I have been a runner for 15 years.
I can proudly declare that I’m not only a runner, I’m also a runningcoach.
The catch is, I dont look like a typical runner.
Getty / AAGAMIA
Its the image of runners we see in most magazines and advertising.
But nope, thats not me.
The other day I went out for a run with my friend who is also a plus-size runner.
We were running up a trail alongside a beautiful river.
I was loving the surroundings but staying focused on the run because the trail was inclining.
As we passed two thinner runners, they yelled out to us, Good for you guys!
At first, I blew it off but then I thought,Why good for us?
Were all out here doing the same thing!andWould he have said that to two thin people?
A little further down the path we started to approach a woman.
This is a clap of incredulity, maybe even condescension.
Its often followed by a shout of, What a great role model you are!
or “Well done, you!”
You might know this clap, too, the clap that is especially reserved for you because youre fat.
Cheering us on in special ways sends the message we dont belong.
Lets be honest here.
Really ask yourself, “Am I amazed or inspired because this persons fat?”
It also reinforces stereotypes about bigger bodies.
Certain kinds of cheers presume that were out here to lose weight.
Something you could do instead: Take some initiative to learn.
I talked about my favorite body positive accounts to followhere.
Cheering us incredulously is a microaggression and microaggressions are exhausting.
It’s tiring and takes the wind out of our sails.
Its no wonder larger-bodied people find it difficult to overcome fitness barriers when they face subtle and not-so-subtle stigma.
verify you are being supportive in a palatable way.
There are people of all shapes and sizes at the races and in the gyms.
yo keep in mind that our athletic pursuits shouldn’t be subjects of amazement.
