“Just do it…I mean, make a mess of samples and sell them at a booth at one of your races. Done. What’s the problem?” That’s what Allen said after he read my first blog post. Allen is hilarious. He’s the guy that makes you realize why you love coming to work every day. “Allen, you actually read my blog?” I was incredulous as I listened to this 6-foot-something, Cleveland Browns/OU fan talk to me about running skirts. I sighed and said, “I know Allen, it sounds easy especially when I know RunningPretty is better than anything out there. But, the problem is that a few samples will never satisfy the hunger women have to run in clothing that’s not made for a man. If I go to market before I have product manufactured in five sizes, and at least four colors, I will jeopardize my brand.”
The brand. Yeah, it’s about a brand – literally. Let me explain. You know how people say that a few bad people can ruin it for everyone? In my case, a few bad people drove me to design RunningPretty. Rewind about 10 years. I was running in my very residential neighborhood in compression shorts. Although I never felt entirely confident wearing compression shorts (a.k.a., cycling shorts without the padding), they were the most comfortable shorts I had. As I’m heading up the hill with about a half mile to go, a car passes me – slowing but still moving about 20 miles per hour. Within a blink, I was stumbling forward and wondering why my butt felt like it had been burned by a branding iron.
I was branded for sure, but it was by the man-sized hand print of the passenger riding shotgun in the car. I was hurt. Then, I was humiliated. Then, I just got pissed. I spent the next two hours canvassing the entire neighborhood looking for the jackass who thought that was a funny move. But, I never found the car or the guy and I never wore compression shorts or running tights again without a jacket tied to my waist. What a shame I thought. I had been punished for wearing something that was comfortable but happened to show off a little of the extra booty that I was trying to run off. Damn, I hate people sometimes.
My Ah Ha moment came to me a few months later. The compression shorts would stay, but a skirt would be added to cover things up a bit and give me the strength I needed. While the red hand print and the pain had faded within a few hours, the desire to control my world and build my self-confidence only got greater. It would take some time to actually create RunningPretty, but it would no doubt be built on the “Power of Pretty.”
-C
So that was the true inspiration for Running Pretty?!?! I am so sorry. I apologize for the cromagnon that was pretending to be a man. Nobody should ever have that happen to them. Just remember, when Runnng Pretty is successful, that idiot will still be planning his weekends around getting drunk and never amount to anything. Go get’em at Boston Cupcake!
Sad but true Chris. That fateful day was the catalyst. There have been other inspirations along the way, but that was the first. Thank you for reading and thanks for your support always. You are a runner – we understand each other!
Callie I can’t believe I never knew that story! I love knowing what fuels your fire. You are a true fighter. Love ya girl!
I didn’t know that either, how terrible! Good for you to persevere! 🙂
So sorry this happened to you! People can be so cruel. I went to the grocery store in yoga pants (once, I swear) and the “guy” in line behind me at the check out gets my attention and says ” nice groceries” while looking at my backside. My thoughts need not mentioned, but I haven’t worn yoga pants in public since. I still put shorts over my compression shorts to hide the jiggly parts (aka- groceries). I’ve learned to laugh about it, but not enough to go sans shorts! Thank you for sharing- your story and your dream!
Beckie, that makes me cringe. What I don’t understand is why people don’t just focus on what they need to change to be better people – instead of being so critical of others. We really never know anyone’s story and should never judge. I am happy to hear that you didn’t get demoralized and that you continue to exercise and run – and you stay confident. Sabrina and I will work hard to get you a skirt that makes you feel like you can take on the world! Stay tuned and stay in touch.