Running and the sport of women’s running has been on my mind for some time now. I am in the midst of putting the final touches on 18 Maple’s newest endeavor: a Women’s Only Runcation to be held this July in Ludlow, VT. It’s yet another lofty project but one that I feel is important to the women of the running community.
I’ve followed the continued rise of women’s running in the US and it has become apparent that what once was a seemingly cut throat, don’t share the “special sauce” mentality has shifted drastically. Female runners are joining forces to not only train together but race together. There are small groups of women meeting to run locally and nationally. These same women are putting their hard work to the test in races to help each other cross the finish or pace out to an Olympic Qualifying Time for the marathon. Think Running Girl Gangs but in the most supportive yet badass way.
Each of these women, to no surprise, have seen their own national and international success. Shalane’s NYC Marathon win did not just end a long time winless drought by an American female runner, but it sparked the “Shalane Effect” in young girls and women of all ages. The New York Times describes the "Shalane Effect", and I’d have to agree, as being unapologetically competitive and team-oriented all in the name of elevating the women around you.
Professional runner Allie Kieffer speaks often of body image and the ideal for a professional marathoner. Her passion to move the conversation forward in a positive direction is inspiring and one that all female athletes should listen to. Professional Triathlete & 3-time Olympian Sarah True has tweeted about the need for balance between strength training, diet and training. Too much of one thing and not enough of the other does not allow for peak performance. Running companies and brands like Oiselle are using their platform to promote clothing designed by and for women and to create a “sisterhood of support at a variety of levels from beginners to professionals”. Their social media feeds are bursting with strong, powerful women doing their thing.
For more details about 18 Maple’s Women’s Only Runcation or to sign up email me for more information!
SK
Read the New York Times How The “Shalane Flanagan Effect” Works here:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/11/opinion/sunday/...
Learn more about Allie Kieffer on Instagram @kiefferallie
Learn more about Sarah True on Instagram @sarah.b.true
Read up on Oiselle and what inspired the brand here:
https://www.oiselle.com/about
