As I was getting out of the car at my favorite trailhead after a long commute home from work, all I wanted was to move my body underneath the bright sun before we both tucked in for the evening. There was nothing special about it, just my regular Tuesday run through the forest.
I’ve seen the question asked many times throughout the past few years. Why are there less women competing at races over the 50k distance? The answer is complex and multifaceted, but to really find the answer we need to understand the psychological experience that women have when they participate in a sport where they are under-represented.
To me, nothing beats a 2-3 mile run to the nearby lake in the sun. However, lately my favorite pastime has been plagued with throbbing knee pain, robbing me from my typical enjoyment.
“Was it fun?” asked race director Todd Hacker a few hours after I had completed my first 50 miler, Mountain Masochist Trail Run (MMTR). I paused, not quite sure how to respond. During my three hour solo drive home, I had plenty of time to contemplate my response.
Every time I start typing this article I get hung up with the intro, I want to focus on addressing the entry barriers preventing women from exploring the outdoors, but I can’t seem to get there unless I include issues with inequality, and the history of our society.
We’re in the midst of full blown summer…which means many of us have pulled our summery sundresses to the front of our wardrobe. Even if you’re not a dress person, you know when “sundress weather” arrives simply because it makes you smile as you frolic along the trails. Your sundress may not be the best trail run attire option, so we’re here to review the next best option — running skirts!
