I have a confession to make….
I run topless.
Okay, so technically I don’t run completely topless. I run with a sports bra on but I am usually sans shirt. I haven’t always been comfortable running without a shirt on. In fact, this is the first year that I have braved running outside without a shirt on and this past Sunday was my first race that I ran wearing just a sports bra and shorts.
In the comfort of my own home I have always worked out in as little as possible. It keeps me cooler during my workouts and it cuts down on laundry. It’s a win-win! But I had always been hesitant about running in public without a shirt on because I felt that people would think I was saying “Look at me!” In actuality what I am saying is “It is too freakin hot out to wear a shirt!”
At this point in my life I don’t care so much about what people think. Look at me or don’t look at me while I am running. I could care less either way. I am not out there running for the attention, I am out there running for me. So why not be as comfortable as possible in the process?
Interestingly the topic about women running without a shirt on sparks a lot of debate on both sides of the issue. Check out this post from Charlotte over at Wild Things RUN Free. Like Charlotte, I have received both positive and negative feedback in regards to my choice to run in just my sports bra as well.
What it comes down to is what feels comfortable to YOU! If you want to run in just your sport bra (or shirtless if you’re a guy) then more power to you! And if you are more comfortable wearing a shirt, then wear a shirt. And while we are at it lets stop passing judgement along to others who choose to do the opposite of you. Because whether you like it or not, I am still going to be running topless!
Amen lady!!! It was a dream of mine to run in a sports bra! I did it last March… I felt free and I had my best time ever!! Made me feel sexy as hell…will do it again that is for sure!! GREAT BLOG!
Thanks! And btw You ARE sexy as hell! You can totally rock you run in just a sports bra!
Sometimes it’s like your in my head!!!! lol I am exactly the same and with you on the win-win. I never used to run without a shirt until this year. It’s just been to hot and humid for clothes
We really need to live closer to each other!
I don’t know why people complain about “how” people run. You have to run comfortable and for you if that is just wearing shorts and a sports bra then by all means. It’s your run! Go for it!!
High five to that!
So glad you feel comfortable! It’s too darn hot here to even think about a top LOL. I did find a super super sheer mesh tank from Brooks that I can wear when I run solo in the early morning hours. I feel a little more secure: more covered and more visible. But otherwise, it’s sports bras from the time it hits 65 degrees on.
Being visible is very important! I run in the afternoon so it’s not something I have to worry about right not. Not until the Fall at least…
I *still* haven’t worked up enough gusto to just wear a sports bra… but the day is coming soon, I think!
It takes time that’s for sure. But once you do, it will be very freeing!
In the summer I run topless too, and have done two topless half marathons. keeps me so much cooler!
I agree! The cooler the better!
Although its nearly all women commenting, I’m sure your title caused a major spike in page hits from the male demographic. I enjoy running topless in extreme heat. During long runs it saves on Band-Aids or Bodyglide as well. However, I usually run clothed. No one wants to see my hairy man-boobs. You’re welcome for that visual.
Lol I thought it would be a catchy title. And you made a very good point about the band-aids and Bodyglide. I didn’t think about the savings there.
Go girl! I am way too self-conscious to go topless =)
It took me awhile to feel comfortable with it, so I get that.
Topless….what about bottomless?
Doesn’t appeal to me much. Do you have any experience with that you would like to share?
Betsy, you are a hottie in your sports bra and running shorts! You and your confident self rock that! Definitely self-conscious over here, BUT one of us recently got so hot on a hill run and felt like our shirt was suffocating us that you better believe it came off! Not a regular occurrence, but it’s HOT! Freakin’ hot! Own it!
Awwww….I’ll pay you guys later for that compliment! I know you guys have to be roasting in that heat!
I support the movement to wear what you wish. I used to be self conscious about running sans shirt. But in FL with the humidity it was insanely hot. Now in the El Vee… I haven’t worn a shirt ever. Its freakishly hot!
I can only imagine how hot it must be there! I shouldn’t complain about the heat here!
I run shirtless all the time (including a new year’s eve run when it was >35* F) and it’s not because I want to show off, it’s all about being comfortable. There’s an older guy I see every day walking (he walks 6 miles a day) and we’re both always shirtless… neither of us has “the body” for it, but it’s not about showing off. So do what makes you comfortable.
Wow! I start packing on the layers in those temps! High five for being comfortable in your own skin!
I would LOVE to be able to run in just a sports bra, but I have ALOT of extra skin (sorry if this is TMI) from my weight loss. It wouldn’t be very flattering to see me running down the street in just a sports bra. Maybe if I can ever get the surgery to remove it, one of the first things I’ll do is run with just a sports bra on top. For everyone else, if you feel comfortable running topless, I say GO FOR IT!!!
Congrats on the weight loss and getting out there and running! That is the important part!
haha No! I haven’t been around much this week. I thought everybody used that kit now, they do over here, it’s no different to wearing spikes.
The Twitterverse will suffer without your constant presence and witty comments you know….
Great read, and a great example set. Swing by the blog sometime and share your experiences.
Thanks!