesome. Sir, you
have indeed converted me to the brotherhood / sisterhood of jogging
shirtless / sportsbra'd, without a shirt in hand as a crutch, and I am
looking forward to doing it again the next time I go jogging.</div>
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And
yes, I guess the next step is working up my nerve to go running in a
more populated area than I did, but baby steps here, and no harm if I
stick to the less travelled roads ;)barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-6006528219035812922015-02-03T11:07:00.003+08:002015-09-01T07:17:11.367+08:00[Guest post] Running shirtless - 'the common sense thing to do'<div dir="ltr">
<i>How one man became 'completely comfortable in his own skin'</i></div>
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<i>by Henry</i></div>
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I grew up in high school not the most athletic
person and therefore was very, very insecure with going around
shirtless.......even at the pool I would wear a shirt. I had pale skin,
skinny arms and legs, and a gut. When I did go running it was always
with a shirt and I remember the shirt sticking to my skin and a gross
feeling when I was done. Indiana summers can be very unpleasant in
terms of heat and humidity. When I was in college I made a choice to
better myself in mind and body. I remember going to the gym at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_594627850" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6am</span></span>
in the cold Indiana autumn mornings and frigid Indiana winters with no
one to spot me or work out with, but I had a goal, and that was to build
my self-esteem by building my body. It took a lot of self-motivation,
but being on science scholarship meant I had to maintain all As in
science and math, and to have good grades I needed a good regimented
program. By going to the gym I was getting into a healthy routine.
As spring came I noticed that I had a little more definition to my arms
and upper body. In the wintertime I did cardio strictly by swimming,
but now it was spring and I wanted to get fresh air.</div>
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There
was no transition into running shirtless. I just realized that
my physique looked passable enough to run with no shirt on. I simply
drove to the track, stripped my shirt off, applied suntan lotion, and I
was off. After only a few days I had a very healthy tan and
felt completely comfortable in my own skin. Whenever I saw another
shirtless runner in better shape than me, it only solidified
my motivation to get to the shape he was in. Now I feel a sense of
pride whenever I see a guy, start off running with a shirt on in 90
degree muggy heat until he sees me with no shirt on,
eventually stripping his own off. It's sort of a brief bond that
develops between too complete strangers. Even when I run 5ks I will
start with a shirt on with the bib number applied to my shorts knowing
at the end I'll be bare chested. In the summertime I don't strip off in
5ks because I am trying to show off, but it just becomes the common
sense thing to do when I can feel the heat and sweat radiating in
between my skin and the cloth. And chafed skin from wearing a shirt is
in no way fun. This upcoming summer I am hoping to run my first 10k,
and I'll for sure be shirtless by the end of it. I love going around
outside shirtless and getting a sweet sun tan. Now I will even do yard
work and house painting minus the shirt......it's the natural thing to
do. </div>
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Also, I sleep shirtless too now. Again, I'm more
comfortable in my own skin now and the shirt I've found is very
uncomfortable to wear in a bed, even in the wintertime.</div>
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barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-71207808931247210982014-11-25T15:36:00.002+08:002014-11-26T08:51:00.927+08:0010 steps to becoming a shirtless runnerI am a shirtless runner. But I wasn't always one. Once upon a time, I sneered at the barechested and the jog-braed, and even after I started feeling a tug towards shedding excessive exercise attire, I was long held back by inhibition, shyness and emotional inertia.<br />
<br />
Perhaps you do not think that you could be converted as I was (even if you would like to be)?<br />
<br />
Well, drawing on my own experience and that of many others, here are 10 steps. Many of them appear elsewhere in these posts, but I gather them here, and add a new element or two. If you follow them, I suspect your exercise top could end up getting less use, even if you now consider the possibility remote. And it doesn't matter if the weather has turned cold -- some of the first steps can be taken now, and you can build on them so that you may head out shirtless when the temperature is benign once more.<br />
<br />
<u>Step 1</u><br />
See that it's common<br />
<br />
The next time you are in a park, notice just how many of the ordinary folks out keeping fit don't bother with shirts. Runners or joggers. Frisbee or soccer players. Especially when away from the crowds, many people strip down for comfort. These will be folks of widely differing body shapes, ages and levels of fitness, but they have found independently that a shirt is more hindrance than help.Whatever you may have been taught or told, there is no great taboo that needs breaking. <br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Step 2</u><br />
Strip off at home<br />
<br />
Within the privacy of your own home, take off your shirt. Cast it aside. Then do whatever it is that you would normally do. After a while, you will notice that nothing dreadful happens because you have stripped to your waist. Instead, you may be pleasurably surprised by a feeling of greater freedom of movement. When time comes to resume your shirted existence, your upper garment will have remained as fresh as though just fished from your wardrobe -- your introduction to one of the great benefits of shirtless running: Cutting down on extraneous laundry. Do this a few times, possibly when alone if you are concerned about negative comments.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Step 3</u><br />
<br />
Use the Internet<br />
<br />
Google and search at your own pace. You might, admittedly, find screeds by folks who will cite any number of reasons, many allegedly grounded in 'decency', why you should never remove one's top. But you will find much testimony too, to how much is gained by daring to go bare. There are many, many images of folks stripping down and not looking in the least idiotic or obscene. Their stories will be grounded in confidence and body-acceptance rather than narcissism. Whole categories of sportsmen adopt shirtlessness almost as a uniform, certainly when training - gymnasts, wrestlers, cross-country runners and of course swimmers. Look at the photo galleries at many sports camps: Nobody seems to be policing for upper-body coverage.<br />
<br />
Do all this to break down any hidden barriers in your mind. Shirtlessness is immensely normal! This was an important stage in my own conversion - and the barriers in my mind were high and resolute enough.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Step 4</u><br />
Get warm on a run <br />
<br />
By now, the notion of trying out a shirtless run should have become less foreign lunacy than interesting notion. When you feel ready, start one of your exercise sessions fully clothed. If anything, overdress. After a little while, the perspiration will be bunching up your shirt material and the discomfort level will build. There is a logic to this torture. The urgency of the need to cast off unnecessary layers will keep at bay any psychic resistance. <br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Step 5</u><br />
<br />
Don't think, just strip<br />
<br />
This next stop is critical. There must be no overthinking; the time for mulling and introspection is past. In one fluid motion, cast off your upper-body attire. You should now be barechested or sports-bra clad. You will feel a marvellous shock as heat dissipates and perspiration on bare skin can play its natural cooling role. Allow yourself to luxuriate in this. You should not cease the sporting activity you were engaged in. It is important that you continue, partly because you want to keep hesitation from crowding in, and partly so your mind can take its first favourable imprint.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Step 6 </u><br />
Acknowledge your sisters and brothers<br />
<br />
Now that you have taken a truly major step, begin to see yourself as part of the community of shirtless sportsfolk. Have a friendly smile and a hello for the other shirtless runner you pass going the other way; don't spin your eyes away when a jogbraed woman hoves to. This is not about being intrusive; it is about acknowledging the bond that you share as exercisers who have shed the inessential, who do not need the encumbrances of fancy fabrics or nice-cut tops to gild your exertions. By going shirtless, you have joined a movement, and you have earned your solidarity with the others who have dared to go bare. And you should have plenty of friendliness left over for every other fellow human being too!<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Step 7</u><br />
Feel that sensuous buzz<br />
<br />
Having endured a few shirtless sessions, many of us describe a 'sexy charge' as we soldier along stripped and sure. There is no need to deny it and you should rather enjoy it; for me, it is one of the little perks of having converted. By exposing our bodies, after all, we are likely holding ourselves up to a higher standard; we will feel a greater need to ensure that our body-temples are maintained with care, since many is the person who will steal a glimpse, if only fleetingly. There is no issue, then, if a natural frisson of sensuousness occasionally accompanies our assertion of shirtlessness. I have elsewhere called this a domesticated strain of exhibitionism; but then remember that we are exhibitionists when we play a musical instrument, speak in public and do anything that might draw someone's attention. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Step 8</u><br />
Confess<br />
<br />
