When I first started running, I wasn’t at all familiar with the Boston Marathon and I only vaguely knew of Kathrine Switzer. As I immersed myself in the world of racing, I quickly learned of the iconic Boston Marathon and the story behind how Kathrine Switzer led the charge that eventually allowed women to run Boston.
I’m sure you know the story, but let me share the highlights with you. In 1967, Kathrine Switzer entered the Boston Marathon. Women were not allowed to run, so she registered using her first initial. If one were to look at the pictures, you’d assume that she was trying to blend in by wearing shapeless grey sweats, but after reading the full story, you’d find out her attire was mostly weather related. One has to wonder if she would have been prevented from starting if she’d showed up at the start line dressed more obviously as a woman and been noticed right away. Anyway, she was able to start the race and made it a few miles before the race director attempted to yank her off the course. As we all know, she finished the race.
But did you know that this finish inspired her to start a race series for women with races in 27 countries? Or that she played an instrumental role in bringing the Woman’s Marathon to the Olympics? And now she’s starting a movement.
261 is more than just Katherine’s bib number. It’s becoming a movement. 261 Fearless is all about being Fearless in the face of adversity. 261 Fearless is all about finding our inner strength and courage. I am thankful that I live in not only a time and place that I can step out my door and run, but also can choose to run any race I want (well, except I’ll never be fast enough to qualify to run Boston LOL). Being 261 Fearless doesn’t necessarily mean you are making news headlines, it just means you are being fearless in your every day life, whether that’s in your marathon training or your job or whatever life might throw your way.
Recently, Katherine Switzer has teamed up with Nicole DeBloom of Skirt Sports to create a 261 Fearless line. In addition to that, Skirt Sports is holding the 261 Fearless Virtual race this coming weekend.
Want to run “with” me?
I’ll be wearing my Kathrine Tank
(and there will be no snow!)
Sign up at Skirt Sports. All registrations include: a gift certificate (ranging from $25-$275, depending on the level you choose, a Finisher Tank (tank will not be printed with Finisher logo due to late registration), goodie bag with 261 race bib, some sweet samples from sponsors like Justin’s and Powerbar, and a contribution to the Skirt Sports Kick Start program. And of course, you can use my code: SSMCM20 for both the entry to the Virtual Race and for any clothing you might decide to purchase. Then go for a run – in increments of 2.61! Share your pictures with the hashtag #261fearless.
261 Fearless is… taking that first step out the door towards a healthier you.
261 Fearless is… writing your first blog post (or any emotionally vulnerable post) and hitting the Post button.
261 Fearless is… giving your child the chance to take a step towards independence, even if YOU aren’t ready.
261 Fearless is… taking on that new project at work, asking your boss for a raise, leaving a job to start something new.
261 Fearless is… waking up each morning and striving to make each day your best day.
How will you be 261 Fearless today?
Nice post love the skirt in the snow. Love working with skirt sports and all that they stand for.
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Women’s Health Action Hero 2015
It was one of those typical Virginia days – cold and snow one day, beautiful sunshine and moderate temps the next… So glad winter is over.
I think this is a great mantra. I want to be fearless… to live the life that God has called me to live. 🙂
Rachel recently posted…Importance of Protein Intake Post Workout
Awesome!
That’s a great way to think. Hmmm…I’ll be fearless at work today. You never know what the day is going to throw at me!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Spontaneity
So true! Hope you had a good day at work!
Love this..hmmm..Not sure HOW I’m going to be fearless today. Today involves a lot of playing catch up, chores, and homeschooling my girls 🙂
AJ @ NutriFitMama recently posted…Travel Spotlight: Stone Mountain Park, GA {Active Family Fun outside Atlanta}
Homeschooling kids is my idea of fearless. ;o)
A history teacher in high school told us this story my freshman year as we were approaching the marathon date. Being 15 and in my own little world, I didn’t know there was a time women weren’t allowed to run since I’d been allowed to do any sport I wanted. I went home and that night my parents told me about her and Joan Benoit.
Lesley recently posted…I Want to Go Back to Cartegena
I know, it’s hard to believe and it wasn’t even that long ago. And now women make up a huge percentage at every marathon.
I love Skirt Sports I’ll be running their 13er in June. I also love this post!
Ivanna recently posted…Starting A Fitness Routine When You Have No Idea How To (Using the Internet)
Yay! I wish I could travel out there for the 13er!
i love her story – it so awesome and wasn’t that long ago. It’s important to remember just how fortunate we are!
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…What I Learned in 100 Pure Barre Classes
I know! I can’t imagine not being able to run. I do remember though, when it was unusual for girls to play soccer, so yes, the changing attitude towards women in sports is still fairly new.
I love this story and mantra. I will be fearless today by not being afraid to push my boundaries.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…2015 Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run Recap
It is a great story. Keep up the good work, pushing your boundaries.
I never knew that history! That’s so amazing and inspiring. Love the idea of the virtual race to support.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Packing for a Ragnar Relay
It’s hard to believe that it really wasn’t that long ago that it happened.
I always love her story. And now women are flocking to half and fulls in drones!
