Brooklyn Running Co. Where Curves and Running Collide
Let me paint you a picture: I was standing on the sidelines of the New York City Marathon, cheering on our dear friend Yancy, who was out there killing it. As I watched runner after runner—big, small, tall, short, every body type you could imagine—I thought to myself, Sis, if they can do it, so can you. And just like that, the seed was planted.
Now, before we dive in, let’s get one thing straight: I’m not about to be sprinting down the street like a gazelle tomorrow. I know my journey to the marathon might take a year (or two, because, hello, life happens). But starting this journey meant one thing: I needed the right shoes. Enter my girls Toya, Yolanda, and Erin, who hyped me up and gave me some solid advice. Erin said, “Girl, go get fitted for some proper running sneakers so you don’t wreck those knees before you even start.”
Cue fate. Or divine intervention. Or my eternal hunger—because I was on my way to get food (naturally) when I accidentally stumbled upon Brooklyn Running Co.. Y’all. I saw the sign outside the door that said, “Beginners are our specialty.” Do you hear the angels singing? Because I did. As a plus-size girly who’s spent way too much time dodging side-eyes and unsolicited advice, this was the universal “Come on in, sis!” I didn’t know I needed.
The Warmest Welcome—No Judgy Eyes in Sight
I walked in and was immediately greeted by the most amazing staff. And can we talk about the vibes of this place? They’ve got this cute little track for testing out shoes, and the walls are lined with more sneaker options than I knew existed. I mean, I felt like a kid in a candy store—a candy store that sells arch support and anti-pronation features, of course.
Then came my shoe guru, aka the associate who turned my nervous energy into full-on excitement. I told her, “Look, I’m plus-size. I need something that won’t turn my knees into dust and can keep up with this body.” Instead of the condescending “Are you sure this is for you?” that I’ve heard way too many times, she hit me with, “You’re in the right place, let’s figure this out.”
The Royal Treatment: Finding My Perfect Shoe
First, she asked me to take off my shoes and walk up and down their mini track. I won’t lie, I felt like I was auditioning for a very niche runway show: America’s Next Top Plus-Size Walker. She watched how I walked, nodded like she was solving a crime, and came back with a variety of options.
After some trial and error, I landed on a pair of men’s New Balances—because, apparently, my feet are too wide for straight-size women’s shoes but not wide enough for wide-widths. (Seriously, where’s the love for in-between feet?) And here’s a fun fact: my left foot is bigger than my right. Cue the comedy sketch that is my life.
Empowerment, One Step at a Time
As I walked out of Brooklyn Running Co. with my shiny new sneakers, I felt empowered. For the first time, I didn’t feel like I was trying to squeeze myself (literally and figuratively) into a space that wasn’t made for me. They made me feel seen, supported, and ready to start this marathon journey—not tomorrow, but someday soon.
So, if you’re a plus-size babe thinking about lacing up and hitting the pavement, let me tell you this: Brooklyn Running Co. is where you start. They’ll treat you like royalty, fit you for the perfect pair of sneakers, and remind you that your journey is valid—no matter your size, shape, or speed.
And to the amazing associate who helped me, thank you for not only fixing my feet but fixing my faith in this whole process. Now, let’s get these sneakers dirty—because the NYC Marathon, someday, has my name all over it.
