I’m catching up on podcasts that have been piling up in my iTunes downloads and one of the episodes of RunRunLive talked to Heidi Harman, founder of the site Runalong.se out of Sweden. The site is devoted to female runners and helping them find groups and friends to run with. While listening I just kept thinking… us chick runners are mega tough!
See, we have all kinds of things to think about beyond the stuff that men do. Women who are on my Team have asked me questions such as:
– What do I do when it’s “that time of the month” while I’m running?
– I’m really “endowed” and am wearing three (3!!) sports bras right now. How do I support these things?
Obviously a male coach is going to feel a little lost when it comes to answering those. And as a member of the um… “not endowed” club, I’m not even 100% sure how to help all of them. I have read tons of articles that pertain to sports bras, so at least I had a little knowledge and a direction to send them in.
Another thing, the safety concerns. Danica over at the Chic Runner recently had a whole post about pepper spray devices. An ENTIRE POST devoted to this topic, something most men would probably not even think about purchasing, much less write a whole discussion about. I’ve definitely had weird comments yelled at me while running. And I’m not a very large-and-in-charge person, so I’m obviously not projecting a very intimidating image while running. My husband wants to adopt a large dog so I have an added level of protection when running.
Let’s move onto a slightly more frivolous side of running… the post-run cleanup. Guys can get in the shower, rinse off and they’re done. Us gals may have to worry about shampooing AND conditioning hair. Post-shower there is time to be taken with blowing hair dry (especially if we’re going anywhere) and the possibility of applying makeup.
Then there is a whole other realm that I’m not a part of yet, that’s the mother aspect. Yes, men can be good dads, hands-on and involved. But let’s be real… there is a certain aspect to “mothering” that takes on a lot more time and effort. So much so that there is a book about the challenges that mother runners** face. You may have seen reviews of the book popping up on various blogs.
So this is my ode to all the female runners out there, I’m raising my glass and toasting all of you. Rock on!
* The shirt is supposed to be “Chick Runner”…. but truthfully, I think it looks like a duck so I call it my “Duck Runner” shirt. Which isn’t as cute as the intended message, but it makes me giggle every time I think that phrase.
** The company One More Mile makes a shirt that says “One Bad Mother Runner”. That’s LOL right there!
Jill Will Run 
Oh my god, you hit the nail on the head for so many things! There was an article in runner’s world about 2 issues ago, by Kristina Pinto, about being a mom and running. She’s actually one of my indoor/outdoor track coaches and she’s really cool. I don’t know how moms do it.
Oh, for those runners on your team that are wearing three bras = yikes. I am on the “bigger” side, although not out-of-control large, and I say, get a really good support running bra. you may have to pay more, but it’s worth it. I’ve tried the ones that have the adjustable straps and while they were more supportive, they were also more chafingish. (Yeah, I know that’s not a word but it fits.) I’ll only use them for track practice, where there’s recovery (Read: walking) time in between. Not for longer or any runs of any value/time.
For that time of the month – tell those ladies it can sometimes help with the cramps issue. And I know they say you’re not supposed to take ibuprofen while running, but I’ve done it lots of times and never had a problem. (You watch, now I’ve just jinxed myself!)
Great post, Jill!
The gal in 3 bras was wearing 3 $10 bras from Wal-Mart… so yeah, I definitely encouraged her that she will have to spend more. But that’s good to know about the “chafingish” adjustable strap bras.
Thanks for the input. And I remember that article in RW, it was a good one!
I, too, am of the ‘well-endowed’ running group and I have to thank you, Jill, because a few years ago you had a review of Gracie’s Gear and luckily I was the winner of your giveaway. That bra made me a believer. I have never needed to wear multiple bras again. It is so supportive (and has a little pocket for my key to boot!).
And I almost bought that Mother Runner shirt when I was looking at the Running…therapy shirt last week. 🙂 Maybe someday when I am a runner I will. 🙂
I’m glad to hear that the GG bra is supportive enough for you. I told the gal that one had a sweet pocket on it but I wasn’t 100% certain that it was supportive enough too. Now I’ll tell her I have a good endorsement for that one and refer her to the Gracie’s Gear site!
[…] 2. Jill Will Run: Props to Chick Runners […]
I love girl power! One of the reasons why the Philly Womens Tri is one of my favorites is because it is all women!!!
I carry a screamer, not pepper spray, while I run. A girl on my team carried pepper spray but it got all over her belt and then her hands and then she was hospitalized because she eyes were so inflamed. Great that it worked so well, but not so great that it worked on her!!!
