Running is one of the most popular physical activities for Australians.

Everyone has their own reason for doing it.

It could be valuable time to yourself away from the chaos of everyday life; an easy and inexpensive way to keep fit; or something that can provide a sense of achievement.

But for so many women, what should be a simple pleasure can be mentally exhausting.

That’s something Anna Fitzgerald can relate to.

She’s the executive general manager of sport strategy and risk at Athletics Australia. She’s also a keen runner and mum of two girls.

“It does certainly play a heavy burden on women. Finding time to exercise is already hard,” she says.

And according to the Australia Institute, 87 per cent of women have experienced at least one form of verbal or physical street harassment.

“When we talk about harassment, I think one of the things that we forget about is what form that takes,” Mrs Fitzgerald says.