This past weekend I participated in the Skirt Sports 261 Fearless Virtual Race in honor of Kathrine Switzer. If you are not familiar with the story, in 1967 Kathrine entered and ran the Boston Marathon when women were barred from doing so. The race director tried to push her off of the all male race course but she wouldn’t budge. She finished the race with her bib number 261. Very fitting number-fearless indeed.
It took 5 more years for women to officially be allowed to enter Boston. She is considered a pioneer and a “fearless” hero to many female and male athletes around the world and one of the figures who helped women obtain access to the Olympic games.
The Skirt Sports 261 virtual race and clothing line (inspired by her) has become not only a tribute to Kathrine Switzer but also a way for women to unite in their freedoms to run.
The hardest part about this virtual race was picking out my outfit! I decided to take my new “Vixen” skirt out for a test run. Love! I used this virtual race to give myself a test of my own. As I am coming back from my injury, I planned to run my longest distance in a while. I’ve been very conservative in upping my distance and I am happy to say I am back over 4 miles with no foot pain. No one is more happy than I am as my Ragnar Cape Cod race is in 2 weeks. Yep I will be running 15 miles (more on that to come).
I met up with my fellow Skirt Sports Ambassador and friend, Sarah rocking her Redemption Capri. Beautiful day for a virtual!
While watching my Girls On The Run team play a game of capture the flag yesterday, I saw how some girls aggressively ran into the “enemy territory” to try to capture the flag and started to think about how “fearless” some girls are and how others hung back not wanting to “risk” being tagged. What makes some girls “fearless”, brave and bold while others are more hesitant?
Thinking back to myself at that age, I wonder how “fearless” I would have been? How “fearless” am I now?
I like to hope that some of the girls who participate in Girls on The Run programs learn the skills to help them become more self confident, stand up what they believe in and be just a little more “fearless” as they grow into women.
Have you done anything “fearless” lately? What would happen if you did?
Linking up w Anne Marie and Diatta & Shiela
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I have admit that I am way more fearless now than I was when I was younger. In my younger days, I was a risk taker, but it was stupid stuff. Now I push my limits in healthy ways. I love what that bib stands for. And the skrit is really cute!
Deborah Brooks says
Interesting! I think for me as I’ve aged I fear more things maybe because I keep seeing all these horrible things that can happen. I do like to push my limits in the exercise field but could for sure be a little bolder there too.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Katherine Switzer is just an outstanding human being. If any of us did something half as fearless as her, it would be a far different world!
Deborah Brooks says
I know! Crazy inspirational and I feel we don’t hear enough about her.
Annmarie says
I had no idea about the story behind Skirt Sports, that is really cool! She truly is fearless!!! Thanks so much for linking up!
Deborah Brooks says
She really is pretty darn cool!
Ivanna says
Thanks for sharing this inspirational story!
Deborah Brooks says
🙂
Amanda (@mommygorun) says
Y’all look super cute!
I was NEVER a risk taker. I was far too afraid of failure or getting into trouble. Now….I don’t care what people think of me and I want to show my kids that what other people think about them or say about them is a reflection of THAT person and not them.
I heard a phrase once that has stuck with me and helped me shake off doubts- “what others think of you is none of your business.” Also, “Don’t let BS rent space in your head”
Deborah Brooks says
That is good advice for your kids! I try to teach my kids that others opinions don’t matter either (except for mine of course)
Mar @ Mar on the Run says
I am definitely way more fearless now than I was when I was younger – frustrating in that I missed out on so much – but good in the sense I’m able to appreciate things a lot more now. her story has forever inspired me as a woman and as a runner!
Deborah Brooks says
It’s a great story indeed! Parts of me are certainly more fearless but my fear also holds me back at times.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
I was so scared of everything until I lost my 80 pounds several years ago. It completely changed me and now I have no fear boundaries. I cannot believe I lived almost my entire life in fear. So not worth it!
Deborah Brooks says
I’m so glad that you are so much more comfortable in your body. I have more self esteem than I used to but my fear holds me back at times as well.
MCM Mama Runs says
That skirt is so cute on you. Glad to hear your foot is better – almost time to start planning our Ragnar outfits LOL!
Deborah Brooks says
Oh I know! It’s going to be a hard choice. I do love the vixen.
Mary Beth Jackson says
Super cute skirt, now I must have one! I had fun doing the virtual run 🙂 great story to share! Fearless, I guess throwing myself out there on the blog, surprised myself 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Me too! I never would have thought I would be a blogger and posting all these pics.
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs says
I love that skirt!
Have fun at Ragnar, a friend of mine is also running Cape Cod – it sounds so fun!
Deborah Brooks says
thanks I am really excited!
Jess @hellotofit says
What a great story behind this line!! I’m not much of a risk-taker…I’ll admit I like routine, comfort, etc etc. Got to get more out of my comfort zone!
Deborah Brooks says
me too! Great story indeed 🙂
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
Hahah no i’m such a scardey cat! The most fearless thing I do on a daily basis is lift heavy weights with dudes in the gym 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Well that takes guts too!
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says
Your outfit was totally on point! Can’t wait to hear about your Ragnar experience, I’m still riding the high from mine.
Deborah Brooks says
I am getting really excited! There is such a thing as a Ragnover
Kim says
For years I did nothing fearless. However this past year has been all about being fearless. I have entered a 50 mile race (sadly still haven’t completed one!!). And currently I’m doing the leg work to open a 2nd business – this time I’m even doing the part I don’t really know well like meeting with bankers, talking to city planners…..
Deborah Brooks says
Wow that all sounds pretty fearless to me! Good luck
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
So happy to hear that your foot is feeling so much better! You guys are going to have a blast at the Cape!
Deborah Brooks says
I am really excited!
