Episode 39 Being a runner over 40: What image comes to mind when you think of a runner?
Try it. Close your eyes and imagine a runner. Did you see a thin, young, sleek, able-bodied person?
That’s what most of us envision because that’s how we commonly see runners in the media – as either professional athletes or in stock photos.
But do you have to look like that to be considered a runner?
What if you’re over 40, haven’t been active earlier in life, and decided you’d like to try running? What if you’re in a fat body? Are you allowed to be a runner?
Marci Braithwaite identifies herself on Instagram and in real life as the Fat Athlete. She didn’t start running until she was offered weight loss surgery in midlife to fix back pain.
Fast-forward 13 years, more than a couple of personal training certifications later, a feature in Runner’s World Magazine, and Marci is changing the perception of what a runner’s body should look like.
Listen to our conversation on the Savor Food and Body Podcast to hear:
- What enoughness means when it comes to exercise in midlife
- The importance of feeling welcome in a fitness group, gym, yoga studio, or running club regardless of your body’s size or ability
- The barriers to feeling included in the fitness world if you’re in a larger body and how we as a collective culture can work to remove those barriers
- How Marci incorporates the principles of Health At Every Size® and Intuitive Eating in her work with clients
- Finally, how Marci encourages her clients and running group members to redefine health without focusing on weight or BMI – including at the doctor’s office
Needless to say, Marci didn’t get weight loss surgery. Instead, she went on to change the world of running and redefine what a runner’s body should look like, one step at a time.
Marci Braithwaite is a teacher, coach, fat runner, and body acceptance advocate. Known as @thefatathlete on social media, Marci is an RRCA- and USATF-Certified Running Coach, a size-inclusive fitness specialist, and a marathon runner. She wants all bodies to belong in fitness, no matter their size or shape. Marci created All Bodies Belong, an inclusive fitness community for all bodies and levels of fitness. She recently founded the size-inclusive running club, Your Body Belongs.
Companies mentioned in the episode that do a decent job of supporting body diversity in fitness include:
Learn more about Marci’s work by visiting www.linktr.ee/Thefatathlete
Email Marci directly at coach.thefatathlete@gmail.com
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