K5K & Linda's Loop: Runner Spotlight on Linda

Meet Linda, one of the incredible women inspiring the K5K & Linda's Loop. Here's her story:

"I'm not a runner; I never have been.  But I like to be outside, I like to walk, golf, swim...things like that.  Many years ago I was at the Vancouver Farmers market and noticed this cool booth selling skirts; cute colors and patterns, reversible;  "wear over your bike shorts".  I liked them.  But, it wasn't made to fit the fuller figured gal.  I was disappointed but took the card anyway and tucked it away not thinking that I would see this woman and her product again.  Until the next summer when the card resurfaced.   And so I began my quest: convince Stephanie to make this cool skirt in a plus size!  And she did.  I never looked back and have thoroughly enjoyed the ride of the Sweet Spot Skirt. 

Now back to my opening line:  I'm not a runner.  And I really am not one, at least not right now.  I'm what I've coined a "wogger,"  the walk/jog kinda gal.   Through Stephanie and this skirt I have become empowered with an entirely new confidence;  "Why can't I be plus size? Why can't I be a healthy gal and plus sized? Why can't I look great doing it?"   How nice it is to pick an activity and snap on the skirt, look good doing what you like and enjoying the moment.  One day, while walking the river with my friend Jill (my personal accountabilibuddy!) I had mentioned that I had seen a woman out jogging who was about my build, and I thought, "why not me?"  That statement did not fall on deaf ears, and the transition to "wogging" began.   Jill has been my support, guide, trainer, cursed enemy when she is pushing my limits, and my best friend in this transition to jogging.   I can't jog that far, not at this point, but each time out there doing it, it's a little farther.  And one day, it will be a non-stop mile; and maybe the next week a two mile.  Some days I can't jog an inch.  But I'm out there.  Trying.  Convincing myself to keep going.  Empowering myself to take over the negative and move it positively forward.  Using that time to clear my head, remember the good, focus on the better and know that I'm coming out at the end at my best.  

I don't think it matters if you can run (or "wog); it matters that you're out there.  You are using your mind and body to self heal and soothe. I owe some of these realizations to Stephanie who came into my life with what I thought was a simple reversible skirt and instead helped turn me into a more beautiful person who loved herself in the body I am dealing with at the moment.   I may not be the marathon runner today, but who knows.......

All because of a skirt.

Thank you Stephanie."

Come join us for the K5K & Linda's Loop. Buy the super cute outfit and join us for the event for free. A supportive event for all abilities!