I’ve never been accused of having much fashion sense. I’m not proud of this and I blame it, at least in part, on having grown up in a tiny Podunk town in Eastern Montana, where Kmart was the only department store within 50 miles
(I’m not knocking Kmart or small towns, I’m just not entirely sure they did me much justice in the style department. In fact, it might be an interesting study to see if there is a correlation between the effects of a flashing blue light on the overall development of one’s ability to make a good fashion choice). Anyway, with that being said, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that I also possess an all-encompassing lack of “running fashion sense.”
Oh yes, "running fashion sense" is an actual thing
(I was surprised, too!). People actually dress the part of “
getting sweaty.” In fact, I believe this is a serious trend that is sweeping the nation, in case you hadn’t noticed all those cute runners on the road these days dressed to the “T”.
As for me, I usually just throw on whatever clothes are handy and ‘comfortable’ and it is almost always a very last minute decision. My lack of style while exercising doesn’t really bother me and I know it is not a necessity to becoming a good runner; but, sometimes
I wonder if it might be a good idea for me to leave my house for a run having put a little more thought into my overall attire. If I were to do this, maybe my husband would wave goodbye to me and shake his head out of pride and disbelief at the incredible, self-motivated woman he married, who,
in his opinion, looks really good in yoga pants
(that’s HIS hypothetical opinion, people! Not mine!). As of now, he usually shakes his head due to the fact that I don’t match, I’m wearing his sweat pants… a few sizes too baggy, and the Nike swoosh on my headband is upside down.
So,
what do you think about “running fashion sense?” Are we buying into corporations that tell us that we need to look a certain way while working out? Or are the corporations actually trying to make us feel better about ourselves, so we’ll want to work out (in turn, spending $50 on running shorts)? I’m sort of guessing that the answer to these questions could quite possibly coincide with an individual’s own personal level of shame. And, I guess that’s fine, too.
The Italian Stallion wore Converse and gray sweats, why can't I?
BTW! Be sure to check the blog next Sunday. Running Buddies is having it's first giveaway!!
Haha. I will always love you my fashionless sister! It was equally hard being the younger sister looking up the my big sis and thinking how she dressed MUST be cool - only to realized, it wasnt (thanks for all those hand-me-downs, btw! yikes!). haha. Teasing! ;)
ReplyDeleteI love wearing cute workout clothes but hate how spending they are. I think its motivating to wear cute gear AND also not embarassing if I have to do some erands after (or unexpected guests come over and I havent changed). Its a way to still look 'put together'
Kristin- you crack me up! But I am sooo right there with you when it comes to putting my running attire together. I just grab what is comfortable and suitable for the weather of the day. Plus, I can't bring my self to spend a lot of money on clothes that I am just going to ruin with sweat stains!!!:)
ReplyDeleteI think Dave likes to tease you and shake his head when you leave to run (in your less than fashionable attire) but he's proud, to be sure! Having said that, I've spent the past 2 weeks looking for some nice sweats myself. None to be found...anywhere! Seems they've all been replaced by yoga gear. I guess yoga gear is more attractive but not as cozy. Maybe if I actually ran the yoga pants would be better anyway. Not as hot.
ReplyDeleteBeth, I knew you'd be right there with me (Thanks, girl)! Caryn, I almost wrote that you are not allowed to comment on this post (you know way too much about me!). I'm just so thankful that roles have reversed and now I get your hand-me-downs (not when you've out-grown them, but when they go out of style and are perfect for me!). Sharon, I can't find sweats, either...that's why I wear Dave's! ;)
ReplyDeleteSorry sis! Had to comment. Thanks for being nice but truly, when did I become the 'bigger' sister? I know you've gotten plenty of my clothes b/c I out grew them. It must have to do with running (you running more consistantly than me)! Note to self: add that to my motivation list. Btw, you've always been an inspriation to me, regardless of what you are wearing! Love you!
ReplyDeleteBaggy grays aren't necessarily out of style - they're just not the most functional. The type of fabric trumps what the clothes look like; newer, tech fabrics work so much better to keep a body dry (thus avoiding a layer of ice next to the skin this time of year, or carrying 3 lbs of water in a shirt in the summer.) If the wick-the-moisture-away fabrics came in baggy gray, that might be the best of both worlds. But then again, I realize that SOME runners never even break a sweat ...
ReplyDeleteThat's so true, Judy! The type of fabric can be very important depending on what you are doing. I've taken some hot yoga classes and as such I have to pay attention to what I wear (i.e. no cotton!) or I'll have the worst sweat stains in the most horrific places! lol.
ReplyDeleteTrue. One time I ran in sweat pants in Eugene. When I left, it was dry outside, but cloudy. Halfway through the run, it started to rain and by the time I got home, I could barely keep my pants up they were so heavy from being wet. My friend Missy was the one shaking her head at me that day! lol!
ReplyDeleteRun along side me and I promise I'll make you look cool, but you might also be slightly embarrassed. :)
Hey Everyone,
ReplyDeleteKeep posting reasons for Kristin to start wearing more up-to-date, hi-tech running gear. I miss my sweats...
Happy Birthday, Kristin!
haha, Kristin I have been with you at Ross while you were buying cute work out clothes. Granted, cute work out clothes that are slightly irregular and deeply discounted, but still.... You guys are very funny, and fun to read!
ReplyDeleteSo, I'm kind of calling my running buddy out here, but I've always been a bit in awe of how he can match all of his running gear perfectly- the color scheme is consistent from his hat all the way down to his shoelaces (I'm not exaggerating).
ReplyDeleteWhile I will never reach that level of coolness, I agree with Caryn that I do find some motivation in looking presentable since I'm also often running errands after my run or (more often) meeting people for brunch. I do draw the line somewhere though as I would never go out for a run in full make-up- I know you've all seen that person, but that could be a whole blog topic on its own.
So, I'm a fan of technical gear, but agree about not loving the cost so much. I try to balance it out by only buying a piece at a time every once in awhile. I've had the same running jacket for ages (thanks sis!) and over the years, I've finally accumulated running gloves, tights and a hat. My collection of running gear is by no means expansive (nor perfectly color coordinated, haha), but everything I have gets a lot of use and peforms well (keeps me from being too cold/hot/or rain-drenched).
Most of my running tops are technical tees from races I've done. Even though the tops may not always be as fitted as I would like, I'll confess that sometimes I'm won over if I'm on the edge of signing up for a race based on whether I get gear in my goody bag. I've also found good deals at running expos (whether I'm a participant or not).
The one piece of fancy running gear I do not own that I'll admit to eyeing are those cool arm sleeves that Kara Goucher wears. I'm not sure why, but I almost feel as though I have to be a better (more skilled) runner to justify some of the gear out there. Maybe if I were Ryan Hall I could wear them. ;)
Lisa, I love getting gear in race goody bags, too! I also think it would be fun to get a running skirt someday. Seems comfy and cute. I'll post about the skirt debate sometime in the future! :)
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