Mariam is known as the @hijabi.hiker on instagram her bio reads - A hijabi hiking around the UK to be inspired and inspire. Part time writer, wannabe runner, coffee addict
#DiversifyOutdoors
Mariam in her own words:
“I’m a hobbyist writer, avid hiker and tutor in my spare time, and work full time in Oncology research. A proud woman of colour, I’m excited about sharing my journey into the outdoors to encourage more diversity and healing from the world we all share.”
During this podcast Mariam shares more about her childhood and growing up, and how she got interested in the outdoors. Mariam talks about the challenges she has faced and how her confidence has increased by taking on new challenges from running her first 5k race to completing her longest hike to-date -30km through the Shropshire Hills.
Mariam shares more about how she took her first steps into the outdoors and gives top tips and advice to inspire you to take your first step.
On the 1st April Mariam is starting the #BeBraveChallenge. Listen to the Tough Girl Podcast to find out how you can get involved!
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Show notes
- Who is Mariam
- Her childhood and growing up being active
- Being the youngest of 4
- Getting into hiking
- Doing stuff with the Scouts and the Duke of Edinburgh Award
- Her role models
- Wanting to encourage more Muslim women to get into hiking
- Hiking solo at the start
- Feeling unsafe and scared
- Barriers to getting into the outdoors
- Not seeing women who looked like her
- The benefits of getting in the outdoors
- Feeling a sense of freedom when outside
- Being able to get perspective
- Feeling a sense of achievement when reaching the top
- Friends and family and what they think
- Building confidence in other areas of her life
- Taking on a 5k running challenge
- Advice for other runners
- Why it’s important to enjoy it
- The journey and the progression
- 30km hike through the Shropshire Hills
- Strive - Spring Charity Challenge
- Not having much time to plan or prepare
- Concerns before the challenge
- Slowing down and enjoying the time out on the hills
- Magical moments from the hike
- Talking about gear when you start out hiking
- Looking after her feet and dealing with blisters
- April Challenge…
- #BeBraveChallenge
- Final words of advice
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