Running is universal. Serving as the foundation of most fast-paced sports, running as a sport itself requires hardly any specialized equipment. All you really need is a good pair of trusted running shoes and a mindset focused on your running goals.
However, despite being recognized as a largely inclusive sport, it wasn’t always the case throughout history, especially for us women. As a matter of fact, women weren’t allowed to participate in distance running not only because it was considered unladylike but also because “women are not physiologically able to run marathon distances,” according to the Boston Marathon race organizers in 1966, who rejected the application of Bobbi Gibb, the first woman runner to finish the Boston Marathon (albeit unofficially). Nevertheless, thanks to Bobbi and other women’s running pioneers, the sports' landscape today is diverse and open to almost anyone.
This International Women’s Day, we’ve partnered up with three incredible women who have found solace and success in the sport of running. We asked them several questions about their experience as women in the sport of running. First, we have Myra Francisco, an awesome runner from Cubao Run Club. Our second featured runner is Ashley Cayuca from Rockwell Run Club, a former DLSU women’s basketball athlete. Last, but definitely not least, is Kaye Burgos, a gold-winning Philippine triathlete.
Question 1: What inspired you to start running, and how has it empowered you personally?
For Myra, running started when she was young. However, she officially started getting back to running four years ago as a means to feel more active and motivated. Moreover, for Myra, running is also a way to connect with her own community, meeting not only her partner but also other great people through the sport.
For Ashley, running is a means to push herself beyond her comfort zone. Her personal aversion to running served as her motivation to actually start and improve at running. It has empowered her to see herself excel in an activity she once struggled with.
For Kaye, the ‘wanting to run’ feeling arose out of nowhere when she was just a competitive swimmer seven years ago. From this, she actually trained and participated in her first aquathlon, duathlon, and eventually triathlon at the international stage. Running makes Kaye feel limitless and has inspired her to keep setting new goals.
Question 2: Can you share a significant challenge you’ve faced while pursuing your running journey, and how did you overcome it?
The spirit of competition and burnout was Myra’s biggest challenge in running, especially when she was just starting out. While there’s nothing wrong with being competitive, her mindset was too focused on comparing herself to others and wanting to run far and fast. She became too focused on the destination rather than her running journey, leading to disappointment and burnout. Slowly, she shed those self-inflicted expectations and focused on running for herself. She allowed herself to run her own race, and her goals eventually followed.
One significant challenge that Ashley faced during her running journey was balancing training with her jam-packed schedule and other commitments. Prioritizing her training, she crafted her schedule around it and stayed flexible whenever the need arose. She took a moment and set her running goals, allowing her to visualize the finish line despite the hustle and bustle of her everyday life.
In her journey to become a better runner, Kaye made sure that she always pushed herself to her limit during her training sessions. Eventually, she was injured several times for months on end, leaving her frustrated and eager to come back to training. However, with the help of her coach, she trusted the process of her recovery and took agency over the things she had control over.
Question 3: In what ways do you believe running contributes to breaking down societal barriers and promoting inclusivity for women?
Myra believes in the power of running as a means of breaking down societal barriers for women by fostering a community that promotes inclusivity and encourages everyone to embrace the joys of running. She believes in the transformative power of running, as women strive to achieve the goals of their own running journey. She is confident that there is a run club out there for everyone—a run club where women runners can connect with other women runners as they continue to inspire and uplift each other.
For Ashley, it’s all about challenging stereotypes by proving, not just to others but also to ourselves, that women are strong and determined. She also echoes Myra, seeing running as a means of bringing women together, inspiring one another, and showing that women can achieve anything we set our minds to.
Kaye believes in the importance of recognizing those who came before us. The pioneers of women’s running who challenged existing preconceptions of femininity. She highlights the importance of women in running today as a reaffirmation of the struggle of women who fought for the right to participate in running events.
Question 4: As a woman who runs, what advice or message would you like to share with other women who may be hesitant to start (or continue) their own running journey?
Myra: “It’s never too late to start your running journey, and there are no limitations to who can begin. You don’t need any prior experience or training, and you don’t need to hire coaches or join a group. You can do it all for yourself, and it’s all about making positive changes for your body and your mind. So, don’t worry if you don’t feel strong yet; just start and love yourself along the way. We are here to support you in making the best decisions you’ve ever made.”
Ashley: “Just show up. Stop overthinking and analyzing, and just take that first step. You’ll be amazed at what your mind and body are capable of once you start. Remember, progress comes from consistency and effort, so lace up those shoes and hit the pavement. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve.”
Kaye: “While it may take a lot of energy and effort, it's the journey of learning and growing that makes the process beautiful. We get to figure out who we are and what motivates us, visualize who we want to be and create goals around that vision, and build ourselves by breaking our personal limits. It's either 'one day' or 'day one', ladies. 💘”
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