You can trust a big butt and a smile.
I am a heavy runner. It’s a fact.
My thighs rub together.
I stock up on body glide.
I wear two sports bras… and sometimes that is not even enough.
My nutrition could probably stand for a few adjustments.
Occasionally, my idea of carbo loading before a long run is eating a great big box of wheat thins and some swedish fish.
When I wear my Marathon jacket out and about, I sometimes get asked if I was a volunteer.
It’s true that a big reason why I am slower is because, well… I’ve got more “junk in my trunk.”
My initial intent for this blog entry was to offer tips for heavier runners; I wanted it to be a means of helping people move past some of the barriers we encounter that often discourage us from joining the sport. Thus, I began researching typical “heavy runner issues” and came across this gem of an article, instead: “Tips for Heavy Runners”. Now, I have no idea of the merit of this writer. In fact, I am assuming since it is authored by “Admin,” that it is probably someone who has no authority on the topic, anyway. However, what I found was enough for me to respond. Here is what “Admin” wrote:
“Most heavy runners run to reduce the fat content in the body and also to keep fit. But it is not surprising that most of them end up not actualizing this aim. What are the reasons why heavy runners fail to meet up to expectations as good runners?
Laziness: The attitude of being lazy is the main reason why heavy runners do not go beyond the level they are expected to reach as good runners.
Wrong attitude: Most heavy runners have a very wrong attitude towards running. This makes them fail to be consistent in observing the qualities required to be a good runner.
Bad approach: Running is an activity that requires good approach. Every step of this activity is to be taken seriously for a good result to be achieved. Heavy runners fail to take this into consideration.
Low self-esteem: Most heavy runners do not believe in themselves, and they find it very difficult to give their best when it comes to running.”
Well. What can I say? Really, what can I say? Clearly, according to “Admin”, heavy runners are ALL lazy with bad attitudes, low self-esteem and no idea what they are doing. Obviously, that is just the silliest thing I’ve ever heard, but before I elaborate, I want to pose this question: Couldn’t these things be said about ANYONE, heavy or not?
Running is DIFFICULT. Period. And it is certainly not easy for anyone who has been sedentary for a period of time, but that includes and is not limited to: heavy, thick, skinny, short, tall, blonde, brunette, freckled, or tattooed. I am more inclined to be impressed and inspired by a heavier runner who is trying to get out there and make a life change, but maybe that’s just me.
In my 3-year experience as a runner, I have encountered all walks of life on the running course. And each person brings a different talent, a different experience and a different attitude to the sport. But one thing you cannot teach is spirit- and I have seen many heavy runners with big butts and smiles that I can certainly “trust”.
So, dear Admin, it is not “they” of whom you speak. It is not the completely illogical generalization you have published to the internet for the world to see. It is any person who tries to accomplish a difficult task: sometimes we succeed, sometimes we don’t. It’s individuality in character that determines one person’s successes and another’s failures.
I am certainly an exception to your rule. And I am proud of it.
Sheree, you continue to inspire. Have you read the book “Slow Fat Triathlete”? It might have some of the info you’re looking for. The author is a Bay Area marathoner and triathlete.
I have not! But I think I should go buy it right now! : )
I have read that book, since I did a few sprint triathlons. I should see if I still have it before you buy one Sheree. I do frequently donate piles of books to the library book sale, but I know where it should be if I still have it.
Thank you, Christine!! That would be awesome!!!
Wow, Admin. Talk about sweeping generalization with absolutely no facts, figures or specifics to speak of. Way to break it down, guy. Sheree, people like Admin are exactly why some of us have such low self esteem (although the same can be applied to skinny girls – I’ve seen plenty of gutter-low self esteem from them). Admin is probably some really closed-minded runner who just happened to be blessed with a naturally small butt and a talent for running. He/She just went out there one day and with little to no effort, became a fast/great/whatever runner. Admin never had to try. Admin can be lazy if he/she wants, doesn’t have to watch what he/she eats, or train long hours and have to learn from injury. So therefore, Admin assumes that the baseline effort for every runner is the same as his/hers, and that if it’s harder for a fat runner to run, then it must be because they’ve put in even less effort than he has himself. (I’ve switched to the male gender because I’m pretty sure Admin is a dude). Now, that’s a sweeping generalization, of course, but hey when in Rome…
HAHA! Trisha, once again you’ve hit the nail on the head. And yes, I had to catch myself typing “he” on many occasions…
Personally, I think this guy is just an idiot, through and through. Probably wanted to put something on the interwebs but ironically was too “lazy” to research any fact-based information.
But you know what I say? WE WIN. Because Admin just looks all the more like an idiot while we prove him wrong in every way!
I love, love, love this. And to your point, I am not a slow, fat triathlete (though I’m not a skinny, fast one either), and yet the book, “Slow, Fat Triathlete” inspired me to do my first triathlon! Heavy, not heavy: running IS hard! You rock… now, I’m going to send this to everyone I know.
Thank you, Laura!!!! : ) YOU ROCK!!!
Great post. Your blog is quite motivating, particularly for us “heavy” runners as Admin likes to call us. Keep up the writing and runnnig. It’s helping me get back in to it 😀
Thank you, Mallory!!! Good luck with your running! Let me know how it’s all going for you!
Love you Sheree!!! I shared this and told everyone how amazing you are. 🙂 Cheering you on always!!!!
Thank you so much, Erin!!!! You are a true inspiration to all of us gals out there trying to run : )