261 Fearless for me …. working on offering my expertise through my blog and working on being a better brand. Really really hard for me to push myself forward.
Smitha @ FauxRunner recently posted…PINspiration Wednesday: What are you making yourself
Good for you! One step at a time and you’ll get there.
Love K Switzer! Reading her book was a huge eye opener to all the amazing things she’s done for women’s running and women’s sports.
Coach Henness recently posted…Will Sweat For High Fives
She has done so much. I really need to read the book soon!
I love how Kathrine Switzer entered the race as K. Switzer in order to run it. I love with 261 Fearless stands for, what a great movement.
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs recently posted…MEC Race 2 Recap & What I Eat on Race Day
261 Fearless and Skirt Sports are so awesome in their support of women!
This is so cool. I met KSwitz (that’s what us insiders call her) at NYCM. I’m going to be fearless and get my procrastinating behind to the pool….and hopefully not drown.
Jealous! And I would drown at the pool, so go you!
Wow I had no idea they tried to yank her off the course!! I love these kind of stories – I forget that women weren’t always welcomed to events like this – so glad that changed!! Love the idea of 261 strong!!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Yep, women have come so far. I don’t think my boys would even believe that people thought women couldn’t run long distances. So glad Kathrine started the movement!
I always like hearing her story again – really amazing and inspiring!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Meb for Mortals – Book Review
It is so inspiring and I didn’t even know how much else she’d done…
Great post. What an inspiration. How will I be fearless today? I will not stress over things I can’t control.
HoHo Runs recently posted…Plan To Be Spontaneous
I am so there with you. Totally tied in knots about something I just have to let work itself out. I need to just stop stressing.
Love this! I took a plunge in posting my post this morning. It’s hard to get deep sometimes.
Jen@jpabstfitness recently posted…Change
Yeah, it’s hard to put it all out there for the world to see. Good for you for sharing!
That’s her boyfriend shoving the jackass out of the way. And what the pix at the time showed was that the jackass grabbed her breast while trying to remove her from the course, Bad PR, idiot.
Patricia Nell Warren (author of The Front Runner) tells the story often of her and her friends training for the marathon the first year it was open to all runners just to show that it was no anomaly that women would not die after running that distance and that their ovaries wouldn’t drop out. [Oh, the justifications race organizers came up with.]
My Achilles is again not doing well and I’m entered in a race the next weekend so I won’t be able to do anything this weekend. Darn it.
Bummer. Hope your achilles decides to play nicely!
I love this! I did not know the details about Ms Switzer. Thank goodness for women like her to allow us to enjoy the sport today! How will I be fearless? I’ll attempt to get in a run before the rain and put supper on the table before 8pm. That is how I’ll be fearless!
Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin recently posted…Running Favorites – Questions Answered
Get it done! I actually don’t mind rain. Lightning = no, but rain, I’m fine with it.
I love this! So empowering!
I will be fearless by conquering things beyond what I thought capable of.
Stephanie (@FitMomTraining) recently posted…8 years…
Go girl! You got this!
So fascinating to learn more about her and the new movement with Skirt Sports!
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For WHAT?! recently posted…A Week of Beach, Beer, and Books
I find the whole story fascinating. I’ve added that book to the many I need to read…
I did know her story which I think is awesome! But I hadn’t heard of the movement which is even more awesome!! Thanks for sharing the info!
Michael recently posted…Rock the Parkway Half Marathon – 2015
Join us! You know you want to. ;o)
Great post!
I love Skirt Sports more and more each day! 🙂
Jamie @ Rise.Run.Mom.Repeat. recently posted…Fearless and Free
I love that Skirt Sports is more than just a clothing company!
Being new to running I did not know the back story. Thanks for sharing it was very inspirational. Today’s fearless was tackling the fear of riding in the rain.
GinaB @ Mirror Watching recently posted…Flash Forward Five
Good for you! I’m not a cyclist, so that would totally involve fear for me LOL.
Some days being 261 fearless is going to work even though I don’t enjoy my job.
Cassi recently posted…I’m Ready to Save the Undies, Are You?
Totally BTDT. Hope the job situation improves!
Such an inspirational story. I’m not a runner, but I may sign up and do the virtual race to support anyway!
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth recently posted…24 Creative Bread Recipes to Spice up your Sandwiches
Awesome! You could even walk 2.61! And the tank that comes with registration is super comfy!
I will be Fearless by continuing to move forward and away from the anxiety that came into my life on April 15, 2013. I will embrace challenges as they happen.
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…261 Fearless. Find Your Fearless.
I love this. I need to remember to embrace the challenges!
Of course that’s a badass number that’s my birth month and birth year, it has to be great LOL. #wowlinkup
The Frugal Exerciser recently posted…Workout Wednesdays – WOW #75
What a fantastic idea! I think it’s so important for ALL runners to know the story of Katherine Switzer. I love that SkirtSports is keeping the story alive 🙂
RFC recently posted…Seven.
I’ll be running the virtual with you! I love the inspiring story of Katherine Switzer. Cute outfit too lady.
Great idea! I didn’t know about this! It’s certainly something to reflect on during hard moments in training.