Running in a Skirt
Despite all the pink you see here on this page and all the pink I have in my workout wardrobe, I do not feel comfortable running in a skirt. Maybe it’s because NY women like to convey a sense of toughness or equality but very few running skirts can be seen sprinting around Central Park.
I bought a running skirt from Running Skirts about four years ago. Somehow it seemed fitting to run in it for the first time at BlogHer. Besides, I wanted to be a cheerleader for FCITC (which is what the Husband said I looked like).
I was actually embarrassed to show up for the Tutus for Tanner 5k wearing a skirt. I thought my thighs would rub together and create enough friction to light Times Square on fire.
I was wrong. Running in a skirt felt just like running in shorts. Once the run started I didn’t even notice the skirt and Times Square didn’t catch on fire from my thigh friction. In fact, I didn’t even have to tug at the skirt to prevent any indecent exposure. The skirt was comfy!
Will I run in a skirt again, you ask? Maybe, but not in NYC.
I’m scared of running skirts because of the rubbing. I always run in capris, not even running shorts. I always feel like I should try one but I’m TERRIFIED! Perhaps if I find one on sale.
Was it a real skirt? Like, not shorts under a skirt-like exterior?
interesting. i would never think to run in a skirt– i have thunder thighs. Glad it worked out well for you though!
That’s so weird! I only ever run in skirts (switched cold turkey about two years ago), and I’ve never felt at all uncomfortable in NYC. In fact, I have crazy trouble finding shorts that don’t ride up, so it’s way more comfortable for me to wear a skirt. I was actually coming up Cat Hill last weekend when a woman flew past me and turned around to say, “I love your skirt!” Her compliment kept me going!
Ladies w/thunder thighs or fears of rubbing – you can get AMAZING skirts with compression shorts underneath. Only thing I run in, ever. So comfy, avoids the look of compression shorts and the riding up of short. Sheer genius.
I think the running skirts are really cute! My tiny town has a huge running community and we even have an annual 10k and half marathon but I’ve never seen anyone in a running skirt before. I don’t know if I would have the guts to be the first one to try it!
I’ve yet to purchase a running skirt! They still frighten me.
I see a lot of bloggers writing about loving those skirts but I am just not sure about that…. I am so old school!
That skirt is so cute and yup you do look like a cheerleader but a sporty fabulous one!
I just think I would look so silly running in a skirt. Why try to get my backside to look cute when I know the rest of me is a sweaty disaster?
I agree with Sarah, I’m not sure if I could pull off the running skirt. I love how other people look in them, but I feel like my athletic build might look weird in it. I usually rock t shirts and shorts. I have heard great things about them though
I’ve never really understood the running skirt thing. Tennis, yes. But running? I’m with you on not wearing it in the city. My pink handle bars bring enough attention to me. I think I’ll stick to my plaid lululemon shorts… neon plaid.
You look great in your running skirt! I think they look good, but not for me. I guess I think like you. Skirts and running don’t seem like a good mix. Whenever I see people in them, I think they are adorable, but I’ll sticky with my lulu shorts. Bright plaids are girly, too!
Hey! I found your blog via jessruns! I’m moving to NYC in September so yay! I bought a running skirt last year to see what it would be like…I’m not totally sold (I’m not too girly…), but I could see why people would like them.
I have a running skirt but I don’t wear it that much. It’s cute and all, but I have a huge collection of shorts that I love more!
I think you rocked that skirt! I’m happy to hear there wasn’t any chaffing involved. Just sayin!
You guys all look adorable! And a 5K in tutus sounds awesome
Glad you enjoyed NYC!
I will always be a shorts runner, since it’s more comfortable (mentally) so that’s what I go with.
Adding a little femininity to your mileage. Already told ya I loved the skirt(s):)
It comes with little bloomers inside I’m assuming? Like a tennis skirt?
The running store I worked out sold those. Women used to come in ALL THE TIME looking for them.
I don’t really see the benefit? Is it an fashion thing? Or do skirts make you run faster? haha!
I have 3 running skirts (I’ve done two of my 4 half marathons in a skirt) and while I don’t run exclusively in skirts (I still love my shorts), I find them really quite comfortable. I’ve got two with just the “spankie” and one with compression shorts and I actually prefer the ones with the brief underneath. On a hot day, I feel like I’m wearing next to nothing.
If you’re worried about chafing- I just use some body glide on my legs.
Running skirts have always baffled me, but general consensus does seem to be that they are comfortable. Maybe i’ll try one someday.
Great Photo! I’ve actually run in a running skirt too but did not find it very comfortable and now it is at the bottom of my running shorts pile. So glad you had a good time.
I’d absolutely run in a skirt if had some sort of shorts underneath so a gust-o-wind didn’t show my unmentionables
I think you look really cute in it!
Did we gab about this in NYC? I know Renee was wearing a skirt the day we ran and she liked it but mentioned some riding up issues…..I’d be willing to try it, but I’m also more interested in appearing bad-assery-ish.
very valid reason for not running in a skirt… but i imagine it would be like an ongoing game of tennis and your running after the ball… lol.
tutus for tanner! woo hoo!
I feel the same way about running skirts. I think they look really cute on other people but I just can’t bring myself to do it!
Confession: first time I ran in Central Park {last Saturday}, I wore my running skirt.