Last Updated on September 10, 2018

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Running naked — it’s a thing. If you’ve ever entertained the idea of running an organized race in the buff, you’re in luck. All over the country, nudist organizations and resorts are planning races and events where clothing is optional. In what many consider to be a pretty liberating accomplishment, running a naked 5k comes with a fair amount of preparation. Don’t just show up looking like a barefoot neanderthal, but familiarize yourself with best practices and what to expect on the day. Here’s a brief rundown on how to prepare for a naked run.

First Things First: Self Acceptance

If you’re considering running a naked race, one of your first thoughts will undoubtedly be in the ballpark of body image. With the wide prevalence of body shaming today, it’s understandable that many people will doubt themselves and deem their bodies unfit for a naked social race. Here’s a general rule of thumb: if you have a body — if you’re a human being — you’re good to go. Perhaps the most commonly accepted rule adopted by nudist communities is tolerance and non-judgement. A nudist race is in many ways a celebration of our diverse shapes and sizes, so feel free to go balls-out and don’t think about what others are (most likely not) thinking.

Go for a Practice Run

Once you’ve mustered the confidence to sign up for a naked 5k, you now need to decide what to wear. Although this seems counterintuitive, it’s an important consideration. Many well-endowed folks will have genuine discomfort from the inevitable ebb and flow of their members, so make sure you know what causes pain and what doesn’t. Find a private area where you won’t risk a ticket for public indecency, and go for a little practice run. No shame in opting for a sports bra or a speedo if baring it all is unbearable.

Treat it Like a Normal Race

The novelty of a naked 5k can often overshadow the fact that it’s still a fairly intensive activity. As a general rule, forget that it’s a naked race until the day of the race. Try to get some good training in, stay hydrated, eat some carb-heavy meals, and get good sleep. Depending on where you are, the conditions could be pretty hot, and nobody wants to wake up completely naked with a paramedic hovered of their body.

Apply the Necessary Products

Obviously the first thing that comes to mind here is sunscreen. You’re going to want to lather up the newly-exposed areas to prevent against any unwanted burns. Find some good sunscreen, and then put it back on the shelf and find another one with double the SPF. On the topic of staying comfortable, some people who run in the buff complain about chafing. Normally, the best defense against chafing is tightly-fitting clothing, but that isn’t really an option here. Consider investing in some anti-chafing fitness products and do your best to keep the affected areas dry.

Make it a Nudist Weekend

If you’re new to the world of nudism, it’s safe to say that there’s a large and growing demographic of people who are pretty enthusiastic. One way this enthusiasm has manifested itself is in nudist resorts. All over the U.S. and the world, clothing-optional resorts are popping up and creating for interesting vacation ideas for the open-minded. Knowing this, why put your clothes back on after the race? Consider heading to one of the best nudist resorts in the country.