Source: amazon.ca
This blog is never going to result in a book deal and an appearance on Ellen (sorry Oprah) unless my fine readers start commenting, because everyone knows the number of friends you have on Facebook the number of comments you have on blog posts is evidence of your popularity and likelihood of selling more than ten copies to your proud parents. So to bribe you all into posting a comment I am offering a prize.
To enter just leave a comment telling me about your favourite pair of running shorts. Or least favourite. Or tell me a funny jokes about running shorts. Or … you get it. If the search engine results that lead readers to my blog are to be believed, people are interested in all sorts of (disturbing) things related to running shorts. So say something random about running shorts. “Something random about running shorts” does not count. If you subscribe to my email notification (look left – I mean my left, your right) you’ll get an extra entry. If you link to this contest from your blog, that’s right, an extra entry. The first five to reply, oh yeah, get an extra entry. If you go back and comment on an old post, extra entry. If I really like what you’ve written, extra entry. I’ve hired an accounting firm (aka “Husband”) to handle the draw.
There’s a catch. Shipping and handling is $50. Kidding. The contest is only valid if at least 44 people enter. Why? Because I like palindromes, even mini ones. Don’t be shy. This might be your first comment. That’s one intention of my bribe – to lure you into trying your first one. I’m not responsible for what happens after you become addicted. If you are a frequent/past commenter don’t stop now. Tell your friends. You can use a fake name, but if the email address isn’t real I can’t contact you for delivery information. I won’t sell your email address to anyone evil.
The prize?
A Helium2 FuelBelt for all your hydration needs! And I may throw in a surprise or two. No, not free crap I got at a race.
ATTENTION PROCRASTINATORS: THE CONTEST CLOSES in one week, on Sunday August 29, 2010, at midnight my time (EDT).
Title Reference: Kenny Rogers – The Gambler. 1978.
Well, I’ve commented once or twice in the past, but I’ll play: on my blog the most common search terms that folks use to find me are “Cousin It” (a random reference I once made) and “peeing in running skirts”: I was told by a women runner once that she likes the skirts because of that handy dandy feature. Of course, now that I wear a running skirt (I have 1, and I love it) there’s no possible way I can see that allows one to delicately hide behind a tree and go with the bike shorts under the skirt construction. Truly, regularly ole running shorts work much more easily.
That peeing in a skort trick is a mystery to me. As is Cousin It.
I hate that only in some pairs of running shorts, the internal underwear rides and scrunches up like a bad thong.
I’m all confused about the extra entries, but I’ll do my best. I’m competitive like that. Subdued excitement…
I’m confused my all the exra entries. Thankfully I’ve hired Husband. I’m not paying him much so I’m a little worried about quality control.
My least favorite pair has to be the Nike ones – B calls them my “diaper shorts” as they are way to big and droopy. They also chafed me so bad @ Mississauga.
I too have the droopy no I’m not pregnant shorts. I wear them on laundry day.
I’ve always been more of a running capris girl myself…BUT my favourite pair of running shorts that I break out in the summer on hot days are a pair of spandex adidas cycling shorts – they are amazing! Comfy and fairly modest for spandex!
I’m too over-heated for summer time capris – when the mercury rises my shorts get shorter.
I have yet to find my favourite pair of running shorts. I have a few that come close – but nothing that wins in every single category. If they don’t ride up the legs they crawl up the privates. If they don’t chafe at the legs they chafe somewhere else. If the shorts fit perfectly the skirt is too swishy. If they are winners in the fit department they are a fashion disaster (think lululemon sneak a peak). If they are light and airy compression shorts the pubes poke through like a malnourished chia pet. When and if I ever do find running short perfection *I’ll* hold a contest. The prize? Hundreds of dollars in used running shorts.
Oh, laughing so hard. In sympathy.
Hah! I will need to start reading your blog on a desktop more often. Usually I catch up on your fine writing on my dreaded Blackberry and get too lazy too comment using only my thumbs. Um, ya, Like I am a lot better using only my index fingers on a real keyboard?
Anyway, my fave running shorts, in a tangible sense, just crossed my mind yesterday as I thought about their impending demise. They’re the very first pair I bought specifically for running, back in January 2006 and now have a hole in the crotch. Not a seam split, but a worn out area just off centre…to the left ironicaly.
