Friday, February 15, 2008

Why the flapper shorts?

This is a question that has long been brewing in my head. What is the purpose of flapper shorts? You know, the tiny little shorts that someone forgot to sew together on the sides? The ones that only serious runners would dare wear. The ones that are the size of my 3 years old's shorts. I hate to admit it... but I own a pair. Let me quickly clarify that I had no idea they were flapper shorts when I bought them. (I know better than to think I could wear a pair of those bad boys in public.) They seemed lightweight and comfy and on clearance so they made it in to the shopping cart and home with me. When I discovered they were flappers I decided to see what the big deal was. So with the sides suggly pinned closed I ventured out for a run. It was going to be a longer run so I had my water belt on. After a mile or so I reached back to check that my tush was covered and oh the horror when I realized my water belt had caused the shorts to ride way, way up! So all approaching cars were pretty much seeing two moons that morning. I was sooo embarrased. My only solace was that it was still somewhat dark and maybe no one could recognize me. Thank goodness for the little built in underwear thingys. Anyways, now that I've told my most embarrasing running story, does anyone know really what the purpose of flapper shorts are? I know I certainly don't. While we're at it. Let's share other funny/embarrassing running stories.

7 comments:

Suzie Petunia said...

How embarrassing! Try wearing some spandex shorts under them next time... if there IS a next time for those poor shorts. :)

I assume those flaps are to allow a runner's legs to move as freely back and forth as possible. ??? They are a pretty traditional short in running history. Most track teams wear something similar... and just as short unfortunately.

I had to stop and knock on a random stranger's door at 7:00AM on a Saturday once to use their bathroom. How's that for embarrassing?

sarah k. said...

My parents are runners, and I can remember musing on the subject of the flapper shorts as early as 5 years old, when my mom made a pair for my baby brother. My dad still runs at 60, and he still wears the shorts. It's a little weird seeing your dad in flappers.

Can't wear them with chubby legs, though, or there will be serious creepage. Spandex is my one and only true love.

As for embarrassing, the other day, I went running in the freezing rain, on a dark, quiet road that went through a forest. I decided I was being foolish, so I turned around and tried to go home. I found myself in a cul-de-sac, so I decided to cut through someone's yard to get to the street. I picked the house with no lights on, but wouldn't you know that as soon as I was nearly out the driveway, they turned into the driveway. I was mortified, and I tried to explain why I was in their yard coming away from their house. I felt like an idiot.

Jen said...

Maybe the purpose is to give others a show, if you know what I mean, without being called a tramp. You can just be like "ooops! Bad Flapper Shorts! Sorry, they're acting up again. Whoopsie!" Eh?

Ang said...

I was out on a ten mile run. It POURED down rain the first 9.5 miles. No joke. Anyway, the point is that no one was outside. It was me and the road. When I was just about home, I decided to practice my marathon finish. I was giving all the bushes high fives, totally being dramatic about it too since I was all by myself. Then I ran straight down the middle of the road with my arms raised up high in triumph and my head leaning back. When I put my arms and head back down, right infront of me was a parked white jeep with a man sitting in the driver's seat watching me. We made eye contact, as we were a mere 10 feet from each other at this point, and I just laughed my head off and didn't look at him anymore. Totally embarrassing! I'm sure he saw the whole production.

foxontherun said...

Ang, that is a classic. I think I need to practice my marathon finish as well.

Suzie Petunia said...

My husband showed me this the other day.

http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/2008/01/26/27-marathons/

They totally nailed me! I laughed and laughed.

The whole blog is pretty funny ... if that is your kind of humor.

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