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 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.
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...".
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...
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.
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 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.
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...".
Terrell,
I’ve heard the story before and I love it every time I hear it. Thank you for bringing it back.
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...
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!
Such a fantastic story--and so hopeful..And I remember well running in those pre-sports bra days....#goodtimes....