You are a woman you cannot run! You are incapable of endurance sports!
You will not be feminine if you run!
You will cause harm to your feminine organs if you run!
A mere 41 years ago these were the words offered to women who possessed a passion for pushing limits and breaking down barriers when it came to the running scene! These were the beliefs in 1967. It was the year nuclear tests were conducted, Elvis and Priscilla married, Toronto Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup, the musical "Hair" opened Off-Broadway! These are not events that would be considered taking place in ancient times (at least I don't see it that way.)
In the 60's, women were not competing in long distance races, there were none to compete in, not at universities nor in the Olympic Games. The longest track race for women at the university level was 880 yards. Thanks to Kathrine Switzer, all that changed!
I can say because of her I can run any race I choose to! I have chosen the marathon distance in the past and have proven I am capable of participating in endurance sports! All my body parts, feminine-wise and other-wise, are still in place and functioning! I can have pretty colored finger nails for my races, I can wear colorful, feminine outfits and even wear a swipe of mascara!
This book was a birthday gift a year ago and I couldn't put it down once I started to read it. I pulled it out to read again before the onset of serious training again. I hope this book, along with the movie "Spirit of the Marathon", I will find motivation!
She's a pioneer! =)
ReplyDeleteSpirit will make you want to run a marathon tomorrow morning!
Good stuff. We should all take the time to remember the trailblazers who came before us and struggled to make our lives better. Good thing your female parts turned out ok too.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a good Christmas present! It is so hard to imagine just how few years ago it was when women couldn't vote, own land, get a loan..... It's great to recognize the trailblazers! Doug
ReplyDelete