"Women's Running" made a huge statement when they put plus-size model Erica Schenk on the cover of their August issue with a very empowering photo and message.

The New York-based model was photographed for the shoot while running at her favorite place, Brooklyn's Prospect Park, according to Women's Running Magazine. She's been running for ten years now and in the issue she explains why she runs and how she gets focused while showing off some new running gear for women with curvy frames.

The most inspiring answer she gave in the interview, though, was when she was asked what the best part of being on the cover: "Women of all sizes deserve to be praised for good health and have a presence in the media."

 "Honestly, I was astonished," the 18-year-old told People. "My family is overwhelmingly proud."

Originally, she was supposed to appear within the issue for a piece on athletic brands that are expanding their products to fit all sizes. But she impressed the editors so much, that they decided to let her shine and they are now being praised for their decision.

"The photo shoot was fabulous," Schenk said. "James Farrell [the photographer] made sure I was comfortable and relaxed. The whole crew really put the effort in and we got an amazing product."

Jessica Sebor, the magazine's Editor-in-chief, said Schenk was the perfect fit as a runner for the message they want to get across in this issue, Today learned.

"There's a stereotype that all runners are skinny, and that's just not the case," Sebor said. "Runners come in all shapes and sizes. You can go to any race finish line – from 5K to a marathon – and see that. It was important for us to celebrate that."

"I think that every woman goes to the magazine rack sometimes and feels like she can't see herself in the cover images," she continued to say. "We wanted our readers to feel like they could see themselves in our cover."

Schenk just wants the world we live in to be a less judgemental place. "Our generation has taken leaps and bounds toward less judgement and more acceptances," she said. "It makes me proud to see people responding positively to a curvy and proud woman who wants to lead a healthy lifestyle. The cover proves anyone can run."

"Don't be afraid to be curvy and do what you love," Schenk added. "You are not alone."

See the full interview and shoot when the issue hits stands July 21!

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