Runner's World: Sole Sisters of '72

For some reason, Runner's World makes it really hard to share articles from current issues.  That, or I don't know how to use the internet after all these years.

If you can get your hands on a copy (or have the patience to wait until the content is posted online next month), the November issue includes an article, written by Charles Butler, about six women who entered the New York City Marathon after the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) ruled that women could participate in marathons -- provided that the start 10 minutes before or after the men's race.  The gun went off to start the women's race, and they sat and waited until the start of the men's race.

I may or may not have a girl crush on the six women who showed up for the 1972 NYCM.  And, by "may or may not," I mean, "I do." 

The article contains an excerpt from an interview with Nina Kuscsik, the first women to win the Boston Marathon (officially), that resonated:

Philip Nobile: "Long distance running isn't the most womanly thing a woman can do; all that sweating and grunting, so why do you do it?"
Kuscsik: "Just the way you phrase the question shows your attitude.  Who says it is not the most feminine thing a woman can do and who says sweating and grunting isn't feminine? [...] Running is neither masculine or feminine.  It's just healthy..."

I'm adding these ladies to my wall of inspirational women...right next to my framed photo of Leslie Knope!