BLOG: Meet Jessica Gorden-Song, Fleet Feet Outfitter and Leader in the Chicago Running Community

If you've ever shopped at Fleet Feet Lincoln Square, there's a good chance you've met Outfitter Jessica Gorden-Song. Jessica's pronouns are she/her, and she is a transwoman runner.

Jess found running as an outlet and a place for community. She has found meaning as an outfitter at the Fleet Feet Lincoln Square location, and has found a home in the running community with the Tortugas Run Club. She is an ambassador with Chicago Event Management for the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, Bank of America Chicago 13.1, and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

What Jess wants you to know is that when it comes to transwomen and sports, people tend to only think of the physical side of things, but it's much more than that. Body image is a tricky subject for all runners, regardless of gender, size, race, pace, or ability, and learning how to love yourself and your body is a hard thing to do when going through change. "If you can think back to when you went through puberty you might remember how much you wanted to just fit in and feel a sense of belonging with your peers. That’s all we want, to feel like we belong," she notes.

Jess has also had to rethink the way she runs. "I used to be able to run anywhere and anytime. I could go out alone and blast my music, completely not caring about the world around me. Nowadays it’s a different story." She shares the same worries that many women face on the run such as running alone, running in the dark, or having to think about her surroundings for fear of harassment. Now, she runs with either one ear open or no headphones at all, and when she has the chance, to opts to run in a group.

"If it wasn’t for the Chicago running community I don’t think I would have made it through this past year in one piece. Four clubs specifically have made a huge impact on my life. They have always made me feel welcome and have given me a new family/community to belong to. I owe a huge thank you to Tortugas Run Club, Edge Athlete Lounge, 7onSundays, and Westtown Brew Crew for being there for me this past year."

For Jessica, running has helped change her life for the better: It's given her the courage to be herself, to help maintain her sobriety, and show her what she's truly capable of.