November’s Women’s Running magazine is the first ever to feature a “plus-size” runner on the cover in the awesome Lindsey Swift. Her open letter to the van driver who heckled her while she was out running went viral after she posted it on Facebook, and it was shared by thousands of other women who could also relate- read the full letter here.
While I think it’s sad that this is the first time a “larger lady” has appeared on the cover of a fitness magazine – how has it taken so long?! I’d love to see more everyday women rather than models on the front of these publications – it is great to make people aware of the situation that a lot of women face.
According to research commissioned as part of the This Girl Can campaign, millions of women fear doing any kind of exercise because they’re afraid of being judged.
And if you do persuade yourself to make it out the door, a thoughtlessly hurled word can complete ruin that runner’s high and sense of personal achievement.
In the past I’ve had comments thrown at me when I was out running – when I first started I used a run/walk method as part of the Couch to 5k programme and would often get told by passing drivers to “stop walking” or “keep running”. Now I know that doesn’t sound too bad compared to what I’ve heard some people have suffered, and in a race setting would probably be quite encouraging, but really why anyone should feel they have a right to comment at all is beyond me!
Still, it didn’t stop me running. And I think that is the message that Lindsey wanted to share when she wrote her letter. Not to let those small-minded people put you off from achieving what you want to achieve – to take pride in your accomplishments, and do them for you.
Running is such a great community, such an inclusive sport. I’ve met so many awesome people through my running experiences, who have supported me along the way and given me some great fun memories.
We should be celebrating anyone who decides to get more active, discover a new sport and make themselves feel awesome about their body, whatever shape or size. I may not be super skinny, and am more than a little self conscious about my stomach, but I’m also incredibly proud of what I have achieved – from asthmatic non-runner to four half marathons, a duathlon, trail races and many more!
Let’s keep telling each other that “This Girl Can” and sod those lazy white van drivers…
“If my fat arse running…offends you and spoils your journey, try driving with your eyes closed – into a lamp post.” Lindsey Swift
Have you ever had comments whilst out running? How did you deal with them? What do you think about a “plus size” runner on the cover of a fitness magazine?
Beki x
I am provided with a subscription to Women’s Running through the magazine.co.uk blogger programme- you can sign up for your subscription here.
Miss Wheezy 
I used to really suffer with the fear of exercising in front of others, these days I try and brush off the worry but I understand how hard it can be to take that first step. I really enjoyed reading this post! Rachel – Cake Doesn't Count x
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One training session with my club we had a gaggle of boys who thought it was hilarious to join our run. We just ignored them and when they started panting away we told them to keep up. They dropped off pretty soon afterwards. Idiots. I think a lot of comes down to lack of understanding and jealousy. You'd never get people shouting abuse at people playing 5 aside…I think people who've never run just don't understand why people would want to run. And some people are knob heads, no other explanation required 🙂
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Yeappp- I've had the sleazy comments (including one about my arse from a man my grandfather's age. Made me feel quite sick!). Also lots of 'Run Forest Run', 'run faster', 'its good you're running chubs', and so on. To be fair initiatives about heckling have to be making a difference as it seems much less common now? Or maybe worryingly they are just less likely to yell at a 26yr old who would give them a piece of her mind than they were to yell at a 21yr old…We do occasionally get people trying to run with us. And one old lady who waved me over to tell me it was bad for me and I shouldn't run. Thanks?
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I am very lucky not to have heard anything directed my way. Actually, probably the most comments I have received have been from people telling me I'm doing really well and keep going. That said, I run with earphones, so I probably wouldn't hear much of anything anyway, and I also run in the evenings when there are less people about.
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Thanks Rachel. I'm glad that it didn't stop you from continuing!
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Haha yes I've had people try and run alongside me a few times, never for long though! I definitely agree it's partly about ignorance. Hopefully as more people get the running bug, it will be seen as normal- no comments required!
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Ah sorry to hear 😦 It does seem to be getting a bit less common though you're right. Maybe that's because seeing runners is more normal? Although you will still get the people who feel it's their right to comment on everything like that old lady!
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That's nice to hear Steph! I run with headphones mostly too, but during Run Club yesterday I wasn't and got some guys telling me to "come on, keep up!"
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