JOIN USRunning is no longer associated with just men. More and more women are coming to the fore and taking up the challenge of running several kilometres, just like their male counterparts.
Not only do these women prepare for half marathons and 10K runs, they also follow strict guidelines for increased stamina and fitness. This requires them to make some sacrifices but they aren’t complaining as they are passionate about running.
Timtim Sharma has been taking part in marathons and other runs for more than a year now. She has seen a steady rise in the number of women runners in the last one year. “Running gives me my space and though it is difficult for women to manage their homes, children and profession and take up running, one just needs to pick up a pair of shoes and start. I have been running for more than a year and feel it is one of the most challenging sports. I have taken part in two full marathons, three half marathons and four ten-kilometre runs,” she lists out.
Geeta Bisht has run several half marathons as well as races and says there are many examples of successful women taking part in different kind of runs. “Most of us start with a three-kilometre run and go on to run in different categories. I used to focus on finishing the race when I had just started running. Soon, I started winning and that is what inspired me to continue. Women today are very passionate about running and despite being extremely successful in their professional lives, they come out and set an example,” she says.
Some point out that there are many challenges that women runners face. Vaishali Kasture, a senior investment banker, says there is hardly any place to practise in the City and safety is a big challenge. She also points out that women runners have a limited choice when it comes to sports gear. “People abroad are spoilt for choice when it comes to sports gear. But we hardly have a choice here. Though many women today are taking up running, not many take part in full marathons,” she points out.
Women runners say that though the number of women taking part in half marathons and other runs is still low as compared to men, the trend is gaining popularity. “I started running almost a year back and groomed myself to run half marathons. Besides hitting the gym three times a week, I also run three times a week. More women are taking up running to be fit and healthy,” informs Aishwarya, who has participated in many runs. “I do see many women runners making an effort to finish the race and compete with men. Also, there are more new faces now,” she adds.