You Go Girl

I noticed that I have sort of left my life behind. Went to the mall yesterday and saw all these shops on sales, shops that I used to frequent and maybe buy things from. I fingered the skirts and tops and realized that it has been a long time since I actually shopped. And dressed like a girl. My body has tan lines you wouldn't believe, I have turned ten shades darker and well, I always look like I got out of the gym, which just shampooed hair, large tshirts and flip-flops.

To make matters worse I came across this word in the dictionary:

muliebrity: the state of being a woman. (noun)

I lack that.

But then I realized that doing all this does not make me less of a girl. I am proud of what I could do, how far I could go, and how long I could withstand pain. I realize many things from doing sports:

1) I am not scared of the rain. It's merely water. I don't worry about the rain turning my hair into a frizz, because I am working hard improving my cadence and speed. The rain and I - to borrow a phrase from a book - we're old friends.

2) I am not afraid of the sun. Or looking like the Malaysian Grace Jones. In fact, I don't have to care at all since I don't think it can go any darker than this. This sun strengthens your ability to hold on, because humidity kills. You think walking to the parking lot in the mid-day sun is awful? Try running under it. Without water.

3) I don't care how I look. Being a girl growing up with all these Gossip Girl and what have yous, beauty is paramount. Body flabs - muffin tops, bra bulge, thunder thighs - were a thing of the past. Even jiggling breasts or dancing thighs. I used to be self concious when I ran and there would be guys. And now I don't give a damn. You want to whistle at me? Why don't we race uphill, in a bike baby, or in your Rollerblades, or just using your legs, and let see you make it OVER the crest without puking.

It's not about how I look. It's about what I have achieved, and can do, with vigour and, ehem muliebrity.

Reminds me of this awesome Nike Ad in 2005 which features various body parts of a woman with their catchy slogans. My favorite would be this:

The ad says -

I have Thunder Thighs

and that's a compliment

because they are strong

and toned

and muscular

and though the are unwelcome

in the petite section

they are cheered on in marathons

fifty years from now

i'll bounce a grandchild on my thunder thighs

and then i'll go out for a run

Just do it