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July 07, 2008
Keep on running
Strong Carena, originally uploaded by RESM.
I have this subscription to Runner's World magazine, and it's a pretty nice magazine. I like all the tips that could possibly turn me into a better runner, plus there's usually some nice eye candy on the cover.
Nevertheless, I was a bit irritated that the latest cover story was dedicated to the phenomenon of athletic skirts, which have formed a solid block of fans among the running community. I've run a good chunk of races this past year, and I've seen quite a few women rolling up in these things, and I can't really decide if I'm a fan.
On the upside, they don't seem to be an impediment to running swiftly, and they also are more feminine than shorts. On the other hand, they seem out of place and make the wearer look more suited to playing tennis. I imagine the main advantage is that they are somewhat more fashionable than shorts.
The article mentions it gives the air of "strong women," but I don't even know what this means. How does a skirt make a woman strong? I always thought skirts were viewed as the establishment female wear, and an empowered woman told the establishment to get bent, instead choosing to wear a pantsuit. Perhaps, then, it is a reverse-f-you to the establishment, in that women are choosing to wear skirts when they go running.
I still think of them as unathletic, but that can't be true if women are going for long runs in them, and if women are playing professional tennis in them. Furthermore, all the fighters in Braveheart wore kilts, which are like skirts, and they did alright. (For a little bit, at least.)
For me, I think it comes down to what looks natural. Even though skirts are more flattering or fashionable or whatever, I can't help but think it looks silly. It doesn't look natural to me, but I'm not the one making the choice. I myself will probably never go running in a kilt, so don't get too excited for that!
entry no. 1179
Posted at July 7, 2008 04:37 PM