Today we’d like to introduce you to Cierra Acker.
Hi Cierra , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Cierra, and I’m the founder of Because I Can Runners, an all-women’s running group based in Atlanta that supports and celebrates slow-paced runners.
My journey into running began in an unexpected way. I had hit a plateau in my weight loss journey after struggling with the difficult symptoms of PCOS. When I shared my experience online, I was met with harsh criticism and unsolicited advice—most of it encouraging me to “just run more” to lose weight. That backlash fueled something in me, and ironically, out of spite, I started running.
As I began, I quickly realized that I was a slower runner—and that not many people looked like me or moved at my pace in traditional running spaces. I wanted to feel seen, supported, and safe in a running community, but I couldn’t find one that fit. So I created it.
I first spoke about Because I Can Runners on social media in November. The idea gained traction, and by January—on Martin Luther King Jr. Day—I hosted our first in-person run. That moment marked the beginning of what has become a growing and empowering community.
Today, I’m proud to serve as a crew runner with Adidas, the founder of a thriving running group, and an advocate for body positivity and self-confidence. I also create content that highlights my experience as a slow runner—sharing both the challenges and the joy of showing up as you are.
Through this journey, I’ve lost nearly 60 pounds and, more importantly, gained a better quality of life. I’ve found my community—and I’m incredibly excited to continue building it and helping other women do the same.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the most significant challenges I’ve faced has been overcoming the negativity and bias often directed toward plus-size and slower-paced runners—particularly on social media. Early in my journey, I encountered a great deal of criticism, not only about my body but also about others who looked like me. The naysayers questioned our place in the running community, often diminishing our efforts simply because we didn’t fit the traditional image of what a runner “should” look like.
Facing that kind of judgment was difficult, but it also fueled my determination to create a space where women of all sizes and paces are seen, valued, and supported. It motivated me to challenge those narrow standards and show that strength, endurance, and dedication come in many forms.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Because I Can Runners?
Because I Can Runners is an inclusive, women-focused running club based in Atlanta, dedicated to supporting slow-paced runners. We meet biweekly on weekends for relaxed, community-centered runs that prioritize connection over competition.
Our mission is to create a welcoming, judgment-free space where women of all sizes and fitness levels can show up as their authentic selves—no pressure to “keep up” or race anyone. We believe in celebrating every pace and every runner.
Beyond running, we are committed to empowering our members through fitness education, confidence-building, and access to a variety of movement options. In addition to our group runs, we offer guidance on proper running techniques, fueling strategies, and incorporate cross-training activities such as Pilates, cycling, hiking, and boxing to encourage a well-rounded, joyful approach to movement.
At Because I Can Runners, we show up for each other—in running and in life—and continue to grow a supportive community rooted in encouragement, resilience, and self-love.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Honestly, I wouldn’t say luck—good or bad—has been the driving force in my life or business. It’s been resilience, hard work, prayer, and a lot of restless nights. There have been moments when things didn’t go as planned, and times I questioned if it was all worth it—but every challenge taught me something. Every setback pushed me to dig deeper and keep going.
What I’ve built hasn’t come easily, but it has come with purpose. The community I’ve created, the people I’ve connected with, and the growth I’ve experienced are all results of showing up consistently—even when it was hard. I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. It’s been far from lucky—but it’s been deeply meaningful, and that’s more than enough for me.
Contact Info:
