Running Naked

In my last post, I talked about working out. Many people work out to look good.

Me? I'm training for a 5k.

There are several nude 5k's around the country. Just look up "clothing optional races" and you will find many races to choose from. The one I want to run is this weekend! I'm just hoping it's not cold!

So how does one train to run a naked 5k? Well, much like you train for a clothed one! There are several "Couch to 5K" programs and apps out there. But the simplest way is just to start running a few times a week. Start out with a short distance (1/4 mile) and work your way up.

Eventually you want to be running a good 4 miles a few times a week. If you can run 4 straight miles you will definitely be able to run the 3.1 miles of a 5K. Sorry folks, I'm American, we can't do metric conversions on the fly!

What is different about a nude 5k? Well, for some of us there is an issue of... floppage... for lack of a better term.

Whether you have boobs or a penis, there are things that are just going to bounce and flop around. Most exercise clothes are designed to bind your bits and reduce this flopping, which means it may take some getting used to when you let your body free.

How do you train for this unexpected movement? Well, if you're lucky like me you have a trail nearby that is secluded enough for nude running. I wear a sarong just in case I run into anyone (almost never) and I roll it up so I can simulate fully nude running.

"Decent"

Free!
(I also wear Xero shoes which I absolutely love! They allow the flexibility of being barefoot without all the cuts and stubbed toes.)

For the first few times I also taped what little bit of foreskin I have (another topic for another day) over the head of my penis. This added a little bit of protection for the first few times. I noticed that I tend to have shrinkage when I run so that flopping tends to sort itself it after a mile or so.

If you don't have an empty trail nearby I recommend a home treadmill. If that's not possible run with as little on as you can get away with. And make sure it's loose. No sports bras or compression shorts. Wear baggy shirts and shorts, let everything move freely, even if it isn't breathing free.

Which brings me to another concern people have: chafing. I personally don't chafe, but I know others who do. I think part of the problem is the breathability, if your sweat can't dry you are going to have a bad time. When naked I don't think this is a problem, your skin is free to breathe. But when training you may not be as breathable. I recommend any number of brands of powders out there to help stay dry down there. And if you do chafe, I highly recommend Boudreaux's Butt Paste. It's for diaper rash but it works wonders for all bottom related irritations.

I think that just about covers... errr... uncovers it! Hope to see you on race day!