During your first shirtless exercise sessions, there will definitely be attacks of nervousness and doubt. These are dealt with in some of the posts on this blog. There is an identity war going on: A part of you wants to reformat your identity to encompass your becoming a shirtless runner. A 'conservative faction' will resist, and throw up any opposition it can. One way to stiffen your still-partial conversion is to 'confess' ('it is good for the soul', after all). I see it online often, when people Tweet to their friends, "Went for shirtless run". By forcing yourself to reveal to someone else that you are at least more open to the shirtless pursuasion, there is a solidification in your own psyche. It will lead in time to greater confidence, and it does not matter if the people you make your revelation to fail to express support. It is more important that you have made that confession. Of course, you need not be theatrical about it; just slip it in naturally, perhaps in a conversation about comfort in exercise, or in a self-deprecating manner <br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Step 9</u><br />
Converting fully<br />
<br />
A a true shirtless runner does not start out shirted. Why, after all - if we now accept that going bare is natural, healthful and to be encouraged - should we still hide behind an initial vest? When you are ready, therefore, the step that really cements a conversion is to remove one's shirt, lay it aside and then head out - stripped to the waist, with no 'safety shirt' to resort to. If a neighbour, friend or colleague meets you, you must mutely declare your devotion to the shirtless cause. The first time you embrace this full conversion, it can be nerve-racking - but as you thereby prove to yourself that you are simply exercising comfortably and confidently, a new level of liberation and exhilaration will be attained. I still remember the day I first did this, and feeling the honesty of removing the last crutch.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Step 10</u><br />
Convert others<br />
<br />
It may take your months or years to travel the road I have outlined. You may turn aside, in which you are still due credit for having explored rather than simply sneered. But if you stay the course, you may in the fulness of time join those of us who have converted so joyfully, we now want to spread the word. <br />
<br />
Online, there are many opportunities for converts to testify to how they have 'gone shirtless'; many have done so, and so added their testimony to the evidence that, as Step 3 above, helped precipitate the conversion process in the first place. I always feel a great sense of satisfaction when I read about how, for instance, a brother convinced a running partner to strip down, or how a sister encouraged her spouse to lose the shirt. <br />
<br />
If you believe this blog has helped you, I urge you to write me (barethomas@gmail.com)with your story, so I can share it with others still starting out. The Comment sections are also left unblocked so that anyone may join the discussion.barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-78265796831847261642014-07-08T13:51:00.002+08:002014-07-15T15:28:44.251+08:00Becoming a shirtless runner IV: 'Psychic shock' in cementing your conversionIn Jamie's post, featured separately, we encounter a shirtless-runner-in-the-making: There is that familiar hankering-after of unconstricted freedom, counterbalanced by the fear of being judged. The example offered by already bare-chested or jogbraed trail runners, plus accumulated drippy-sweat discomfort, works its gradual magic in breaking down Jamie's inhibitions, and eventually there is that ur-moment of stripping aside of the upper garment, and that rush of sweet coolness.<br />
<br />
What I find especially instructive is what happens <i>after</i> this happy moment: Jamie moves with dazzling speed to reinforce the breakthrough. For most of us, however delicious our first oh-my-god-I'm-doing-it experience of going bare, the safety shirt remains a necessary prop for quite a while. It certainly was in my own case. But Jamie busts through that barrier in his very next run, and even adds a special twist: He turns shirtless driver en route! He calls this "ripping the bandage off", and the metaphor is apt. He does not allow the inevitable gathering-together of fresh nerves and doubt to 'scab up' and slow his conversion. Instead, he decisively cuts off any prospect of such a regression.<br />
<br />
Jamie says some interesting things about the 'psychic shock' (my term) he gives himself by taking his radical step. "I had major butterflies... Stomach was turning, but it was exciting too", he recounts. But soon, his confidence is surging dramatically: "I am passing people and not caring if they see me shirtless... Running shirtless is feeling great and I am getting more confident every step of the way." Something has happened, the gamble has paid off! He closes his account very positively, saying that "Hopefully soon, I will be converted completely".<br />
<br />
Now, some might say that it would be surely best to spare oneself such psychic shock and take things more gradually. But having mulled over Jamie's testimony, I am now inclined to say that some such shock is inevitable if we mean to convert in earnest to shirtlessness. Something must rock us, to test our faith, so to speak: There must be a point of crossing the Rubicon, of some discernible and undeniable changing-over, that begins to cement our new identities as shirtless (or jogbraed) runners.<br />
<br />
Jamie, I want to say, was wise to force the issue early - rather than endure a spell of to-and-froing, of the incessant self-doubt that many of us know, before we assay a safety-shirt-free run.<br />
<br />
Exactly what form this critical psychic shock might take may differ from person to person. What is central is a voluntary step taken to fully embrace one's shirtlessness-in-running. In Jamie's case, it was his courage in leaving his home bare-chested and with no safety shirt, to drive to his trail. As I review my own experience, I realise that my <i>shock</i> happened when I first encountered neighbours while stripped down to socks and shoes. I now recognise this moment - rather my first stripping off of my vest while loping along - as in some ways a more significant conversion nexus. <br />
<br />
Why do I say this? Now as it happens, because I have moved house a time or two since, I have had to endure the experience time and again - which has allows me now to clearly capture it. It begins as supreme awkwardness: For an extended second, I almost see my neighbour rearranging his or her impressions of me; once the neighbour actually blurts out, "Oh goodness". I feel an internal sucking gasp of involuntary embarrassment that squeezes at the pit of one's stomach (echoes of Jamie's "my stomach is turning"). But then I move beyond the crisis. I make normal normal conversation about exercise, or the weather, or some such. The neighbour inevitably responds - and suddenly, my exercise attire is no longer some sort of impediment or gap. And <i>at that moment,</i> a little bell sounds. It is like one has affirmed one's faith, and the paradigm shifts. It is now for others to acknowledge me for who I am - still the same chap they always knew, just shirt-free in an appropriate context - and not for me to somehow explain or excuse myself.<br />
<br />
I don't know what sort of other 'psychic shocks' might have made a difference to other converts out there. Do share your stories, as many have in these virtual pages, to help others now at the crossroads. For those who have found themselves stuck for long with safety shirts in their waistbands, perhaps it is time <i>you</i> forced the issue and gave yourself a psychic shock. Let Jamie be an inspiration!barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-7085870225116406802014-07-08T10:17:00.001+08:002014-07-09T20:03:41.949+08:00[Guest post] A shirtless convert grows in confidence<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-7091c284-13ba-b58c-fbf6-29852dd9aa21" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Jamie contributes this excellent account, chronicling how quickly he went from 'that first shirtless run' to actually heading out for his run (in his car!) barechested. There are many interesting elements here worth discussing, which I will take up in a companion post. For now, here's Jamie's testimony.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;">A shirtless convert grows in confidence </span> <i> by Jamie</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I started running a few months ago and I am still working myself into better shape and building up endurance. I know many guys run without their shirts and I have to admit, the idea appealed to me. However, I am not the best looking guy without a shirt. I have that same fear most guys do of âwho is going to see me?â. As the weather has gotten warmer, I have sweated through my shirts more and more, while seeing tons of guys running without a shirt, seemingly carefree. The thought of taking my shirt off still seemed appealing, but, again, who would see me and would people make fun of me?</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Well, the other night, it was 92 degrees and quite muggy when I hit the trail for a run. I thought this may be the day I take mine off. At first, I didnât see any guys without shirts and figured I was the only crazy guy out here running in such weather. Finally, about halfway through my run, I was passed by not one, but two guys with no shirts on. I said, âOK, this is itâ. I pulled my shirt over my head and off it came. The breeze (what there was of it) was blowing across my sweat covered skin. How awesome is this I thought. Felt a little self-conscious as I passed my first person and moved my shirt to cover my stomach and chest as people approached, but did not even think about putting the shirt back on. I started to run into more bare-chested guys, including one pack of six. This made me feel a bit better. I made it back to my car and walked around the parking lot shirtless for a few minutes as I cooled off. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So, this morning was my next run on the trail. The other night, I had made the decision to run shirtless from the beginning my next time out. No safety shirt to deal with this time. The temperature was a warm 72. Like ripping a bandage off, I made the decision to not only run shirtless, but to drive over there shirtless, too. I could not put a shirt on even if I wanted to. Before leaving, I had major butterflies about it. Stomach was turning, but it was exciting, too. Finally, I made a mad dash from my front door to the car â hoping no neighbor saw me. Got in the car and sped away! I couldnât believe I was actually doing this! I get to the parking lot and feel slightly self-conscious as I get out of the car topless. I feel better when I see a young guy get out of his car shirtless with his jogbraed girlfriend. I wonât be alone! So, I start my first full shirtless run and the self-conscious feeling is wearing off. I am passing people and not really caring if they see me shirtless. This is awesome! Running shirtless is feeling great and I am getting more confident every step of the way. I make it back to the car in a record time for me. Even better! I towel off the sweat and cool off and then back in the car shirtless for the drive home. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As of now, I am still a bit leery of running shirtless in my neighborhood. I think the more comfortable I get running without a shirt on the trail, I will be more ready to bare it all in front of my neighbors. Hopefully soon, I will be converted completely. I think I have made a great first step. Hope to keep up the momentum!</span>barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-72746987742288644512014-07-08T10:05:00.000+08:002014-07-08T10:05:37.023+08:00Guest post: Uptick in shirtless running?<u>Note from Thomas</u><br />
