When I started filling out my application for the World Race, one of my initial concerns was that I wouldn’t be physically fit enough to handle it. I learned unhealthy eating habits as a child, and still struggle with them today. I don’t ever remember being thin, or not being chubby. Over the past few years I have learned to treat my body as a temple of God, and live a healthier lifestyle. But that doesn’t mean I’ve turned into a skinny girl.
Today is Black Friday. I got up early this morning in an attempt to score some deals on stuff I need for the race. Problem numero uno is that I do not live in or near a large city, so I have limited options when it comes to shopping, especially for outdoorsy gear.
Problem numero dos is that I am a plus sized lady. In pants I wear an XL, and in tops I am usually a 2X. I can normally find clothing that fits just fine. In fact, I love clothes and I’m a pretty snazzy dresser if I do say so myself. But I have discovered that when shopping for athletic wear, or outdoorsy clothing, there are little to no choices for the hefty girl.
I searched local stores for a women’s waterproof, lightweight, rain jacket, and a fleece jacket in a size 2X. No such luck. I could fit into plenty of men’s jackets, but they made me feel quite unladylike, plus they were super long. After coming home and doing an online search I found the Arcadia Rain Jacket by Columbia, and the White Sierra Mountain Fleece Jacket at Campmor, in extended sizes. PRAISE THE LAMB. The Columbia jacket has a lot of good reviews, so I’m hoping it will be kick-tail and last a lot of years. And I really like the purple color of the fleece. Here’s some pictures:
All that being said, it really frustrates me that “active wear” does not accommodate full figured women. I understand that many plus-sized women are not active, so active wear is not typically marketed to them. But HELLO HERE I AM, an active plus-sized lady. I have never, and probably will never, fit the world’s idea of beautiful, but that is okay. I know that I am worth much more than my jean size, or the number on the scale. But because it was so hard to find fitting clothes, in my head today I heard the message, “LeAnn, you can’t do this. You are not fit enough, you are not skinny enough, you are not good enough.” I battle these lies from the enemy on a regular basis but they were very loud today.
But I know that is a load of crap! I’m freaking awesome, and I have the power that raised Christ from the dead inside of me! I am a strong woman. God has called me to the World Race. So shut up, satan, I am not listening to your stupid lies.
So anyway, props to the clothing companies that make active and outdoor wear for full figured women, and especially those who make it cute and flattering. For those who don’t make it, you suck.
I’ll close by sharing with you my favorite purchase of the day, a hot pink Under Armour storm backpack.
That’s what’s up.
Here’s to hoping everything I ordered online fits,
love, LeAnn