I love them and cannot imagine disposing of them. They are short, black, TYR multipurpose shorts that have thousands of KMs on them. I may stitch them, or I may just leave them be knowing very well that my usual running-boxers underneath will spare anyone of unwanted exposure.
I need to keep a close watch on the laundry however as my better half will surely toss them once she realizes how worn they are.
As for my favorite Running Short…it’s definitely this one…
A very tasty blog post
Keep up the good shorts
~D
You know you are a runner when … you know the number of kilometres on your favourite pair of shorts.
If you subscribe to my email notification (look left) you’ll get an extra entry.
Look right
If you find a mistake in my post, extra entry!
and of course, this…
http://www.runningwithscissors.ca/blog/comments/Do%20you%20like%20winning%20stuff
Carpeviam better watch out …
p.s. Your comment function hates me and shows its scorn with error messages about how I can’t read the safety word
Thx, I’ll have a look. I never see it cuz I’m logged in etc
Fixed. Sorta. No time to fix it properly so it’s wide open for robots to have their way
I’ve been stalking this blog for awhile but have been too starstruck by your wit to comment. For some reason, my favorite pair of “running” shorts are mesh lacrosse shorts I’ve had since 7th grade. I guess that means I’ve officially been running in them for 10 years. Yes, the elastic is shot, and yes, thankfully I had the foresight to knot the drawstring years ago so that it wouldn’t be ripped out in the dryer, meaning I can keep my ten-year-old shorts alive and around my waist even through marathons. I’ll try to comment more often.
As of today I’m staking you. I was won over with sunglasses and semi-judgmental reasons to avoid Vibram five fingers.
Also, (i) no way I could fit in my 7th grade shorts and (ii) they would be depressingly older than ten.
No favourite (yes I spelled it the proper way spell check) shorts, but my wife has alerted me to the sad fact that during this hot weather (I pray it is only that) I sweat enough that I make a “squelching” noise while I run?
I really hope you needed spell check because you are not Canadian. Otherwise, no comment.
I bet Nike makes an anti-squelch short.
Hmmm… you like palindromes and you want a story about shorts. How can I combine palindromes and shorts?… I’ve got nothing. But I do have a story about my Lululemon zoom knee shorts. They are black and they are very comfortable. Also my hubby likes running behind me and he says I look good in them.
I was wearing these shorts on one of my long runs (I am training for The Chocolate Half in Port Dalhousie). It was a hot and humid day and I stopped at one my usual pit stops (Tim Hortons) to replenish my water supply and to reward myself with an old fashion plain timbit. I got stares from everybody in the doughnut shop, but that’s not unusual because as I mentioned before my hubby thinks I look good in these shorts. As I left Timmies, I walked for about 200m while I was putting my water bottles back on my fuel belt. I looked down my shorts and realized why everybody was staring at me. I knew my tank top was soaking wet but I did not realize that my shorts were also wet, but only between my legs, all the way down to my knees… you get the idea.
I laughed, ate my timbit and continued running home. I had a great run that day. And I still wear my comfy Lululemon shorts during all of my long runs.
Now I’m trying to combine a palindrome and shorts. And peeing.
My favourite running shorts are my Lululemon Groovy Run Shorts. I have 3 pairs in different colours/prints. Why are they my favourite – because after trying them on 5 times, I finally felt worthy of buying running shorts. I’m still a beginner and probably spend more time walking than running still and I think that my thighs are too big for such short shorts, but damn it, I’m wearing them outside!
Beginner or veteran, we all need short shorts. It intimidates the other runners.
My short shorts definitely helped me feel more like a “real” runner when I started out!
I don’t wear shorts. Scratch that, I can’t wear shorts. I look at other runners, who appear so comfortable and at ease in their shorts, and I am perplexed. Any time I have put on a pair of loose fitting / non-spandex / non- bicycle style shorts, I get the most terrible chaffing. Bleeding even. It’s horrible, and I can’t figure out how others, of similar body types, are not haunted by this as well. It has been one heck of a hot summer, and I’m tempted to give running shorts another go, but I just can’t seem to muster up the courage. I’m envious of all baggy-runner-shorts-wearers.
If shorts made me bleed I’d rename this blog.
