Deutsch wears a loose skirt over tight leggings, and as a married woman, she also covers her hair with headscarves or wigs. It can be difficult for her to find workout clothes that don’t require layering for extra coverage.
“I think it’s unfortunate that sportswear companies assume that if a woman is sporty and running that she’s going to want to show off her body,” she said.
Still, her religious observance has never held her back from her fitness goals, prompting Jew in the City, an organization dedicated to breaking down stereotypes about Orthodox Jews, to feature her on their site.
“I’ve always felt really proud of what I’m wearing when I run,” she said. “To me, this is a demonstration that you don’t have to be restricted or limited by choosing to dress modestly.”
Deutsch’s modest dress — and pregnancy belly — turned heads at the Tel Aviv Marathon.