It's been a while since we've had new items. Another summer of shirtless running has been ticking down in the northern hemisphere. So here's the first of a little flurry of posts to catch us up. The first, by <b>Eric James</b>, sounds an optimistic note: He has observed an increase in the number of barechested or jogbraed runners. As he told me during an exchange of emails:"<i>I really do think that I am seeing more shirtless runners of various
ages. I am in a college environment and the trend is most popular among
the high school and college age groups, but I am daily seeing very
middle-aged folks as well. Just today I saw separately a couple of
jog-bra-ed coeds.</i>" More folks seeing the light, eh?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Uptick in shirtless running? by <span style="font-size: small;"><b>Eric James</b></span></span><br />
<br />
Perhaps the subject is just old news. I think I see more and more
shirtless runners of all varieties these days. A healthy trend, I
believe. Nevertheless, I still see many negative opinion posts on the
net, often in sites of runners magazines. I think that most of these
opinions really miss the point.<br /><br />First, I see no reason why the
bare torso of anyone engaged in training or sport should be an offense
to cultural norms. Except in professional or high-level venues,
training attire is not at all about impressing viewers in any particular
way, positive or negative. But, on the contrary, about appropriateness
to the sport and conditions for the active participant.<br /><br />Second,
anyone who has ever experienced the condition called "runner's nipple,"
i.e. chafed, sore, bleeding nipples after a run knows that that
condition must be addressed somehow. While there are a number of
possible solutions including special shirt fabrics, lubricating
substances, glues, and bandages, the obvious no-brainer simple solution
(weather permitting) is to shed the shirt. The other solutions which
may be necessary in cold conditions are inconvenient, and involve both
expense and experimentation for the best individual solution.<br /><br />Therefore,
I would ask witnesses to my runs not to assume that my intent is to
display myself, to forgive that I am no longer a fit buff 20-year old,
to refrain from judgement that I am neither fleet nor fair, but rather
to know that I am doing what seems to aid my efforts, and to credit me
for that activity.<br /><br />Let us all enjoy the sport in unencumbered fashion!barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-90177025641157982402013-09-23T17:35:00.002+08:002016-03-02T06:44:01.947+08:00[Guest post] Something for women: Choose the right running bra for running shirtless<i> [Let it never be said that this blog does not try its utmost to support shirtless running by both men and women. Zhuang Ping volunteered this how-to guide: And though this is all pretty much Greek to the owner of this blog, I'm sure it will be of use to any female converts to our cause!]</i><br />
<br />
<b>By <span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Zhuang Ping </span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="FreeForm">
<br /></div>
<div class="FreeForm">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Women have obviously broken into the workout world, giving men a
run for their money when it comes to toning and muscle building. And while
weights and aerobics might be some great ways to get a good exercise in, nothing
beats running shirtless (well, with a running bra that is!) through the wind,
gaining speed and toning every muscle of your body to achieve the toned body
you've always dreamed of. However, you don't want to run shirtless with a
running bra that is restricting and lacking flexibility, so which running bra
should you choose before heading out for a run?</span></div>
<div class="FreeForm">
<br /></div>
<div class="FreeForm">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">1. Type o<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">f</span> Running
Bra</span></b></div>
<div class="FreeForm">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There are four
main types of running bras you need to know about in order to determine which
bra is right for you. The four types include compression, combination
compression/encapsulation, encapsulation, and shimmel. A majority of companies
will sell all four types of bras.</span></div>
<div class="FreeForm">
<br /></div>
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Shimmel</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">: A
shimmel varies slightly from a regular sports bra. This is because they don't
cut off at the rib cage. They resemble a tank top, but have a built in shelf
bra to help support a woman's physique. If you're planning on doing a 5k
marathon, this probably isn't the best option. But many women prefer a shimmel
for runs around the neighborhood as they are comfortable and cute. The perfect
in-between when you're not quite ready to show off your stomach to the public.</span></div>
<div class="FreeForm">
<br /></div>
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Compression</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">: A
compression running bra works by pushing the breasts up against the chest as
much as possible to restrict movement. This particular bra is best suitable for
A and B cups as woman with larger cup sizes may find it uncomfortable. </span></div>
<div class="FreeForm">
<br /></div>
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Combination
Compression/Encapsulation</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">: This particular style of running bra combines comfort, support
for each breast, and only minimal amounts of compression. Best suited for C and
D cups!</span></div>
<div class="FreeForm">
<br /></div>
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Encapsulation</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">: An
encapsulation running bra does not have any compression or restrictions of
movement. Instead, this type of bra uses support which surrounds each breast
separately. Ideal for D and DD cups!</span></div>
<div class="FreeForm">
<br /></div>
<div class="FreeForm">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">2. Band</span></b></div>
<div class="FreeForm">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Next you need
to consider the type of band youâre after and the size you need. There is
basically two types of bands available, including narrow and wide. Wide bands
offer more support than narrow bands. To figure out the size band you need,
measure around your rib cage near your breasts. Add 5 inches to whatever your
measurement comes out to be, and if you measure above 33 inches only add 3
inches. </span></div>
<div class="FreeForm">
<br /></div>
<div class="FreeForm">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">3. Straps</span></b></div>
<div class="FreeForm">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Straps are an
important factor to note when choosing the right bra. While it's partially a
matter of personal preference, women can also determine the type of strap based
on the impact level. Scoop-back sports bras for women are best for low and
medium impact runs while racer-back are sports bras for intense running and
sprinting as they offer more support. Also consider size of the strap, as wider
straps offer greater comfort than narrower straps. </span></div>
<div class="FreeForm">
<br /></div>
<div class="FreeForm">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">4. Underwire</span></b></div>
<div class="FreeForm">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lastly you need
to consider whether or not you need underwire in your running sports bras. The
underwire in a sports bra will typically be made of plastic or metal and
provides utmost comfort during wear. </span></div>
<div class="FreeForm">
<br /></div>
<div class="FreeForm">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Bio: Zhuang Ping is a writer with over 3 year-experience
blogging about fashion and fitness. She has a great love for all things glitzy,
glamorous, and healthy, while also paying close attention to the hottest deals
on the market. </span></div>
<br />barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-72267040644426799672013-08-21T00:03:00.000+08:002013-08-21T00:03:55.367+08:00(Guest post) How running shirtless makes me a better branding guy<i>Doug Brown was kind enough to allow his post at</i> <a href="http://dougbrowncreative.wordpress.com/2013/08/08/how-running-shirtless-makes-me-a-better-branding-guy/">Brand Intervention</a> <i>to be reproduced on this site. It extends the benefits of running shirtless into the branding arena.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I prefer running to every other form of summer exercise because I donât need much in the way of gear to get going.<br />
<br />
Shoes and shorts. A shirt to prevent mass hysteria. Sunglasses to
reduce the glare, and a cap on my head. Tunes and podcasts seem to make
the miles fly by, so I take my iPod along. And I keep an eye on the time
with my trusty old Timex sport watch.<br />
<br />
With these, Iâm ready to go.<br />
<br />
This week as I was cruising along through Esquimalt, fully kitted
with the gear Iâve mentioned, I was struck by a thought: How much was
all this gear removing me from the essence of what I was doing?<br />
<br />
<b>I wondered how much more authentic my experience would be if I peeled away the superfluous.</b><br />
<br />
This is a principle marketing philosophy of mine, which I might summarize as <i>reductio ad absurdum</i>.
