The Boys Say I Run Like A Girl, I Say "Thanks"

“A woman is a warrior too. But she is meant to be a warrior in a uniquely feminine way."

 - an excerpt from Captivating

For as long as I can remember I have always faced some sort of criticism for working out too much. In highschool, friends would question my motives for heading home early from a football game in preparation for an early morning swim practice, and to this day I can still feel whispers around me implying that maybe I run a little too much. Swimming, biking and running is where I find strength. It's where I feel most "me".

Thanks to one of my closest friends I started re-reading Captivating by John Eldredge last night. It’s one of my favorites – and I highly recommend it to any woman who is looking to better understand why she is the way she is – and how God designed her to tick in a unique and very feminine manner.

Men – this is a public service announcement for you. Read Captivating. Read it for your wife, girlfriend, mother, sister. Read it for yourself because it will most definitely save you some stress later in life when you can apply the teachings to why the women in your life are reacting to something differently than you would.

Anyways, bear with me. Since athletics plays a huge role in my life I couldn’t help but somehow connect the two. Captivating also discusses the beauty of women, which brings me to one of my favorite quotes:

Let’s be clear. I’m not saying every woman should desire to run a marathon, complete an Ironman or be a professional tennis player. But haven’t we all felt that complete feeling of euphoria when you push your body to the limits? That feeling of finishing your first long run in a half-marathon training plan, enjoying a long walk with a friend or conquering your first yoga class. How about waking up in the morning sore after your first weight lifting workout? Women are capable of amazing things. God made us to have babies for goodness sake! Our bodies are truly unique, beautiful and strong. I believe that while God encourages us to enjoy all the yummy food that this world has to offer (Dear God, thank you for white chocolate covered Oreos), He also challenges us to enjoy the strength our bodies are capable of.

Strong and beautiful comes in all different shapes and sizes, with all different athletic goals. It’s taking the beautiful body you were given and allowing it to reach its highest potential. On the race course I’ve adopted this mantra,” When I stand before God at the end of my life, I hope I don’t have a single bit of talent left. I can look at Him and say, ‘I used EVERYTHING You gave me’.”

People always argue that women are universally accepted as having more beautiful bodies. Cue all the historic paintings of naked women. There is nothing more marvelous than a strong, fierce, uniquely beautiful woman. I hope all women realize the strength they are capable of and marvel in the beauty that comes with that vigor.