I run quite frequently and I feel I am pretty good at it. My last 1/2 marathon time was 1:48:00. I am no Philipides but I can outrun quite a few folks.

My question is this.

At what point do men feel compelled to run in those 1975 gym class shorty shorts with the flaps/slits up the sides? The last time I even saw them for sale was in the school store in high school, they were mandatory gear.

I guess I am the right age to wear them because it seems the only guys wearing them are over 40. I just dont see the need for them. I can run a mile in 5:58 in my walmart shorts that are of a decent length.

You can't sit down in those thing without exposing yourself so maybe I'm just not that comfortable with my body. What is the technical term for those shorts? I prefer to call them Larry Birds' but thats just me.

I run quite frequently and I feel I am pretty good at it. My last 1/2 marathon time was 1:48:00. I am no Philipides but I can outrun quite a few folks.

My question is this.

At what point do men feel compelled to run in those 1975 gym class shorty shorts with the flaps/slits up the sides? The last time I even saw them for sale was in the school store in high school, they were mandatory gear.

I guess I am the right age to wear them because it seems the only guys wearing them are over 40. I just dont see the need for them. I can run a mile in 5:58 in my walmart shorts that are of a decent length.

You can't sit down in those thing without exposing yourself so maybe I'm just not that comfortable with my body. What is the technical term for those shorts? I prefer to call them Larry Birds' but thats just me.

Some people prefer more freedom of movement in their stride. The overlapping panels of fabric, front to back, allow that movement. In addition, the nylon material wicks away sweat, remains lightweight and "breathable," and is easy to wash and care for.

Most have some kind of supportive brief inside, so there is llittle chance of exposing yourself... and they are really not designed for sitting. You probably wouldn't see a powerlifter walking around wearing a bench shirt at the grocery store, and you probably wouldn't see a serious runner sitting around in running shorts (which is the correct term for them) at your local cafe.

It's kind of like bicycle shorts... those who aren't as knowledgable (or haven't ridden any great distance on a regular basis) don't see the reason for them. But once you have given them a try, you will know the benefits. And as far as the "not comfortable with my body" comment... from the tone of the rest of your post, I'd have to agree with you.

And as far as the "not comfortable with my body" comment... from the tone of the rest of your post, I'd have to agree with you.There's a difference between being comfortable with your body, and being comfortable with your sense of fashion. Since the poster tends to notice shorts like that on other people, and make judgments on the people who wear them, he'd probably feel that he'd be noticed (and judged) if he wore something similar. So, even if a person is comfortable about his or her body, he or she still may be uncomfortable about wearing certain types of clothing in public, because it draws extra attention to him in comparison to other people.

There's a difference between being comfortable with your body, and being comfortable with your sense of fashion. Since the poster tends to notice shorts like that on other people, and make judgments on the people who wear them, he'd probably feel that he'd be noticed (and judged) if he wore something similar. So, even if a person is comfortable about his or her body, he or she still may be uncomfortable about wearing certain types of clothing in public, because it draws extra attention to him in comparison to other people.
:dreamy:

I think they're a great fashion choice!

Your comments make a lot of sense, thank for clearing it up. As for me, I will stick with my walmart specials.

My mile time is under 6 minutes now so I guess they are serving me well enough. Maybe I will try some running shorts when I get my mile under 5 mins, which will be by next summer. I might be more knowledgable by then.

Your comments make a lot of sense, thank for clearing it up. As for me, I will stick with my walmart specials.

My mile time is under 6 minutes now so I guess they are serving me well enough. Maybe I will try some running shorts when I get my mile under 5 mins, which will be by next summer. I might be more knowledgable by then.
Yeah, "try" is the keyword. You'd be surprised at how much nicer it is to run in them as compared to generic athletic shorts.

Yeah, "try" is the keyword. You'd be surprised at how much nicer it is to run in them as compared to generic athletic shorts.

I actually find running shorts really comfortable for all sorts of exercises.

At my gym it's an eclectic enough crowd that nobody gets weirded out.