Queer Running Eye for the Straight Runner Guy

Every year I write about my gay running moment, and that will come once Summer is in full swing.  This though is a gay runner's bit of advice to the heterosexual men who are running fashion challenged.

1) Shorts - Let's be clear, this is a pretty important part of the running wardrobe. Choose it carefully. Think about your body shape and size. A 200+lbs man should not be wearing skimpy 1979 running shorts. I'm not talking about how it looks. I am talking about chaffing. Those thighs are NOT going to like you after a 3 mile run, no matter how much Body Glide you put on. I recommend a 2 in 1 short. These are shorts which have a compression short inside. Trust me, your thighs will thank you.

2) Shirts - Ok...here is where I can bit a bit gayer. Not everyone looks good in singlets. Heck even most cross country guys don't look good in singlets. Match your body type. If you have a "fitted" body, wear a more fitted shirt. If you have a boxier look, wear a fuller looking shirt. STAY AWAY FROM COTTON. Cotton will absorb moisture, but not wick it away. Your nipples will be raw if you wear cotton. Trust me guys, no woman wants to look at her man with bloody nipples.

3) Shoes - As always, go for the fit. This year color is all the rage in shoes. Ok...I know the Big Bird Yellow Mizunos look silly, but if they fit you, who cares what they look like. You get one set of feet. As RuPaul says, "Don't F%# it up."

4) Sweatbands - Please, these look horrible. Wear a hat or visor, heck even a bandana looks better than a terri cloth headband.

5) Sweat pants - Again this is not 1979. Big heavy sweatpants in fall and winter look bad. They are baggy. They don't wick. And it is the equivalent to that thug look(you know where guys hold up their pants with their hands and don't use a belt.).

6) It doesn't have to match - No really it doesn't. At mile 20 of your marathon, you will not care what your shoes look like, or if your shirt and shorts clash. You will care if your thighs and nipples are raw.

There you have it. Take my advice, and you will have better runs out there.

Charlie