I love my Running Skirts. Without a doubt, they are comfortable and functional but I didn’t realize how functional they would become when I got hooked.
This year, when I decided to run at work twice a week, I decided to invest in their Sub-zero Running Tights. It was easy to justify the expense; I needed a new pair of tights anyway and these are trendy enough that I can wear them to work. Would I wear regular tights to work? No way! The older students would be horrified to see a teacher wearing butt-huggers; the kids would tear me apart. The Sub-zero tights are socially acceptable as the skirt’s coverage blinds their imaginations – and that’s a real perk for me.
On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, in my Sub-zero tights, I stand in the hallway of grade 7 and 8 students, greeting them and then herding them into class. Not one blinks. To them, I’m dressed for work; I’m just not wearing “traditional” teaching clothes.
My co-workers caught on quickly, though. One morning, my new vice-principal looked at me one day and commented, “You look like you’re dressed to run.”
“I am,” I replied. She was speechless. I quickly explained my regime and, fortunately, she liked it.
Being dressed to run means that, at break, I can dash out the door in less than 5 minutes, squeeze in a 5 mile run and get back to work before the bell for class rings. Of course, I change out of my running gear for the rest of the day and it’s amazing how quickly you can freshen up with baby wipes (if NASA uses them in space, so can I!). Having these tools – Running Skirts and wipes – is one of the main reasons that I’ve been able to keep up with my running at lunch (okay, a supportive administration helps too).
In the Staff Room, my new style has become a topic and, apparently, it’s confusing the kids at school. When heading out last week, I took a minute to speak with a colleague who couldn’t help but notice the confused look on a 12 year old’s face. Apparently, he glanced at us, started to walk away, stopped, looked again and blinked a look of puzzlement. “Okay, Mrs. O’H is in a skirt, but why is she wearing her running shoes and jacket? Is she actually going to run like that?” was written all over his face.
Yup, I confused a teenager. Go me!
Oh you should've mentioned showering with baby wipes, too! Poor kid.
i have been wanting to get the sub-zero tights. i love running skirts…and i love how you confuse your students
Race report!!! http://eatdrinkandbemeiri.blogspot.com/2011/02/six-birds-one-stone-brass-monkey-5k.html
that's funny : ) how cool is it that you can run during lunch! awesome!
I think running skirts are so cute, however, I can't pull one off :).
Jimmy and I finished our Brass Monkey yesterday, and although it wasn't a true “Brass Monkey” because it wasn't very cold (breezy, in the low 60's), I still felt like I had a monkey on my back because (1) We have hills, hills, and more hills in our neighborhood, and the downhills just seem few and far between; (2) I have continual allergies in St. Louis; (3) My legs were tired from our workout the day before. All that being said – it's done and we loved it.
running and confusing teenagers…you rock!
I used to wear a running skirt occasionally to the gym. My hips get *really* tight, so my trainer is always stretching them out. It freakout out a few of the gym goers who thought I was working out in just a skirt, getting my hips all manipulated by my trainer. hahaha.
way to be dedicated to getting your runs in!! I love it!
awesome … I need to start wearing a skirt to confuse mine! Although it may also confuse my wife.
This is a great story and it sounds like you've worked out a great system for getting your runs in on your break. And confusing teenagers is always a plus.
I can tell you anything you want to know about the Detroit Marathon!