🏈 The Sporty Girl Edition 🎾 🏀
💦💦 The Sweat Comes for Free
I’ve been dragging my feet on this post for what feels like eons. I think it’s because I’ve had so much I’ve wanted to shout about when it comes to females in sports, whether you’re a spectator or sweating it out during a rousing padel session. Let me tell you, little Jen and sports haven’t always had the closest of relationships.
When I grew up (in The Patch of West Texas, and later, the ultra-conservative front range of Colorado Springs), sports were very much a guy thing. If a girl tried to break into the orbit, you were quickly put back in your place. In the mid to late ‘90s, I was obsessed with the Denver Broncos and loved getting roughed up on the field. American football was my jam. But then my participation started to get attention. After being scolded by a teacher on multiple occasions, I was sent to the principal’s office and told, in no uncertain terms, that I was not allowed to play football with the boys.
Fast-forward a year or two, and I was at a new school. This time, I became enemy number one to my seventh-grade history teacher. He was a real-life Rush Limbaugh: loud, red-faced, and perpetually furious at the world and anyone not sporting a penis. As a kid, I had over-the-top dreams and proudly exclaimed I would play football in the NFL, while also fully convincing myself Prince William was destined to be my future husband.
Teacher Limbaugh got his kicks off calling me a silly girl and remarking how foolish I was about dreaming of playing professional football. Reflecting on that moment almost 30 years later, I know that goal was likely delulu and I would have broken every bone in my body getting sacked by any of the league’s defensive players. Though, what stands out, is the power teachers have to either open a young mind to new paths or crush a dream entirely. No one suggested alternatives. No one said, "You love football, let’s find a way to keep you in it."
Even the Greats Mess Up All The Time
“Top-ranked tennis players win barely more than half of the points they play. When you lose every second point, on average, you learn not to dwell on every shot. You teach yourself to think: OK, I double-faulted. It’s only a point. OK, I came to the net and I got passed again. It’s only a point. Even a great shot, an overhead backhand smash that ends up on ESPN’s Top Ten Plays—that, too, is just a point.” - Roger Federer’s Dartmouth Commencement Speech.
On’s Soft Wins Campaign is a GOAT
Hey runners, Elmo says don't be so hard on yourself. There are more ways to win. I have to say, seeing this On campaign drop weeks before my training made it so much more joyful. I realised I didn’t have to kill myself to run 13.1 miles across London, but could actually enjoy this experience. Whenever things got too bright or hot, or the miles were adding up, I’d picture this little Elmo perched on my shoulders, reminding me to find the joy in the run and enjoy the experience. I carried this daydream with me to the finish line.
Balls in the Air 🏀 🏀🏀 🏀
Kate Hudson in Netflix’s Running Point is a total badass, the rainbow power suits are a vibe, and there’s enough basketball action to keep it all moving at a fast-break pace. It’s a delicious show to sink into this upcoming bank holiday weekend.
Best Under-the-Radar Running Clubs in London
Somewhere between the sober curious movement and the 2024 Paris Olympics, running clubs in London became all the rage. When jockeying for the highest sleep scores on Oura Rings started to outpace how many you kicked back the night before, let’s say that regimes like wellness and early nights somehow became, dare I say it, sexy.
From the Mandarin Oriental’s (free) Hyde Park Run Club to Hollow Ponds Sporty Community, find the perfect run club, just for your vibe.
Beats for the Streets 🏃🏼♀️🎧
I’m not one of those people who can run without music. I can't even think of a single thing I enjoy as much without a much-loved playlist in the background. I've got running playlists that have been on repeat for years (including a special lineup for when I hit struggle mode — enter Black Coffee around mile six), but this is one of my newer playlists from training for the London Landmarks Half Marathon a few weeks ago.
Shop It Like It’s Hot
Alo Tennis Club Sweater Knit Cardigan
lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pant 28
On The Roger Tennis Court Shoes
Until next time. See ya on the court. xx