Oh ouch! That’s kind of scary that it would inflict that much damage to the person it’s supposed to help protect! Yikes… Thanks for the tip on the screamer!
My mom and I are considering doing the Women’s Half Marathon in AZ this November. I’ve never done a Woman-specific event but I’m excited about it!
Right back at ya! Love the shirt, btw.
Thank you! A local screenprinter was making them and selling them through our Fleet Feet store. I love it cause it’s cute and such a different color for me!
LOVE this post!! I’ve never really thought about any of those questions so they kind of started to make me think, “Is this something I should be worried about?” Ha. I tend to wear Reebok and Target brand bras and I think they are supportive enough but the chafage is something a major issue (especially w/ the Reebok). So I’ll have to do some exploring and perhaps invest in a better bra.
I didn’t meant to make you question yourself with this! 🙂 I have mainly been wearing Target bras, but they have a new style with a soft molded cup that’s pretty comfy. Haven’t tested it on anything further than 6 miles though!
I love that you thought to actually speak about those things as though they are issues that we face TOGETHER, rather than some crap that some of have to deal with here and there. This gives me some whole new perspective on my own things that I deal with. I’m definitely a mother, and timing is SUCH a huge factor in my fitness. Things have to happen within certain timeframes, otherwise they don’t happen at all. This takes away a lot of spontenaeity, for sure, but requires a lot of determination. Trade-offs? Possibly. I think it also forces me to REALLY decide on my life priorities and stick to them.
You put such a good spin on describing this “decide on your priorities and stick to them.” I know too many women who are mothers and they always say such negative things about how their kids don’t let them do things. I understand that some of the spontaneity does get compromised and that there will be times you need to vent, but sometimes it’s all I hear from them and it really makes me question motherhood! (or fear it!)
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i love the chicky shirt!!! so cute 🙂
Thank you!
I’m endowed as well. I finally found 1 bra that does what it’s supposed to. The Moving Comfort line from Scheels. They are about $50 a pop but you can Ebay them for half the price. Love them!
Another great tip for me to pass on to my runners. Thank you!
Hi there, im so glad you found my site, on the RunRunLive podcast series! I just found your blog and im so glad to read it, #newFavourite!
Yes we are a bunch of girls in Sweden that meetup about twice a week and run together, it’s motivating! im very glad you heard about it as i just recently founded the site, hope you like it!
Hearing about your site and the project made me want to live in Sweden! It’s a great concept!
Jill,
I’ve been reading your blog for a few weeks now, and I’m totally hooked– I need the encouragement! I’m a novice runner and your blog always makes me want to keep at it. I absolutely loved that you mentioned the dangers/annoyances of running. I never run at night because I’m too scared! And I could probably dedicate an entire blog to the funny/creepy things that people yell at me while I’m running. I’m definitely investing in some pepper spray.
Also, November is one of the best months to be in Arizona (as long as it actually cools down by then). I would know– I’m a native. You should definitely do the Women’s Half Marathon!
Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad that I can help encourage you! My husband bought my pepper spray after a dog jumped me one time. But it’s good to have it as an added level of protection!
I agree, November would be a great time to run in AZ. I’m in Nevada so I am familiar with the desert weather. November would be ideal for both my mom and me to train. She lives in Utah so she’ll be able to get her long runs in before the weather turns too bad. We’ve done the RnR in January but that leaves her doing the longest runs in December when it’s snowy, which makes for rough training!
Jill – absolutely loved your post – great, great stuff. Even as a “dude” runner – I totally appreciate your plight. You rock.
Just wanted to stop by before I make my way out to Pittsburgh and marathon #2 on Sunday to finish what we started for Run for Dom.
Only 9 days post Boston Marathon today, but I’m starting to feel ready to race again – just wanted to thank you for all of your support, love and guidance as we knock off these final 26.2 miles and bring it home on Sunday.
Take good care Jill!
Best from Austin,
Joe
Joe, thanks for the update! I’m glad you’re feeling ready to race again… your goal was ambitious and you’re doing it for such a good reason. Good luck!
i love that shirt!
i’m with terri – running can help with cramps. especially if you run the morning of “day 1”, or so i’ve found anyway.
Thanks Lindsay!
I agree, as much as women may not want to move when they’ve got cramps, sometimes that’s EXACTLY what should be done instead.
Rock on right back atcha!
Love the shirt 🙂