So a friend and I were discussing running shirtless the other day on a run. I am a little long in the tooth (39), but I remember as a kid we would always take our shirts off playing hoops, biking, tennis, whatever during the summertime. It wasn't to show off (we didn't have any muscles as 12 year olds)- just did it because it was warm out.
In my previous marathon training group (comprised of folks late 20's to mid 50's) only me and one other dude would run shirtless when warm out.
I moved to a warmer climate where it's quite hot all summer, only one dude here in the training group out of like 25 guys would go shirtless.
I keep my shirt when running through urban areas. However, when running trails, jogging paths go shirtless when temp goes over 80 degrees. It's more comfortable. Do runners not take shirt off for modesty purposes? Because we have dri-fit clothing now (which will still stick to the chest as it gets drenched)? Or,I am a just a product of the area/culture I grew up with? I find it odd, most runners would not opt for shirtless when it's hot out and not sure why.