Meet Madia - international women’s day

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating some of the fantastic women who are taking part in London Duathlon 2024. Hear their stories about how they started cycling and running, discover their role models and read their advice for other women who are interested in getting into Duathlons.

Madia, 38 from London, has signed up to take part in London Duathlon this year and we asked her about her journey to the start line.

Tell us, how did you get into cycling and running and how has your journey been so far?

I enjoyed running in school/Uni but didn’t really take it up regularly until I had kids, and seeked a stress reducing hobby. Over the last two years I’ve been running weekly and will run my first marathon this year!

Cycling was a new challenge I set myself for my 35th birthday, when I had planned a family cycle holiday for us. The goal was to stay on the bike longer then 5 mins! I managed a 8km bike ride in the new forest on my birthday, but have lacked public cycling skills since.

What do you enjoy most about RUNNING and how does it make you feel?

I love the energy it gives me after, but equally the confidence in my own body during. My head and mood is always clearer, uplifted and more positive after a session. I love the social aspect too, be it saying hi to neighbours passing on a Sunday morning or with a group /club run. 

Why did you sign up London Duathlon 2024?

I love running, and cycling is still super new to me. So I wanted to challenge myself in 2024, before I turn 40 next year, to do an event involving both sports. I might try a triathlon next year!!!  

How do you balance running AND cycling with other aspects of your life, such as work or family?

Participating in exercise and hobbies gives me the endorphins I need to feel and have a fulfilled happy life. I love my early runs, before getting the kids up for school. My social runs on my day off and on weekends are such a great laugh. I love planning my week around the training runs I want to achieve.

Who is your role model and why?

My mum! Always creative with her time and such a entrepreneur whilst having four kids. I recall her setting up walking groups when I was younger, to help the Asian women in my community to get active!

What is your biggest achievement?

Having a beautiful family and running two businesses, whilst supporting numerous community projects in my area. I’m proud to be a health professional empowering women with their health, and soon I will be a marathon runner too! 

I have loved seeing others start their running journey and the milestones they are achieving. It gives me great pleasure to be a part of it. So much so that I started my own running group a few months ago to support others.

As a female cyclist and runner, do you face any specific challenges or obstacles? How do you overcome them?

I think safety is one - the recent incidents of runners being attacked has definitely had an impact on when , where and how long I go out on my runs. I tend to keep my location finder on and tell my hubby roughly how long I plan to be out. 

As a female wearing a hijab, I do tend to stand out when attending races and generally at events. I try to use this as a way to educate, inspire and encourage discussions and create change around inclusion and also maintenance of females in sport. 

There is still a lot of work needed to help stigma around sport and girls/women whilst on their periods, pregnant/postpartum and into perimenopause stages.

Can you share a particularly empowering moment you've experienced while exercising?

Having suffered from antenatal and postnatal depression, running really helped me get back on my feet. In 2023 I did numerous races to help build my confidence in my running skills but also my social anxiety. By October, during a half marathon, I felt the change of anxiety energy to joy, gratitude and excitement of how well I had progressed during these months.

Are there any female athletes who have been influential or inspirational to you?

The tennis and running athletes have inspired me, watching their return to professional sport after having children. It’s been amazing to see how female athletes have dictated their own return and ability. They have broken down so many barriers and expectations for the rest of us mums. 

In your opinion, what changes or improvements could be made in the community to better support and encourage female cyclists and runners?

Personally I’d like to see more modest cycling options. I appreciate safety is an aspect, but I can’t wear shorts and show my legs. That seems to be the “look” for serious cyclists. So I guess a part of me feels, I may not be accepted.

I feel the running community is far more inclusive in what you wear.

 What advice would you give to other women who are thinking of participating in a Duathlon like London Duathlon?

Go for it. Sign up and the rest will fall into place. Don’t overthink it. Go and enjoy. Get the first one done. Then you can decide if you want to do more! Ideally team up with a friend for moral support. 

Look into the plans on the website and build your confidence up via training and building up your strength. 

  What are your goals as a runner, both in the short term and the long term?

Short term I want to achieve my first marathon in April, Ultra 50km in June, the London Duathlon in September, and attempt an international race by the end of the year. Then try to attend a triathlon next year, before my 40th! 

What advice would you give to young women who aspire to pursue their goals and overcome gender-related barriers?

Surround yourself with like minded people/clubs. Having a community to ask your questions and help sign post you is priceless. It helps keep you consistent and you learn loads. If nothing local, then use social channels to follow inspirational individuals to keep you motivated. 

Lastly, what does International Women's Day mean to you, and how do you think it impacts women in sports overall?

As a lady of Asian descent and hijab wearing, I feel International Women’s Day is about openly discussing what is working and what is not. Working with those with aligned values to push for change. In sport I feel we need both visual and physical representation, as well as appropriate culturally sensitive training for those keen to get involved. 

We loved hearing more about Madia’s inspiring story and incredible running and cycling journey.

You can join Madia and thousands of other incredible participants at London Duathlon on Sunday 8 September 2024. Sign up now.