When is it ok to run without a shirt?

Recently, a guy asked a popular running magazine's advice columnist: "Is there ever a time when running shirtless is not appropriate?". I've read this magazine for over 3 years. For the first time, I find myself kind of disagreeing with this columnist's advice.

Here's what the columnist had to say: "Yes:(1)If you don't have the body to pull it off;(2)If you're unsure about #1; (3)If you're running within arm's length of pedestrians.

To points 1&2, I say NO. If you are comfortable running shirtless, I say run shirtless. No matter your physique.

To point 3, I kind of agree. I am always considerate of coming within arm's length of pedestrians when I am running. Even though, I never run shirtless. Running is a sweaty sport. Pedestrians are not sweaty so I think it is polite to avoid coming within arm's length of them if you can.

The Last Day of School Run

Thursday June 10 2010

This morning, I ran "The Last Day of School Run". The goal was to get out for an hour and have fun running. I ran fast. I ran slow. I sprinted. I walked. I had a very brief chat with a neighbor who I usually just wave and smile to as she cheers me on when she sees me out running.

The Last Day of School Run is a great way to celebrate the end of running any day I'm in the mood to do so. Now that school is out, I'll start to run on certain days of the week.

I covered a little over 7 miles and had a lot of fun. Mission accomplished!

Surprise Me

Recently, I was asked to tell some things about myself that would surprise people. Here is what I came up with:

1. I have an engineering degree. Apparently, this is not something that most people associate with having a fun personality. I graduated college and worked as an engineer for about 5 years.

2. My husband "proposed" to me at an Arby's Restaurant in Glen Allen VA. Ladies calm down. He is a keeper. At the time, Matt and I were dating long distance. I worked in NC and he worked in VA. During a lunch at Arby's, we were belly aching over our long distance phone bills. This was long before IM, texting, & email became mainstream. I didn't own a cell phone or have a pc at my house at that time. Our solution - get married.

3. I am a HUGE mixed martial arts fan. Mixed martial arts is a violent, male dominated sport. I have no desire to actually fight. My dream job would be providing fight commentary at ringside with Joe Rogan.

What can you share about you that would surprise people?