Pingback: Seven things to remember « copia verborum
I linked to you. Because I’m awesome.
http://copiaverborum.wordpress.com/2010/08/23/seven-things-to-remember/
And in the entry earning lead!
Favorite running shorts: Lululemon speed shorts. Why? For all possible reasons. You need to try them:)
I am going to comment on your previous post, too:)
Oh, I have a pair. They are fast.
Come on people, LULULEMON, most of you must either be on their payroll or have been drinking their koolaid. I have been a big Adidas shorts fan for a few years (although I may have to consider switching based on my earlier comment #9)
I think there’s something addictive in the luon.
The only story that came to my mind is how I decided between shorts and skirt for running… I did not know what to get and was not sure if one was better than the other… until a race one day, where the girl running in front of me for the first 5 k was wearing a skirt…and basically her skirt got stuck somehow in her belt and she never managed to put it back and basically ran in her underwear the whole time… I guess when you’re running nobody cares about one’s appearance really, but this is how I made up my mind and decided only to go for shorts with 2 legs from that day!
She was probably thinking, this skirt is so breezy, I love it!
To be comfortable and not showing too much (gelly flesh), a combo short/skirt is the best
Amen.
My favourite running shorts (the blog): it’s a toss up between the Alanis Morissette one and the rules for group running. The first because I love Alanis Morissette and had no idea that she ran a marathon until you posted about it, and the second because I always laugh out loud at inappropriate places (e.g. on the subway, when I’m clearly not on the phone and having a conversation with someone else).
My favourite running shorts (the garment): my half-price Adidas shorts. Thanks to the price, I was able to get several pairs. I mean, who wouldn’t want everybody to think that they wear the same pair of shorts every single work out?
If they think you are always wearing the same pair of shorts you might get some extra room on the track. Bonus.
Now and then I’m afraid I’m going to be hit by a car and die…because then the medical techs will be like “so, she didn’t wear underwear under these things?”
I hope that’s random enough.
If the underwer is attached to the shorts does it count as underwear or am I technically underwearless? Maybe I should be worrying more about the impression I will give the medics after I fall down a manhole.
Brooks Podium Split-Leg running shorts are the absolute BEST. I have three pairs and I am not opposed to buying a fourth (or fifth, or sixth) pair. I’ve turned three other runners into Brooks Podium devotees. Check them out…you’ll never go back to what you were wearing before.
Oh yeah and I hate running skirts. People need to stop wearing them.
But they are so handy for peeing on the run
.
I bought a pair of Rebok race branded shorts at the expo before running the Comrades Marathon. They look sharp and inform everyone that I ran in the Comrades so two big pluses there. Unfortunately, these appear to be made of wicking material, but the material doesn’t actually wick. They refuse to dry. So in the heat and humidity of the Midwest I have a serious case of swamp ass while running in these!
Ahh, the fake-wick, or fick as I now call it. I’ve run across a few of those “ficking” race t-shirts. Threaded petroleum with the drying potential of a 1980s cotton t-shirt. I’m not sure what to call the chest equivalent of swamp ass.
I wish i had a story about running shorts to tell, but alas, my running shorts inevitably end up in a frontal wedgie if i wear them to do anything slightly more vigorous than walking from the couch to the TV (and even that is risky).
So instead i would like to thank you for letting me into YOUR Running Shorts. Running Shorts that i can actually enjoy!! Running Shorts that don’t cause irritation, chaffing, or strange looks from others. Your Running Shorts have make me laugh (and occasionally cringe). Your Shorts have even taught me a thing or two (apparently i’m a 15 on the lark-owl scale, but i guess showing up in bunny slippers for a run could’ve told us that already). I’ve even introduced others to your Shorts. The more the merrier, right? I hope there’s room in there.
Oh, my shorts are very roomy and if the crowd gets too big the frontal wedge expands to hold the late arrivals.
Hopefully, no chafing.
I loved runshorts shorts at Midsummer Nights 30k, 15k and 15 k walk and i am not just saying this to win a prize!!
Not many fairies can run three events, lead Rossy the Coach to his finish goal, and get a DQ all at the same time. That takes a special kind of magic. Good thing I had a wand.