To get to the heart of anything, you reduce elements to the point where
further reduction renders the thought or the action, incomprehensible
or absurd.<br />
<br />
So yesterday I went for a very different run: one without audio distractions, visual barriers, time-keepers or unnecessary gear.<br />
<br />
I took it one step further by going shirtless. All I had left was a pair of shoes and shorts.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I felt naked as hell for the first few minutes. But then I relaxed and connected to the experience.<br />
<br />
It was probably the first authentic run I have had in 20 years. I was
fully present in the essence of the activity, not distancing myself
from it by add-ons. To remove any one of the remaining elements would
have created absurdity or injury. Or a police chase!<br />
<br />
<i>Reductio ad absurdum</i> is the perfect criteria to measure
against any brand definition, idea or ad, because it strips away the
unnecessary and gets to the heart of the thing.<br />
<br />
Running virtually naked is an excellent reminder of the principle.<br />
<br />
No, you canât see a photo.barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-40278762382263246402013-07-20T10:36:00.000+08:002013-07-21T23:27:23.545+08:00Becoming a shirtless runner (III): A basic level of fitness required?Below, upgraded from the Comments logs, are two sparkling first-person accounts of how two runners first went bare-chested. They are great and inspiring reads. What is interesting is that Nick's is actually a reminisce from many years ago, while Paul is fresh from the front. Yet in comparing the two reports, the similarities clearly outweigh the differences: Running sans shirt is an experience all can share.<br />
<br />
One point of note is that, in both 'conversion' accounts, allusion is made to having attained a certain basic level of fitness ("got fitter, a little bit more toned" vs "running for a year, confident about doing a 10k"). There is no doubt that someone who is extensively overweight would feel considerably more nervous about doffing his upper-body attire; he would also be much more likely to attract opprobium. But is this fair?<br />
<br />
Well, when we go out in public, we do not expect to have to dress in our finest. At the same time, too, if you insist in going about in filthy rags, I do not think you should be fully surprised - or nurse deep resentment - if you get more negative attention than you might like. One might feel that 'it is none of anyone else's business'; at the same time, we are all members of the community and while the days of shunning are thankfully behind us, I cannot in all honesty agree that 'it never matters how presentable you are'.<br />
<br />
Transposing these thoughts, then, to the question of barechested or jogbraed running, it is no wonder that a bit of 'making sure one is presentable' pays dividends in terms of greater peace of mind. Which translates, then, to a more fully transformational first-time-shirtless run! Perhaps more importantly, you would be also reaping rewards in terms of health and fitness - regardless of whether you stay shirted or not.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Paul's story:</b><br />
<br />
<i>So I went for my first shirtless run today! In the past 16 months I've
lost 39 pounds (not far off three stone) got fitter, a little bit more
toned and completed a 500 mile bike ride through France. I've also
signed up for one of those 'Tough Mudder' obstacle challenges in
October, so I thought a bare chested run was achievable! I'm short and
fair skinned, age 33 and certainly not 'ripped' but nonetheless I did
feel that 'sensuous buzz' and yes, I admit, did feel a bit more 'sexy'
than your average run. I'd just been to my local gym and two guys were
working out shirtless there. Now, they WERE very ripped with amazing
bodies but it did give me some confidence. It was just round my local
park, the weather was dull, cloudy but warm (I do live in the UK after
all!) And no one batted an eyelid. It felt great, very practical,
comfortable, sexy and cool (not that I generally see myself as any of
those things!) And I'll definitely be doing it again.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Nick's story:</b><br />
<br />
<i>I first ran shirtless in a race--my first race. I had been running
about a year by that time, and felt excited and confident about doing a
10k. It was a warm spring day; some guys were shirtless It all seemed
so natural and relaxed. The next thing I knew, I had pulled off my
shirt. Nobody paid any attention--I was just one of several.<br /><br />It
was the most exhilarating run I had ever had up to that time. I felt
ten pounds lighter; and for the first time, I had that experience others
have described so well: the shock of pleasure from the rush of a cool
breeze over my skin and the sudden tightening of my nipples.<br /><br />After
that, it was easy to go shirtless on a run. I usually started off with
a "safety shirt," but then pulled it off when I was away from my
neighborhood. Gradually, i got used to leaving the house without it.
And I wasn't the only shirtless runner on my routes.<br /><br />If you are
considering going shirtless on a run for the first time, I recommend a
race. If you can finish a 10k you shouldn't be worried about being in
decent shape. <br /><br />That was a while ago. I am 75 now, and no longer
run shirtless, but I have never forgotten how it felt. It added
immeasurably to the joy of running.
