Running and International Women's Day - Crandon Run's Friday Photo #24

A round up of Crandon Runs in one weekly photo

The internet was full this Sunday of awesome women, and men, taking to the roads en mass to run in celebration of International Women's Day. GREAT STUFF. Runs were taking place all over the world, from huge organised runs to women running solo because they can.

But it wasn't always this way for us female runners.

Not so long ago, women were thought to be 'unable' to run marathons. In 1967 - yes only in the sixties - Kathrine Switzer entered the Boston Marathon to prove to her coach that she could not only take on but also finish the distance as a woman. Having entered legitimately and surrounded by an all male crew, Switzer put on her lipstick and began her first marathon.

Kathrine Switzer 1967 Boston Marathon

Despite male organisers trying to grab her number off her mid race and push her off course for having the audacity to run as a woman (pictured above), she finished and became the first female to ever complete a marathon. The event, and Switzer, made headlines all over the world, paving the way for all of us female runners today.

We still battle on a daily basis; from street athletes continually reporting receiving harassment while out training, to large organised races still offering smaller prizes for female participants, there is still a way to go. But people like Katherine Switzer really forged the way in showing the world that we are equal in everything, including our sporting ability and running. Looking at my twitter feed, instagram, whatever - the level of support us female runners show to each other, many of whom we've never met in person, is strong. And I am proud to be part of that community. 

So ladies, and supportive men, keep doing what you're doing and inspiring us all.

Talk about This Girl Can.

#MCRwomenbike - CrandonRuns Friday Photo #23

A round-up of Crandon Runs in one weekly photo

This week it's not about running at all but instead my beloved Bobbins Birdie bike.

I heard about #MCRwomenbike, a great photography project running in Manchester aimed at shortening the gender gap in women and sport, and inspiring women to get on their bikes. What a great cause! I have dutifully submitted my photo and am awaiting moderation.

Based on the New York project #ibikebecause the project is aiming to collect photos all types of female cyclists on, or near, their bikes with a sign stating why they ride, or their biking achievement in celebration of International Women's Day.

The project welcomes photos from all female cyclists in Manchester, so whether you commute every day or just ride at the weekends, take a snap of you and your bike with reasons why you ride, submit it and get voting to inspire other awesome ladies to get out their too and discover the joys of riding a bike.

I've just scrolled through loads of submissions and they brought a HUGE grin to my face. Casting my vote is going to be tricky.

Here is my submission. 

Happy cycling folks.

Do you cycle? What do you love about it?