As I was out shopping with Patrick this morning, I became a little pissed that stores don’t think plus size people exercise. I was looking for a certain type of running shirt, the sport goods place around here didn’t have anything bigger than a 2x which I can fit into but for running I would prefer a 3X. We spent a few hours looking for running shirts and a good sports bra. We finally found some things at Walmart, which is not really where I wanted to buy that kind of thing but I couldn’t find them anywhere else. We a went to the sport good store all the women’s active gear is so tiny, so I looked in the men’s stuff which was all 2X. It wasn’t until we stopped at Walmart that we found the type of shirt I wanted in 3X and that goes for the sport bra. The plus size women’s stores didn’t have any sports bras so I ended up settling for one from Walmart. Society apparently thinks all obese people aren’t capable of exercising or running for that matter.
I may not look like a typical runner but I am one. I went out and ran my first 5K yesterday morning and I finished it. I wasn’t even in last place and so what if I had been, I ran and I finished, that’s what is important to me and what makes me a runner. If you are a big girl or guy and enjoy running but face criticism or strange looks as you line up for a race, just say to them, hey big girls (guys) run too! I was comforted by the fact that there was a group of four plus size women running the 5K yesterday. We remained next to them almost the entire 5K but at the end I decided I would pull away because I wanted to complete my goal of finishing in under an hour. I was proud to call these women my running sisters because they weren’t afraid to be out running with everyone else too. I think the picture below describes the reason I like to run the most. It isn’t about beating others, it’s about beating that little voice in your head that says “you can’t do it” or “time to quit.” The competition in running is always yourself.
Daily Inspirational Quote: “There comes a time when you have to stand up and shout: This is me damn it! I look the way I look, think the way I think, feel the way I feel, love the way I love! I am a whole complex package. Take me… or leave me. Accept me – or walk away! Do not try to make me feel like less of a person, just because I don’t fit your idea of who I should be and don’t try to change me to fit your mold. If I need to change, I alone will make that decision. When you are strong enough to love yourself 100%, good and bad – you will be amazed at the opportunities that life presents you.” ~Stacey Charter
LWSpotts
It’s very frustrating to shop in sporting goods stores for particular types of exercise clothing and not find your size. I face that problem too. I’ve had the best luck on work pants at Ross, believe it or not. I’ve yet to find a sports bra that works for me, but I will follow your suggestion and try Walmart. Awesome that you completed your 5k. I ran one 10 years (and many pounds) ago, and I need to let that light a fire under my butt to do it again.
Eric Vaiksnoras
Jessica, what a beautiful post. You write with so much emotion and bare all. Impressive! Thank you for sharing your trials and triumphs with the world. And congratulations on completing your first 5K! It was a true joy reading about your awesome accomplishment. I run often and was drawn to how effortlessly you wrote about what running meant to you. “The competition in running is always yourself.” Well said! And I applaud you for the bravery that is required to take a chance and try something new…especially with an activity that takes that much more courage as a heavier person because of the extra physical demands placed on a heavier body in motion…and for the challenges that come from participating in an activity where you aren’t in “the norm”. I’m so glad you took that chance, and found out that YES, you surely do belong — and are as welcome as anyone else! I hope you feel very proud of yourself! And I thank you for all your inspiration!
Bariatric Beginnings
Thanks for the awesome comment Eric! Yes I do belong now!
danya
Congrats on your first 5k! And true enough, joining races for me meant accomplishing goals I set out to do for myself. And it always feels good to say you can do something if you really put your mind to it. I am really happy for you! Thank you for inspiring me to run even more!
amysabado
So excited for you! I am in training for my first 5K as well. I will be walking it (
) on June 16th. That is one year since having gastric bypass surgery. Very excited. Keep an eye out on Ashley Johnson. She is the Biggest Loser contestant from a couple seasons back. She is designing a plus size workout line. Find her on Twitter. Good Luck
Swedish Falcon
You were really awesome yesterday!!!! I am very, very proud of you!
Marcus Weidner
Congrats on your first 5k! It is interesting how people would want to judge you, and how many of those people are not out there pushing themselves. I am sure it took a lot of dedication to get out there to start with and now making your goal. Pushing yourself to do something difficult is never a bad thing from my experience. Keep at it!
sydneyaaliyah
Congrats on you first 5k. That is really cool. I want to be a runner. Want to experience that runners high that everyone is always talking about. In regards to sports wear for plus size. Adidas makes some great workout gear in plus size. But i have only found it online.
marieesther
Just awesome- congrats on your first 5k!