The topic of the menstrual cycle is something that many people feel uncomfortable discussing and I recognize that it’s not as relevant to our male readers.
However, for women or those coaching women runners it’s important to have an awareness of how the menstrual cycle can affect training and know what to expect during different times of the month. Hormonal shifts can affect many aspects in a woman’s life including sleep cycles, stress levels, appetite, fluid retention, energy levels, motivation, and much more.
Let’s talk about the phases of the menstrual cycle, what challenges you may face during various phases of the cycle, how to train strong despite hormonal challenges, and how to deal with your flow during long runs and races. Continue Reading →