Women are winning the race!!. For nearly a decade, more women runners have been crossing the finish line. In the US alone, 57% of the finishers are women and globally female race participation is up to 25%. That’s a whole lotta Girl Power!!

There are big and small challenges of running as a woman. The biggest part of the challenges is our biological setup. We are not physically as strong as men but keeping that aside we are more flexible and agile than men which comes as a benefit for running. Here is a list of some of the challenges that women face as runners and how to overcome these challenges:

1. The Great Iron Struggle – Low Iron is a common issue among female runners. We lose iron during menstruation and any extra loss puts us at risk for exercise induced anemia. All women runners should make sure to make an extra effort to consume an iron rich diet. If your periods are irregular due to hard training, please address them with a medical professional.

• Dealing with Catcalling – A simple comment “Looking Good!” can become uncomfortable at times. Catcalling isn’t something that happens only with women but it is more common. I have yet to figure out a solution, but as a suggestion it is best to avoid running on isolated trails and schedule your run during the daylight hours.

• Motherhood – As mothers, we face many physiological changes in our bodies during pregnancy. Although compared to labor, the pain of running a marathon is almost insignificant, however, women find their bodies have slowed down postpartum. Women get busy with child rearing hence get off track with their own health. There are exercises that can be done at home that can help bring your body back to the same strength. Once your kids are independent, do make time for yourself and follow your passion of running.

• Menopause – Although with hot flushes, sweats, and irregular bleeding, running seems like the last thing we want to do but it is the ideal time to increase your fitness and activity levels. During this time women gain weight and their bone and muscle mass starts to reduce . Running will help control these issues as well as shoot a boost of happy hormones. Aim to include some walk, jog, or run in your daily schedule.

So ladies, lace up your sneakers and let’s hit the road!!