Earlier, I was putting together my race outfit for the morning’s Baltimore Women’s Classic, and I decided to check out the weather so I’d be dressed appropriately and was greeted by THIS:
Gross. So I posted a tweet. I asked “Is there like, a rule against “slow” runners with more than 5% body fat racing in just a sports bra?”
I got a lot of “you go girl” “rock your body” and other various girl power responses. I really appreciated those. I’ve never, not once, have raced in just a sports bra — it’s a bit intimidating when your abs aren’t where you want them to be yet, and you’re as PALE as I am… (hey sunburn… We’re going to be friends soon I’m sure.) My body isn’t quite where I want it to be yet, but you damn sure better realize I’m still very proud of it… I’M REAL. I’M WOMAN!
What did surprise me though, is the amount of WOMEN I found who are strictly in the “no way, it’s never appropriate” camp. While I certainly respect everyone’s opinion, it just struck me as SO ODD. (I still love you ladies. xo)
I’ve been thinking about it all night, and it keeps making me more & more irritated. Why is it that we live in a society that when a woman takes off her shirt to exercise, people assume she’s trying to show off? It’s maddening!!! (Lets not mention the fact that if I were trying to show off, a race with women in way better shape than me, is the last place I’d be doing it…)
The fact of the matter is, I sweat… A LOT. Not a disgusting amount, not any more than the average person.. But I get extremely uncomfortable when my shirt gets wet from sweat, and then starts rubbing my skin. It feels disgusting, and then my mind gets distracted by that gross feeling and that becomes all I can focus on… Making for very long and miserable miles.
While I absolutely wouldn’t go run by myself down Reisterstown Rd. in only a sports bra, I don’t see the big deal on the trails, or in a race. The biggest argument that people had was “would you wear a bra to the grocery store?” …. I guess I don’t see how its the same. I wouldn’t do half the things I do in a race, in public. I certainly would never wear a fuel belt to just hit the grocery store. I would NEVER throw empty cups on the ground without a care in the world. I wouldn’t spit and blow snot onto the ground. I wouldn’t cheer on random strangers… The list continues, but I think you get my point.
After sitting on this for some time now, I’ve formed one conclusion… I’m not pointing fingers this is just kind of how I feel about it — if you are judging people who run in only a sports bra, YOU are most likely the one with the problem, not the woman who is trying to sweat a little less, and move a little more.
So, I really truly want to know. What is YOUR stance on running in only a sports bra?
I wish I could but I am not comfortable exposing my less than stellar body to the whole world. Sadly it’s the world we live in where we are judged by the amount of flab on our body. Even more sad, I do it when I see people with “too much flab” wearing a bikini or sports bra. I think geez what they are thinking. But then I get over my judging self and think, “good for them because I would never do that.”
I have no problem with any woman of any shape/size wearing just a sports bra. Is it any different from wearing a bikini to the beach?
That’s exactly how I feel. It’s MORE clothing than the average bikini
I’m all for sports bra only running! It’s all I ran in during the summers in DC, it was WAY too hot to wear a shirt. I laughed out loud when I read “I wouldn’t do half the things I do in a race, in public.” snot rockets are really not acceptable on the everyday walk or grocery trip. I could care less if I see a woman of any size wearing just a sports bra during a race.
i just had my 2nd baby six months ago, so i’m not quite ready to run wearing just a sports bra. once the linea negra disappears, if it gets hot enough, i’d have no problem doing it. there really is no difference between that and a bikini top, expect that the word ‘bra’ appears in the name. i wonder if that’s what makes the difference for some people. the fact that it was named and considered by most to be an UNDERgarment?? this makes me think of that soccer player (was it Brandi Chastain?) and the sports bra seen ’round the world
It doesn’t bother me to see women running in only their sports bra – no matter what they look like. I think it’s great that they are comfortable enough to do it AND they are out there doing it!
Oh, and I love that Sweaty Band – have the same one
I just can’t get jazzed up about this – you should wear whatever’s comfortable and motivates YOU. Who’re you running for, anyway?
I just can’t get jazzed about this – you should run in whatever feels good & motivates YOU. Who’re you running for, anyway?
