Naked Running - I just don't get it
This month sees the return of 'Bare All for Polar Bears', a short, naked run in the grounds of Yorkshire Wildlife Park. It's back for its fourth year.
Now, each to their own and all that, but the popularity of these nude events is lost on me. I kind of understand that naturism might be a liberating thing to do on a quite sedate level, such as strolling along a secluded tropical beach or something, or sunbathing under a palm tree, but combining it with running seems a little odd. If shedding your clothing actually helped you to improve your running, I might understand, but surely dispensing with the vital support-wear is asking for a whole load of extra discomfort.
Then there's the issue of tripping over and falling. I've had a couple of running falls. One, I landed in a patch of stinging nettles. On the other, I ripped open my knee and bruised my chin so badly that I looked like Conchita Wurst for several weeks. Going head over heels is undignified and painful enough when you've got your clothes on.
The race organisers point out that nudity can be quite daunting. However, in an attempt to reassure the nervous participant they say: "Don't forget, we will be providing you with a polar bear mask." Oh, that's alright then!
People who have done it wax lyrical about it though, some of them making you feel like you haven't actually lived unless you've run starkers round a zoo. There's a certain smugness, an implication that they are the liberated, free spirits of the running world and you are the old fuddy duddy for whom donning shorts on a run is quite bohemian enough. But I won't be persuaded I'm missing out on the thrill of a lifetime.
Luckily for me, you don't have to be a naturist to get the chance to run around the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Incidentally, I will be running there at another event, fully clothed in October, doing the Run for Wildlife. So, I will be raising funds for the animals without frightening them - doing my bit as opposed to showing my bits, you could say.
"I've seen it all before, mate. Jog on."
Now, each to their own and all that, but the popularity of these nude events is lost on me. I kind of understand that naturism might be a liberating thing to do on a quite sedate level, such as strolling along a secluded tropical beach or something, or sunbathing under a palm tree, but combining it with running seems a little odd. If shedding your clothing actually helped you to improve your running, I might understand, but surely dispensing with the vital support-wear is asking for a whole load of extra discomfort.
Then there's the issue of tripping over and falling. I've had a couple of running falls. One, I landed in a patch of stinging nettles. On the other, I ripped open my knee and bruised my chin so badly that I looked like Conchita Wurst for several weeks. Going head over heels is undignified and painful enough when you've got your clothes on.
The race organisers point out that nudity can be quite daunting. However, in an attempt to reassure the nervous participant they say: "Don't forget, we will be providing you with a polar bear mask." Oh, that's alright then!
People who have done it wax lyrical about it though, some of them making you feel like you haven't actually lived unless you've run starkers round a zoo. There's a certain smugness, an implication that they are the liberated, free spirits of the running world and you are the old fuddy duddy for whom donning shorts on a run is quite bohemian enough. But I won't be persuaded I'm missing out on the thrill of a lifetime.
Luckily for me, you don't have to be a naturist to get the chance to run around the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Incidentally, I will be running there at another event, fully clothed in October, doing the Run for Wildlife. So, I will be raising funds for the animals without frightening them - doing my bit as opposed to showing my bits, you could say.
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