Sharon says
Kathrine Switzer is an amazing woman! Who knows where we’d be if it weren’t for ladies like her that were fearless. Thanks for sharing and glad to hear that your foot is better. Looking forward to reading more about your Ragnar race.
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks! I am glad it’s feeling better and I am starting to believe I can do this
Jerusha @CitrusSwirl.com says
What a great skirt and great questions about fearlessness! I know I’m not as fearless as I was as a child and I have no idea when that stopped. I’d love to be more like that again.
Deborah Brooks says
Me too! I am much better than I was a few years ago but I’d like to do more.
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils says
Switzer’s story is very inspiring. I have never been that fearless, as a young girl or as an adult, but I think running has given me so much more confidence. I love that skirt! Going to check it out right now!
Deborah Brooks says
Running and exercising in general has given me much more confidence as well. If you haven’t bought the skirt yet you can use my 25% off code 25FFCMR15
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils says
Thanks! How would you compare the size to Lululemon? If I wear a size 6 in Lulu, would small in SkirtSports work?
Deborah Brooks says
hmm I might go with the medium. I haven’t seen you in person so hard to say. I wear a 4 in Lulu a small at Athleta, Nike LULU etc.Hope that helps!
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils says
Thanks so much for the help! I’m going to go with a medium. I’m going to get the Gym Girl Ultra since I really like one of the prints. So excited!
Deborah Brooks says
Awesome let me know how it goes.
Natalie says
I am so excited that your foot is better friend!! It certainly was a long winter with injuries, yes?
I can’t believe Ragnar is in 2 weeks!! You are going to have such a blast. Love the Cape and your pics will be beautiful.
I was sort of fearless growing up, but I have definitely done some fearless things as an adult. Although I feel like I have so much more wild and crazy things to do – life is too short!
Love the Katherine Switzer story…if we could all be that fearless!
Deborah Brooks says
I’m so excited too! I can’t wait to get there. I hope we both have some wild and crazy things ahead!!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
What a fun concept – and skirt! I decided to be fearless a while ago… it doesn’t do you any good.
Deborah Brooks says
LOL! I bet you just don’t realize it!
Renee @ Bendiful Blog says
What an awesome race! I LOVE this cause and wish I had known about it before! Great job!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks I love their virtuals!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
Katherine Switzer is such a great role model for us female runners. For so long women have been the underdogs, but she definitely showed the world that women are just as tough and as strong as men are!
Deborah Brooks says
Absolutely!
Angelena Marie says
First I love what the 261 represents! How awesome for a clothing line to support and share such a great cause! Second I love that running skirt! So cute!
As far as being fearless, I’m sure I was more fearless before becoming a mom, now I like to think that my daughter is my main focus. I’m trying to be fearless in the sense of setting and reaching goals.
Thanks for linking up!
Deborah Brooks says
I think I was more fearless about some things before kids and now I am more daring with my fitness pursuits but worry about the kids more. The skirts are so cute! Let me know if you are interested and I have 25% off codes to share.
Larisa (0to26point2) says
I am pretty fearless most of the time, lol! Its gotten me in trouble a couple times, heehee!
Deborah Brooks says
Sounds like fun! 🙂
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
How cool! I love Katherine’s story (and your skirt!). Fearless hmmm… idk! 3 races in one month was pretty fearless for me, but I could definitely use a little more fearlessness in my life.
Deborah Brooks says
That is pretty fearless!
Kate @KateMovingForward says
I feel like I don’t do many fearless things….I need to start pushing myself more!
Deborah Brooks says
I think it’s easy to not be fearless -I wish I was a little more too
jill conyers says
I love the color of your skirt. I think I need to buy it 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
I am loving some of their new colors and styles too. I have discount codes if you want them.
GinaB @ Mirror Watching says
My latest fearlessness has been signing up for a duathlon knowing I might be the very last person crossing the line but I’m doing it anyway because I can!
Deborah Brooks says
That is so amazing! I can’t wait to hear all about it. You rock!
Smitha @ FauxRunner says
I’m trying. Trying so hard!!
My tackling my fear physical one is a 70.3. Mentally now, that’s a hard one.
Deborah Brooks says
uh that’s a big one! I am doing some tri races this summer maybe one day a 70.3 for me but that scares me too! can’t wait to read about it
Akaleistar says
The story behind the race is inspiring! It’s amazing the things women have had to do in order to receive recognition for their merits. Also, that skirt is really cute 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks! And yes great story of a great woman.
Chaitali says
I love Kathrine’s story, it’s so inspirational! And I love that you’re running without foot pain again 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
thanks I am glad too! She is pretty inspirational and one strong woman.
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club says
You ladies look adorable!!!!!! I’ve never done a virtual race but they sound like fun. I see you all get into it. #wowlinkup
Deborah Brooks says
It is fun!
Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. says
Cute skirt!!! I’d say that alone makes you a fearless fit-fashionista 🙂
I think I was very fearless when I was younger – probably too fearless. As I’ve gotten older I’ve gotten a lot more cautious, in some ways good – others not so much. I’m going to try to be more fearless in the good ways in the years to come!
Deborah Brooks says
I love the skirt too! I think as we age we tend to become less fearless and more aware of what the consequences might be. We could all probably use a little more fearlessness.
Patty @ Reach Your Peak says
Love the premise of this virtual run! I used to be this shy, “unpopular” girl in elementary and middle school and am so glad I grew out of that. I think the most fearless thing I’ve done recently is start my own business and break out of the “mold”…although some friends don’t understand and have questioned me (or think that because you work from home you’re not actually working), I don’t listen to those comments and instead focus on being the best I can be. It also helps fuel the fire a bit 😉
Deborah Brooks says
That sounds pretty fearless to me!