She was going for a run

The conversation about just going for a run has drastically changed due to the sickening event this past Wednesday afternoon in Tullamore. One of the co-hosts of the Any Given Runday podcast, Rachael, talks about how she feels about running alone (as well as running the canals), her experiences and her desire to start the conversation about how to address Wednesday's senseless act, in this week's episode of the Any Given Runday podcast.

Like I did on the podcast, I'm just going to shut up and listen on this one. Here’s Rachael’s post, from the Any Given Training Day Instagram page, on starting the conversation and this week’s episode (available on Spotify HERE and Apple Podcasts HERE)

”I am still trying to understand and make sense of the senseless event that happened last week.

Growing up in north Kildare, I was fortunate to live near to both the Royal and Grand canals. I have ran more miles along those banks than I could possibly count, many of which have been solo! I cannot tell you how many times I have finished a day of teaching and gone straight to the canal for a run. It really made this tragedy hit home.

This past week has drawn attention to the fear women face when they step out alone, but probably more importantly, it has also started a conversation. We need to acknowledge that this issue is not just a woman’s issue, that men have an equally important role to play in changing things for the better. These horrific acts of violence against women begin small like wolf whistling. It’s time we addressed harassment in all forms and worked to eradicate it at all levels.

This week’s podcast was a tough one to record. We chatted about our different experiences, me as a female runner who often runs solo, versus Sean’s and Eric’s. But for us, the most important thing about doing this episode was continuing this conversation. We know this issue is not going to fix itself overnight, but if by having these conversations even one person makes a change to their behaviour or calls out harassment at an entry level, then that is progress in the right direction.

This tragedy could have happened to anyone, but it SHOULD NOT have happened to anyone!

Our deepest sympathy and condolences are with Ashling’s family, friends and community.

May she rest in peace 🕊

- Rachael”