Celebrating International Women's Day

Today is officially International Women's Day. Now, I'm not someone who likes or ever feels there is a need for label's, and I'm not someone who goes 'looking' for a debate. But I do like the fact we have a day that celebrates women and women's achievements.

Of course it really is quite sad that someone felt that we do actually need a day to celebrate because surely, that's a given, but unfortunately - it hasn't always been.

I personally view International Women's Day as a day to remember those who have achieved something they were told they couldn't, or shouldn't, or even weren't allowed to do.

The running world simply can not forget Katherine Switzer who, in 1967, was the first female to officially run a marathon - despite having people try to pull her off the course simply because she's a woman. And of course Lyn Lemaire in 1979 being the very first female Ironman. And that's just 2 women.

These are big celebrations. Huge. And absolutely worthy of a day to be recognised.

And I love how these things remind us of our own achievements.

When I started running I never thought I could get round the park once - never mind go on and run 100km in one day! When I first got in a pool with the intention of actually swimming - proper swimming, not just an odd stroke here and there - swimming 2.4 MILES before getting on my bike for 112 and then running for 26.2 just wasn't a thing that crossed my mind! Madness! But I've done it. And I will do it again.

We need to celebrate the small wins as well as the big ones. Even if it is just internally and to ourselves, because that's what's important. Our own opinion of ourselves. Not someone else telling us we can't or shouldn't or we are not allowed to do something. It's not about celebrating the fact we have ovaries and a womb, it's kind of about the fact we can do all the things also. (Although in fairness, when I have my period, there's a strong possibility I'm not doing all the stuff - just being honest).

My own fire is not fueled by someone telling me I can't do something. That just makes me think that person's a twat. My fire is fueled by doing the things I personally thought I couldn't, and then doing them.

So let's continue to celebrate and remember every amazing woman we know, but let's also remember to celebrate our own achievements - no matter what they may be.