I run in just a sports bra ALL THE TIME (like yesterday!) it’s 100 degrees here for many months of the year and humid so I sweat like crazy and chafe really badly. I ran a half marathon in just s sports bra in april, and am so glad I did. it lets the cool air hit my sweat and cool me off and not trap the heat on my torso. The whole “you wouldn’t wear it to the grocery store” argument I don’t agree with because what about going to the beach? people walk around the beach in just a swimsuit, which shows way more. is that wrong? crazy.
Great post! My opinion had recently changed on this. I’m a fairly modest girl and a year ago would have said it’s a no, no….but only because I was jealous of the woman’s confidence to run just in her sports bra. Now, after amping my workouts and realizing how HOT it can be, I understand. I think the key to remember is to consider where you’ll be running in your sports bra. For example, I workout A LOT around my office and would not feel comfortable dropping the shirt in the event I would run into my colleagues or bosss. The second thing, and equally as important, is to remember is your safety. Not to be stereotypical, but there are some neighborhoods where men’s eyes control their actions. Anyway, just some ramblings….
I’m really self conscious about my belly (stretch marks after losing so much weight isn’t pretty, plus I still have a bit of fabulousness on me LOL) so I wouldn’t do it myself. If you feel comfortable enough being in “just” a sports bra, I say more power to ya!
reality..do what YOU feel is right..
as for me, it’s crazy hot and humid in south FL and if I wanna run in my sports bra I’m goin to run in my sports bra…I gross out my daughter w/the amount of sweat on my teeshirts when I come in, literally wring them out! and have you seen the itty bitty bikinis that people of all sizes wear!? how’s that any different than a sports bra which covers MORE?! go for it, wear what YOU’re comfy in!!!
If you feel comfortable with what you look like in your sports bra then I would say, “go for it!” Frankly, I find a ‘less-than-perfect’ female runner in a sports bra less off putting than a ‘less-than-perfect’ male runner without a shirt and we all have to deal with plenty of those!
Go for it! I don’t think I could, I’m too self conscious. But there have been MANY times when I’m at my CrossFit gym when I’ve wanted to rip my shirt off because I’m so damn hot/sweating my guts out. I get jealous of the guys who work out shirtless…
I would certainly never pass judgement on anyone who decided to work out in just a sports bra.
I don’t think I could do it, but that’s because I have like NO self esteem and always fear people are talking. I shouldn’t care, but I do! That being said, now that I’ve toned up a little over the past two months I did catch myself going out without a shirt. I was headed to a friend’s for a race and she had the specialty made shirts.I didn’t feel like wearing a shirt just to go over to her place to change so out the door I went sans shirt and showing off the s-bra. I didn’t even care one bit, so maybe I’m working my way up there too? I certainly see the advantages.
I, too, am a heavy sweater! And as SOON as I lose my last 19 pounds and get my tummy to where I want it to be, I WILL be running in just a sports bra. I have no qualms about it at all. My boobs {what’s left of them after my 81 pound weight loss, lol} will be covered so I don’t see the big deal at all!! Rock on, Charlotte!
I didn’t see the responses, so I can’t *really* comment, BUT I do wonder how many people said “no” out of safety concerns? It’s unfortunate that we have to live in this kind of world, but it seems like in some areas running in a sports bra can be dangerous – just because SOME men (a very small minority of course) are pervs.
There is NOTHING wrong with wearing a sports bra to run or race! When it’s hot, it’s hot and if it helps you be more comfortable out there, drop the shirt. I’ve done it for years and I know that a few of my friends did that race today (probably placing in top 5 overall) and they were probably rocking the sports bra. And they’re in their late 40s/early 50s. Go for it!
I had plans to write a post on this subject too! I am with you. If it’s hot, I’m going to rock the sports bra. But I think each person needs to dress to their comfort level.
Do it if it makes you more comfortable! I did it twice this week (for the 1st and 2nd times ever) – the temps were in the 90s- and was SO glad I did! Can’t imagine running with a shirt on in that heat! And I would definitely do it in a race if it’s in the 80s/90s. Be proud of yourself and don’t let other people’s thoughts bother you! Hope the race went well!
