Congratulations to the recent graduates!
This year the Muslimah Sports Association in Redbridge have been taking part in a Couch to 5k challenge.
Starting as complete beginners, the women have been using the Couch to 5k app and supporting each other to slowly build up to running 5k.
They recently held a celebration event to congratulate the graduates and reflect on the positive and powerful impact this community has on their self-confidence and self-belief.
Reshma
When I first heard about the 9 week plan to get to run 5km, i thought “no way I was gonna do that”. I used to get breathless going up the stairs!
But I had recently started up a healthy journey, was eating healthy and now needed the exercise.
Beauty of the run was meeting other sisters and going through the same journey.
Week 9 arrived. This run was it. 5k was here. With a friend motivating me it seemed to be the best run ever, I did it I completed the Couch to 5k and what a feeling I cannot describe.”
Salma
“The weather didn’t stop me. Its actually quite refreshing in the rain. Like they say, there’s no such thing as the wrong weather, just the wrong clothing!”
Reha
“Three things I don’t say no to: A friend with a smile, being versatile and now running the extra mile! Thanks to the 5k squad! Anything is possible with these lot rooting for you! 😊”
Fatimah
“It is thanks to everyone’s encouragement, seeing everyone posting on group!”.
Uzma
“I’ve had this Couch to 5k goal for the last couple of years, but I never really did anything about it apart from downloading the app!
Although I actually never made it to a group running sessions, knowing that others were doing the same really motivated me.
There was one run that really stands out for me which was when it goes from 8 minutes to a full 20 minutes. I was dreading it and felt like this was going to be my exit point, but sisters made it feel possible so I went for it that afternoon and I ran it! This was a defining point in my journey.”
Chair and Founder of the Muslimah Sports Association, Yashmin Harun BEM congratulated the succesful graduates.
“When we first started this group I was a bit dubious about the impact we could have – getting women to start running, week after week especially with the cold days drawing in…well how wrong was I? The women never cease to amaze us, their pure joy for each other’s achievement and the encouragement they give one another is admirable 
“
Muslimah Sports Association aims to offer women a safe and positive environment to participate in a number of different sports without compromising their religious or cultural beliefs.
