Meet rUnladylike
Welcome to runladylike.com! My name is Jesica D’Avanza, and running has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. It was passed down like a family tradition from my dad who was an elite track and field athlete. He instilled in me at an early age the expectations of striving for excellence, working to my full potential and believing I always have more left to give. Today, I’m on a mission to keep challenging myself to find my extraordinary and support other runners in doing the same – by embracing our unique abilities, charting our own course and making our own rules.
The name of this website is a mash-up of the words “run” and “unladylike.” Through honest and real conversation, I share my unladylike adventures of running, coaching and juggling training as a full-time working mom. Why unladylike? Well, half of my life is spent covered in sweat, dressed in spandex, often dumping water on my head and ice down my sports bra, frequenting porta potties, talking to fellow training pals about pooping … and changing plenty of dirty diapers along the way. You’ve been warned.
Today, I live in Tampa, Florida, with my awesome husband (Mr. rUnladylike) and my daughter (Baby rUnladylike). I’m a certified marathon coach and have finished 8 marathons, 16 half marathons, 2 half Ironmans and numerous shorter distance road races and triathlons. You can read more about my races here. I’m proud to be sponsored by Brooks Running as one of their Run Happy Ambassadors since 2013.
In my day job, I own a brand and communications strategy consultancy focused on helping organizations that make our world a better place transform their communications for greater relevance, resonance and results.
I hope when you read my adventures, you’ll remember that you’re stronger than you think and capable of more than you believe is possible. You’ll know you can achieve any goal you set your mind to if you’re willing to work for it. You’ll figure out that it doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing or how fast anyone else is going. You’ll only compete against yourself. You’ll run unladylike. And you’ll join me in the conversation.
Happy running. Let’s do this.
Comments
When buying running shoes do you necessarily have to buy inserts. Or just use the ones, that come with the shoes?
Hi Denise! This is a very personal decision. There are mixed beliefs out there on inserts. My take is that you should have a fitting/biomechanics expert test you on a treadmill with a camera and see if you pronate or supinate and see if a shoe with stability or motion control helps if you do. If not you would wear a neutral shoe. If it appears that you do need inserts, only get heat molded inserts that are customized to your foot or have custom orthotics made. Don’t waste your time with the pre-made inserts off the shelf. Monitor how your body responds anytime you make a footwear change to ensure it doesn’t cause injury. I personally do not run with inserts but know many who do.