TVille — While I do think choosing to have and keep a physically fit body can be a wonderfully feminist act, I'm hesitant to essentialize it as "one of the greatest", because there are so many amazing feminists with disabilities, as well, and they "do" feminism no less for existing with a not as physically capable body. Nor are feminists who simply choose not to run (or whatever) any less feminist; choosing to bypass the patriarchal memes of woman-as-body can be its own empowering feminist act. Excellent example of the use of misogynistic restrictions; I hadn't known of the prohibition before reading Courtney's article, and you're right, it definitely is good at inciting anger!

Anji — I'm much closer to you physically! I've been looking for but having trouble finding running-encouragement materials that aren't fatphobic, or that don't glorify weight loss. Know of any such?

I'm somewhat the opposite of you – a UK size 20-22, seventeen and a half stone and 5' 8" tall. I am what they euphemistically call a 'larger lady' – I prefer 'bloody fat and loving it'. I have no interest in losing weight via running – in fact the reason I started is because my Dad signed up for the 10-mile Great South Run in October this year, and asked me what charity I thought he should support. I told him Rape Crisis really needed the money, he agreed and before I knew it I, with no running experience whatsoever, had agreed to do it with him.

Along with being fat I have a chronic pain condition in my knees; the muscles on the outside of my kneecaps are far stronger than those on the inside, which pulls my kneecaps outwards making them rub awkwardly on the ends of my thigh bones, which as you can imagine is rather painful. I am not the ideal running candidate. Imagine my joy then, when my physiotherapist told me that though running is incredibly painful for me, it is actually strengthening those inside muscles, and that along with the physio program he's drawn up with me, there can be nothing but benefits in the long term. :D

I'm training using the Couch To 5K running program, and am planning to do the 8K and 15K programs after this. I remember clearly the first time I went, just a few months ago, sweating and panting as my poor legs were suddenly forced into carrying my great weight at some speed, and thinking "This is fun! I can see why people do this!" Lately I've been a bit slack with my training, but your post here has re-motivated me. I have control over my body, I am teaching myself to have stamina, I am building my strength, it is good for my body and good for my soul – and thank you for reminding me of that. :D

I was challenged to be athletic from the time I can remember. And my father used to tell me that I was lucky to be a young girl in a time where sports were available to me. He would tell me that had I been born 15 years earlier than I was, I wouldn't have been allowed to play. (Not much motivates me more than being told I'm not allowed to do something.)

I use women and running (exclusion from the Boston Marathon, etc.) to bolster many feminist discussions I've had, because it's such a simple, seemingly inane restriction. "What do you mean women couldn't run the Boston Marathon until 1972? What about Babe Didrikson? Didn't she teach the world anything??? Put in seemingly non-threatening context I've seen a lot of people rise to the outrage I feel daily. It's really sort of a handy argument.

Best of luck on your upcoming marathon!

This is a great lesson in letting go the need for perfection and doing something just for yourself.