Goodbye, 'Jogbra'...

May 2015: First up, though I still try to put up blog content whenever I can, it has been easier to more regularly visit the the Twitterverse. Follow me at @barethomas10 and let's keep the shirtless running flag flying. Of course, the blog still attracts very interesting comments, and good discussion. Keep it up.

Second, in the years since this venture launched, and as shirtless running among women has gone increasingly mainstream, the term "jogbra" has clearly declined in use. I will thus prefer "sportsbra" henceforth - as has already been the case on Twitter, and in recent posts here.

I continue to welcome guest posts (sent to barethomas@gmail.com) on any related topic, including from those who would discourage stripping to the waist. I am myself of course a fervent convert to the joys of running bare. But let all voices be heard!

Vocabulary

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Here are some words or phrases that will be encountered, perhaps repeatedly, in this blog - and which are typically used with a specific meaning. Please suggest anything you think ought to be included here, or offer better-formulated definitions.

'Shirtless running' (and 'Jogbraed running'):  The practice of running or jogging without wearing an upper-body garment, with the exception of a jogbra in the case of female runners or joggers. Jogbraed runners are shirtless runners.

'Shirtless runner' (and 'Jogbraed runner'): One who runs shirtless at least semi-regularly where circumstances permit. Someone who is trying out shirtless running for just the first time or two, or does so very infrequently, would not typically be considered a 'true' shirtless runner.

'Converting': Opting to do one's runs barechested or jogbraed on a more or less regular basis. Also signifies a wish - perhaps still in the process of being translated into action - to join the community of shirtless runners. The process can be fraught for some, who may be weighed down by hang-ups, societal straightjacketing or other issues. One aim of this blog is to help runners through such difficulties.


'Converting fully': Choosing not to bring along a safety shirt on one's runs; one therefore begins the run already confidently barechested or jogbraed. Many converts do not even feel comfortable stripping to the waist until midway through a run, or at the very least will keep a safety shirt on hand.

'Convert': A runner who switches to shirtless running, having not previously embraced the practice, or done so only intermittently. Someone who has always regularly run shirtless would not be a convert. The owner of this blog is a convert of about 14 years' standing.

'Safety shirt': The upper-body garment that an otherwise shirtless individual keeps about his or her person, in case it is felt it is needed.


'Barechested': Condition of the upper torso of a male shirtless runner only. A female shirtless runner is not barechested.


'Jogbraed': Condition of the upper torso of a female shirtless runner ie clad in a jogbra or sports bra.

'Shirtless charge': A gratifying sensual buzz that many shirtless runners report, that may make them feel especially vigorous, alert and in touch with one's surroundings. May be a harmless domesticated variant of exhibitionism.

'The Big Cs': Comfort, camaraderie and convenience. Three big reasons to convert to shirtless running.

'Comfort': One key benefit of converting. One can, for instance, enjoy the 'shirtless charge' (see below) without a damp tank-top clinging to one throughout a run, while being cooled by the breeze or warmed by the sun.


'Camaraderie': The sense of solidarity with shirtless runners everywhere, who affirm a stripping-back to the essentials in responsible pursuit of healthful exercise. May, for instance, be detected - in the experience of the owner of this blog - when one shirtless runner quietly acknowledges another as they cross paths, though total strangers. One key reason to convert.


'Convenience': One key benefit of converting. For instance, one doesn't need to do quite as much laundry, worry about getting a even tan or even fuss much about one's running wardrobe.