Thanks for this thoughtful writing, Terrell, and for highlighting my book. I'm so glad it's being read with such care and introspection! Courage to you and all of us in this crazy world.
Thanks Terrell. We can't hear these stories enough especially in today's world where to my mind, the world has been turned inside out and upside down. What keeps me going? This quote: "Persevere regardless...".
Exactly! I try to remember Faulkner's famous speech, about how stories help us remember that we're not without courage, that we have resolve and can get through this, whatever we have to do. Right back at you, my friend.
I know -- reading the book, it's by turns infuriating and just mind-boggling that it was so widely accepted at the time. Really makes you think, doesn't it?
Thanks for your thoughtful piece. Whenever I see young women running as if it is natural and normal I recall what it was like in the 70's. My first pair of running shoes were a men's size 7. There were no shoes for women. As I recall the history of distance restriction it was because a woman fainted after crossing the finish line at an event and it was concluded that women couldn't compete safely at longer distances. Today we might wonder if she was dehydrated from the heat etc. It shows the power of preconceived narratives. If you think of women as weak then you conclude that any mishap is basic to their physiology.
It really, really does show the power of preconceived narratives, doesn't it? So many people just accepted that women couldn't -- and shouldn't -- be allowed to engage in strenuous athletic activity for so, so long. It's within living memory for a lot of us! It was really the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, which held the first women's marathon at that level, that showed us all what was possible -- and what they'd been missing all those generations before.
Many years ago, during a very difficult time in my life, I bought myself a silver bracelet, which I then decided was going to be my reminder that I am stronger than I think I am. It's been 16 years now and I never take it off. (Correction: I take it off during trail runs because once, in a fall, the thing gave me quite a gash!)
Great write up of Ms. Gay's groundbreaking (which should also have been 'tape-breaking') accomplishment. Most marathoners have to overcome themselves , whereas she had institutional, and physical barriers on top of the mental ones we all face along the 26.2 path.
She totally did! And yet she kept going and refused to give up. That's the thing that impresses me the most, I think -- that given how basically no one encouraged or supported her, she found it within herself to do it anyway. Just amazing.
What a lovely tribute to a BRAVE woman. As a newbie to the running world I first learned about Bobbi Gibb when I was introduced to a children's book about her that was released right after I started my "athletic journey". I ordered it for the Library I worked in as soon as I was able!
I am old enough to relate on a minor level. I grew up not being allowed to play sports, and when I did my first OCR in 2019 I am pretty sure my Dad hated everything about the idea even though I was a full grown woman over 40.... I didn't own the idea that I am "an athlete" or "a runner" until a couple years ago. Some days the term still feels like it doesn't quite fit.
As always, I am appreciative to the women who came before me that pushed boundaries, and those that are still doing so today, because lets be real... there are still battles to be fought.
Thanks so much, Wendi! Okay, your journey sounds very interesting -- and very moving. I'd love to know more. Would you consider doing an interview for our interview series? No worries if not, but I think everyone would love to hear more about your story (and more about the world of obstacle course racing, which I know a tiny bit about but would love to know more).
I don't know that I'm super interesting, but I am always happy to chat if you'd like. OCR was my gateway to becoming a hybrid athlete and doing lots of things I never planned.
Isn't it?! It's just absolutely wild -- I would have bailed miles earlier than that! She was driven, though, and just had a passion to do it. It's amazing stuff.
I will absolutely be reading this book. My longest races are only half marathons, so I am sharing this book title with my daughter who runs full marathons. I am totally incredulous that what you shared about women running could have happened in my lifetime. And quite honestly, those making the judgments about women's bodies is laughable...
I know, right?! Definitely give it a read, I know you'll love it, Debby! Especially given the story you shared with us earlier this year, I know you'll find it inspiring.
Thanks for this thoughtful writing, Terrell, and for highlighting my book. I'm so glad it's being read with such care and introspection! Courage to you and all of us in this crazy world.
And right back at you on the courage thing -- we all need it right now, don't we? 🙌
Thank you SO much, Maggie! It seriously means a lot to hear that ❤️
Thanks Terrell. We can't hear these stories enough especially in today's world where to my mind, the world has been turned inside out and upside down. What keeps me going? This quote: "Persevere regardless...".
Exactly! I try to remember Faulkner's famous speech, about how stories help us remember that we're not without courage, that we have resolve and can get through this, whatever we have to do. Right back at you, my friend.
