There are seven things every big girl should know about running. Regardless of the advice below, you will most likely need to learn these truths on your own. At least now you won’t be too surprised.
If you have ever wondered why they hand out petroleum jelly at running events, it's because of chafing! There was a time when I thought the Vaseline was for the weary runner with sun-chapped lips. I realized I was wrong when I saw a man take a big glob, open his waistband and rub it down there. Gross! Often times we don't even know chafing has occurred until the first few moments of our post-run shower. Ooooouch… It’s like little needles pricking under your breasts (where your sports bra rubbed), under your arms (where your t-shirt rubbed), and on your lower back (where the waistband of your capris rubbed). It goes without saying that chafing can cause unsightly scars and has caused even the toughest runners to cry out in pain. Luckily there is a prevention method that works! It’s called Sport Shield (or butt shield). This stuff is also used by swimmers and I guarantee, it is the best stuff ever. It comes as a roll-on and doesn’t wear off no matter how much you sweat! If you can’t find Sport Shield, Body Glide, and yes, Vaseline, are good backup plans.
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| You may not look pretty, but you are amazing! Photo Cred: Jen Lim |
#2 - You are amazing and that’s something to smile about.
Stop worrying about how you look, how you jiggle - get out there and run some miles! If we’re being honest, most people don’t look that great when they’re running. Even the fittest person on the track tends to be frowning or perma-scowling. I, personally, make it a point to say hello (or at least make eye contact) with every runner. If you think about it, those of us who run are a small percentage of the population. We are a sisterhood, a brotherhood (regardless of whether our thin breatheren know it or not). Hold your head high and say “hi” to runners you encounter. 98% of the time they will say “hello” back which will also draw them away from the jiggle and toward the beautiful smile planted on your mouth.
#3 - Know that you are going the right speed!
People may pass you and that’s okay. Relative to how much weight they are carrying in comparison to you, they are probably the ones moving too slow. Go with the speed that feels right for you and your body, but don’t be afraid to push yourself sometimes too. Fartlek (haha, I said “fart”) is a great method of interval training and one of the best ways to increase your speed. Still, speed isn’t everything. Think about it - even if it takes you two hours to run eight miles, you still ran eight more miles than everybody else!
#4 - Pass on the short-shorts
This tip has nothing to do with appearance and EVERYTHING to do with the fact that short-shorts ride and no one likes picking their pants out of their crotch every five minutes. The shortest shorts I own are spandex and are a couple inches above my knee. Any shorter and it usually spells trouble. My preferred bottoms are mid-calf capris. They are cool enough for a warm day, warm enough for a cool day, and nothing’s riding anywhere!
#5 - Contain the bounce
Again, this is not about appearance. This is about preventing your boobies from hitting you in the face. I’m exaggerating of course, but I always have a better run if I can keep the jiggling to a minimum. I like to buy a good, sturdy sports bra. This is the one area where I tend to splurge a bit or at least choose carefully. You also want to replace your sports bras once they begin to feel overstretched.
#6 - You need water, nutrients, and salt
Especially for runs that last for over an hour, it’s important to stay hydrated, bring fuel, and make sure you replenish electrolytes. This is particularly important for big girls who tend to sweat more. When you sweat you lose both water and electrolytes. These electrolytes include salt. I can’t tell you how many ½ marathons and marathons that I’ve participated in which three quarters of the way through, I developed cramps. Once, I even had toe cramps! I got to mile 12 and all of a sudden, my toes curled up into my shoes and I couldn’t run any more! I had to walk slowly to the finish line in pain. I truly believe I was missing electrolytes, in particular, I was missing salt! I had been drinking water and taking shot blocks the whole time, but my body still craved something - SO-DI-UM!
Not that you asked, but my favorite running foods are Sports Beans or Shot Bloks. My favorite running beverage? Water or yellow Gatorade. For salt, I love Salt Stick, but if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, a quick swig of pickle juice has also done the trick for me!
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| My 2015 Birthday Run! Thanks friends! |
#7 - Run with your girlfriends
There is power in numbers and if you are serious about running, the best results always come when you have a team of friends to keep you accountable. My running friends are some of the closest people in my life. These women have run hundreds of miles with me and seen me at my sweatiest, stinkiest, and most physically vulnerable moments. If anyone can stick with you after all that grossness, they are surely friends for life.
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