Culture, Women
Get out there and be you.
My name is Tazneem, but most people call me Taz. I’m a busy full-time working mum, and I’m a runner…. a runner who wears a hijab (a head covering for Muslim women).
Being a Muslim woman means that I cover my head in a hijab, but I also do not wear clothing that reveals my skin, e.g. short sleeve tops or shorts.
When I went for my very 1st run, I was anxious about running in public wearing a hijab and being fully covered. I was worried about what other people would think if they saw me. “Will they laugh at me?” “Will someone attack me, as I’m very visibly Muslim?”. I was worried what the local Muslim communitywould think of me if they saw me running. “Will they think I’m bringing shame to my family?” So much so, that I did most of my running very early in the morning when there wasn’t anybody around.
I’ve been running for almost 3 years now. All of my previous worries have not stopped me. I wear a sports hijab which looks great and is sweat wicking. I make sure to wear thinner but full-length training tops and bottoms when running in warm weather and it’s never caused me any issues. Thankfully, I’ve never experienced any negativity whilst out running, in fact it’s been the opposite. Everyone has been so supportive
But for me, it’s not just the running I love. It’s the way it builds communities and helps others. I run races for charity. I’m also a Run Director for Junior parkrun, which enables 4-14 year olds to run at our local park in a safe environment. I also volunteer at the adult parkrun cheering on the other runners. I’m also a member of my local running club where I get to lead group runs and, also as a UKA qualified Run Leader, help new starters to running to get from couch to 5K.
Running is a great way of meeting new people from all walks of life. My social circle has grown exponentially. When I go to a race now, I never race alone. I always meet people I know personally or those who are part of the same virtual running clubs as me. The support and camaraderie is something I’ve never experienced before and it’s such a great feeling.
I’m also taking this further this year by taking part in the Orbis Trail Challenge in October 2020 with 30 other runners. This will involve running three trail runs; a 25K extreme mountain trail run, a 20K forest run and a 20K Lake Malawi Run. Whilst doing this we will also be helping local charity projects such as the raising awareness of reforestation programs, taking part in local sports and engaging with the local Malawian people.
As a mother, mother’s guilt will always be there. But it’s the quality of time I spend with my children rather than the quantity that counts. Also, I know I’m a happier and better mother if I’ve had some me time to go running. I’m blessed to have a very supportive husband, who has always been there to encourage me and push me to pursue my love of running.
To sum up, don’t let how you dress and how you think others will perceive you stop you from running or taking part in any sport. Go out there and be you.
