Man Enough to Run Barefoot in a Skirt?
Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 11:12PM 
Upon the dare of my wife, I did it... I ran in a skirt.
During the summer Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City, Utah, RunningSkirts hosted the 'Knock Your Shorts Off Fun Run' and even invited the guys to come along. My wife dared me to show up, and I thought it would make for a fun post, so with a little hesitance, I walked up to the front of the Salt Palace at 7 in the morning and was handed a little dittie in lime green and yellow plaid. Alrighty then...
I did notice another man, seemingly quite comfortable, in a skirt, so, knowing that I would not be alone on this venture, I headed for the change tent set up on the sidewalk. As I pulled it up, I was surprised how comfortable it was. The compression shorts underneath the flowing outer fabric were soft and form fitting. Hmm... maybe I could do this. The comfort factor, however, dropped as I unzipped the tent I was hiding in and put myself out there for the world to see.
;)
;)
Really? I was going to cross-dress in downtown Salt Lake City. Luckily, plans were to run for a less populated area. To my surprise, I quickly forgot about the skirt, testament to how comfortable it is. The 4.5 miles was quite enjoyable, and I had a chance to speak in depth with one of the owners, also the company's designer, about the possibility of a 'kilt' for the guys. She mentioned that she has had a number of requests and seemed positive to the idea. I could very possibly get used to the freedom if a more testosterone kilt-like version was available.
I ran in the Athletic Skirt with lightweight performance fabric, an inch of extra length along with a higher waist band, and a pocket on either side for keys, power gels or whatever else you would like to carry. Although my style had compression shorts, attached briefs are also an option. Personally, I'm glad I had the extra coverage underneath.
There isn't much that would be freer than running barefoot in a skirt, at least not that my values would allow. And doesn't the Shamrock Plaid compliment my skin tones.
Reader Comments (6)
Jason Robillard recently reported on his first barefoot kilted run, the Burning River 100.
http://barefootjason.blogspot.com/2010/08/2010-burning-river-100-mile-endurance_05.html
Around here (Seattle), Utilikilts used to make an athletic model out of meshy basketball shorts material...have to look into that once I can afford to get back into a kilt!
You totally frakkin rock!! Leave it to the barefooters to break new ground :) My hubby totally loves his kilt to run in so it makes perfect sense. I do hope they come out with the mens version!
Cheers,
Angie
I'm excited to have both a Survival Utilikilt and Hiker Sport Kilt coming my way for review. Unfortunately, Jesse, you may have to wait a little while before Utilikilt's 'Spartan' is available again. I spoke with one of their reps today who stated that it is next in line for getting ready or perfecting for their customers... perhaps a month or two. That model would make sense for running. Angie, I sent RunningSkirts some ideas and drawings. I hope to have a prototype in the near future. Cross your fingers!
I love running in my kilt, barefoot of course. Can't get much more free than that - legally anyway. I use a SportKilt for my running.
ummmmm no words!
Barb, no words? That doesn't happen too often. You must really like my skirt :-)