I find it quite amusing when I spot running shorts that have begun to lather in the sweat/rain/friction/humidity while running. Does this runner know they have created a washing machine on the run? Can they feel the suds running down their legs? Does this prevent after-run aromas? Do they add too much detergent in the wash or do they just have a really inefficient washing machine?? So intriguing!
I was that embarassed runner once! I blame the washing machine. Now I used over-priced and probably useless detergerent for running clothes.
I love my nike running shirt with the built in compression shorts. It’s both my favorite and least favorite because if you’re not careful, after using the bathroom, the shirt part can get tucked into the shorts. It’s a bit embarassing running 5miles before anyone tells you.
I should add that to my group running rules: thou shalt tell a running mate when their bottom is exposed.
LOL!!That is a great rule =)
A funny thing involving running shorts happened to a friend of mine who was doing the CN Tower climb. Not only did she get a good workout and raise some money for charity, she also got an eyefull! An older gentleman in very skimpy running shorts with the slits up the sides decided to run by and give his flimsy shorts a shake and reveal that either they didn’t come with built-in underwear, or he had removed it himself. New meaning to the term footlose and fancy free
As if all that sweat on those stairs isn’t gross enough … an uninvited peep show with no escape!
My favourite running shorts are what my husband, who’s in the Army, calls “Ranger Panties”. (Apparently they’re popular with some teams as an alternative to underwear…) They’re just simple, light, cheap ($8.99) run shorts from Soffe. My favourites have his Army crest printed on them and I definitely feel tougher when I wear them!
I don’t think we have Soffe here. Maybe I wouldn’t get tossed about by hoodlums if I looked tougher on the run.
I’m pretty close to where you are, actually, so I order them online. At http://www.soffe.com they’re the first item that comes up in the Guys > Military section.
I detest women’s running shorts with the built in undies. So uncomfortable and not very flattering. When you sweat they make you look chunky. Haven’t found a truly comfy pair yet so I’m scanning the comments for suggestions
I have one beloved pair without pre-selected underwear and I save them for races so they don’t wear out too quickly. I like to choose what I wear underneath, not have that choice taken away from me.
I have an interesting story – involving bathroom related incidents. I will be brief in my attempt to NOT gross anyone out and/or be humourous.
Story – While running by the beautiful Kingston waterfront, my stomach started to hurt. I chose to ignore these really horrible feelings, and hoped they would pass. Needless to say, they did not. However, it was not until I was too far away from anywhere I could possible use a washroom. I stumbled upon what I thought was a “school” of some sort. Luckily the door was open, but all the lights were off inside. I managed to feel my way to the bathroom. This was not the end. I decided I had to get back home ASAP. I was about 30 minutes away. I bolted from the school, only to hear the alarm go off. Perhaps I had set off a motion detector? No time to think. I kept running. Stomach continued to hurt despite having just gone to the washroom. I prayed that I would make it home in time and wouldn’t have an emergency along the way. With about 6 blocks left, I had to run through the student ghetto. I continued to pray that I wouldn’t see anyone I knew and could just get home! Well, with about 3 blocks left, the impossible happened. Right there around students drinking beer on their front patios. That’s right – I ***** in my shorts! Thank God for those inner short undies for preventing this accident from spreading somewhere visible. Finally made it home and ran directly to the washroom. Shorts were now garbage – not going to even try and wash. While super stressful and potentially very embarrassing and disgusting, this stories continues to be one of my favourite. Is that weird? Lesson learned. Stay home when you have stomach cramps. The end.
Which just goes to show…one should stay in school longer
A lot of runners have been on the edge. Not all have gone over, but I think many have feared they would. Maybe I shouldn’t be so anti-liner!
My favourite running shorts are my black and pink Adidas shorts I got half-price. They match perfectly with all the pink tops I seem to get from clearance racks.
I know this is a running blog but I think it’s worth noting the awesome denim tennis shorts Nike designed for Andre Agassi back in the ’90s. They were meant to be worn OVER bike shorts. Hot!
Oh, I’ve written about demin running shorts. Interest is high – it’s one of my top google hits.
My favorite running shorts are from Lululemon. I’m not sure what they’re called, but the pattern is starting to fade. For next summer, I would really like to try one of their running skirts. Does anyone have one? How are they? I’ve wondered what those are like to run in.
