SocialDad’s Guide to Looking Sharp for Summer Sports
Wow that’s probably my best alliteration so far.
Since losing almost 95lbs since my junk-food and all-nighter university days to now, I’ve discovered the happiness that comes from being in touch with what I eat, what I wear, and how I spend my time.

90 lbs down and feeling good
I started with wearing jogging pants and going for long walks, then I put books in my backpack, then began lifting weights and eating right. Now I’ve built my own standing desk at work from an Ikea coffee table and shelf, go for runs or walks at lunchtime and cycle to work on sunny days.
My attire never really updated though. It was practical but not stylish, and this is a big no-no in Vancouver. Seriously, if you’re not in the fanciest of leggings then you’re not even doing yoga right. I’ve never been much of a leggings-man. I just don’t have the bum for it, apparently.
Thank goodness for my go-to for everything remotely outdoors-y, Mark’s. I went with the key focus of updating my summer sports wardrobe, and then sharing it with you.
It’s pretty warm here in Vancouver, BC, so there aren’t too many reasons to layer up unless you’re running after dark, but the weather can be pretty fickle and if you’ve been getting sweaty, you’d be surprised at how fast you can cool off and start to feel the chill. The first piece I picked up was a Matrix Active 1/4 Zip top in dark grey. It’s moisture-wicking and antimicrobial so it dries out really quickly and you don’t stink!

I know, I need a haircut!
Your choice in shorts is super-important too. They have to be comfortable but technically ready to handle any activity. The Matrix Active Woven Shorts are great for running as they’re nice and cool, but lots of stretch for cooling down or even yoga.
Underneath the zip-up top is my running standard, a black short sleeve Driwear Cotton T-shirt.
I also got a knee support to address some aches I get now and again, as well as some shoe insoles for my work shoes to keep them soft while I compete in our office step-challenge.

Of course I’m blurry. Have you tried to pose for a running photo? It’s super hard.
Disclaimer: Thanks to Mark’s for the gear that will help me in my new healthy lifestyle and passion for fitness, as well as firmly dissuading me from squeezing into a skin-tight onesie like Flanders in a Ski Suit.
Louann Kristy
July 6, 2017 at 7:05 amWow you are quite inspirational ! Good going ! And you look great !
Zipporah Bermudez
July 6, 2017 at 12:46 pmWow this is so inspirational. And I never thought of a guy before wearing leggings LOL but this shorts looks like a great way to go for exercising.
Trisha R (@Rosewood_Grace)
July 6, 2017 at 7:41 pmI really like the Matrix Active Zip Top. I could totally see my husband wearing something like that!
Claire
July 6, 2017 at 11:52 pmAwesome tips! I think it’s really good to workout and stay fit (prob more important once you are getting older). The woven shorts looks super comfy!
Adam
July 7, 2017 at 5:01 amAwesome transformation. Keep up the fitness lifestyle!
R. Alexandria
July 7, 2017 at 5:49 amCongrats on the weight loss! The best part of losing weight is getting to update your wardrobe.
What's Up Wednesdays: Belated July Edition » Beyond the Rhetoric
August 2, 2017 at 9:01 am[…] for outdoor activities. Social Dad James R.C. Smith provides some key tips and pointers for how to look good while participating in summer sports. I don’t know about you, but I’m not exactly one […]