“Too Fat to Run”: Turning Doubt Into a Marathon and a One-Woman Show

Member Spotlight - Eileen Tull

When someone expressed concern to Tull about being able to run the Chicago Marathon, she did not quit and instead created a one-woman show about it.

Too Fat To Run by Eileen Tull shares a story that is both deeply personal and universally relatable; the experience of chasing a big goal while navigating doubt, judgement, and the relationship we have with our bodies.

We got a chance to speak to Eileen to learn more about the message behind her show and her personal journey with running.

Q: The title of your show is Too Fat to Run. What message do you want people to take away from your show and running journey?

A: I want people to feel empowered to laugh in the face of someone who tells them they're too fat to participate in life. Fatness and athleticism are not mutually exclusive. I want audiences to be able to relate to the idea of trying to do something difficult, having people doubt you, and working hard to accomplish the goal. It's a story about bodies, but it's for every body.

Q: What inspired you to start a one woman show regarding your running journey?

A: The inspiration came from someone I knew saying that I shouldn't run the marathon because I was fat. This was in September, a week before the 20 miler, so very much towards the end of training season. It was such a ludicrous and frankly rude email from someone who had no idea how hard I had been working for a year and a half.

As I do with a lot of my life experiences, I thought, "Oh, I absolutely MUST make this a one woman show." I've been performing solo work since 2012 and have created shows about addiction, writer's block, religion, family, and Harrison Ford movies. This particular show really flowed out of me very quickly, and I was joined in collaboration by Jessica Landis and Jules Dreitzer, two fabulous directors, to make it a reality. Since it premiered in the Elgin Fringe in 2024, I've brought the show to Wisconsin, Arkansas, and the Fillet of Solo Festival in Chicago. And now at Redtwist Theatre through March 4th!

Q: Tell us about your experience with CARA Training?

A: I was very nervous about group training. I hadn't been on a "team" since high school. I worried about being too big and too slow and too old and too different than everybody else. And arriving at my first CARA training and looking around, there were different body types and different ages and different speeds. I wasn't the slowest person - and even on days when I was, I still received care and encouragement from Group 5 or the 12+ minute group. These folks were really kind and supportive to each other, which made all the difference in feeling welcome and feeling that sense of belonging. There are definitely more straight-sized and thin bodies, but there is absolutely respect for everyone involved. I was so grateful to CARA for the accountability and community.

Q: What advice would you have for plus size runners?

A: You don't have to wait to start running. Now with that, it's about knowing your body. If you're carrying more weight, your muscles and joints might need a little more attention in the way of strength training and stretching. Get some good shoes - I would recommend getting fitted for running shoes. Wear things that make you comfortable - figure out what won't cause chafing, wear two sports bras if you need to, and bring an extra shirt if you need to change halfway through. The majority of people are not looking at you, and anyone who is judging you or is disgusted by you can go stub every toe - just run past them. Keep going. You're an athlete too. See you out there.

Q: Tell us about your running journey! How did you start running?

A: I had been an athlete in high school, so always had a little bit of running peppered in. But I started running more officially in 2014 when I moved back to Chicago for a 10K. It was the first time I'd done any kind of training to run, and I fell in love with the energy of a race and the journey of it all. From there, I had ups and downs of injuries and body changes over the course of several 5K's, 10K's, and half marathons. In 2021, I decided to start over from scratch and go for the marathon, which is what the show is mostly about!

Q: How long have you been involved with CARA Training programs?

A: I trained with CARA for the lead up to the 2022 marathon. So I was a part of Wednesday night speed training, weekend long runs, and some of the special events.

Q: What is your favorite part about training with a CARA Group?

A: There's a combination of organization, accountability, and enthusiasm that really meant a lot to me. Running is a sport that you can do without equipment or a gym, but that doesn't mean you have to do it alone. It was so motivating to be a part of the group that was very welcoming to me as a newbie and as a runner in a bigger body.

Q: What does running mean to you?

A: For me, running is something primal and free. It's also about exploring my body's relationship with endurance. And, as is often said, a lot of the process is mental as well. So it's a chance to push myself physically, mentally, and emotionally. It's also a way to explore a new place, commune with nature, enjoy the beach, or tread familiar territory.

Q: Describe your most memorable training or racing experience

A: The 2022 Chicago Marathon was a big one, but I've had a pretty unforgettable run across the Washington Mall at sunset a few years ago. Just a gorgeous sunset night to do 8 miles around all the monuments.

Q: What advice would you offer to a new runner or someone who wants to start running?

A: Start gentle and slow. It's a long game. You're not going to go from 0 miles to 10 miles right away. And it's okay to be slow. It's okay to take breaks. It's okay to make things work for for your body, your schedule, your life.

Q: Anyone you would like to thank or give kudos to that has helped you on your running journey?

A: My biggest support through running has always been my best friend Jeri. We started getting closer as friends when we trained for a half marathon together and spent a lot of time chatting up and down the lakefront. Now we mostly go for walks with coffee, but she's always in my corner.

The last two performances of Tull's show at Redtwist Theater on February 25 and March 4 are sold out, but you can get on the waitlist by emailing jasmine@redtwist.org