I LOVE seeing fellow ladies rocking the sports bra sans shirt – girl power indeed. And I wouldn’t care if she had 5% body fat or 50% – if you’re comfortable then go for it. I’ve run a couple of times this summer in just a sports bra and I always feel a tad guilty for it because I feel like other women are judging me but dammit it’s hot and a sweaty shirt is gross. I love the freedom of running in a sports bra. My fiance was the one who finally convinced me to do it too. He had good insight when I was being insecure and told me that even if I don’t look like some ideal that I want to look like, I still work my ass off on a nearly daily basis to stay in shape and I should be proud of the body I built – not ashamed.
Although after one run with a sports bra only by myself and honks and hollers I definitely won’t do it alone again. Sad that’s the way it is.
And for the record, no I would not wear a sports bra to the grocery store but not because I think it’s a fashion faux pas. I wouldn’t do it because it’s friggen COLD in the grocery store. I would freeze my ass right off.
I LOVE seeing fellow ladies rocking the sports bra sans shirt – girl power indeed. And I wouldn\’t care if she had 5% body fat or 50% – if you\’re comfortable then go for it. I\’ve run a couple of times this summer in just a sports bra and I always feel a tad guilty for it because I feel like other women are judging me but dammit it\’s hot and a sweaty shirt is gross. I love the freedom of running in a sports bra. My fiance was the one who finally convinced me to do it too. He had good insight when I was being insecure and told me that even if I don\’t look like some ideal that I want to look like, I still work my ass off on a nearly daily basis to stay in shape and I should be proud of the body I built – not ashamed.
Although after one run with a sports bra only by myself and honks and hollers I definitely won\’t do it alone again. Sad that\’s the way it is.
And for the record, no I would not wear a sports bra to the grocery store but not because I think it\’s a fashion faux pas. I wouldn\’t do it because it\’s friggen COLD in the grocery store. I would freeze my ass right off.
It’s actually a HUGE goal of mine this summer to finally run in just shorts and a sports bra. Not to “show off” similar to what you said about that whole misnomer above, but because to me that epitomizes real confidence, strength and yes, a little bit of badassery. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you are, how great your abs look, or any of that. It’s just how you carry yourself – with confidence and strength and an assurance that you couldn’t care LESS what the others out the road think of you. That’s why it’s my goal. And it WILL happen this summer, dammit!
Great post!
I don’t do lots of those things you mention, in a race, either.. throwing cups on the ground and spitting/snotting – NOT. And the only times I have ever run in just a sports bra was on the beach in Mexcio and in the gym on the treadmill in that same resort… but I think you should do whatever you feel comfortable with and SAFE in. All of our differences is what makes the world go round I think and what works for YOU works for YOU. Interesting post though and lots of interesting comments too.
I try not to be stuck in one opinion but for this one I am mainly because I was saddened to hear you had comments suggesting it wasn’t acceptable to run in a sports bra.
I run in a sports bra all the time and just do it. But perhaps I am a bit more open-minded as I live on an island and there are ladies walking around in bikinis that cover less. Why on Earth should it be wrong to run comfortable? And for those who think yes, what do you say to the ladies in bikinis by the pool or at a beach. And yes, they go into the shopping store the same way here.
I say go for it if you’re comfortable. We live in a totally backwards society full of contradictions and double standards. We see violence on women on television and on the internet EVERY DAY and we’re too delicate to see a female athlete running in something more comfortable? I wish everyone would just get over it.
I think it depends on the size of your boobs. I am 34DD and would NEVER feel comfortable just running in a sports bra. They draw enough attention covered up!
I live in the South. You quickly get over yourself and don’t give a flip what people think and you run in a sports bra LOL. When it’s 75 and 80 degrees before 8 am, you really don’t care any longer and I love that. I love seeing women of all sizes a) running and b) not caring what people think.
I am all for it. In fact, I do it quite often. If you want to judge me because I am out there running in just a bra then you can bite me. I’m not here to please anyone other than myself, and I’m sorry that I am okay with the way I look and others aren’t. I don’t get why people disapprove of it.
