You may have heard that there is a plus size model on the cover of Women’s Running. Or you may have seen the article in Runner’s World about Fat Girl Running. I was super happy to see both of these, but at first I didn’t want to write about them on the blog. I want to pretend like it isn’t a big deal, like it isn’t an accomplishment for fat / overweight / chubby / plus-size / whatever you want to call it runners to be acknowledged in such big publications.
Part of me thought, “YES! Love it! Rock it girls!!” and another part thought, “Finally. Um hello the majority of Americans are considered overweight why is this even a big deal.”
So the reason I didn’t want to write about it was because I want this to be the norm. I want magazine to show people of all sizes and colors and shapes and…. you get it.
But I decided to talk about it because:
A.) I really want to support these publications in hopes that they start a trend.
B.) I want to pass on the message to you in case these are people that may inspire you.
C.) I relate to some of the things in the “Fat Girl Running” article.
The August issue of Women’s Running features Erica Schenk. Schenk has been running for 10 years. She also happens to be a plus sized model.
You can read a Q&A with Schenk here.
She’s super gorgeous and I might have a girl crush on her after doing some research and finding other pictures of her modeling.
(source: People Magazine)
Women’s Running also has a great article about “The Weight Debate” and offers great information on body fat percentages and scales and measurements.
(source)
The August issue of Runner’s World features plus sized Ultra Runner and blogger Mirna Valerio. She says people are often surprised she runs so much, insinuating, “If you do all this running why are you still so fat?”
Years ago I went into a running store to buy running shoes for half marathon training and been told “Are these for walking?”.
No. I run thanks. Or jog, wog, whatever.
For those of you who haven’t run a race before let me tell you a little secret (seasoned racers chime in here)…
Runners at 5k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon, ultra marathons… are all different sizes and ages! Promise. I truly promise.
Before my first race ever I was super scared and intimidated that I would be the last one. That I’d be the only fat one. That I’d look sweaty and sloppy and chubby and a mess.
And I might have been.
But I was definitely not the only one who had some weight to lose. And I was shocked at the age range – there are people from tweens to great-grandparent looking people.
It’s awesome.
And runners are especially awesome because of all those endorphins. Every runner I’ve met at a race is friendly and curious and nice and happy (and probably nervous or at least I am).
The point is, these two runners in the magazines aren’t an exception to the rule. It’s not “Hey look at that fat runner! How odd?!”
They’re just runners. Like me. Like you. Like all the hundreds of thousands of runners racing this year.
We all look and sound and run and feel different. And I really love running. So if you love running too, do it.
And if you don’t love running find an exercise that makes you feel good and makes you happy.
Keep going!
Thank you for taking up this topic. It is important to bring it up to encourage us.
Yes! One day I hope there won’t be such a thing as “plus-size” models since they’ll be normalised as part of a varied spectrum of models.
She is gorgeous, and I admire her a lot. She is sure more athletic than I am, and she deserves a cover as much as anyone. I guess it all seems contradictory to what the government and the medical profession pound down people’s throats. We are always hearing how obesity is a major problem in the US, and it kills just like cigarettes, and so on and so on. I would worry about the possibility of heart problems with the additional weight. I’m trying to get twenty pounds off now for that very reason.
This was the same reaction I had: this shouldn’t be causing such a wave – it should almost go unnoticed because this should be the norm. It’s like when shops decide to use mannequins that are average dress size – it gets heaps of media attention and yet should be what’s used everywhere. One day we’ll get there, but to get the message to the media that this is what needs to happen we need to publicise and celebrate where companies do something right. Women can feel so uncomfortable doing exercise if they don’t have the ‘perfect’ body, but exercise is not just about weight loss and fitness, it’s about celebrating everything the body can do, and getting the rush from all those endorphins! We should celebrate these instances when they happen until this becomes the norm.
I have recently started doing fun runs and just signed up for my first 5K in October. I was pleasantly surprised to find the participants of the races to be all shapes and sizes. I was nervous as I am a big girl. But I fit right in!!!
Awesome Annie! Keep it up 🙂
Thanks for this post. Love it! All runners are awesome people, no matter their size or their time.
I’m glad she’s on the cover and I wish they included more models that are really “all over” with size/weight/shape. I look forward to the day when this isn’t news—it’s the norm! I am always beating myself up for my giant legs and thighs, then out of the blue someone will say “gosh your legs are so toned and strong” and I nearly pass out! I wish I saw what others do when I look in the mirror. I’m getting better, but definitely a work in progress.
