7 Reasons Why You Should Join The Badass Lady Gang

Badass Lady Gang: (noun) A sisterhood of women (and super groovy men) who aren’t afraid to push one another, and themselves, to be the best they can be while having the best time doing it.

I have only two regrets when it comes to running, that I didn’t become a runner sooner and that I didn’t find a #BadAssLadyGang from day one. Back then, I was too insecure to seek out running partners in crime. I didn’t know the running buddy rules. I was afraid I would be left behind if I needed a walking break or that I’d die of embarrassment if I had to go to the bathroom. I didn’t understand how life changing it would be once I found my badass lady gang.

Don’t believe me? Here are 7 reasons why you should join the #BadAssLadyGang.

1. ALL THE FUN.

Sometimes, running is anything but fun. From bad runs to the 20-30 minute runs we squeeze in on 4 hours of sleep or a 15-hour workday, the struggle can be oh so very real. But when you run with a badass lady gang, they make even the hardest runs enjoyable. Look, it’s easy to take ourselves too seriously or forget to find the fun in running! We’re kicking ass and taking names! It’s serious business! But it’s all about balance. If you’re not enjoying yourself, why bother?

2. They just get it.

I love my non-running friends, but it’s hard for them to understand why I pay money to run half marathons or marathons and then have the audacity to call it “fun.” But my running friends? They not only get it, they’re riding the crazy running train with me!

Single, in a relationship, married, or a mommy, no one gives better advice than the women in the badass lady gang. Being a woman is hard enough. Having a sisterhood who just gets you and your love for running makes it all a tiny bit easier.

3. They talk you off running cliffs.

If I had a dollar for every time I said I wasn’t going to run a distance again, I’d have one million dollars. When you’re struggling to put your strongest foot forward, it’s nice to know that you have a support system in place who will lift you up, push you, or—in most cases—drag you to a finish line. We’ve all been there. It’s a game changer when you can trust that your tribe has your back.

4. They have your best interests at heart.

When it’s hotter than hell and you have to run long…

Or when you’re struggling to push through….

Your #BadAssLadyGang knows how to motivate you when you want to give up. Sometimes it’s words of encouragement and other times it’s ice cream, but when you know you’re not in it alone, it feels less insane and impossible.

5. Accountability.

Having a tough time getting or staying motivated? Lean into your badass lady gang! We’ve all been there! But when you make plans with your squad, chances of you canceling are slim to none when you know you’ll miss out on a good time. Remember? BALANCE. Running a stadium as fast as you can, then doing some core work, and finishing with a dance party. On your own, torture. With your badass lady gang? One hell of a good time.

6. Support.

Chasing a seemingly impossible goal? Don’t chase it alone! Not only will your bad ass lady gang distract you from the pain that comes with getting uncomfortable, but when you run with faster ladies, they help you step outside of your comfort zone and run down the doubts that are holding you back.

7. Because we really are stronger together.

Life is complicated and messy but running is one of those things that brings us all together. When I’m struggling with my body image, self confidence or career, I look at all the resilient woman around me and remember that nothing is impossible if I’m willing to work for it. Not just because I’m tenacious and resolute, but because I’ve found myself amidst a badass lady gang of all different ages, backgrounds, ethnicities and athletic levels who inspire me every single day. These women are the definition of badass.

The best part about the #BadAssLadyGang is that it isn’t exclusive, it’s inclusive. We don’t judge or ask questions. As long as you’re willing to fight to put your strongest foot forward and support your sisters in sport and in life, that’s all that matters.

Regardless of how fast, slow or far we run, we all run for the same reasons. We run for ourselves and for those who can’t. We run because life is really, really hard and sometimes we need the reminder that we’re stronger than we give ourselves credit for. Or that a healthy lifestyle isn’t about looking a certain way, it’s about feeling a certain way: STRONG. And our strength comes in all different shapes, sizes and athletic levels.

It doesn’t matter if your badass lady gang is full of women you see regularly or who you connect only with online, find them.

Support them.

Empower them.

Challenge them.

And most importantly, love them hard.

Until next time, #RunSelfieRepeat.