#UoBWomen: Run like a woman

Written by Alice James

Hi, I’m Alice and this month marks Women’s History Month, a time to acknowledge the incredible progress that women have made over the years. This month, I want to reflect of how I and so many other women are embracing that spirit one step at a time…literally! I started running a year ago and it has not only taught me the power of perseverance but has connected me with a community of unbelievably strong women.

My running journey

I’ve always loved sport but running was firmly off the cards following Year 7 cross-country lessons that involved a lot of rain, mud and sheep poo. In January 2024, a friend invited me on a run, and I was wheezing, walking and convinced I was seconds away from my death bed. It was a 2km run. I was so embarrassed by my fitness (or rather, lack of) that I decided to put the cross-country days behind me and start running regularly.

Four months later I was running my first 10km race. It’s safe to say I’d caught the running bug. It made me feel powerful like no other sport had because, as a woman, it’s so freeing to sweat, wheeze, go red and not care. I love that it’s not pretty or ‘ladylike’. It’s a physical and mental battle that makes me push my limits and has completely transformed my mindset.

The superwomen of running

This year, I attended the NEC’s National Running Show and was blown away by the girl power in that hall. Over the weekend, I witnessed Sophie Power (yes, that’s her actual name) complete a running world record on a treadmill. When she finished, having run continuously for 48 hours, she got on stage and was asked how she felt. She very nonchalantly said, ‘I feel a bit tired but I’m okay’.

I also listened to the astoundingly humble Jasmin Paris talk about how she is the only woman to have ever completed the Barkley marathons, 60 hours of running on extremely unforgiving terrain. She is the definition of superhuman and ended her talk by saying ‘It’s a really positive time to be a woman’.

How far we’ve come

Listening to these forces of nature and knowing that women are increasingly taking up running is so empowering. It wasn’t until 1975 that women could even compete in runs longer than 7 kilometres in the UK and, although that might seem like ages ago, that’s within my mum’s lifetime. I’m running a half marathon in May alongside hundreds of other women and it’s scary to think that when my mum was around my age, this would’ve been unheard of.

I also watched a panel discussion recently on how the menstrual cycle affects running, a conversation that hardly existed five years ago, let alone on such big stages. Research on the menstrual cycle’s impact on exercise only gained significant attention in 2020, with the volume of studies doubling from 2019, and revealed insights into women’s running that were so desperately needed. It’s unbelievably empowering that we are finally beginning to discuss, understand and embrace the differences in our bodies and work with them. Jasmin was right, it truly is a positive time to be a woman.

Celebrate in your own way

Whether it’s running or something entirely different, take time to be proud of your strength and resilience this month and let’s keep paving the way for a brighter future. If you want to get involved, be sure to check out the University’s website for the wonderful events being held on and around campus this March from walks to socials and talks.

Browse what's on for International Women's Day and Women's History Month.