Fashion Meets Function

In the summer, when the humidity is near 100% here in the South, running just isn't pleasant. One of the more unpleasant aspects is a little thing called chafing. My first summer of running (I started in June of '07), I learned a few things. First, cotton sports bras are a bad idea. The band at the bottom would nearly saw me in half during my little 2 and 3 mile runs. I soon realized that cotton anything is pretty much a bad idea.

Last summer, my 2nd summer of running, I was all about technical clothing. I had the socks, the tops, the shorts, the whole nine. But I discovered something insidious about my technical shorts. If the heat and humidity are just right, they still cause some very uncomfortable chafing. And these weren't Wal-Mart technical shorts, they were Nike, for goodness' sake! After my thighs actually bled on a six-mile run, I knew I'd better figure something else out. I got some Body Glide and it helped. Maybe it's the way I'm built, but I knew there had to be a clothing solution. So far this spring, I've been loving my running capris and tights, but that just isn't an option for the summer.

So, I did a little research, and the two best options for chafe-prone runners are compression shorts and running skirts. Since compression shorts scare me, and often lack the number 1 running accessory-Pockets!-it looks like I'm going to become a skirt wearer. I know that skirts/no skirts is kind of a debate in the running community. I know that guys certainly hate being passed by a "skirt." I know some women believe they are silly because running isn't about looking pretty. But if fashion can meet function---if I can have something sort of cutish that leaves my thighs intact.... that could be a great thing!

After reading a few reviews, I decided on investing in a top-of-the-line Atalanta Committment skirt from http://www.skirtgoddess.com/.

And when I say "investment," I mean $54 plus shipping. Ouch. But I have to say, it's the CUTEST THING EVER. It felt fun and flirty and feminine. I may be a runner, but I'm still a girl at heart. It's got about 3 inch compression shorts underneath that peek out from the bottom (in a good way) and two big pockets. I could fit 4 Gu's and a cell phone in there.

I would sure love to try it out on my 20-miler tomorrow, but that's probably not a good idea. One, if the waistband or something causes issues, it would be a mighty long 20 miles. Two, it's going to be 35 degrees at the start of my run (though it will be in the 50's when I finish). I'm not subjecting my legs to that.

It's ridiculous to be this excited about a new piece of running clothing, but this far into training, I'll take excitement anywhere I can get it!