The fact that it was a long time ago can be confirmed not just with the ages of fictional children, but by simply watching old episodes and checking out Rachel's hair or Monica's crop tops and high-waisted jeans. The style. Oh, we thought it was cool, but as often happens when you look back at your past, you find yourself shaking your head in dismay: "What were we thinking?"
I shake my head in the same way when I think back on my past running attire: "What in the world was I thinking?" I've been running almost my entire adult life, and those early years are positively cringeworthy.
Now, I'm not saying it's anything as horrific as mall bangs or pinch-rolled jeans (though I did rock those styles in elementary school) or even the "Rachel" hairdo. But, I still can't help mentally chiding my younger running self. "There's something better out there for you, young Amy. I swear it!"
Although in my younger self's defense, I truly don't think the running community was seen as a big consumer group, thus not nearly the choices or technology of today.
See, in the running of my youth, I did it almost completely gear free. I'm not talking naked running. (Though I have heard there are races where you can do that. You won't ever find me in one of those, by the way.) I'm talking about running without all the accouterments that I absolutely require now.
Seriously, when I look back at what I used to run in ... wow. Just wow. I used to run in an old pair of baggy Umbros (Do you remember those shorts, or, am I just dating myself here?) and a cotton sports bra with a large cotton t-shirt. And, did I mention that I used to try to run with a discman? Yeah, that was cool. (I believe I was listening to the Live: Throwing Copper CD as I did it.) I mean, really. I could not have made running look less stylish.
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| Only for you good people am I including this picture. This should get your daily laugh quota in. This was after the Lenexa Feedom Run race in 2002ish. Cotton tank and umbro-esque shorts. Pre any running-related gear purchases. That's right. I look awesome. (Don't even get me started on why my bib is so high. I don't know.) PS. I'm the one girl in the picture with my dad, husband and father-in-law. |
Slowly, as I got older and more knowledgeable about all things running (and, dare I say, running-related clothing got more technical and available for the masses), I discovered the amazingness that is sweat-wicking fabric. This fabric, it wicks sweat away from your skin. Self-explanatory, but still amazing. You mean your t-shirt doesn't have to weigh 10 pounds at the end of a run in the heat of August?!? That's crazy talk.
I began to pick up tips as I looked around at what other people were wearing during races or heard from other running friends. Wait, sweat-wicking socks stop blisters? No way. Gotta get me some of those.
Shorts or skirts that don't ride up causing that ever-horrible chub rub? Yeah, definitely gotta get those.
Shoes that cost more than $40? Wow, that makes such a difference. Gotta get me some real running shoes, too.
Now, my running-related gear takes up more than half of my drawer space, and my closet floor is covered in running shoes. I'm not a big snob when it comes to running clothes, though. I have been perfectly happy with my Target-brand tank tops, but have splurged on a couple skirts and tops. I recently got a down-filled skirt from lululemon to keep my butt, let's not say warm, but significantly less numb, during those cold winter runs.
