Runners never get older. They just age up. Last weekend I aged up a year and to commemorate the event I got a new pair of shorts to run in. I'm special because I can't run in regular running shorts with liners in them and all that stuff. I need unlined shorts, so I generally have to go with training shorts or something like that.I settled on a pair like the ones the guy on the right is wearing (and looking a lot better in than I do). They're great. Light, with pockets, no liner, and a nice royal blue color. I thought I'd like to add a little color to my running short collection and that is certainly some color.
So excited about my new shorts I wore them the next morning for a 7 mile run. They performed very well. No riding up, no binding, no chafing, no mp3 player falling out of the pocket, no losing my car key, no waistband rolling down. Everything went perfectly.
When I run I'm a sweater. It used to bother me, but I've come to embrace it. I work out. I sweat. That's just how it goes. Anyway, when I'm out on the trail I have to drive to to run on I see a need to change my clothes when I'm finished. Not only to keep my car dry (even though I have a waterproof seat cover that is terrific), but because it's just half miserable driving in wet clothes. When I looked down to remove my shorts I was instantly reminded why I stick to darker colored shorts.
I've aged up to a point in life where I don't care much about how others perceive me, but I have to admit that walking around looking like I just peed my shorts tests my low level of caring about perception.
I guess we all have our limits.On the other hand, I also like to be left alone for a while post-run. I like to walk around, cool down, get my wits about me, get an initial thought about how the run went, drink some water, check my time, stuff like that. It's not my favorite time to socialize or make new friends or have strange dogs come up and sniff me.
I can't think of a better way to repel approaching people, if not approaching dogs, than to stare at them head on looking like I'm wearing a soaking pair of pee pants. I could be wrong, and if I am I don't judge, but I think these shorts might just be the best pair of shorts ever to give myself some time alone after I finish a run.
In sum, I've found the shorts I'm going to run all of my races in this spring. Happy running!
Just found your blog - too funny! I am also a big sweater (and it is infinitely more unattractive in a girl), so I totally get it. I laughed out loud when I saw your shorts! Thanks for posting it - nice to know I'm not the only one.
ReplyDeleteCarilyn
You are definitely not the only one. We're all in this sweaty thing together and should take pride in it. And use it to our advantage when we want to be left alone for a few minutes post-run. :-)
DeleteThanks for reading!
Ran a race last year that gave away running shorts instead of a shirt (seemed cool at the time). Shorts were royal blue for men and pink for women. Many people ran the race in their new shorts. Huge numbers of runners looking like they had accidents at the end. There was a photographer at the finish line but no pictures were ever published.
ReplyDeleteHa, that's awesome. It's always the unintended consequences that bite you in the rear.
DeleteJust found your blog from Put That Cookie Down Now - awesome! Love this article about shorts and spot on about aging up. I sweat profusely, as well, and have several problems with riding...hence the numerous black capris I own.
ReplyDelete