Great Running Shirts: Bring 'Em On
Shirts with quips about running are a vital part of our sport.
And this week at the Lounge we’re having fun discussing favorite running shirts. Running shirts can make us laugh, inspire us, and point out brilliant insights about running.
Running shirts—admiring the ones we see others wearing and dreaming of the next great quote to print on a shirt—is a natural past time for runners.
A well-stated quip on a running shirt can unite us, leave us nodding and feeling a bond with other runners. There are lot of shirts I wouldn’t wear, but I’m always lurking to read the next great message on another runner’s back. I’ve also been known to stop a stranger or e-mail a blogger to ask, “Where can I get that shirt?”
A few of my favorites:
Makes me feel like as a runner, I’m in good company...
'"And on the seventh day, God did an easy three."
Reminds me that a marathon is like planning a family reunion…
"18 weeks ago. . .this seemed like a good idea."
Who doesn’t enjoy a shirt that taunts non-runners.
Cross-country: No time outs, no half times, no substitutions. The only true sport.
Philosophical...
"It seems like when you are out running everyone else is in bed. But the one day you miss that run, the whole neighborhood is out for a jog."
Finally, it's long, but I've been encouraged to print the following description on a shirt:
. . . there we were putting lube on our bodies, throwing off our clothes . . .
. . . after we started, we grew hot, panting, our hearts pounding . . .
. . . we kept it up for hours, jostling and slipping around each other . . .
. . . our bodies glistening with sweat
. . . finally, drained of every ounce of energy, reaching the climactic moment . . .
. . . we stopped, shuddered with amazement, releasing gasping breaths . .
. . . all in full view of complete strangers.
So what did you do this weekend?
Tom Green
describing to co-workers
the start and finish of
the Chicago Marathon
There is no shortage of running shirts and the great quotes we wear. So bring on your favs and share them tomorrow at the Lounge on Take It And Run Thursday.
Update: For lots of great running tshirts, check out this compilation of posts from runners showing off their best running tshirts and sayings.
(After post note from Amy: Tom, I couldn't resist! I remember this story fondly. Especially watching our coworkers blush. So....it is now a T-shirt has been created to forever capture the memory.)
One of my faves in four simple words,
"Toenails are for sissies."
Posted by: Lisa | July 02, 2008 at 09:50 AM
We had some great shirts to taunt non-runners during cross country season. My favorite was: CROSS COUNTRY IS A SPORT. EVERYTHING ELSE IS JUST A GAME.
Posted by: Betsy | July 02, 2008 at 11:06 AM
I haven't seen one, but I'm going to have one made up that says something along the lines of "Pain is temporary. Crappy race times last forever."
Posted by: Vanilla | July 02, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Love it Tom, i think i may have to purchase that shirt!!!
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | July 02, 2008 at 02:17 PM
"It seems like when you are out running everyone else is in bed. But the one day you miss that run, the whole neighborhood is out for a jog."
That. Is. Awesome!
Posted by: RazZDoodle | July 02, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Great stuff Tom. I totally feel the this seemed like a good idea one.
Posted by: Rob | July 03, 2008 at 10:03 AM
I love those!
Posted by: Andrew is getting fit | July 05, 2008 at 05:34 PM
I always enjoyed seeing other team's shirts at big xc meets - one of my faves was simply, "Pain is fun. We have fun."
Posted by: orangeapple | July 09, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Fartlek...it's a running thing you wouldn't understand.
Posted by: Tom Lidiak | July 16, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Hey Tom,
These are some pretty hilarious quotes.
I've just started a website that sells exactly this kind of shirt, trying to provide high-quality design on wicking shirts just for runners. Thought you guys might like to check it out:
http://www.shirts4runners.com
Let me know what you think.
Posted by: Shirts 4 Runners | March 28, 2009 at 02:01 PM
Our last season was "Our sport is your sports punishment"
Posted by: Annoynmous | June 15, 2010 at 07:41 PM
Our shirt was white with like blood lettering and blood splatters everywhere. it said: Cross Country: hurtle the fallen, trample the dead
Posted by: Mike | August 16, 2010 at 09:45 AM
sorry it said trample the fallen hurtle the dead...my bad!
Posted by: Mike | August 16, 2010 at 09:45 AM