The standout feature of the August edition of Women’s Running magazine is its cover model, who embraces a larger frame. Captured mid-stride in vibrant pink, Erica Schenk runs along her cherished route in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. It’s important to note that I won’t label her as just curvy or plus-size; instead, she is simply a runner. This cover represents a significant shift for Women’s Running, and I mean that quite literally.
A glance back at the magazine’s covers over the years reveals an array of athletic bodies defined by six-pack abs, thigh gaps, and sculpted arms. While many elite female runners boast slender physiques that help them achieve impressive six-minute miles, there have also been some average-sized women featured—though “average” in this context often means weighing 125 pounds with toned midsections. This latest cover, showcasing a beautiful young woman who breaks away from the magazine’s traditional mold, is indeed a landmark moment. My only question for Women’s Running is, what took so long?
This is the reality of us, the authentic women runners. We’re the ones participating in races, often finishing in the middle or at the back of the pack. We rise before dawn to sneak in our miles before the kids wake up. We’re the women who, having once never run a mile, now complete 10Ks and half marathons, finding joy in the experience akin to a delightful shopping trip.
Almost 15 years ago, I stood at the starting line of my first marathon, feeling overwhelmed by the diverse crowd. I observed a variety of body types—thick thighs, soft bellies, and flabby arms. That day taught me a valuable lesson: those who may not fit the conventional image of runners are, in fact, real runners. The running community knows that athleticism transcends physical size. Those who don’t conform to the typical runner’s physique are often incredibly strong and fit, navigating the challenges of their size while passing by smaller runners. You go, ladies!
Since that day, I’ve participated in countless races, including an emotional moment at this year’s Disney Princess Half Marathon, watching a fellow runner cross the finish line with tears of joy. She was a lot like Erica Schenk. If you saw her on the street, you might think she needed to hit the gym, but when she runs, her spirit and determination shine through. She embodies what it means to be a true athlete, regardless of size.
I hope this cover and the accompanying interview with Schenk inside the magazine will shatter the stereotype of the slender cover model. For those women who hesitate to run because they don’t think their bodies fit the mold, I encourage you to attend a race. Observe the variety of sizes and shapes as they pass by, but more importantly, notice the joy on their faces as they cross the finish line. That joy reflects the true essence of their bodies—their hearts. Schenk puts it perfectly: “Some women believe that since they have curves they can’t or shouldn’t run. Running is for every body anytime.”
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Summary:
Women’s Running magazine has made a significant move by featuring Erica Schenk, its first plus-size runner on the cover. This marks a departure from the traditional images of slender runners, highlighting the diversity in body types within the running community. Schenk’s presence on the cover encourages all women, regardless of size, to embrace running and showcases the joy and determination that comes with it.