Hello all,
This is my first post here, so apologies if it is in the wrong place. I turned 30 recently and decided to make positive steps to try and get healthy by running. I am doing OK so far and I must say that I enjoy it far more than I ever thought I would.... However I have a bit of a dilemma that you experienced types might be able to shed some light on?
After getting to the stage where I can run 10k without stopping I decided that I could call myself a 'proper' runner, now a 'proper' runner needs some 'proper' running clothes so off I went down to my local running shop and bought.... wait for it.... a pair of leggings/tights (whatever you want to call them). All I will say is they don't leave an awful lot to the imagination (in fact it pretty much looks like someone has simply sprayed my naked lower half with black spray paint). My friends found it absolutely HILARIOUS....Now the question I have is this....
Is it acceptable and normal practice for one (a man) to wear just leggings on their own to run in (and a top of course)? and secondly.... do others 'go commando' when wearing running tights/leggings. I must admit they are very comfortable but I don't reckon there's much scope to put a pair of boxers on underneath? What do other people do, I would've asked in the shop but felt a bit embarrassed.... I feel self concious running at the best of times and wouldn't want to be committing a major faux pas or even worse causing a scandal in my local town ;-)
Your input would be greatly appreciated.
runbelly ;-)
Generally speaking, going commando is the way to go, otherwise you might end up chafed in all the wrong places. You can always through a pair of shorts over the top if that helps.
But with the current cold weather conditions there's not so much showing anyway...
I tend to wear an old pair of Nike dri-fit lycra shorts under my running tights. I think shorts over tights looks silly but each to his own.
I only wear tights if it is very cold so find the extra layer helps prevent freezing of the extremities. I was out in shorts today (sleet/snow and just above 0) and the pain as blood started to return when back in the house!!
ps - well done on your progress. And. Yes the posting here is fine. Could have posted in "Gear" but I'd say this Forum is better.
I think it's commando all the way with running tights; whether male or female.
Following a torsion injury (that I don't want to repeat) I prefer to wear sports briefs under my tights. Decathlon do some very good ones that are snug and wicking so don't cause any chafing issues. Before I found these, I tried some none-sport specific "banana hammock / thongy" type things from a fancy underwear shop that worked too - but they also have a leopard skin print so you may choose not to wear them if public changing is on the cards. I've also tried the traditional jockstrap but couldn't find any that weren't too bulky for anything more than a jog around the park.
Thankyou for your swift replies. I mean I don't mind just wearing the tights.... Better that than short shorts :-)... I just didn't know whether you were supposed to put shorts over the top or it was considered allowable to just wear them on their own.... Sans boxers or shorts on the outside....
As you can see runners all have different opinions (as with most segments of the population). One common denominator is (generally) we are not that judgemental. Anyone with the will power to get out there, whether slow or fast, thin or less so, pants or no pants!! Is still a runner.
I think the conclusion is - no etiquette, go with what you are comfortable with. In Westies case no pants!!
Ah you're right! Do you know what... I'm just gonna throw em on and go for it... I'll be a blur anyway :-) thanks for the replies