Wednesday, March 5, 2008

To shave or not to shave....That is the question!

Ok so there is a culture among triathletes that exists, we are an odd bunch for sure. How else could you explain going out and pushing yourself to the physical limit over and over and over again (three times for us triathletes). Anyway, lately I've been talking with a few guys at the pool and everybody seems to be getting really excited about this upcoming season. It seems like the 4 or 5 of us are in the same races, should be fun. So I started thinking am I a "real" triathlete? I like triathlons more than running and more than just swimming and biking alone. I am doing 5 triathlons this year, capping the season off with a half ironman. So I would consider myself a triathlete. So then it comes to this question, for countless reasons male triathletes shave their legs. After an internet search I found that the biggest reason was because of the potential for a bike accident. Nothing worse than cleaning dried blood that has caked itself to your hair. Plus bandages stick a lot better when there isn't any hair, they also remove easier. Some say speed and aerodynamics are the reason, although most admit that is all in their head. But I think the biggest reason for it IS mental, if you feel fast you'll go faster. There is also a lot of stories about the first time you jump into a pool all freshly shaved, with most people reporting they feel immortal! Sounds fun! So I am undecided about all of this, maybe I will before my first race later this month. As for all of the rest of my bodily hair I'm leaving it alone since I have a new triathlon racing suit to wear. I don't think I could ever be hairless like a hairless cat or something, maybe I'll just start with my legs. Here is the consensus from a few pages:

The reason?

And I quote, “because, when you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you swim good.”

Let’s face it…most of us keep our legs shaved throughout our triathlon training because it looks and feels pretty cool! And yes, even the chicks dig it…once you sell them on the idea that you are a triathlete and throw in a few of those BS reasons mentioned above. My wife sure doesn’t complain.

So, basically, shaving is an ego thing…and so what if it is!

I say, what the hell…

Keep your legs shaved, stir up some controversy, look cool, feel good and hall ass in your next race!



10 comments:

Jeanne said...

I say do the waxing instead of shaving it lasts longer and there isn't any stubble.

Chris said...

I don't know Jeanne, from what I know about waxing it isn't pleasant. My basis for this is from the movie 40 year old virgin, here is the scene: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3QAHHXnGUo
be pre-warned about the language in the clip, rated R for sure. But that would totally be me!

Jeanne said...

It is alittle painful butb it does last longer. I thought maybe Bridget could film it so we all could get a laugh. Just kidding.

Unknown said...

You shouldn't just shave your legs, all or nothing baby!!!

Chris said...

The hairless cat approach? Ummm, no!

Unknown said...

You should wait until the big event of the Half Ironman.

anna jo said...

waxing does last longer. but DON'T do it yourself! it is just pure pain and torture. go to a spa to get them waxed. it' almost a relaxing experience (minus that whole ripping hair out of your leg part).

or just shave. :)

definitely shave before your half ironman, if nothing else.

btw, I was wondering what your season's tri schedule was looking like. what races are you signing up for?

Chris said...

I have the Ice Breaker triathlon in a couple of weeks. The Shark attack on May 31st, then Salem Springs on June 7th, then Utah Half on August 9th and finally Yuba on Sept 13th. I would really like to do more, but I am financially limited to these 5. I might squeeze the West Valley City Triathlon in because I do so much training there I feel like it is my home turf sort of...but they really do have the most poorly organized tri I have ever seen!

Chris said...

Oh yeah I forgot to mention that I went with the good old fashioned shave! I plan on keeping them shaved through the summer till after that final race and then see from there. Bridget says I have very sexy legs! But what a pain in the neck, about 30 minutes after I shave I can already feel stubble growing back....especially if I get cold! So that's why Bridget complains about it so much!!!

Jeanne said...

You might try nair hair removal