You might not believe this, but all t-shirts are running t-shirts.
Even the holey t-shirt you wear to paint in, even the super thick cotton t-shirt that doesn't breathe, even the one you wear to sleep in, to play golf in, or under your hockey gear.
I think you're starting to see where I'm going with this.
All T-shirts are running T-shirts because what makes a piece of clothing a running T-shirt is that you run in it. From the moment you put yourself into action wearing said clothing, it becomes "running" by default.
In my short life as a runner, this is the second time I've witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of people running. The last time was in 2013-2015, and now, since 2023, the number of people practicing this sport has been skyrocketing. Each time, it's so wonderful to see people discover our sport, get fit, and change their lives.
This is what motivated me to launch the Défi Entreprises, then the Course de la Cité-Limoilou, the Trail du Grand-Duc, to take up the Tour du Lac Beauport and the Université Laval 10 km. Because running is the most accessible sport on earth – all you have to do is get out of the house and get moving.
On the other hand, the trap I've already fallen into is placing too much importance on equipment.
Yes, it takes good running shoes to avoid injuries.
Yes, running with a watch is nice to be able to receive kudos on Strava or to know your heart rate.
But we must not allow equipment (or the cost of racing) to become an obstacle to practicing our sport.
Do you feel like running in your Roots hoodie? It's valid (to use the current expression).
Do you want to run in your old high school New Balances to see if you really enjoy running? It's valid.
Feel like buying yourself a brand new pair of Lululemon leggings? That's valid too.
The only criterion is that everyone feels good about practicing the most accessible sport on earth.
So, run with what you have.
Because in the end, it's not your gear that's going to make you run faster or longer—it's your determination, your consistency, and your budding passion for this amazing sport.
The best running shirt is the one you wear on your first run. No matter which one it is, it will mark the beginning of something great. So stop making excuses, put on what's in your wardrobe, and discover why so many people fall in love with running.
Your feet are waiting for you.
Ha Ha Great! That's so true, congratulations for this article.
The thank you box
Indeed, it is "the most accessible sport on earth." Like the "oldest profession in the world," one could even say that running is the oldest sport in the world. You can even practice it barefoot... Adopting voluntary simplicity in running is undoubtedly the best way to integrate this physical activity so that it becomes a way of life. Crossing the threshold, without asking yourself a thousand and one questions, and starting to run in order to feel the unique sensation of being fully alive can be done with any t-shirt.
Exactly!