Beautiful and sad reminder of the limitations placed on female athletes not so long ago.
I know -- reading the book, it's by turns infuriating and just mind-boggling that it was so widely accepted at the time. Really makes you think, doesn't it?
Thanks for your thoughtful piece. Whenever I see young women running as if it is natural and normal I recall what it was like in the 70's. My first pair of running shoes were a men's size 7. There were no shoes for women. As I recall the history of distance restriction it was because a woman fainted after crossing the finish line at an event and it was concluded that women couldn't compete safely at longer distances. Today we might wonder if she was dehydrated from the heat etc. It shows the power of preconceived narratives. If you think of women as weak then you conclude that any mishap is basic to their physiology.
It really, really does show the power of preconceived narratives, doesn't it? So many people just accepted that women couldn't -- and shouldn't -- be allowed to engage in strenuous athletic activity for so, so long. It's within living memory for a lot of us! It was really the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, which held the first women's marathon at that level, that showed us all what was possible -- and what they'd been missing all those generations before.
Joan Benoit Samuelson... So proud she's from "my" state!! Her Beach to Beacon 10K in Cape Elizabeth, Maine each August is phenomenal:)
Great piece, Terrell. Thank you so much. I'm forever grateful for Bobbi Gibb, Kathrine Switzer, Donna Aycoth...
Thank you for the book recommendation by Maggie Mertens. I need to check it out!
Thanks, Julie! You absolutely have to -- I know you'll love it ❤️
Many years ago, during a very difficult time in my life, I bought myself a silver bracelet, which I then decided was going to be my reminder that I am stronger than I think I am. It's been 16 years now and I never take it off. (Correction: I take it off during trail runs because once, in a fall, the thing gave me quite a gash!)
How special is that?! I love that story, Henriette 🙌
Great write up of Ms. Gay's groundbreaking (which should also have been 'tape-breaking') accomplishment. Most marathoners have to overcome themselves , whereas she had institutional, and physical barriers on top of the mental ones we all face along the 26.2 path.
Well done!
She totally did! And yet she kept going and refused to give up. That's the thing that impresses me the most, I think -- that given how basically no one encouraged or supported her, she found it within herself to do it anyway. Just amazing.
What a lovely tribute to a BRAVE woman. As a newbie to the running world I first learned about Bobbi Gibb when I was introduced to a children's book about her that was released right after I started my "athletic journey". I ordered it for the Library I worked in as soon as I was able!
I am old enough to relate on a minor level. I grew up not being allowed to play sports, and when I did my first OCR in 2019 I am pretty sure my Dad hated everything about the idea even though I was a full grown woman over 40.... I didn't own the idea that I am "an athlete" or "a runner" until a couple years ago. Some days the term still feels like it doesn't quite fit.
As always, I am appreciative to the women who came before me that pushed boundaries, and those that are still doing so today, because lets be real... there are still battles to be fought.
Thanks so much, Wendi! Okay, your journey sounds very interesting -- and very moving. I'd love to know more. Would you consider doing an interview for our interview series? No worries if not, but I think everyone would love to hear more about your story (and more about the world of obstacle course racing, which I know a tiny bit about but would love to know more).
I don't know that I'm super interesting, but I am always happy to chat if you'd like. OCR was my gateway to becoming a hybrid athlete and doing lots of things I never planned.
Love this. I will definitely be reading this book.
So encouraging. The story of the family not supporting her running—somehow feels true even for non-runners. Always a wonderful post, Terrell!
Thanks so much, Thalia! Really appreciate that ❤️
❤️
What a great story. Running those last miles barefoot is crazy.
Isn't it?! It's just absolutely wild -- I would have bailed miles earlier than that! She was driven, though, and just had a passion to do it. It's amazing stuff.
Terrell,
I’ve heard the story before and I love it every time I hear it. Thank you for bringing it back.
Thanks so much, Fran! 🙌
I will absolutely be reading this book. My longest races are only half marathons, so I am sharing this book title with my daughter who runs full marathons. I am totally incredulous that what you shared about women running could have happened in my lifetime. And quite honestly, those making the judgments about women's bodies is laughable...
I know, right?! Definitely give it a read, I know you'll love it, Debby! Especially given the story you shared with us earlier this year, I know you'll find it inspiring.
Such a fantastic story--and so hopeful..And I remember well running in those pre-sports bra days....#goodtimes....
Ha! It's hard to believe, isn't it? (Though I guess not!)