our story

why sweaty ponytales?

The name came from three friends running together in Chicago.
Two girls who talked nonstop (and sweated a lot).
One guy stuck in the middle, constantly swiped by sweaty ponytails.

Stories + ponytails = sweaty ponytales™

But it's more than a name.
It's the conversations we have on the run — the "tales" we tell. The kind of oversharing that only happens when all those miles add up.

We laugh. We vent. We pep-talk ourselves through the hard stuff. Sometimes we know each other's life stories without even knowing last names. We keep showing up for each other. 

Our cards capture those unfiltered moments — the grit, humor, and heart every runner knows. Because every athlete has a story, and they deserve more than a generic card.

sweaty ponytales is here to tell your tales, make you laugh, and cheer you on.
One sweaty ponytale at a time.

meet our founder

I didn't grow up loving running. In fact, I hated it.
But after moving to Chicago in my 20s, that changed.

My dad ran the Chicago Marathon every year. My mom and I chased him through the city. One year we saw a runner collapse steps from the finish. Four strangers stopped, lifted him, and carried him across the line.

It was raw and real. I turned to my mom and said: "I want to try this."

my first race

In 2001, I ran my first marathon — my first race ever. I read books, called my dad for advice, and taped Hal Higdon's plan to my fridge. Friends biked alongside me on training runs with Dixie cups so I could practice taking water. And I finished with a smile on my face.

And just like that, I was hooked.

the miles since

  • 50-some marathons
  • an Ironman
  • more start lines than I can count
  • coaching, pacing and volunteering

I've run fast. I've run injured. I've lost my mojo and found it again. Through it all, I've met strangers who've become lifelong friends.

And I still get inspired nearly every time I lace up.

today

I'm anti-treadmill, pro-conversation, and I will 100% talk to you mid-race.
I started sweaty ponytales™ because running stirs up the best, weirdest, most human thoughts. I wanted cards that captured it all — the stuff only runners truly get. 

I make these for people who do hard things for fun. And who get to do them together. Because how freaking cool is that?

Happy running...

Julie