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Originally posted by runlifer08:

...WE WEAR SHORT SHORTS!!! But why? I always give the cleche (sp) anwers of "aero-dynmacicity (word?), keeps you cooler, better range of motion, its part of the culture, and hey I look good in them!" Are these really the answers??? Why do we do it?

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I almost always wear short shorts and never would consider anything else in a race. All of my Racing shorts are what used to be called New Zealand splits. The don't cause any problems and don't retain as much mositure as a longer version. When I started running and racing there were no long shorts just splits and the type Bill Rodgers markets



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Jeri from Houston

All my shorts are 2 - 3" inseam.  I have huge thighs and long shorts would never do for me.  I wear compression shorts under my running shorts to prevent chafing and find this works great for me.  Hopefully, after I lose another 15 lbs., I'll be able to ditch the compression shorts.
In my opinion, the long, baggy running shorts are not functional but are "fashionable" and made to appeal to the young hip-hop crowd. I don't know how basketball players can stand those big, baggy shorts. Just a fashion trend, says I. Give me back my Dolfin shorts!

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Every sport has its uniform and for every uniform there are detractors. Among new triathletes I often hear complaints about tri suits and cycling shorts. Inline roller skaters who are starting to race are often put off by the proponderance of lycra and form fitting suits. Personally I think that you should wear what does the trick for you running isn't a team sport (well other than relays and cross country) so do what you like. 

I switched to short shorts this season (for road and cross country) and discovered that they are just better to run in - coincidentally my times for the 10 have dropped by more than a minute and a half this year. In a club of 56 runners there are only two in the club who do not where short shorts for both training and racing. At the road races I go to in this area (Montreal) I can't think of anyone who finishes in the top 10% of the field (in 5's and 10's) who is wearing anything other than short shorts. The demand for them is enough that the Running Room created their own line of short shorts. If you don't like them then don't wear them. On the other hand watch the middle and long distance races at the provincial (state), national and international meet level and count how many runners you can see in anything other than short shorts.

The lastest fashion and function trend is skirts.  I dig 'em! They're cute, feminine, and if you buy the kind that have compression shorts underneath, there's no chafing.  Most of the good ones have two side pockets--one for your Ipod and one for a gel pack, keys, ID, whatever.