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Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Wearing Tiny Tight Shorts on Race Day

I mentioned last week, in my recap of the Nike DC Half, that wearing the Oiselle Stride Shorts was a big moment for me. I used to hate my legs and be ashamed of them. Because I don't have runners' legs.

You know what I mean by runners' legs, right? Those legs that have clearly defined thigh muscles on the inside and out, that go straight up to the hip without a curvy detour.

Runners' legs.
(source)
Even when I didn't run or even work out, runners' legs were what I wanted. Strong and sleek.

I've always preferred leggings and crops to shorts because of this, especially before I ran. I feel like leggings make me look more streamlined, while shorts reveal my legs in all their un-toned glory. 

But what I've come to realize as I have started running and working out, is that my legs are strong. They can power me through 13.1 miles. They've carried me up a mountain. They might not look the way I always wish they did, but they're strong and for that I appreciate them.


So when I was deciding what to wear on race day, I decided to go with the stride shorts. They're great in warmer weather, they feel fantastic to run in, and they're not unflattering. They just... show my legs. Which I've now decided I don't hate and maybe even kind of like and appreciate.

I'll be honest, though. I wore shorts to a class a week ago and put my scarf over my legs when I sat down. It's a work in progress. 


Is there a body part you've had to work to accept? Does exercise (running, yoga, another sport) make you appreciate it more?

2 comments:

  1. My belly is what i'm always conscious about.. Especially post-babe now. But it's a work in progress as you say, and I am sooo grateful for my stabilizing abdominal muscles when trail running. Because in the end that's where all the power comes from

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  2. So ... I attended a running biomechanics class last night, and if it makes you feel any better, that girl is totally over striding, which can lead to injury. Anyway ... I like wearing shorter spandex for races, but I definitely feel too self-conscious to wear them during normal workouts.

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