Great post, Monica. And yes, if you run you are a RUNNER. Your body type doesn’t make you a runner.
i love how you wrote about this — this is an awesome post. i didn’t know there was a plus-sized model/runner on the cover (and yes, she’s GORGEOUS — i love her adorable little smile!), and i’m so glad they included her story. it’s inspiring to hear of anyone running, regardless of size! “like you. like me.” yes, agree. like all of us who run. 🙂
I’m a fat runner myself. I started out a fat runner, became a strong, slightly smaller runner, and now I’m a fat runner again. I have to admit that my weight gain has made me very self-conscious, and I’m a little race-shy at the moment. BUT, I’m still running, and I have 5 half marathons and many many 5ks and 10ks under my belt, and I’m very proud of that. I think everyone should be encouraged to move more, and find the things they love to do. I’m glad that people are finally recognizing that overweight people exercise too. Now if only the exercise clothing designers would get on board..
One of RER’s best posts!
Thank you Charlotte 🙂
Yay!! I love this. I was always afraid of races bc I’m not an elite athlete…but quickly realized there was nothing to be intimidated by. There is representation of all types of people at races and it’s awesome.
Love this post and you’re so right. Anyone who has participated in a race can attest to the fact that runners come in all shapes, sizes and ages. It’s liberating and motivating to see everyone out there running regardless of their “body types”. I’m glad you put this out there!
I was pleased with the entire issue! As someone who suffered from anorexia in college and has since struggled to loose some weight, I can relate the the constant struggle of wanting to “look” like a runner. I am 5’8″ and a very fit 170. I can run a half marathon in under 2 hours and my 5K personal best is 24minutes. I may not be slim and competitive, but I AM A RUNNER. Whenever I run a race I see thousands of women of all shapes and sizes and sometimes the women that “look like runners” that start off with me also finish with me….it’s a huge confidence boost to know that I can perform, no matter what my weight. It is a breath of fresh air that magazines are starting to reflect a spectrum of what women look like. What, do they think they will loose readers if they stop showing elite athletes? Cheers to WRM and RW issues that break the stereotype. I hope to see more shapes, sizes, colors, and ages in the future.
Love this!
OMG! Love it!!! I’ve met some curvy ladies that don’t want their weight to be acknowledge in reference to their sport, and more power to them. I, however, am like . . . “Yes! Be inspired! Admire me! My fat ass takes a lot of effort to hold up in those planks and to truck down the road, but I do it cause I love it, cause I need it. I am fat, and I RUN!!! I am not a stereotype!!!” . . . Yes, I am slightly dramatic.
YES! Thank you so much for posting this. Looking a “certain way” should NOT determine someone’s dedication, skill, or effort towards something.
Totally agree with you on not wanting to address what should be the norm in this situation. On the surface, it seems silly to draw so much attention to it, but at the same time, I agree it should be praised so the media keeps sharing runners of all sizes/shapes/colors/whatever. I’m always inspired when I see “bigger” people out running or at the gym, because you know they’re working hard and it’s NOT easy.
You are so right. I really SHOULD be the norm!
But until it is, it´s good we talk/write about it. 🙂
I mean I loved you and your blog before – but YES! So much yes. All of this. I’m a bigger, curvier girl and when people find out I run too I get that puzzled look. The “so why do you still jiggle?” look.
cool post & great topic but you need an editor. “I have went” is not proper grammar.
be nice.
I think we can let grammar slide every now and then–especially when a great, empowering article has just been written.
Love this!! Preach! [Insert emoji of hands making the little rainbow thingy]
I am not overweight but I am heavier than average as a former football player. I have seen tons of “chubby” or “overweight” folks and many times they were out in front of me. Frankly, putting a tag on any runner is silly. Black runners, female runners, elite runners. We are all runners, some of us get there sooner than others and we all look different doing it.
YES.
I’m all about breaking down stereotypes and stigmas. I’ve had to do so over and over again with some things from my past and so I love things like this being celebrated. Thanks for writing about it!
It is funny how we get self concious…even wen we are doing something like exercising! I’ve been schooled by people probably 40lbs heavier than I am. Power to anyone willing to get out there!
I used to be too self conscious to run outside. It’s sad. And so dumb. Then, one day a co-worker was talking about how she feels fat going to the gym but, “At least I’m trying.” <- that really stuck with me and I was like "Yeah! I'm trying too."
I’m so happy you wrote this! I saw this article last week and it made me feel so good. More real people should be represented in running & fitness not just skinny fitness models.
Thanks for writing this!! I haven’t read or bought the magazine, but I have seen the cover floating around. I really like the message she gives: find an exercise that makes you happy.
