Skirt Culture

May 4th, 2008 Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon

My First Marathon was a euphoric experience from the get go. I wore the Footloose Running Dress with the new mesh shorties, all pink, of course. I have never ran a marathon so I had no idea what to expect. Sure, I did all my training, but when I got the start line I thought, am I ready for this? I don't even remember running enough except for that random day I ran to the Skirt Office for a long training run, which ended up being a stupid 23 mile jaunt down the Colorado highways. (of course in an all pink ToughGirl, so the color must be good luck).

The gun went off 15 minutes late due to a Fire on the course causing an extended detour. As if I was not nervous enough, waiting only those extra few minutes caused a quick run to the bushes, again, thank god for the dress and the fact runners make pit stops in front of anyone. I certainly looked the cutest, but hidden the least being so bright in the green bushes.

I took off like a bat out of hell thinking if I stay ahead of the pace groups I have room to slack and make a Boston qualifying time. What??? I never cared about Boston before the race started, what I am thinking about! I quickly shook that idea and remember the best running advice given to me the night before from my running idol and secret crush, Bart Yasso, who has watched me race a few times - he said, this course needs your even effort. Even Effort. After mile one I thought, well, looks like I have 25 more miles of this pace so I better keep moving and not change anything. Plus I am looking flipping hot, so I have nothing to lose than a few extra compliments!

At mile 3 and 5 my parents scared the life out of me popping out of no where on the sidelines. Supporters have no idea of their value. I counted over 60 comments on my running outfit. Yes, seriously 60 and they were all Good!

"Look at her Dress, LOVE IT, She is so cute, look at her go IN a dress, I love your pink dress, how is she running a marathon in dress?, GO DRESS CUTIE!" The men were even better to run beside in the Footloose, especially the ones that thought I could not hear them 2 steps in front of, "let's just keep watching the dress, I should have worn pink today to get all the feel- good attention, that looks like a comfortable outfit (I am sure that is what they were really thinking).

Seriously, hearing such positive comments made me smile and completely not focus on the hard times of the race, but on how unbelievably great I felt physically hearing I looked good.

I am still fooled and amazed that feeling good about yourself makes your performance improve and sets you on cloud nine. I must have hit an athletic high not having to worry about my clothing and stayed in cruise control. The Shorties can hold a solid 2 gels in each leg pocket. It looked like I was pulling out secret running ammo when I grabbed my gels from under the dress! My finish felt like I was cheered into winning a Gold medal out kicking 4 men - all in a dress. It will be a long time until my next marathon, but the experience is one to be cherished forever.

The Footloose Dress endured the Marathon Test and earned A+ performance. No discomfort, no chaffing, great support, and made for a good time - in more than one way :)

Always believe in yourself and treat your training with fun, enjoyment, and respect. Your Attitude will Determine the Outcome of every Situation - KellyB

Chip Time: 3:18:35 | Gender Place: 12 out of 2,006 | Division Place: 4 out of 354 | Pace: 7:31

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Kelly Bassett is in charge of Customer Care and is our Warehouse Manager