maria

I’m in my early-thirties and took-up jogging a few years ago. In the first couple of months as i was jogging in the park, (probably not even jogging, but just going very slowly and out of breath!) a group of teenage boys on their bikes cycled next to me whistling and commenting on my body. I was startled and really annoyed by this and responded back to them telling them to f-off and leave me alone! Immediately they reacted by calling me a fat b***h! I finished my run and they were still at the park so i went up to them and gave them a piece of my mind. It just amazed me that whilst I was just a “passive” woman running in the park, I was “game” for harassment, but as soon as I spoke back and tried to protect myself, I was “demoted” to a fat b*tch. For a while it made me conscious and think twice about running in that park, but I eventually just resumed as normal and the group never bothered me again. Running for a few years now, not out of breath any more 🙂 I found out it’s something that happens a lot on streets and in public parks in London in broad daylight, and I deal with it by wearing headphones, listening to my favourite music and blocking everything out. Men and boys (!) still definitely think they own public space and the women in it, but I sure as hell wont let it stop me from doing what i love!