</i><br />
<br />barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-60264238856327536242013-03-06T13:14:00.000+08:002013-03-06T17:04:37.150+08:00Becoming a shirtless runner (II): That First DaySay you have been running or jogging for a little while and, whether egged on by the example of others or not, have come to nurse the thought of dispensing with a shirt.<br />
<br />
Very likely, in runs past, you will have been held back by certain apprehensions. But there comes a day when you are ready to shed that top for the first time. How might such a day go? Drawing on my own experience, and that of others who have recounted their 'first day', here is how you might launch into your first day as a shirtless runner - and what to expect:<br />
<br />
<br />
(I) You would have begun by trotting along, at your accustomed pace, and a build-up of perspiration would have begun to niggle at you. The familiar thought arises that it would feel pretty good to remove that irksome upper-body garment that is beginning to get soggy and restrictive. Someone may have passed you, striding along without a top, reinforcing the temptation. However, another part of you is urging that you hold back: You would look daft, someone you know might see you, a cutting remark might be uttered within earshot.<br />
<br />
(II) But you are not getting any more confortable along, and now you tell yourself: What exactly am I worrying about? I know that there are other runners in the neighbourhood or elsewhere, known to their neighbours or loved ones or running partners to be partial to going barechested or jogbraed. They seem to be doing fine. How are they different from or superior to you? You decide that these wisps of apprehension - which have stopped you perhaps multiple times in the past - are so many will-o-the-wisps, with no substance to them. What the hell! You arms reach down, and before you know it, your shirt - incredible! did I really do this? - has been stripped off.<br />
<br />
(III) Immediately, what breeze there is seems to have been magnified in effectiveness. Your skin has been freed to do its job of wicking away heat and perspiration. Your senses feel preternaturally sharp; you are especially aware of your body - your stride, the way you are holding your core and posture. There is a prickling of delight, a frisson of freedom: Without thinking, you pick up the pace, move faster. <br />
<br />
(IV) The counterreaction now sets in: Your love handles seem to be calling out 'Notice me!' to all and sundry. You become increasingly sure you are a ridiculous figure strutting along. Every indistinct figure approaching appears to be that of someone you know; you begin to imagine the things they will say ('Hey, Ron! What's with the half-naked look!') or - worse - will giggle over later even as they soberly greet you ('I saw Terry this morning; he's joined the shirtless brigade, and heavens wasn't there a whole lot of jiggling going on'). Was that someone taking a cellphone camera shot, to be Tweeted along with a snide comment or two? What was I thinking? I need to put my shirt on right now.<br />
<br />
<br />
(V) Even as you are thinking this, however, you have been loping along and there is now a full, cooling sheen of perspiration enveloping your bare upper body. As you heft your damp tank-top, the thought of pulling it over yourself again is not an attractive one. And amidst the negative thoughts, others poke through too: That the sun on your skin is pretty delicious. As is this heightened awareness of one's surroundings. In fact, I'm feeling a burst or two of confidence: I don't need to stay encased in maximal clothing. I'm proud to be safeguarding my health and fitness through exercise. Why should I not be minimisng extraneous attire? There's nothing lurid or obscene about such confidence! Indeed, it's making me feel a little, well, <i>sexy</i>... and why not? <br />
<br />
So might you conclude your first run as a convert to our shirtless cause. The apprehensions won't be going away immediately, but now that they have been bested once, their hold will have been weakened. Possibly permanently.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-56874005476150146112012-10-19T16:00:00.004+08:002012-10-19T16:26:45.318+08:00Becoming a shirtless runner (I): How does an example inspire?<span dir="ltr">Note: This begins a projected series of musings on that interesting process through which one changes from 'someone who runs with a shirt on' to 'someone who runs without'. Thoughts on this quite complex topic would be very welcome, whether you are a shirtless runner, an adamant opponent or no partisan of either side. </span><br />
<br />
<span dir="ltr"> Let me start with an inspiring tale from PHIL, straight from our Comments archives: </span><br />
<br />
<i>I met up with a buddy of mine for his first 5k race last weekend.
He had been running on his own for the past few months so knew little
about what to do at a race. After picking up our bib numbers, my buddy
asked what to do next. I told him the race number goes on your shorts
and to run without a shirt. I could tell he was uncomfortable since he
paced around a bit, but once my shirt came off he did the same. Most of
the shirtless runners were in the lead pack so I thought he might be
peeved at me for telling him to run shirtless since we were far from the
lead pack, but it went well. We met up the other night for a quick
trail run and to my surprise he showed up shirtless, and he thanked me
for showing him a better way to run...</i><br />
<br />
Many's the time I've heard it reported that the journey to 'dispensing with the shirt' starts with the example of a friend or acquaintance. But if we converts actually consider their own experience, exactly how does an example 'act' on us?<br />
<br />
One possibility posits a 'neutral' exerciser who has never considered the possibility of going shirtless or in jogbra. Then, along comes someone doing just that: A mental bomb goes in your brain and you think: 'Heck, that looks comfortable. It makes a lot of sense. Maybe I should try it...'<br />
<br />
To my mind, however, it is unlikely that most of our conversion stories begin this way. Had our minds been really in this neutral state, we would probably 'think practically nothing of' the appearance of a shirtless would-be-exemplar; we would simply immediately ignore or forget it, beyond perhaps a momentary bemusement or amusement.<br />
<br />
I propose instead this scenario: By the time someone's example can jog us decisively in favour of stripping down, we would likely have been <i>already</i> engaged in an internal conflict. We would have experienced a certain constriction or discomfort in the course of physical exertion; the thought of removing the upper-body garment would already have been stirring as a pleasurable prospect. However, and this is critical, a contrary notion would have been trying to snuff it out. This 'opposing' notion might take the form of doubts regarding whether one's body is in decent shape for 'exposure', or whether one's friends or neighbours might be amused or scandalised.<br />
<br />
It is only when such a tug-of-war has already begun, perhaps in some mild way, that stumbling across an 'example' or 'inspiration' can make a difference. At some level, the forces within us that have been urging shirtlessness would receive vindication or reinforcing. Opposed arguments suddenly seem weaker: The more the exemplar is an otherwise trusted or respected one, the more of an effect he or she is likely to have. To use this blog as an example (it is, after all, a 'friend' to all who would run sans shirt), I have received numerous notes from folks to say the writings therein have strengthened their impulse, or wish, to join the shirtless cause. I have yet to receive a communication from anyone claiming that said writings felt like some 'bolt from the blue', so that they had gone from 'never giving shirtless exercise a moment's thought' to now holding it a pleasing possibility.<br />
<br />
If I am right, the importance of setting an example is not diminished in any way. Indeed, it becomes <i>even more important</i>. After all, we really need not concern ourselves with the 'doubt-free' of the world: Those to whom the very notion of going shirtless is a dead option, worth only a moment's disparagement, or indeed those to whom stripping down so is so utterly natural that they have been doing so forever. Perhaps most people fall into this 'doubt-free' camp: We need wish them only happy lives. Yet if we agree that there are many out there who are caught in a upper-body no-man's-land, both wishing-to yet fearful-to, then surely the value of 'showing the way' becomes undeniable. <br />
<br />
To take Phil's story, we now see that it is likely that his running buddy was already gripped with a prior degree of internal conflict. The seed of shirtlessness must have already been planted, yet contrary conditions were keeping it from germinating. Note Phil's observation: "<i>I could tell he was uncomfortable since he
paced around a bit</i>". He does not say that his friend instantly whipped off his top. No, battle had been joined, if not for long, and 'take off the shirt' had to see off a rival conviction. Yet if not for Phil's example, his buddy might have spent years wracked with internal dissension; his preference swinging now this way, then the next. Instead, as Phil reports, a new convert was born, confident and sure, so much so that he soon <i>shows up</i> for a run shirtless, and specifically thanks Phil "<i>for showing him a better way to run</i>".<br />
<br />barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-23334793623491999662012-09-25T12:11:00.000+08:002012-09-25T12:11:09.501+08:00Are women taking to shirtlessness in a big way?I'd never thought I'd say this, but could the ladies be challenging for the lead in our struggle to normalise shirtless running?<br />
<br />
Today I googled 'running shirtless' on Blog Search and was quickly reading well-written piece after well-written piece concerning running sans extraneous upper-body attire. Each one by a woman:<br />
<br />
- There were 'trying it for the first time' confessionals<br />
- There were 'why you should try this too, girl' proselytisations <br />
- There were even how-to guides on the right attire for shirtless running, complete with clinical discussion on what sort of jogbra to wear and which colour to avoid.<br />
<br />
I scanned the Comment sections and almost invariably there was only supportiveness, envy ('I wish I could do it!') and approval being channeled.<br />
<br />
Now that I think about it, my own observation at the gym I sometimes use is that more women are adopting the jogbra, while we men stay shirted (of course, gym rules make this mandatory - but that's a gripe for another time).<br />
<br />
I'm not complaining, for all sorts of reasons - including the most obvious one. But why is this trend gathering apparent momentum?<br />
<br />
