With summer training, there always comes a few inevitable factors. The obvious small annoyances, like bugs, heat, and sweat, that we all know and love are some of the first that come to mind. There is one more concern that comes when temperatures get higher and shorts consequently get shorter: The body issues. Suddenly, bodies that have been covered up by layers of tights, long sleeves, and parkas are out in the world and exposed again, and with them emerges the crowd of people who still take issue with an athlete's body.
The first kind of critic comes in two forms: The person who approves a little too much and the one who says you were asking for whatever harassment you got because of your apparel. This has been said thousands of times, so I'll keep it brief. No one wants your nasty comments, and the chances of us responding to your attempts at catcalling when we're already incredibly uncomfortable because distance running is just not a comfortable sport are below zero. Unless you A) Know me well enough that we've actually had a conversation or B) Are simply supportive of others in their quest for fitness and want to yell something encouraging, please never yell at me (or anyone else for that matter) while we're out trying to get some miles in. And as for those who say, "Well, you were really asking for _______, going out dressed that way." No. This is nonsense, and it needs to stop. When myself and countless other athletes choose to go out in our tiny shorts and tops, we are not asking for your attention. We are not seeking your leers, your comments, or your approval (Or lack there of). Mostly, we are just hoping to making it through another summer workout without being boiled to death in our own sweat. No one questions it when we run in full-length tights and gloves in the winter, or when we wear bathing suits to a cross-training session at the pool. This situation should not be viewed any differently. Wearing activity and weather appropriate clothing should not be made out to be anything more than it is-An attempt to stay comfortable while working out.
The second body issue that has been on my mind for some time now is body image. Please know going into this that I believe in celebrating and loving all healthy bodies, not just a specific type. However, I've noticed that not everyone feels the same way. For some reason, people seem to think that one certain brand of body shaming is absolutely acceptable. As I'm sure you all realize, many distance athletes are more sharp angles than "curves". And you know what? There's absolutely nothing wrong with that, just like there's nothing wrong with being a size 10. Body-shaming should never be viewed as acceptable, and yet people don't often see a problem with it as long as it doesn't go the way that they typically think of when they hear the phrase "Body shaming". A glaring example that comes immediately to mind is Meghan Trainor's All About That Bass, which seems to indicate that it is perfectly fine to celebrate and love your body...as long as you are curvy. If you are a "Skinny b****", as she puts it, you have no right to think of yourself as someone who is beautiful. Another example of this: The other day, I was on Facebook and I spotted a photo from someone's fitness Instagram. You all know the type-A photo of someone pulling their shirt up to reveal a six pack with a caption sharing their workout or diet plan for the day. Again, I'd like to reiterate: THIS IS NOT THE ONLY TYPE OF BODY I CONSIDER TO BE BEAUTIFUL. However, upon reading some of the comments on this young lady's picture, I was highly disturbed. Some direct quotes went like this: "No one likes to cuddle a twig.", "If she thinks that's what beauty is, then she has a serious mental issue.", and "Someone just get that girl some ice cream." Excuse me? So if someone has a larger figure, we assume that they have no self control, and when someone has a smaller frame we assume that they have some kind of mental disorder? It's ridiculous. And telling someone that they are not beautiful because they look differently from you is disgusting. I have friends who are curvy, and friends who are petite, and I have heard from both sides (and experienced myself) how hurtful it is to be told that your body type is unpleasant to look at. Especially considering your body shape is not always something that is in your control. Some people exercise religiously and still have a larger figure, and that's okay. Some people eat like crazy and can't put on weight, and that's okay too. So, please do me a favor. The next time you see someone's body and have any desire to criticize them for it, zip it. Nobody needs to hear that. Thanks!
*Not the one by ESPN you're all thinking of.
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