The Proper Attire

One thing that I have noticed since I have started running with Luke's Locker is that I have become a snob. Correction. More of a snob. Let's, at least, be honest.

I feel a since of superiority over other less fortunate runners that aligned themselves with other less expensive runnings groups. To be clear, my running group didn't break the bank. It works out to about $5 a week, so we're not talking big money. Still, Luke's has a mystique all it's own. I am sure that all running group members feel the same way about their program...in fact, on a recent Saturday run, a rival running group had scrawled in chalk powder on the street where the entire Luke's program runs "Luke's Sucks!"...had that been at the end of the 20 mile run we were completing that day, I might have been more inclinded to agree.

MK and I have often discussed this sudden sense of superiority. We have been taught to run correctly, breathe correctly, how to face hills, how to face downhills, how to stretch, and generally how to be a better runner than you (well not YOU per se). Whether we properly implement these tools of the trade is an entirely different story. But the lesson that I have learned loud and clear, is what to wear when running.

I showed up on day 1 last year for a 10 minute jog...my first time jogging for more than a minute ever...wearing gym shorts and a t-shirt. By the end of that job, I had something akin to a paper maiche tshirt mold stuck to my torso. I am fairly certain that was the last time I have worn cotton while intentionally trying to make myself sweat. While there is something exhilarating about wearing a thoroughly soaked shirt around town for a bit after a good run, I am sure, my experience with Luke's has taught me that "real runners" wear fancy shirts that are sold with heavy marketing tags (honestly more like a brochure which has been attached to the shirt using those annoying plastic things) extolling the wicking virtues and aerodynamic design.

Don't get me wrong. I am willing to pay a fair price for a fair product. But, the first time I paid $40 dollars for a tshirt that was designed solely to be worn while I sweat, I had my reservations. Let me assure you, however, worth. ever. penny. Do you still sweat? Oh my yes. But somehow the shirt just makes it better. No one knows how...no one.

MK told me recently that before she started running she thought female runners wore capri sweat pants probably with a fun top sporting a college logo. I imagine that, alternatively, a charity walk/run tshirt could be subbed in for school pride, but definitely capri sweat pants were mandatory. For myself, I was under the impression that all men who were actual runners never wore shirts regardless of the weather and pranced around is something akin to a shorty garbage sack.

Thankfully, we've managed to land somewhere in the middle. As a favor to the public, I have pledged to keep my shirt on at all times, and MK and I both have a few faithful pairs of running shorts and wicking shirts that get recycled on a weekly basis. I look "sporty" but perhaps not "athletic". I am good with that.

Timmy