One answer puts it down to confidence. As women make strides in arena after arena - now justly sure of their equality - it could only have been a matter of time before this confidence strips away the constraints that inhibit body comfort. Confronted by examples of men who cast aside their shirts to exercise, why should women not partake of the same sense of freedom?<br />
<br />
As for why conversions, as we deem it on this blog, should be breaking out all over in the summer of 2012, we might make reference to such things as 'critical mass' (online as well as on the ground) and 'tipping point being reached'. I'm no sociologist, but with every extra jogbraed body out there pounding the pavement, we have an additional role model playing her role. Another sister, or daughter, or mother would have discovered the joys of shirtlessness - and pointing the way to more. <br />
<br />
<br />
Yet perhaps I should conclude by addressing my fellow men, especially those who feel yet resist that so-natural tug towards tugging off the shirt: The ladies have seen the light, fellows. If once we feared to offend their sensibilities by 'exposing too much', do you need further evidence that there is no erosion of modesty here?barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-55839859456000169232012-06-12T14:58:00.001+08:002012-06-12T14:58:15.671+08:00Why I am not a nude runnerIt will be very clear from this blog that I am a confirmed proponent of running sans shirt, or in jogbra in the case of women. Many comments have come in either in support of this position (along with some pretty critical ones) - but every once in a while someone will suggest taking the next step: Why not run nude?<br />
<br />
Now of course, in many parts of the world, there is a simple answer to the question: If you tried to in pretty much any precinct, you would soon be in the clink. But in some 'enlightened' places, and certainly in specific colonies, you could indeed choose to shed every last thread.<br />
<br />
I have never ventured to do so and do not intend to. This is not because I have any lack of respect for those of the nudist persuasion. Indeed, perhaps some of us who have converted to shirtlessness are indeed travellers on a journey that - in the fulness of time - will lead to the embracing of nakedness as the ideal. But that path is not one I see my myself treading.<br />
<br />
First of all, I do not see shirtless running as essentially some sort of 'half-way point'. The freedom that I feel when I go bare-chested on my runs will not, I don't think, be materially enhanced by the mere discarding of yet more articles of clothing. I feel spiritually recharged when trotting along and have to my mind reached a prefect balance between comfort and modesty. To be in quest of yet 'more of a good thing' by looking to go yet barer seems pointless. Indeed, it seems to me that the realities of human biology mean that being totally 'freed of constraint' when running might be distinctly <i>uncomfortable</i> for many of us, as it becomes a case of being 'free of support'.<br />
<br />
Secondly, I am precisely a proponent of shirtless running because to my mind it is something that anyone can embrace in almost all communities, and at any age - hence that 'caramaderie' that I have written of that unites all shirtless and jogbraed runners. Even in more conservative quarters, shirtlessness is seldom considered so outrageous a phenomenon as to provoke outright hostility (at most, it typically evokes a tut-tutting of disapproval); were more individuals to embrace a shirtless identity, we can imagine attitudes being further modified, though there would be no radical shift. Such a degree of acceptance - actual or at least potential - would be very dramatically shattered if we were to now espouse nudism: A decided majority would part company from the minority.<br />
<br />
Thirdly, the 'sensuous buzz' that many cite as a benefit of running shirtless - others have described it as 'feeling sexy' or sensual - is, to my mind, bound up with the fact that we are choosing to both simultaneously expose part of our anatomy and yet cover up another part. . We project the confidence of being willing to 'go this far', and the confidence to say 'this is just enough'. Art, someone once said, is all about knowing when to stop. I'm right where I want to be.<br />
<br />
<br />barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-91548930032169676982011-10-31T14:22:00.002+08:002012-05-09T11:47:58.010+08:00Young but shirtless: Your views?<dl class="avatar-comment-indent" id="comments-block">
<dt class="comment-author " id="c8762497176609893961"> It has been reported in some parts of the world that people below the age of 20 are now less willing to go shirtless when running or otherwise exercising. Perhaps casually stripping to the waist was something common in an earlier era, but these days - it is alleged - a more advanced conception of sartorial decency (among other things) has sparked generalised covering-up.</dt>
<dt class="comment-author " id="c8762497176609893961"> </dt>
<dt class="comment-author " id="c8762497176609893961"> First of all, I invite folks to write in with their opinions on whether is true. As someone who only converted to running bare-chested when well into his 20s, it has been my hope that more would realise earlier that shirtlessness is a healthy and joyful cause. It pains me to think that cause may be failing with that very age group that should be spending the most hours getting healthy and fit.</dt>
<dt class="comment-author " id="c8762497176609893961"> </dt>
<dt class="comment-author " id="c8762497176609893961">While awaiting responses, here are my views - which are underpinned by two relevant recent comments posted on this site.</dt>
<dt class="comment-author " id="c8762497176609893961"><br /></dt>
<dt class="comment-author " id="c8762497176609893961"><b>Post 1:</b></dt>
<dt class="comment-author " id="c8762497176609893961"> </dt>
<dt class="comment-author " id="c8762497176609893961"><i>Anonymous
said... Just to say thanks for your site. For the last 2 months my eldest son
(11) has started to come runnning without his top...
Don't think he'd have done this without the positive remarks here.</i><span class="comment-timestamp"><i> </i></span></dt>
<dd class="comment-footer"><br />
<span class="comment-timestamp">What these words suggest is that, first of all, youngsters are not so much immunised against shirtless running as starved of positive role models. If they only hear of bare-chested folk in the context of poor dress sense, melanoma or thuggery - or for that matter see bare-chestedness on display only with ridiculously well-toned movie-universe denizens - it's no surprise that they begin to perhaps unconsciously shrink away from shirtlessness. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="comment-timestamp">This parent's post further suggests that when young folks are exposed to the truth that shirtless men (or jogbraed women) are no more bizarre, at-risk, lame or ostracised than their mums and dads, they feel freed to shed their upper-body attire in appropriate situations. Obviously, an obscure blog like this one will reach only a small fraction of our youth. It is the behaviour and example of people in the wider community that is more likely to make a difference.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span class="comment-timestamp"> Post 2:</span></b><br />
<span class="comment-timestamp"></span><i><span class="comment-timestamp"><br /></span></i></dd><dd class="comment-footer"><div class="ii gt" id=":20">
<div id=":21">
<div>
<i>Hi,</i></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<i>My name is Austin and I am the captain of my cross-country team and
I happened to stumble upon your blog today about shirtless running. I
go to a private, christian school who aren't letting us run with our
shirts off anymore because they say that it is not the standard
equipment for a cross country runner. We completely hate this rule
because right now we are having to run in upper 90 degree weather
and we're almost getting to the point of heat exhaustion and its just
ridiculous. We are trying to do everything we can to fight it, so I was
wondering if you had any research to go along with the benefits of
shirtless running? Thank you for taking the time to read this message
and I hope to hear from you soon!</i></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<span class="comment-timestamp">In digesting this second post, we arrive at a second truth: That at times it is the deliberate, constrictive standards-setting of adults that keeps tops mindlessly on when they need not be. In the present case, I had to write back to Austin to say that I was not aware of scientifically-valid research that validates shirtless running. I hope this did not deter him and his comrades, since I do not see why the onus needs to be on those of us who go shirtless to justify our preference in exercise attire. The larger point that needs making, however, is that many youngsters may take their lead on 'appropriate exercise attire' from what the 'experts' in school prescribe. If more schools are closing down their options, it is no surprise that such narrow-mindedness might spill over to when these budding sportsmen are outside school. Yet I would need to be convinced that most communities' implied sartorial codes are really so draconian as to dictate when (or whether) their young people can take off their shirts when exercising.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="comment-timestamp">Overall, then, I think it is far from a given that young folks are really shying away from shirtlessness of their own accord. With Austin and the 11-year-old son, we see that there are still young converts out there who can fly our flag.</span><br />
<span class="comment-timestamp"><br /></span><br />
<span class="comment-timestamp">The battle is not yet lost.</span><br />
<span class="comment-timestamp"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<span class="comment-timestamp"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="comment-timestamp"> </span><i><span class="comment-timestamp"><br /></span></i></dd></dl>barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-43656286369687025272011-08-15T13:58:00.000+08:002011-08-15T13:58:15.386+08:00(Guest Post) Running Shirtless And Showing What You Can Achieve<br />
(A guest post by Jennifer Bell)<br />
<br />
Serious runners are running shirtless.<br />
<br />
Have you noticed? The latest trend in running apparel is to not wear anything, and itâs one thatâs catching on with serious runners everywhere.<br />
<br />
Whatâs this trend all about? Itâs all about being conscious of our bodies as we push ourselves to work harder and get stronger. Body consciousness obviously plays a role in physical exercise, and by running shirtless, we are exposing ourselves to the world--and to ourselves--in a greater way. Itâs this willingness to âput ourselves out thereâ that can push us to higher levels of fitness.<br />
<br />
Running isnât easy. It takes time and commitment and a willingness to cross new thresholds of pain, fatigue and our own limitations as athletes. Serious athletes know, however, that pushing past our limits is what itâs all about.