I will say that I won’t wear just a sports bra at the gym because I am aware it makes others uncomfortable and it’s a bunch of old people so i don’t want to give them heart attacks because I’m bringing sexy back
I say rock it. There’s no problem with it, and it someone doesn’t like it then they should probably stop staring.
i loved reading this post!! just this past weekend i was at the gym and my favorite instructor was teaching three classes in a row. i hadn’t been planning on staying for all three and was wearing a cotton tee, but ended up staying for all of them – during the third class i was completely drenched and my tshirt was just really bothering me. i took it off for the last half of the class, but i got quite a few looks like it was inappropriate or something. no way was i trying to show off (hello, i don’t have the perfect body – who does?) – just simply trying to make finishing my workout more comfortable!!
Do it! My stomach looks like a shar pei from having kids, and sometimes I get pissy when I see women rocking sports bras on the greenway. I see them and I say “Why is she wearing THAT?” Then I realize I’m just being a jealous bitch, and the chick is probably just doing what makes her comfortable in the heat. So take it from me, what you said is right on the money and you don’t owe it to anyone to try to make them feel better about themselves while you cover up. That’s something they need to learn on their own.
I say do whatever you’re comfortable with. I don’t usually run in a sports bra, but it doesn’t bother me when I see others doing it!
I started the running in a sports bra movement in my high school and got some flack for it from coaches and students but I argued if the boys can do it, the girls can do it! I say if it’s hot and sunny outside why not? Personally, until my stomach is flat like in high school I won’t be running in a sports bra, however, the ridiculous sports tank tan line I have is crazy and getting worse every day!
I try not to run in sports bras. But sometimes you just have to. When I’m feeling confident in who I am, I rip off my shirt, kick it into second gear and rock the crap out of my sports bra. I don’t care if I get looks or judgement from others… I wear my sports bra with pride and satisfaction!
In all honesty, do your thing girl. You race for yourself, not for others.
Lol you crack me up!!! Honestly this wasn’t about me. Just a conversation piece. Was curious where people stand. I did it yesterday and I’ll most likely do it at every summer race from here on out.
I used to run/workout in just a sports bra all the time. The only reason I stopped was actually because I lived in Texas at the time, and after taking lots of exercise science courses, I learned that your body will actually stay cooler longer in very hot weather if you wear a non-restrictive, wicking, light-colored shirt. So, I stocked up on loose, wicking tanks and threw them over my sports bra whenever I was exercising outside.
Now I live in Oregon and it’s still like 60 degrees outside (boo!), so usually I’m stuck in long sleeves anyway. I say if it’s in the moderately hot range of 75-90, and you’re acclimated to the weather, go ahead and run in a sports bra! If it gets much hotter, do whatever you can to help your body’s cooling system to work best and wear the loose tank top. I know it’s counter-intuitive, but the science doesn’t lie.
Here in FL, running sports-bra-only is the norm (which makes me happy, as I hate overheating). That said, I once had two ladies behind me in the starting corral at a marathon (a MARATHON!) make snide remarks that they “would never be caught dead racing in *only* a sports bra.” (I proceeded to beat their pants off in the race.)
Here’s the thing: clothing is context-sensitive, so the grocery store argument makes no sense.
Men race with shirts off, but won’t go into a grocery store that way.
We women wear bathing suits at the beach, but won’t go into a grocery store in a bikini (people of Wal Mart notwithstanding).
We also wouldn’t go into a grocery store in a prom dress and tiara, would we?
When the context is running: rock the sports bra!
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Amen!
My goal is to wear only a sports bra during my first marathon (NJ Marathon). I’m pretty thin, but have no muscle tone. This is a muscle toning, diet goal for me.
I am right now torn… I have no issues with my body. I am a body paint model so I strip down to thongs and pasties in public and get painted!! I don’t care but…omg in a sports bra and run…. I’m scared. Not because I think it’s vulgar BC it isn’t! I am intimidated by all the outspoken women that love to hate and criticize. I just fear doing it and I want to run in one so bad! I live in Georgia, it’s miserable hot here!!
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