Review: Chasing Some Skirt

**UPDATE: Idiot that I am, I forgot pics....

When I was growing up I hated dresses and skirts.  Hated.  I remember the first time I summoned up the cojones to wear a dress to school.  I was in the 7th grade.  I knew I was going to get teased mercilessly; I have no idea what possessed me.  It's somehow reassuring to know that I could see what was coming, on the other hand, it really sucked to know I was right.  The worst bit though was when one of the boys thought it was funny to lift my skirt up in middle of a packed hallway.  Stupid boy.  Small boy (as in smaller than me).  It so happened that I had my gym clothes in my locker.  I went and changed into them and then beat the crap out of him.  Needless to say, he never gave me trouble again....ever. 

I've since grown up, although one could argue that as a matter of opinion.  My tastes have also changed.  It so happens that I love wearing skirts and dresses now.  I mean, what's not to love?  They are easy, breezy and comfortable.  Especially when the mercury is flirting with the fires of hell.  Where am I going with this?  Two words:  Running skirt.

Yeah, yeah, I know.  Some of you wouldn't be caught dead in a running skirt/skort.  I've heard all the arguments:  it's so girly, too feminine, etc. etc.  That is such a cop out.  Bitch please.  We are women and most of us are feminine to a degree or at certain times, what is the problem with that?  Hell, in the same day I wore a dress I also beat the crap out of a boy.  It didn't change the fact that I was still a girl.  As for 'girly'?  What the heck does that mean?  Only girls wear skirts and not women?  I have a black belt and still like to wear a dress.  Got a problem with that?  Then meet me on the playground at 3 o'clock.  (I do draw the line at makeup, not for me, but feel free!)  In any case, if you aren't interested you are free to leave now......we'll wait........

Ok, for those of you still with me....I have never been averse to wearing a running skirt/skort, but I've got thigh issues.  No matter how thin I have been in my life, and I have been thin a time or two (but let's not go there), I have still had chaffing.  I cannot wear running shorts like these.

Is there anyone on the face of the planet that doesn't own a pair besides me?  I see them EVERYWHERE.  I can't wear them or any other such short.  they get all bunched up in the crotch area and then, next thing I know, I am lighting fires between my legs with all the chaffing going on (yes, Body Glide helps, but it is still an uncomfortable sensation.  And while we are on the subject of Body Glide, why the hell can't they make it smell better than an old pair of sweaty socks?).  Instead, I am confined to wearing compression style shorts for running, much like these.

{source}

This works fine for me and they are pretty much the same as tri shorts minus the chamois.  And yes, I suppose I could wear these under the running shorts, but I will not, the running shorts just ride up around my waist on the slippery Lycra of the compression shorts and I will be forever adjusting on my run.  Moving on.....I've been craving something different and needed some new shorts anyway.  I had been thinking about a running skirt/skort for some time, but never found anything I liked or thought would work for me with all of my 'issues'.  I usually find it's a built in brief instead of shorts, the inseam is too short, no gripper at the hem to keep the shorts from riding up on my leg or it is just too damn expensive.

Enter the Brooks PR Mesh Skort II (full disclaimer, I am a Brooks ID member, but was not asked to review any product and am giving my honest opinion).  I love this running skort!  I was worried when I pulled it out of the package, I thought, "No way this is going to fit me, too small."  I am a size medium in most everything and ordered that size in this skort.  Although skeptical at the way it looked coming out of the package, in terms of size, it fit perfectly!

Brooks PR Mesh Skort II

Shorts underneath

silicone leg grippers

I have worn this skort twice:  one run for 1:15 and a second run for a 2:00 trail run.  It was so comfy and cute.  Yes, cute.  I know, I am not much into the cuteness factor, but hell, I spend so much time in workout gear, I might as well look good (or cute, if that is at all possible at a certain age).

After my 2 hour run...notice my blurry, muddy ankles (sorry the shot is such crap).

What I love about this skort:

*The fabric is very lightweight and breathable, yet the shorts are still supportive.  

*The legs have a silicone gripper hem so the shorts wont ride up (huge +)

*A wide waistband, so no binding and no muffin top!!  (Cue the chorus:  Hallelujah!!!)

*A back zip pocket at the waist and a pocket on the side of the shorts for cash or keys.

*Inseam is 4.5", although I usually go for 6" these were long enough and stayed in place.

*The price: $46.  That is pretty darn good compared to other similar race skirts out there.

What I don't like:

My complaint is minor.  They come in solid colors: black, grey, two tone, royal blue and magenta.  Brooks has some cool prints that I have seen them use on the waistbands of some of their other run skorts.  Would love to see those prints on these either as a waistband or all over print. That aside, I've ordered a another one!  Happy Running!