It was a beautiful spring Saturday and I was out for my regular morning run. As I rounded a turn, I heard a car approaching from behind. Even though I was running facing traffic, I was on a narrow country road, so I got over as far as I could. The routes I travel can be dangerous with numerous blind turns and little berm. Therefore, I was glad to hear the vehicle slowing as it approached, signifying that the driver must have seen me. However, the car seemed to be slowing to a near stop beside me.
I looked over to discover an older gentleman rolling down his window to talk to me. It was a man who had lived up the road from my family in a neighboring town several decades prior. As we conversed, it became obvious that he did not recognize me. However, I did not point it out so as not to embarrass him. When he went to finally pull away, he added, “Keep it up and you might lose some weight.”
It wasn’t said with malice. It wasn’t said with humor. It was simply stated as a fact. I didn’t appreciate it, but I took it for what it was. (In rural Appalachia it is common for older generations to state things as a matter of fact, even if it is offensive.) I’m sure in his mind, he thought he was encouraging me. Like many overweight people, I am highly aware that I need to lose weight (society doesn’t allow otherwise); I don’t need unsolicited comments to enlighten me. Furthermore, what this gentleman did not know is that I had already lost almost 50 pounds through running.
Though this interaction transpired over a year ago, I recalled it vividly as I scrolled through Facebook recently. If you aren’t friends with many runners, you might be unaware there is a growing movement promoting female body positivity. The movement celebrates females having the courage to run in just their sports bras. Those who participate post pictures and stats from their runs to their social media accounts with the hashtag #teamsportsbra. As the movement has progressed, I have seen several questions posted regarding the trend. I have read comments in both support and opposition. Whether or not you opt to participate, there is a need for a better understanding of the root causes.
First and foremost, know that this is a very personal issue for most women. The fact that a gentleman who didn’t even remember me openly commented on my weight while driving down the road is evidence that female body scrutiny is extremely prevalent and accepted. Most women have experienced some form of it or have friends and family members who have suffered its effects.
Second, this summer has been extremely hot and humid. To combat the heat, many males often run without their shirts. Running in a sports bra is a logical solution for females that should not be reserved for those who meet certain body fat percentages. For years I ran in capris and t-shirts throughout the heat of summer simply because I was too embarrassed to run in anything else. I regularly risked not only unbearable discomfort but also serious bodily harm should I have suffered from heat stroke. This movement gave me the courage to finally run in a comfortable outfit that improved how I felt physically. More importantly, it improved my overall performance.
Finally, know that this movement is not about attention seeking or bragging. I can personally attest that it took extraordinary courage to take that step. During my first run, I wasn’t thinking about my form or performance. Instead, I was constantly wondering if the people I passed were secretly making fun of me or saying, “Who does she think she is?” I can tell you, attention was the last thing I was seeking. Rather, I hoped by sharing my picture on social media afterward I would encourage others to overcome their own insecurities and take that first step toward self-acceptance.
I had an acquaintance ask, “What’s the big deal? It’s the same as going to the beach in a bikini.”
I assure you that most of the women promoting this movement are not wearing bikinis at the beach. They are wearing over-sized t-shirts and cover-ups while building sand castles with their kids on the shore. They are making a mad dash to enter the water unseen when their children keep insisting they come swim. It isn’t that they are shallow or care more about what they look like than the joy they get from playing with their children. Sometime, somewhere they’ve heard, “Keep it up and you might lose some weight,” or “Who does she think she is?”
#teamsportsbra has grown from a trend to a movement. It has crossed borders, broken down barriers and brought thousands of women together in solidarity. Ultimately, it has built courage and confidence where once there was only shame and self-doubt. The team doesn’t discriminate or make cuts. Anyone who wants to join is free to do so and will be accepted with open arms. (Arms that are blissfully bare.)
