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Imagine ourselves... well, any of us with girly bits, unable to register for a race. More specifically, a marathon.
Within my parents' lifetime, the marathon has gone from a male only sport, to one that both men and women are training and registering for, participating in and posting some pretty incredible times!
While training with the University mailman, turned coach, a lady by the name of Kathrine Switzer proved that she could cover the distance, and then some, so she registered for the Boston Marathon in 1967. Despite no written rules, she registered as K V Switzer so that the officials would think it was a male runner. However, the race director on the press vehicle spotted her around the 2nd mile, ran after her cursing, tried to grab her and wanted the bib removed. She went on to finish the race.
What she went on to accomplish after that is amazing as well! It took about another 20 years before women were allowed to participate in the marathon at the Olympic Games, which Kathrine also had a hand in changing. Below is an interview from 2008 that I found, and also a link to her biography here. I think I'll add her book Marathon Woman to my list of books to read...
So I guess with the upcoming US Thanksgiving holiday, we can be thankful to Kathrine Switzer for taking a chance, and working so hard at changing history; giving us all the opportunity to have goal races to blog about today, without the worry of being tackled.
Encouraged at the age of 12 by her father to run a mile a day, she changed history; I wonder what our children can change by what we're encouraging them to do today! Hmmmm.
24 comments:
Thank you Kathrine, while my male ego doesn't always like it when I get chicked at races, having inclusive events where everyone can participate regardless of gender be the norm rather than exception is awesome!
I am actually terrified by I see parents doing (or not doing) today. I speak in generalities, of course. I love that your son is doing tris and wants to do more. That is perfect. Activity, action, movement, I'm afraid it's not the norm:(
Love Katherine Switzer. Also, love the last line of your post. "I wonder what our children can change by what we're encouraging them to do today! How true!!!!!
It's a little scary thinking of the "next" generation. What I see out there is rough. So many parents not even being a part of their kids lives. Thank goodness Terron has a great role model. We each can only hope we make "our" mark on the world by passing on a great next generation. I have faith in Jared, my parents seemed to have raised a pretty decent person (my opinion!) and I will pass everything I learned to him, plus kettlebells!!!!
I very highly recommend Marathon Woman. It's a great read and truly inspiring story.
I really hope that all these people registering for marathons (since the numbers keep going up) are encouraging kids around tehm to run. I just think it's such a great sport and yeah to katherine!
There is a very good article about her in either Irun or Canadian Running magazine, I'll put her book on my list too Mel.
Just imagine where Terron will go with all the positive re-enforcement he receives, you're right Hmmmmm.
I never tire of that story. Really makes you think what impact you can have on your kids. WOW!
It's amazing to think that women were not allowed to participate in this sport since now I feel the sport is driven a lot by women. I'll have to add her book to my read list :) Marathoning is definitely something I'm grateful for!
This is definitely inspiring!
I wonder if there are more women participating in races now than men? I sometimes think I encounter more fems than males.
You've given me something to think about! Thanks.
I have her biography sitting in my to read pile. She is such an inspiration! Thank you kv!
Cool, thanks for sharing, adding another book to read this winter on the trainer.
I got to shake her hand that NYC marathon a couple weeks ago, she was signing her book at the expo.
Good luck with HBBC, and thanks for stopping by ... it's great to find canadian bloggers!
Wow! Great post - thank you Kathrine Switzer for blazing a trail - and blog. Looking forward to teaming up with you for the HBBC challenge!
Well, you encouraged your son, and showed by example, to do triathlons and look what happened. ;)
She is inspiring! I'd like to read that book too.
Just think, if women didn't run marathons, or any other races, how boring it would be for us guys. :-) I actually think it's cool when a woman goes flying by me at the finish line. I always have the excuse that I'm 53, so she should be running faster than me. Lame, I know, but it helps soothe the pain of being "chicked!" Happy Thanksgiving, Mel. :-)
Amazing. I never realized this. Great post, Mel, and Happy Thanksgiving!
You have been making quite an impact to your son. He is following your examples. You are influencing him in a positive ways. Great post !
Reading her story is absolutely amazing. It is hard to believe it wasn't that long ago that people did not think that women belonged in a marathon. It took a lot of guts for her to break down that barrier!
Mind you, it still boggles my mind that female ski jumpers aren't allowed in the Olympics either. What's up with that?
awesome post Mel!!!! She was and still is an amazing woman! Thanks for reminding us about her amazing feat!
she is definitely an amazing woman for stepping up to the boys. takes a lot of gumption! i think i would've said "oh i can't do that? ok then." and sat on the sidelines.
Getting caught up.... I really love the story of her race too. Someone (the race dir?) tried to shove her off the course and a friend (BF?) body checked him to the curb. :)
Inspiring to be sure.
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