Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Unencumbered

On many of the afternoons that I pick up Pierce from school after he has Odyssey of the Mind, I see a lady running the country road I drive.  It's hilly, and curvy, with no extra room on the sides.  Not the sort of road that invites running.  But this lady....she's determined.  Perhaps even more determined than I. 

Why?  Well, she's German Baptist.  Which means she runs in traditional handsewn, fitted dresses.  A stiff net cap covers her hair, and is tied under the chin.  It seems like dreadful running gear.  Winds would creep under the dress, which might flap and chafe the legs.  Surely the tied cap under the chin can't be comfortable while trying to gasp for air.  If it were to drizzle, the dress wouldn't shed any water (or sweat) and probably proves to be mighty weighty.  Does she get sores, where it buttons snugly around the neck?
Google Image
 

Each time I see her, her focus and determination to run on this curvy hilly road in such a get-up fills me with admiration.  And I feel thankful for every stitch of running gear I own.

Francie likes to watch me running.  When I run alongside her pasture, she often trots beside me.
 
Readers, do you think you could run in traditional German Baptist clothing?

35 comments:

Sunnybrook Farm said...

She might have a whole running suit under her dress as some wear work clothes underneath when helping in the dairy. If you are talking about the main road, it is too fast and nothing but ditches on the edge, not a good move.

Unknown said...

That sounds really tough I can agree, I too am happy for all the running gear that I have. No fabric flapping around. Enjoy your day!

Barbara said...

I think that would take a lot of determination. It just goes to show that it isn't all about the fancy gear, but just a love of running.

Unknown said...

No, dont think I would even try to run in her clothes..too bulky, too tight, but I am not a runner, so what do I know? lol

Anonymous said...

I think it would be really hard. I admire that she is so focused on wanting to run.

Anonymous said...

I was never much for running but I liked to walk, especially with one of my dogs. But I am no longer able to do that because I need oxygen all of the time.

Sally said...

That's interesting. Good for her!

Me? Lisa, I couldn't run naked. :)

xoxo

Slamdunk said...

Wow that must be some sight. No way I could do run in a similar get-up.

We live in an area with lots of Amish and Mennonites, and I applaud them for riding their bikes and walking in the frigid temps that greet us every winter.

Anonymous said...

Wow. I give her a lot of credit for going after it anyway. Without making "adjustments."

Out on the prairie said...

quite a few Mennonites and Amish around me. Haven't seen any jog other than going from one home to another.

Busy Bee Suz said...

I'm thinking she is a determined lady who most likely doesn't see this as an obstacle. Me? I'm too spoiled….and I don't even run in running gear.
Great post!

Liz Mays said...

It would take some getting used to, but I suppose I could with practice. However, running gear is much more comfortable!

Sandra said...

I think running in a dress would be uncomfortable, but when there is a will there is a way. We have Amish in our community and they do everything in dresses and bonnets. Not many joggers, but the girls roller blade!

TexWisGirl said...

i admire her resolve and her fitness activity.

Monkeywrangler said...

I am not one who runs, period! And to be a runner but in traditional GB clothing? No way!

Gail Dixon said...

It's very admirable indeed. She must be very dedicated. Is German Baptist like the Amish? I'll have to look that up...never heard of them.

Anonymous said...

Like you, I think the additional clothing etc. would make it a real challenge. She has great determination and apparently a real love of running.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

NOPE--- I would have a hard time running in ANY KIND of gear at my age with these crazy knees/legs... Think I'll stick to walking --which works for me.

Love that photo of you running. Francie is definitely watching you!

Hugs,
Betsy

Anonymous said...

het lijkt mij een heler opgave,

M.E. Masterson said...

Nope running with all those clothes on no way! HAve a hard enough time running at any time...add all them lbs not likely! that is unless something is chasing me now we might be on to another subject....thanks for sharing had no idea that a Baptist strain wore this kind of ware.

Sonya @ Under the Desert Sky said...

Now, THAT is some determination. I am very thankful for my technical running wear.

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

No, I couldn't run like that. I admire her determination to run however she can. Is German Baptist like Mennonite?

I love that photo of Francie watching you! So sweet.

Aodhnait said...

As a child I ran freely in whatever I was wearing from party dresses to dungarees. Now as an adult I need full running gear on to even contemplate going for a run.

Harry Flashman said...

That sounds pretty bizarre. I wonder what those folks wear when they go swimming?

Our Neck of the Woods said...

That is very admirable! I don't think I could run in that attire. I adore that last photo!

Mary said...

Wow, she must have amazing discipline. I admire her too!

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Good gravy...she is a determined woman, Lisa! I love it that Francie trots along side...:)JP

GardenOfDaisies said...

I am personally very grateful for modern conveniences and clothing. However, I do admire their strong faith.
And to answer your questions, I probably couldn't run to the end of the block without dying, no matter what I had on. ;-)

White Lace and Promises said...

I don't run, I walk! Whew! Can't imagine the heavy baggage. Discipline, pure discipline.

BTW, those babies are beautiful!

Bonnie

Tweedles -- that's me said...

It would even be hard to walk and not trip....let alone run,,
impossible.
love
tweedles

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I love that picture of you and Francie!

And no... this is where I think strick adhereance to traditions should be overcome. And I use that word intentionally.

Linda said...

I've watched Mennonite women riding bikes, loaves of bread in the basket. Looks difficult!

Grandma Bonnie said...

determination is most important to over come such obstacles. I am sure she is reaping the benefits of running just the same. Although probably very uncomfortable.

An Apel a Day said...

Sounds fun. I'd try it, and laugh at myself. I'm not a very good runner.

Angela said...

I never thought about an Amish looking woman running before. Sounds like it would be a sight to see! lol I couldn't do it in that getup and I couldn't do it in the proper running gear either! lol I just can't run!