Love this! My fiancé and I often have the debate about what a “runner” looks like. I’ve been running for a few years now, and he is relatively new to the running world. He’s been to a few races and finished a half marathon recently. He also has put on some weight within the past year, and thinks he is “too big” to be called a runner. He doesn’t yet realize that being a runner has nothing to do with your size, and people of all ages, sizes, colors, genders, etc. are runners.
I really hope that we, the running community and society in general, keep talking about this and making this normal. Everyone who runs deserves to be called a runner, and no one should feel like they shouldn’t run because of their weight, color, gender, etc.
You’re a runner if you run. That’s it, it doesn’t matter the size or speed or distance. Own it!
I’m a distance runner, have been for 15 years, yet I still struggle with weight. It’s refreshing to see a running magazine put this out into publication. Somehow I missed the Ultra Running, I’ll have to go back and read it. If society as a whole to let go of stereotypes we could all relax a little more and might even see more people get up and get moving. Thanks for this post!!
PREACH!!!! I’ve always been an overweight runner and I still go out and do it!! It’s empowering and inspirational to see RW publish articles like this.
I always am nervous I’ll be the biggest or slowest or most jiggly or sweaty runner at a race. But that goes away once those earbuds go in and I get in my groove! I’m a runner because I run.
I agree that I want it to be a norm. I’m posting about this on my blog tomorrow because it’s been such a hot topic. I like celebrating all body types but then it all gets PC with skinnyshaming and saying one way is better than another or healthier than another. Eat good mostly and exercise and be healthy (your weight will be where it needs to).
Love this and it’s so true! I have to confess, when I first started running, I had to re-educate myself about what “Real Runners” look like. Even though I’m physically closer to the stereotype of what a runner is “supposed” to look like, when I joined a running group I quickly discovered that the so-called “larger ladies” could run CIRCLES around my skinny @$$ both in distance and speed. It was a very humbling experience for me and one that I feel doesn’t get enough recognition. Let’s keep supporting and promoting runners of all shapes and sizes!
I’m very happy to see Runners World doing this but like you I hope it becomes more of the norm not just one exceptional issue.
I agree that most people are afraid of races thinking they will be the biggest or oldest or slowest. But runners are so varied and no matter what you look like, you don’t stand out.
Amen! I’m a bigger runner and I’ve always felt very insecure about it. Running accentuates fat because it is literally jiggling around. However, I run so that gradually that fat will go away. I’m not going to be one of those people who says I’m perfect at this weight. I’m not, and it’s not healthy. However, it is so wrong to judge overweight people who are exercising. That’s what they need to be doing! Encouragement goes a long way. Thanks for the insight!
Thank you for this post! I am new to running (and am overweight) and people still give me the side eye when I tell them I am training for a half marathon in November. My first 10k had me totally intimidated. I was the heaviest. I was last to finish. But I was better than I was the day before. That is all I strive for. To be a better me. I don’t have to come in first, I just have to finish and give it my all. I just have to work to be better than I was before.
You go! And keep ignoring the comments and side-eye. People make comments to me all that time, that I find somewhat condescending, because they can’t believe that I do ANY form of exercise. If I tell them I’ve run 5 half marathons, they can’t believe it. Keep doing what you’re doing. Run to feel good, and be happy. That’s all that matters.
Love this, great post Monica!
Yes!! Love this. When I first started running I felt like I had to validate myself, because I was slow or because I only just started running, so somehow that meant I wasn’t a “real” runner. But I didn’t need to. If you run – you’re a runner. It doesn’t matter if you’re fast, slow, big, small, young, old. My 5, 10, 13.1, or 26.2 miles may look different than yours, but we’re all still running the same race.
I think this is great!
I remember going to a physical therapist a few years ago and he told me that if I lost weight, I’d be a better runner. I get the fact that extra weight can add more pounding to the body but jeesh, I think we should be encouraging to all runners!
Nice post! This and the article are very inspiring. I’m sure we have all struggled with body image issues, so it is nice to be reminded that we don’t have to fit in one particular mold to do an activity.
I loved the article in Runners World – that woman is SO inspiring and smart!
Snaps for this post!! Every shape and size should fee okay to try different exercises. I’m a yogi and a bit stereotypical, small and blonde, and sometimes I feel like a cliche talking about yoga because I’m “a good body” for it or something. But there is no one body for exercise or fitness!
Especially being from New York City….I love running local races. We’re a melting pot of all sizes as well. Being thin doesn’t make you healthy or athletic. Exercising and eating right is what it’s all about. 80/20 at least.
Thanks for the post. =)
Preach it sista! I am one of those “oversized” runners, and guess what — Im out there kicking ass on the regular! I even won my age division at a local 5 mile race this past weekend. Its not fat, its power! 🙂
Congratulations Erika! That is super awesome.