UR Sportswear story begins in our founder’s, Jacalyn Gross, final semester at Michigan State. Jacalyn was a middle-distance runner for their track team dealing with societal pressures about body image that are even more prominent in the running community.

“I realize now I had body dysmorphia as most young women in sports do. I had eating issues not obvious or dangerous, but they were there in high school and in college. It is hard to avoid when you are wearing buns to compete in. I internalized and looped every comment said about my body.”

Gear fit issues compounded these feelings. “I would feel shame when I got a small and it was too small. Workouts during spring practice where the heat felt like it was on top of you made my team-issued green shorts slowly work their way up on my thighs. The seam’s rough edge would catch and rub on my skin until I had a raspberry on my inner leg that burned in the shower.”

As part of her Apparel and Textile Design degree, Jacalyn created a survey geared towards other local college runners. “Other than the comment that my survey was one of the weirdest they had ever taken, I also found out I wasn’t alone. There were countless issues with running sportswear for women. I took the data and like a true fashion nerd compiled it to evaluate the most common issues. It was not just me—it was us, and we were runners.”After graduation and a quick trip to California. Jacalyn found her way back to Michigan and incorporated UR Sportswear in 2010.

To finance her dream, Jacalyn went to Alaska to work as a processor but ultimately ended up working as an office assistant. “A co-worker, who found out I was a runner, bet me $50 that I wouldn’t run every day for at least 30 minutes. I am happy to say I won that bet and had several bear encounters, because of it. I never wanted fear of anything to stop me from running—even if it was a 13 ft. grizzly bear. Yes, I saw one of those as well.”

She was able to pick up another job, ultimately working 16-hour days. “Through this entire experience, I had a sticker on my computer with a UR logo that I had drawn to inspire me, and to remind me I wasn’t just representing who I was. It was UR I was representing—who you are.”

It has been eight years since the Just Rock Short was first manufactured and worn. They have lasted! We continue to make kickass quality sportswear for women that fit well and lasts. Because nothing should stop you from running—not how your sportswear feels, not what you think you look like, or, well, bears.

There is always an obstacle every one of us has had to overcome to keep showing up for ourselves. Our lives are all different, being active brings us together: we are runners.

We want to foster an empowering community of active women adventuring together – not only empowering themselves but they inspire others to get out-the-door in long-lasting great quality sportswear.