running

[Oriah]

I've always been rather feminine in my posturing and movements, and since starting transition, I've worked on my posturing and movement to appear even more feminine, to considerable success.  However, I seem to always "out" myself every time I have to run (like j-walking across four lanes of traffic, etc.)


I've been told that I "run like a boy" which is quite irritating considering nobody can explain to me the difference between "running like a boy" and "running like a girl."  Running is a big part of my life, and I don't intend to stop, but it would be nice if I didn't get clocked every time I have to.  Can anyone explain to me the difference in body mechanics, posturing, stride, movement, etc. between genders when they run.


I'm getting really sick of this.  I pass in every other aspect, but every time I run, no matter how gorgeous I've made myself up to be, all anyone sees is a boy in a skirt.


If anyone can help me, I'd be greatly appreciative.

[JennX]

I enjoy running as well. I usually do 5 miles per day, 5 days a week. As for passing when running... not sure what to say? Not sure there is much to do to change how we run. Maybe arm movement? I've been hit on by guys when out running... so it can happen. As a matter of fact it happened to me just the other day.

[PHXGiRL]

I run a lot too around 20 miles a week cross country. I don't think there is a particular way a woman and a man run. It's just running. I wouldn't worry about it.

[Joann]

Smaller strides, holding hands closer to the breasts rather than hips, running more on your toes vs heal to toe? Power walking always seemed  effeminate to me.
Just thinkin.

[barbie]

An interesting question.

I saw some men run while spreading their legs. Most women run with their legs close together.

Some young men virtually stamp the ground. Running fast and pounding the ground with their feet can damage their knees and spine in the long term. Usually novices run like this, and most of them stop running within 1 year by injury.

Some of my friends mention that I run very gently like ostrich. That probably means that I do not raise my feet high while running. I run slowly while raising my feet very low, which can prevent knee injury or pain. I ran for about 10 years, usually 40-50 min. per day. You can see my activity at:
http://runkeeper.com/user/sjung/activity/106538203

Whether they are men or women, posture of good runners are nearly the same. Look at runners during 2012 London Olympics.

I am not a good runner, but I had a chance to take still photos of my running. No video is available.





Barbie~~

[barbie]

Do you always run with your face covered? :p

Not always, but mostly. The sun here is very strong. Initially I applied sun cream, but it was useless as it melts away with sweat. I can run without the cover at night or at dawn.

Barbie~~

[Laura26]

Hi Oriah,

Who tells you that you "run like a boy"?

I ask because if it's friends who knew you pre-transition then I'd say it's less significant.  It's similar to what happens on the 'do I pass thread' where people pick up on things the general public wouldn't because their mindset is biased before they even look at the picture.  You also said that they can't tell you why which also makes me think that they're seeing something that isn't really there.

If it's really bothering you, you could probably record yourself on your phone in a quiet area without too much trouble.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off for a run 

[lilacwoman]

just watching Olympics and women run just like men - in sports shoes...but also just watched neighbours girlfriend running to her car in her pyjamas and bedroom slippers and that is the very stereo female run.
maybe its just about shoes?

[Nicolette]

just watching Olympics and women run just like men - in sports shoes...but also just watched neighbours girlfriend running to her car in her pyjamas and bedroom slippers and that is the very stereo female run.
maybe its just about shoes?

Are you saying that a man who normally runs like a "man" will run with arms flailing, like a damsel in distress, when wearing slippers? I think it's about nurture and state of mind. Women are brought up to act and behave like they were vulnerable. The stereotypical female run is innefficient and won't cut it on the circuit. The more efficient way is what you see both men and women doing in the Olympics, NOT running like they have no control over their extremities and looking vulnerable.

[Elena G]

Sorry, had to post it... goofy me

[barbie]

Sorry, had to post it... goofy me

Ha ha. Sometimes my son also flirtatiously runs like her.

Barbie~~

[barbie]

Today night I ran around near my home. It was very humid, but suddenly it feels like autumn, although heat wave hits nationwide everyday.


As I have slender arms and legs, whatever I try to look manly, people think my posture is feminine.
In my teens, my classmates used to tease me for it, and it was my stigma.
Nowadays, during marathon events, some young guys try to chase me. Good runners are fine, but I sometimes worry when a fat guy tries to pass me while panting for breath.





Barbie~~

[Joann]

Barbie,
You look awesome. I love your legs. I got teased for my girly legs too in high school. Now i love them.
I used to put on my Daisy Dukes and strut around the mall making the girls point and smile.
(Not me just an example of the shorts)

[barbie]

I used to put on my Daisy Dukes and strut around the mall making the girls point and smile.

They look sexy, but probably I have never tried Daisy Dukes. Not so much fashionable, but my shortest pants are like:



I am not quite sure whether the following short pants are allowed in my country. If I see any single girl in my country wearing them in the street, then I will do and be ready to endure all criticism.



Barbie~~

[Joann]

They look sexy, but probably I have never tried Daisy Dukes. Not so much fashionable, but my shortest pants are like:



I am not quite sure whether the following short pants are allowed in my country. If I see any single girl in my country wearing them in the street, then I will do and be ready to endure all criticism.



Barbie~~

The second one wouldent work in the here in the u.s.a and i need at least a 3" inseam or i have to wear underware.