In praise of my favorite running shirt
In praise of my favorite running shirt
Sometimes the best things are the familiar things
My first piece of running gear was a long sleeved shirt. I got it at an REI during the holiday season. Through the crowded chaos of last-minute shoppers, I saw that shirt sitting all by itself on a low shelf.
There was no need to investigate further. I wasn’t really running that much at the time and I didn’t have much need for a new shirt. Yet, something about it compelled me to push my way through the frenzy and check it out.
The fabric was interesting -- technical, but also soft -- while the color scheme -- contrasting shades of blue -- was the antithesis of the bright colors and outrageous neon that I had come to negatively associate with running gear. It was a cool shirt, and I could instantly imagine myself wearing it on a run.
I decided to buy it without trying it on, exasperating my wife, and initiating a long test of wills about trying stuff on before purchasing. “No way,” I said, noting the line of customers waiting for the fighting room. “I’m a size-Medium in all things. There’s no need to confirm the obvious.” Besides, the place was mobbed and I wanted to go home.
Later, when I finally did try it on, I realized my new shirt was actually a Small and it made me look ridiculous. Whoops. Rather than admit defeat, I tucked it way back into the deepest corner of my dresser and hoped she’d forget about it.
When I started running regularly again a few years later, I took stock of my gear. There were some basketball-length workout shorts, a couple of gym shirts, and that long sleeved shirt. When I brought it out, my wife said, “Hey, isn’t that the shirt you bought without trying on that doesn’t fit?”
Back into the dresser it went.
After a few months of training, I started to notice that some of my clothes were getting a little loose and baggy. Feeling bold, I pulled out that long sleeved shirt and went running. The fit wasn’t perfect, but it was tolerable, and I liked how it made me feel fast.
As I got in better shape, and the shirt went through the laundry several times, it became my go-to garment of choice. I wore it on short runs, long runs, and during races. I wore it so much that I was afraid it would fall apart, so I figured I’d better get a replacement. This was many years later and the company didn’t make them quite like that anymore.
Now, I save that shirt for only the most important runs. When I put it on, I know I’m going to have a good day. It reminds me of who I was when I started this journey and how far I’ve come over the years. (I even try stuff on before buying it now.)
Mostly, that shirt reminds me that running gear doesn’t need to be constantly updated and upgraded.
