Kelly the Culinarian: Introducing the Sports Bra Challenge

Monday, May 14, 2012

Introducing the Sports Bra Challenge

I've been pretty open with my struggles with self-image and self-confidence. I grew up a little "fluffy" for my height, and was teased mercilessly for a long time. It hurt to be the biggest cheerleader, and wearing clothes that weren't nearly as stylish as my classmates.

My parents were always supportive, instilling that I am beautiful, powerful and smart, a legacy that my husband continues. With their support, I've found a healthier lifestyle that's allowed me to shed some weight, get active, find new sports that I love and meet friends who share my passion.

But old habits are hard to break. I wonder sometimes if people are staring at me when I run, in the same way my classmates used to stare and laugh at me in gym class. As a woman, it's so easy to nitpick at my appearance and base my happiness around how I feel about how I look.

It's time for a change.

It's time to be proud of the body I've earned.

It's time to decide I don't give a damn about what stranger's think.

It's time to embrace me.

On Thursday, I'll be participating in the Sports Bra Challenge, a movement based in New York that encourages women to enjoy their workout in a sports bra. This has long been a goal of mine, and I'm excited to participate in an event that empowers women to love the way they look. There's a lot of marketing out there that tells us, subtly and blatantly, that we should look a certain way. Ignore it, shed your negative self talk and your shirt and join me.

I've partnered with mi-bra, which I'll be wearing on my last pre-triathlon run Thursday. Plan to join me, wherever you are, then come back here Thursday for a great give away.

6 comments:

Kim said...

I am sorry that you were teased and still feel self conscious! I hope the challenge makes you feel more comfortable! I ran last summer in just my bra once and it felt great. And I am not thin. But I don't really give a sh*t what people think about me.

Is the challenge this Thurs or in July like it says on the Facebook page? Or do you just do it whenever you want?

KellytheCulinarian said...

Woops, wrong link! I'm participating on Thursday.

Teamarcia said...

You go girl! Bobbi and I were just talking about this issue during our race last week.

Kris said...

You look awesome! Bonus: you did it for the right reasons. Not to fit a certain size but because you were getting healthier. <3

Erin said...

I probably won't be running on Thursday but I'll be participating in spirit! It's funny; I rarely run by myself in just a sports bra but when I'm with my running group in the summer I'll do it.

Anonymous said...

I've not heard of this, but I think it's a great idea.

I normally would be too self-conscious for this, but that might be the perfect reason to give it a try!

You rock!