Before the Lululemon shorts, my favorite shorts were Nike “all-purpose” shorts. After about 8 years, I had to relegate them because of a hole. Nike shorts seem pretty much indestructible.
I have one. I always feel like I should be carrying a tennis racket. It became laden in sweat a couple of weekends ago and I wasn’t so fond of that extra fabric clinging to my legs. But prior to the Summer From Hell I liked it just fine.
So … it’s been a month full o’ firsts. First time running “sweet 16″ K, first time running in a 15 K race, first time running 18 K, first time speeding around a track in the torrential rain, holding, with one hand, soaking, dripping, crotch hanging, built-in-undie, running shorts, trying desperately to avoid construction bum syndrome, and … first time responding to My Running Shorts blog on running shorts while trying to incorporate nonsensical palindromes, to win a fuel belt I already own. It’s amazing what contests can do to a person. If I win, I am giving it to a non belted running mate. I just like contests. So …. Ms Running Shorts, and Husband, how many palindromes can you find? It’s a contest within a contest! I haven’t figured out the prize yet, but it will be good.
In a regal age ran I … a Midsummer’s night run. My stomach was cramping and I was trying not to sound like a but tuba. It helped that my running shorts weren’t too tight. I did my best to avoid the dumb mud, however, it was starting to rain. In an effort to distract my self from the rain and the pain, I had random deep thoughts go through my head …. Do geese see God?, Ma is a madam, as I am. Suddenly I looked down and called out: “dog doo, good god!” It wasn’t gnu dung, for sure. I continued on but the humidity was doing funny things to my brain. Stressed was I ere I saw desserts. Was it a bar or a bat I saw? Before long the moon was rising and I roamed under it as a tired, nude Maori. Well … not quite nude, I WAS wearing my favourite running shorts (and a top too). As I was getting close to the finish line, I got my second wind, I felt like a racecar but I was too hot to hoot. I thought the police should have radar I was going so fast. Before I knew it my mom called out “you’re done, you finished” and I said, “I did, did I?” Now the stats, would they level me? Won’t I panic in a pit now? NO! All I could think about at the end of the race … should I have a tuna roll or a nut? I celebrated my race with two beers but only drank one as the skies opened, I ran and yelled: yo bro, free beer for boy. The End
ps … Did I win the drawer’s reward?
AWESOME. When I get the count correct (and I willl, before Husband) maybe I’ll win back that fuel belt
.
p.s. i think racecar is my new favourite.
I have these ugly Nike running shorts that are the most comfortable pair I have every had. They don’t really match any shirts I own but I got them for $5. I believe running is a fashion sport, well not for me anyways!
)
I have a theory. The uglier the shorts, the faster the runner. Everything looks good as a blur.
The uglier the shorts, the faster the runners that are not wearing the shorts.
’cause everyone runs past me with my ugly tighty shorts.
My least favorite running shorts is a pair I’ve bought on sale. They have tights on the inside. Anyways, I usually wear a Large, and I’ve tried the Medium. The medium length felt good so I bought it.
After a few runs and washes, no dryer. I noticed the shorts are feeling tighter and shorter. I’m thinking, either my butt is getting bigger, or these are suppose to be short-shorts.
Therefore, don’t tell me to bend forward to stretch, as I’m not a plumber, but a runner.
Did that CRACK you up!
I’m a sucker for a pun. Consider me cracked.
Just getting in by the skin of my teeth. I have a pair of running shorts that I only wear as a back up because they give me hungry bum. Yep, the dreaded running wedgie that looks like your bum is hungry and is eating your shorts.
Ha, love the time stamp. This is my first encounter with the term hungry bum. Not, however, my first encounter with the problem ….
Best running shorts are the ones with the tights built in.
Love them dearly.
Love the blog and finding the answers to all the questions I’m afraid to ask! I too was confused about the running skirt claims!
And the questions you didn’t want to ask. Or have answered.
My favorite pair of running shorts arent shorts at all! Its a pair of those thermo-running-tights. They give me the satisfaction of knowing im “one-of-those-hardcore-runners-who-wears-running-tights” :p
I feel the same way about short shorts.
And the winner is ….. to be determined. The Account Firm of Husband is slacking on the job. I guess you really do get what you pay for.
Or what you didn’t pay for.