It’s easy to make assumptions people by their appearance. I can’t count how many times people asked me if I played basketball as soon as they noticed my 5’10” frame, and although I did play growing up, the question was severely annoying. What if I was a painter or had a passion for playing the piano?
In the same way, people automatically assume those who don’t have defined abs and toned muscles must not care about fitness. Not the case.
To show that folks of all shapes and sizes can be health-conscious and workout regularly, plus-size model Candice Huffine announced back in December that she would be running a half-marathon as part of her goals for the new year. And she wasn’t all talk, no action – she’s all signed up for a race on Sunday, March 20.
While talking to Cosmolitan.com, Candice revealed her motivation behind signing up for the United Airlines NYC Half.
“People assume that plus models are not active or interested in being active,” she said. “‘How can you work out but still be a size 12?’ There’s confusion there.”
Don’t be mistaken. The size-12 model has no intention of dropping pounds or changing her body by picking up this running challenge.
“I’m getting out of my comfort zone,” she revealed. “I’m trying something I’ve never tried before. I’ve set this huge goal for myself. Changing my size or changing the number on a scale is so far from anything to do with it. It hasn’t even been on my mind. I’m not even sure if things have changed with my body.”
There may not be physical changes, but Candice shares that she is feeling happy, sharp, and full of energy in her three months of training.
Candice’s race comes the very same week that Women’s Running magazine unveiled their cover featuring plus-size model Nadia Aboulhosn. This is the second time they’ve featured a girl who doesn’t fit the mold of a “runner” in most people’s minds.
And Candice obviously loves it.
“It’s incredible!” she told Cosmo. “Fashion is only supposed to be for a certain size and athletics are only supposed to be for a certain size? It’s shattering all the myths of the past. This is my body, but look at what it’s capable of too.”
