Running Miles With Heart Disease CHD
šļø Ultra Running, Menstrual Cycles, Menopause & Female Performance For decades, women have been given training plans, nutrition advice, and recovery protocols built largely on research conducted on men. In this episode of Running Miles with Heart Disease CHD, we explore why women are not "small men" and how understanding female physiology can unlock better performance, recovery, and long-term health. We dive into the menstrual cycle, menopause, nutrition, strength training, injury prevention, and the science behind training with your hormones instead of fighting them. Topics Discussed: ⢠Training around the menstrual cycle ⢠The performance advantages of the follicular phase ⢠Recovery and fueling during the luteal phase ⢠Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) ⢠Iron deficiency and endurance performance ⢠Bone health and stress fracture prevention ⢠Strength training for female runners ⢠Pelvic floor health ⢠Pregnancy, postpartum running, and menopause ⢠Protein requirements and carbohydrate fueling ⢠Fasted training and cortisol ⢠Menstrual management during races ⢠AI and the future of female-specific training šāāļø Top 10 Takeaways for Female Runners 1. Women are not small menāfemale physiology requires a unique training approach. 2. Your menstrual cycle is a valuable health and performance indicator. 3. The follicular phase can be ideal for hard workouts, speed sessions, and heavy lifting. 4. During the luteal phase, recovery, protein, and carbohydrate needs increase. 5. RED-S can negatively impact hormones, recovery, bone health, and performance. 6. Iron deficiency is one of the most overlooked performance limiters in female athletes. 7. Heavy resistance training improves strength, bone density, and longevity. 8. Menopause requires adjustments in training, nutrition, and recovery. 9. Fasted training may increase cortisol and impair recovery for many women. 10. Long-term performance starts with long-term health. šŖ The Menstrual Advantage: 5 Performance Superpowers 1. Higher pain tolerance during the early follicular phase. 2. Better recovery and muscle repair. 3. Greater ability to handle high-intensity training. 4. Improved adaptation to strength training. 5. Better understanding of personal performance patterns. š„ Top 10 Whole Foods for Female Runners & Menopause Support 1. Edamame 2. Soybeans 3. Lentils 4. Chickpeas 5. Black beans 6. Flaxseeds 7. Chia seeds 8. Oats 9. Berries 10. Dark leafy greens š Top 10 Tips for Running During Your Period 1. Track your cycle and symptoms. 2. Plan key workouts around energy levels when possible. 3. Prioritize hydration and electrolytes. 4. Increase iron-rich foods. 5. Consume adequate protein. 6. Fuel before and after training. 7. Adjust training when necessary. 8. Practice race-day fueling strategies well in advance. 9. Use technical menstrual gear to prevent chafing. 10. Remember that your cycle is informationānot a limitation. ā ļø Common Mistakes Female Athletes Make ⢠Under-fueling ⢠Ignoring cycle-related changes ⢠Training fasted too frequently ⢠Neglecting strength training ⢠Waiting until race day to test nutrition ⢠Missing iron deficiency warning signs ⢠Viewing menopause as the end of performance rather than a new phase of training š„ Final Message The future of female endurance performance isn't about training harderāit's about training smarter. By understanding hormones, fueling appropriately, prioritizing recovery, and building strength, women can improve performance while protecting their health for years to come. Train with your physiology. Fuel your body. Build strength. Use your cycle as an advantageānot an obstacle.
46 episodes
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