My butt jiggles. (Although I’m not entirely sure exactly how much because it’s quite tough to verify while I’m running.) I have strong thighs that touch. My boobs need to be locked and loaded into my favorite sports bra. I get really red in the face to the point that I’ve received concerned looks from bystanders.
I just don’t look like a runner.
But I am.
A friend of mine wrote a Facebook status about seeing a marathon and half-marathon race one time purely by coincidence. She was shocked at all the different body types running such long distances. It wasn’t said in a condescending tone; it gave her the idea that, heck, maybe she could even run a long-distance race too.
That’s what is so wonderful about this news story. I dare you to watch it without smiling a bit. She’s an absolute inspiration and reminder that runners, regardless of body size, are still…running.
Fat Girl Running:
“There’s a cognitive dissonance, I think, involved in just imagining somebody who is able to run the amount of miles that I do, and that other people do, that look like me and also carry extra weight. But I think that is due to this notion that we’ve had for years that ‘fit’ means a very particular body type, a very particular weight, and size, and height and that’s just not true. I’m not saying that I don’t have more weight to lose; I know that it’s dangerous to have weight around your belly and I’m working on it.”
Nailed it. It’s that very stereotype that often prevents people from continuing to practice what they love. Running, yoga, dancing. You may not “look” like an athlete, but the second you lace up those shoes, you are.
I have to consciously tell myself to move past this association as other smaller runners cross paths with me. My body may not look like hers, but hell, I’m fit. Remember my excellent numbers? Just like Mirna Valerio says, sure I could stand to lose more weight, yes I could aim for more defined abs, I’m aware of that. But loving and accepting who you are is important too, more so than what the time reads after you cross the finish line.
“I love my body. And I’ve learned that the more I love my body, the more I love myself; the happier I am, the more healthy I am. Whether that’s in physical health or emotional health or mental health…I’m a better person.”
Think about that.
What a Woman! Yep, anyone can be a runner, or anything else for that matter. She so well articulated her position and goals with such vivid clarity and purpose. This is the truest winner of all, not the dude taking selfies of his 6pack abs and posting them to FB.
She says she’s not trying to lose weight which is precisely why she will; She, or anyone else, won’t recognize her 12 months from now. That’s why lasting weight loss is so difficult for so many; the answer is hiding in plain sight (and it takes a bit of time and dedication).
As a private trainer and Triathlete (runner 1st), I love to read these success stories, this proves that all those shiny objects dr. oz peddles are simple pure crap designed to fatten their wallets. They don’t give a rat’s ass about you, just like the 32 year old scumbag that raised the price 5000%+ on the cancer drug Daraprim, what a weasel.
http://www.cnbc.com/2015/09/22/drug-ceo-will-lower-price-of-daraprim-after-hike-sparked-outrage.html?__source=xfinity|mod&par=xfinity
This is a testimony to what running (specifically), and sports (in general) will do for you; take note all those detractors who say running will destroy your body, accelerate your ultimate demise, and is an activity that is ‘passe’ and only HIIT will do it for you- they’re all selling you something; pills, a diet, surgery, special hardcore training, mysterious magical plants from deep, deep in the Amazon, etc. The Bull shit is endless!
She will see her child grow up, She will have an incredible body, health and fitness, and she will have won all on her own with a bit of common sense and a goal. Funny how nothing has changed under the sun for successful weight loss!
My favorite book about this subject is: You don’t have to be Thin to Win by Judy Molnar (not a link), check it out, I’ve urged many clients to buy it, fascinating! If you pick it up and read it, just let me know what you think:)
I know, right?! Isn’t she fantastic? It’s always great to have a reminder like that. (And yes, that’s guy is a scumbag, indeed.)
Well said Caroline! As a former dancer I was always comparing myself to all the skinny minis around me! I feel like every girl goes through this no matter what their size but healthy doesn’t fit into a square, it’s multidimensional. Keep up the great work, you can run circles around me (you know it’s true)!
I can’t imagine how competitive dance is. I for one, like your moves. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the post!