Clothing is over-rated- from Tree Hugger Ming Wong

December 11, 2006

I first heard about the Santa Speedo run through a newsletter that was

published by a local Adventure racing / running Store called Running

Free.  See http://www.torontosantaspeedorun.com/    The short version is

that it's a charity run for Sick Kids, about 3 kms outside, in the

Toronto Yorkville area.  All runners were asked to wear a red Speedo and

Santa gear, such as elf hats or red gloves.

I recall one of my humorous suggestions at work a couple of years ago.

At the time we were trying to raise money on casual or jean Fridays.  I

suggested a Speedo day for Charity at work.  It was actually a

anti-Speedo day.   My idea was that you get people to pay to *not* see

certain people in Speedo's.  Think of how much you are willing to pay to

not see your boss in a Speedo, and you know what I mean.  It's a

potential Gold Mine.  :p

Naturally, the idea of the Santa Speedo run fascinated me.

I tried to organize a team from work.    Most were open to the idea of a

3k run this time of year.  But not in a Speedo.  I thought most people,

like myself would be concerned about the cold temperature.  But most

seem to be shy about being seen in a Speedo.   I, on the other hand, saw

this as an opportunity to do something different.  Perhaps an

opportunity to take conversations to new heights, or lows.

The night before, as an Adventure Racer, I typically go over the

mandatory equipment list.   'One Speedo.  Check.  End of gear check.'

The transition or race gear bag in this case was quite small.  It was

actually just a sandwich zip-lock bag

I arrived about an hour before race time.  The registration was on the

top floor of the Hemingway's bar in Yorkville.  As I walked up stairs,

carrying my 'Speedo in a sandwich size zip-lock bag' in my hand - just

in case there was a mandatory Gear Check, I smiled as I thought about,

'Gear Testing' and what it would be like?  :)   I was surprised to see

so many people in Santa hats.

The newsletter said that there were free Speedos for the first 30

registrants.  By the time I got there, all the free men's Speedos, were

gone.  She offered me the bottom half of a female Speedo.  I declined.

Even I draw the line somewhere.

About 15 minutes before race time, I went into the washroom and changed

in my speedo.  As I walked back to the registration and waiting area,

one of the servers approached me and said 'Can you please keep your

shirt on until you're outside?'.    It was an innocent request, but I

did feel embarassed, maybe even intimidated.  Perhaps it was because I

felt very naked in a room where everyone else was clothed.   Also, it

was the first time that someone said 'can you keep your shirt on'  to

me.  It was either a health regulation, or perhaps a fear that other

patrons losing their appetite?  Likely a bit of both.  :p

I noticed that there were a large number of Chinese girls.  Normally,

there aren't many Chinese people in runs, especially girls.  Then it

clicked!  It was the free Speedo!  Again, imperial proof that Chinese

people will travel to great lengths to get free stuff.

There were about 150 runners.  At race time, everyone went outside.

There was a log jam of people taking their clothes off.   I felt an

initial chill.  It was a sunny day, 4 degrees, but with a wind chill of

about -10.  Once we started running, it was fine.  I guess it was the

combination of the adrenaline and the warm sunshine.  But every once a

while, a gust of wind would make me shiver.  We ran two laps around the

Yorkville area.  It took about 20 minutes.  There were lots of people

cheering us on and waving to us.  It felt more like a parade than a

race.  It was a lot of fun.

That day, about 150 runners raised over $14,000 for Sick Kids.

Afterwards, I stayed for the draw prices and won one of the grand

prices, a Biemme softshell cycling jacket.  Yahoo!

The next day, a co-worker told me about a 10k Chilly run to be held in

January.  'Are you allowed to wear clothing?' I asked.

He looked at me strangely and replied 'Yes'.

'That's nothing!  Put enough Gortex and Dry-fit clothing on you and

it'll be like running indoors.  Now, let me tell you about what I did

yesterday...'

You know, I think clothing is over-rated.  :)