The things I go through in order to give you the most complete information on running; male or female. When running the SkirtChasers – Raleigh this weekend I thought it would be a perfect time to conduct some research on skirt running so I borrowed a pink skirt from one my a female friends. Running in a skirt made sense because the race was called SkirtChasers but then when I thought about it, why was I the one wearing a skirt? I was doing the chasing. Did I want the men to chase after me? Of course not, but I did want to get the experience so I can share it with you. I’m always working. I also thought maybe I could line up with the women at the start and win $500 first place prize but decided better against starting any controversy. So I donned a pink skirt and got ready to run a fun 5K.
Although I am a serious runner, I don’t have to take myself seriously. A fun 5K is not the time to try to attain your PR, it’s all about a good time. I ran the SkirtChasers to have fun, enjoy the race, and hang out at the great after party. Honestly, their concept is close to genius. Women run this race because they like getting free running skirts. Men like chasing women and attending events that women are at but SkirtChasers takes it one step further; the single men and women wear a sticker to signify their singality (trust me, it’s a word). How efficient! However men, if you really want to attract women at this race then wear a skirt. Preferably pink. Sometimes exuding confidence just isn’t enough. At an opportunity like this you have to step up your game a bit and put your confidence out there for everyone to see. So what did I learn from running in a skirt? That I’m sexy…well, that and:
You feel less restricted. Although I had bloomers on (I think that’s what they are called) underneath my skirt I honestly did feel less restricted. My legs were able to make fluid movements without tight shorts restricting them. I felt like a gazelle. A fast female gazelle.
You can look pretty while kicking butt. Every male I passed gave me a great boost of confidence. I could hear them thinking, ‘I can’t believe a guy in a skirt is beating me.’ I assume it is the same feeling for females wearing a skirt passing a male. I wouldn’t know though, it’s never happened to me.
You don’t lose speed. Even though I was running this race for fun and didn’t keep time for myself I still ran it fast. Even when running in a skirt I can’t give anything less than my best when I get out on the race course, no matter what I tell myself prior. The skirt held up fine, not slowing me down one bit. It may have even helped me run quicker. Women are always getting unfair advantages.
Make sure you get the right size. When passing some of the females I did see some that had skirts that were too small. How could I tell? Well, when they bounced you could see their lower bum. Trust me fellas, I’m very conflicted giving out this piece of advice but I’m just an honest guy…even when it hurts.
It was cooler. I did really enjoy the breeze it gave, keeping my overall body cooler. If you feel cooler, you’re going to run cooler. It’s simple math.
Overall, I suggest women try running in skirts. And no, I do not plan on wearing running skirts from now on. Although I did buy some pretty sweet running kilts today!