How can running without a shirt motivate us to work harder out on the track? For runners, itâs a question of being comfortable with taking your shirt off and having your upper body exposed as you pursue your athletic goals. Issues of confidence and self-esteem all come into play for the runner who challenges himself to run better, faster and stronger.<br />
<br />
The cardiovascular benefits of running are well known. Running helps you burn more calories and ups your metabolism, so your body can run more efficiently. It works out the whole cardiovascular system as well as getting your legs and abs in shape. Running also increases the runnerâs sense of well-being and can improve sleep.<br />
<br />
Practically speaking, running hard - to the level of achieving a ârunnerâs highâ - also increases perspiration, which is another reason why running shirtless is so freeing. Itâs a great feeling to be cooled naturally by your sweat during a run, without having a shirt sticking to your back. The payoff in endurance this extra bit of motivation can bring is considerable.<br />
<br />
If youâre a runner whoâs just beginning a program, you may feel self-conscious about your appearance as you take on your fitness regime. For men in this situation, however, the challenge of running shirtless can stimulate the motivation to reduce belly fat and get lean. These are additional payoffs for running seriously, and the results will be obvious in a short time if you truly commit to your program.
Getting in shape, looking good and running faster are all major confidence builders, to be sure.
With commitment, running shirtless can give you real motivation and push you to take yourself to a higher level of athletic achievement; showing off not just âwhat youâve gotâ but all you are able to achieve.<br />
<br />
Thatâs not a small thingânot small at all.<br />
<br />
-- This article was contributed by Jennifer Bell from <a href="http://www.healthtrainingguide.com/">Health Training Guide (http://www.healthtrainingguide.com)</a>barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-40443346884672033902011-04-04T08:52:00.000+08:002011-04-04T08:52:21.613+08:00Feeling uncomfortable while running shirtlessMany people who would otherwise be stripping down to bare chest or jogbra are held back by a sense that they are somehow offending against decency, propriety or modesty. And 'sense' is the word: It's not something they could articulate fully, but rather an inchoate discomfort that disrupts what should otherwise be blissful liberation.<br />
<br />
This extract from a <a href="http://healthyhungryhappy.com/2011/04/running-etiquette/">blog post</a> (which enumerates challenges 'most long-distance runners face') illustrates the problem.We should note that writer Amy stayed the course!:<br />
<br />
<blockquote> As I mentioned before, Dallas has started to warm up. Around the 13 mile mark, I took my shirt off. Iâve never done that before! I know itâs not a big deal, (Iâm obviously wearing a sports bra), but I still felt uncomfortable. The trail was mostly empty but every now and then someone would run, walk, or bike by. Every time they did I felt like throwing my shirt back on! Youâd think I was running around naked.<br />
I tried to remind myself that <em>I am hot </em>(literally, sweating, red faceâŠreally hot). There was only 1 water fountain on the trail (and I didnât bring any), so I was also feeling very dehydrated. Although I didnât want to offend anyone with my shirtless running, I also didnât want to pass out from heat exhaustion. So, shirtless it was!</blockquote><br />
<br />
I would say many of us who are now confirmed shirtless runners have had to bust through this transitional stage. Some of the posts and comments on this blog have tackled the matter, but four of the most successful 'cures' are quickly summarised:<br />
<br />
1) Run through it: If you resist the urge to 'cover up' but just keep going, after a while the sense of discomfort naturally recedes. Many folks report that the tipping point is just after one's perspiration begins to flow unhindered by attire, and a slight breeze combines with that to cool one's upper body that much more effectively.<br />
<br />
2) Avoid crowds: The writer of the post was already running in a fairly deserted area, and certainly for beginners hordes of people are best avoided; the discomfort might become so acute that the shirtless run becomes unrelieved misery. No point in that!<br />
<br />
3) Start small: Intersperse your usual fully-clothed runs with perhaps five minutes of shirtless striding. This will allow you to compare the difference in comfort level between the two phases, and gets you more used to the 'psychic shock' of stripping down. Over time, lengthen the time you keep your shirt off: Before you know it, it might be second nature.<br />
<br />
4) Seek other converts: You might choose to run where other shirtless runners can be found. There can be strength in numbers! A note though: A possible alternative 'confidence issue' might arise if you are yourself still working off a few winter pounds: You might be slightly intimidated by the ridiculously toned torsos revealed. Just remember that you don't need to look like some sort of professional athlete to feel comfortable with shedding excess kit; on the other hand if you are seriously flabby, perhaps you now have an additional incentive to get healthier soonest.<br />
<br />
Those needing further encouragement are urged to comb through the entries on this blog. A full range of opinion has been canvassed (including those heartily opposed to the whole notion of going bare!).You may find that your 'private insecurities' were widely shared by many who have since converted fully to running shirtless or jogbraed.barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-35630465948973114252011-01-19T10:02:00.000+08:002011-01-19T10:02:55.992+08:00How not running shirtless has affected meThese last few months, I've been unable to go for my usual shirtless runs. You know the usual reasons that will be adduced: The weather's not right, work demands too heavy. Bla bla bla. I've not even been able to update this blog.<br />
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How has my life changed? I feel myself increasingly constricted in my shirt. At home, I typically shuck it, but I miss the freedom of pounding down a trail in just shorts and shoes (and watch). I miss the perspiration on my back and chest, the friendly tickling of the breeze. I miss the tug of camaraderie when I pass a fellow convert to the bare-chested cause.<br />
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I am spiritually sustained, if I may put it that way, by the occasional email that still comes my way, by someone who has happened on this blog and found it strikes a chord with him (or her). When I can, I read the comments that are still posted. I am going shirtless vicariously, and am grateful.<br />
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In sum, I had not realised how being a shirtless runner had become an essential part of my being or identity, so that failing to live out this part of my soul has left me with a sense of void. Sometimes, if I may be trite, you really do need to miss something before you realise how much it matters. I've come so far from my days as a ever-shirted, over-clad self!<br />
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It's not a happy situation. For exercise, I could always join a gym near my new workplace, but gyms have their sartorial regulations (imposed, I must say, usually with the best of intentions and with some weight of logic on their side). It is not convenient for me to run at lunchtime. But I'm sure, with time, I'll carve out some part of the day and resume my runs. I shall not be denied forever.<br />
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For now, fellow converts, keep running shirtless and free. I am with you in spirit. Induct more people into our happy community. Write in and share.barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-68407614384736218092010-09-20T13:08:00.000+08:002010-09-20T13:08:54.738+08:00Guest post: Shirtless, and cold, in Sweden<div class="ii gt" id=":al"><div id=":ak"> <div bgcolor="#ffffff"> <div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Here, Anders in Sweden reminisces about his youthful, shirtless times. Hang on, it's an icy ride...</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Hallo!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">The picture on top of your homepage just reminds about when i was young, round 16 years. We were some schoolfriends who went running every Sunday, as much for the fellowship as the training. We persuaded more of our friends to join us and soon we were about 10 tough guys running together.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> When we were out, we looked much as the runners on that picture. We thought that only cowards ran in jogging suit or shirt. We found in 'tougher' to run in shorts only. We did so the first autumn only until the temperature dropped to zero Centigrade, but next year we stayed bare for the entire winter (and winters are really cold in Scandinavia).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Not all the runners stayed with us when it dropped below zero.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> We thought those bailing out were cowards and not tough enough. We got much "good advice" from "more knowledgeable" runners we met and much ironic commentary, such as: Are you training for Alaska?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">It made for marvellous fellowship amongst tough guys and good training, too. I just felt a tough guy together with the others. The fellowship made it easier to run in the cold and to run faster. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">The best thing was that we became popular among the girls. We asked some girls we knew to be present at the spot where we would reach the endpoint of our run. They came, waited and cheered and clapped their hands. It was marvellous then to chat briefly with them, before we got too cold because we were standing still.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">You can call it flirting if you like. Knowing that the girls were waiting for us made the run easier.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">After running, if it was cold, we would have boxing glowes in our bags. We would then stage short fights outdoors, when we still were warm. It was on a green common. If just two of us brought gloves, everyone could fight but it would be two at the time. The boxing was also a part of that fellowship. Again, it made us feel more like a tough guy to be in such company.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">After running and boxing, we would don our training suits, which we would have stowed in bags on our bicycles, then bike home.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">If it was snowing we might substitute a snowball fight for the boxing. We would hurl snowballs at the bare bodies and shove our friends into the snow.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">I wrote in because the picture on top of the homepage just looked the same as when we were running in those days.I'm middle-aged now but still cycle a lot.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Anders Ström,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> Sweden</span></div></div></div></div>barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-22690043659005760952010-09-06T08:57:00.000+08:002010-09-06T08:57:59.945+08:00Guest post: Inspiring other runners to go shirtlessHere's the 50th post on the blog, and it's all about spreading the shirtless running bug! It's a guest post by Rockbound. Read on...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Inspiring shirtless running</b></span><br />
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I've been running for many years, always shirtless if the weather permits. Over those years, there have been numerous times when I suspected my shirtlessness inspired others to "convert". I've never suggested to anyone that they run shirtless or commented on it, so I cannot be sure I was their inspiration, but I strongly believe my example was a factor in some of the cases.<br />
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A typical scenario is when someone else's running schedule happens to coincide with yours and you meet them by chance on the road. After a few days, or longer, you notice that they have shed the shirt. This happens more frequently if you wave or exchange a brief greeting with them when meeting. I think the greeting helps make you more "real" to them, and makes shirtlessness seem less intimidating. This sort of thing has happened many times over the years. The most recent example was in the past month, when I met a high-school cross-country team starting their preseason training. All these runners wore shirts the first couple of days I saw them. By the third or fourth day, several of the guys on the team were running shirtless.<br />
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It's not always runners that are inspired. For several years, I've seen a guy who walks along some of my running trails. After two or three years, I noticed that he'd started taking off his shirt for at least part of his walk.<br />
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Sometimes, the inspiration seems to work quickly. A few months ago, I met a young woman running in the opposite direction. She wore shorts and a T-shirt. I waved as we passed, but she did not respond. Toward the end of my run, we met again. By then, she had rolled her T-shirt up over her sports bra, exposing her midriff. Now happily "shirtless", she waved, said hello and even made a remark about the weather. I was amazed at the transformation!<br />
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Why does shirtlessness inspire shirtlessness? I think there are two big reasons.<br />
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The first is confidence, which can be contagious. Your confident shirtlessness demonstrates to others that it's okay to run shirtless. People often hate to be the only one doing something, so you help their confidence by setting an example.<br />
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Next, I think that shirtless runners are happier, enjoying their runs more than many others, and that enjoyment is clearly evident to others. Think about it -- don't you see shirtless runners smiling more, showing more confidence, having more of a spring in their step, than most shirted runners? That positive attitude and enhanced pleasure in the running, I believe, inspires others to do likewise and make their runs more fun.<br />
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Let's keep setting an example and inspiring others!barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-61904304407654775272010-08-24T08:48:00.000+08:002010-08-24T08:48:26.167+08:00Guest post: One new full convert's story<span id="internal-source-marker_0.7599783288217283" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">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)! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span id="internal-source-marker_0.7599783288217283" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">'I had thought of doing it for several years'</span></i></b></span><br />
<i><b><span id="internal-source-marker_0.7599783288217283" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">by Richard</span></b></i><br />
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<span id="internal-source-marker_0.7599783288217283" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.7599783288217283" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Running shirtless⊠it is something I had thought of doing for several years. Iâd seen people on the streets â sans shirt. I wondered what others might think. A few had great bodies. Most â like me â were less than sculpted, just average. A few were maybe even less than that.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">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 â naked from the waist up â by a neighbor or co-worker? But, it didnât matter. Inspired and given reassurance by Bare Thomasâ Running Shirtless blog, I took to the streets.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Much to my surprise and comfort, I have survived. Iâve moved from a safety shirt in my hand to a full convert. In fact, just recently, I didnât store my condo keys in my normal hiding place, so I had to buzz another building resident to let in her shirtless neighbor!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">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 â on well-traveled streets â and I have yet to cause any accidents or be scolded/ laughed at by anyone. In fact, Iâm just now becoming secure enough to stand pat at street crossings (waiting for the lights to change and right time to safely cross). Previously, Iâd 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. Iâm now convinced no one is bothered by my average torso being exposed.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Now, I look forward to running shirtless. Itâs fun, relaxing and easy. The âwhat is he doingâ stares â if they exist â arenât evident. My runs are better than ever (I didnât say faster than ever!).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I still havenât run into â literally â any friends or co-workers on my shirtless jaunts. I donât run shirtless when I run from my work place (we have facilities here). But Iâm convinced I can continue the movement to shirtless running ⊠and hopefully inspire others to join me.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Just do it!!</span>barethomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04969063128092357869noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019637165813580340.post-73617964391515241212010-08-11T08:32:00.000+08:002011-10-31T14:43:38.564+08:00Guest post: Tips on shirtless self-confidenceGoing 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.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial Rounded MT Bold; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span><u>Shirtless Self-confidence</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial Rounded MT Bold; font-size: large;"><i>(perhaps itâs obvious â but...)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">(a) First off, remember: <u>Hesitation is the enemy</u>. Whenever/wherever you run shirtless, take the shirt off decisively and keep it off, as if itâs the most natural thing in the world; youâve been doing it all your life. The illusion of confidence can be beneficial.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">(b) To shield from insecurity, try the â<u>what are you looking at?</u>â technique. I donât advocate hostility to those you encounter, of course. Rather, try a blank stare if you sense unwelcome attention. Let them question their own behaviour â not yours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">(c) <u>Mental application</u> is important: To fend off self-consciousness, concentrate intensely on <i>what</i> youâre doing and your surroundings â or on <i>anything</i> other than just that youâve got your shirt off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">(</span>d) <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><u>Remember your posture!</u> Keep your back and head up straight and your shoulders back â so nothing sags and you donât slouch. This is <i>one </i>area where thinking about what you look like is going to help (well, I think so). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">I hope this isnât too patronizing â it helped me in my early twenties, I hope it could help others. </span></div>
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