#FixGirlsSports
I remember hearing about Mary Cain in 2013, the “fastest girl in America” and the high school phenom. I remember hearing that she signed with Nike and then hearing about sub-par performances. And then I remember there was nothing. It was like her star burned so bright and then suddenly faded.
I remember hearing speculation and assumptions about what happened to Mary. I remember listening to this Citius Mag podcast with Mary earlier this year and feeling a sense of relief to hear that Mary was still running.
Then yesterday, Mary shared her story through the New York Times in this Opinion piece and wow. This story basically took over my social feed and conversations with friends. It highlights just how destructive and broken the sports system is in how it treats women and girls.
I have so many thoughts about this.
If you haven’t read or watched the video, do it. And follow #FixGirlsSports to continue the conversation about how we can create change.
And while Mary’s story shows what can happen when you have a destructive coach and training culture, Ruth Winder’s story is the opposite. The rider for Trek-Segrafredo Women’s Pro team was able to confront a serious health issue and thrive, thanks to a coach who truly has the best interest and welfare of his athlete in mind.
On a happier note and on the other end of the spectrum in the running world is the New York City Marathon, aka the best day in New York City. While my marathon days are far, far behind me, NYCM always leaves me with secondary runner’s high.
And it was a picture perfect day for running and there were great performances from Des Linden, Kellyn Taylor, Aliphine Tuliamuk, Sinead Diver, and Jared Ward, among so many others. There were a ton of great stories in the lead up to the race but two of my favorites were this one in Women’s Running about the NAZ Elite women and this one in the New York Times about Memo, a porter for an apartment building in Queens and one of the top 10 runners in his age group globally.
What I’ve Written
Why the California International Marathon is the best marathon for PR seekers in the November issue of Runner’s World.
How competitive gamer Brian Kibler has made a career in eSports for Andover Magazine
Should you take a pre-workout supplement? for LIVESTRONG
The Do's and Don’ts of Stretching for Energy Times
Is popcorn paleo? for Women's Health
And if you’re looking for dessert ideas for Thanksgiving, I rounded up a bunch of “healthier” options for Women’s Health
Looking for sources for an upcoming article: I’m looking to speak with people who super active during the winter and, in particular, are fans of fat biking in the snow, cold-water surfing (think Lake Michigan in the winter or Norway), ice diving, and ice wall climbing. If that’s you or someone you know, please be in touch! Just reply to this message.
What I’ve Been Reading
Closed Doors Don’t Stop Taylor Townsend (Zora): Again for the people in the back—#FixGirlsSports
This incredible poem by Harold Green about Allyson Felix.
It Is Good To Feel Good In Running And Life (Trail Runner): When you can reference Lizzo in an article about running, you know it’s going to be a good article. Here, David Roche drops more wisdom that applies to running and so much more.
Dancing Past 60: ‘I Actually Forget That I Am Aging’ (NY Times): I want to be these women when I grow up.
This Is the New Golden Age of American Cycling (Outside): Not only is American distance running on an upswing, but cycling too.
Novak Djokovic Used A.I. to Train for Wimbledon (OneZero): Really interesting to see how new technology is used in sports.
A Guide to Asian Restaurants, by Ali Wong (Vulture): Spot on.
If Other Professionals Talked About Their Jobs The Way Writers Do (McSweeney’s): I admit. Writers are kind of ridiculous.
What I’m Listening To
Tyler Hamilton on the Clean Sport Collective: While I’ve read Tyler’s book about doping and the world of professional cycling, (which is really good), it’s different to actually hear his voice and his remorse. It’s a really good episode.
Amelia Boone on the Rich Roll podcast: Amelia shares more of her story and they dive into more details about eating disorders, disordered eating, the relationship with sports, and it’s a really great conversation.
Did I miss something? Reply to this email or tweet me a link!
P.S. I'd love to hear what you think and if you have any suggestions. If you have any ideas, hit me up!
Thanks for subscribing! If you know someone else who might enjoy this newsletter, send them the subscribe link please!
You can find an archive of previous newsletters here.
_________________
www.christinemyu.com
Instagram
Twitter