Dilemma: Are my new short running shorts wrong?!

The context: I started running more seriously about a year and a half ago (running 5 miles to work a couple of times a week), then entered a HM (1:27:32) and a 10k (39:24) and felt the need to look more 'Mo...'

So I researched the web and found what I thought would be some cool 'elite runner-eqsue' running shorts. Got them today, very excited, put them on to show the wife and...she's not impressed. Gutted. 

Is it wrong for non-elite runners to wear elite-style running gear? I don't want people to look at me and think I look obscene, but I did want to get away from looking like a public park footballer who took the wrong turn on his way to see his rotund mates for a kickabout.

I'm quite slim and as yet have no tummy hanging over, my legs are toned etc...so should I keep the shorts (which I like), or should I get rid and get a more modest pair of running shorts (and appease the missus)?

Runners World forumites, looking forward to hearing your views on this most major of dilemmas...

What was she not impressed with???  That you didn't turn into Mo  

I think she thought they were 'too' short...but isn't that the whole point? That they don't interfere with your stride at all, that they're light?

If she doesn't appreciate them, I'm sure there are plenty of women who will.  Knoworramean? 

There was nothing swinging about in the breeze I hope? 

At the end of the day, would the police be interested if you went out wearing them?

did you say 2 inch..?

Haha! Yes, two inch...they are pretty short.

What I described as 'elite runner-esque' is basically very short running shorts that have splits on the side and make you look like you're at an important track meet (you know the shorts that proper athletes wear!). The ones I got can be found here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nike-Fundamental-Split-Running-Shorts/dp/B0047P27JQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359669159&sr=8-1

Thanks for the comments thus far - and just in response to bigeater, I'm not trying to be someone I'm not, but I do want to wear proper running kit rather than my old football training kit - I thought I'd done ok with these shorts...maybe they'll grow on my wife when she sees me out running in them, rather than prancing round the living room in them!!

oof.. so the 2 inch is a split.. thought it might me the entire lenght the shorts' leg, in which case I would certrainly sympathise with your wife

will you be wearing pants under them? If not, be careful when stretching, sitting, lunging etc...

Better not go for the upgrade then!

timinho wrote (see)

Keep the shorts. Wear what you are comfortable in, and ignore what other people think!

Is K80 the only one with the sensible option of pop them on a show us the piccie..........

I thought they were the old fashioned type of shorts.surely all the elite boys are in lycra nowadaya