All women are…(fill in the blank).
I recently came across a really interesting article at runnersworld.com called Feminine Running Traits. In the article writer Martha Schindler concedes that while all women are certainly not the same, we do all have a few things in common…6 things to be specific. According to Schindler, “Some stereotypes are based on a modicum of truth that’s worth exploring because they can help your running,” she says. “If you know your tendencies as a woman, you’re able to train more effectively.’”
Of course, concedes Schindler, not all of these traits apply to every woman, but some will definitely apply to you. Here they are:
1. Time-Starved and Sleep-Deprived
The Trait: Women tend to assume a disproportionate share of emotional work in their households – listening to and comforting others, whether they be husband, children, parents or co-workers. And research shows that women also perform the majority of housework, regardless of the level of their responsibilities outside their homes. For busy women, sleep is the first thing to go. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation can cause a lack of motivation, increase in illness and injury.
What To Do:
Get enough sleep and schedule your day to allow at least one hour of private time. Workout time is non-negotiable. You’re a better mommy/wife/caretaker/worker when your needs are being met.
2. Calorie Conscious
The Trait: The overwhelming pressure to be thin means that women frequently maintain diets that are deficient in proper nutrients like protein and calcium.
What To Do: Keep nutritious, whole foods in your diet, including some red meat, dairy products, nuts, avocado, cooking oils and eggs. Cut back on the fast “grab-it” foods like cookies, crackers and ice cream, which tend to be high in fat and processed sugars. For every 1 – 2 miles you add to your weekly training program, you should add 100 calories to your eating program.
3. Weak Muscles
The Trait: Though most of us are aware of the importance of strength training for overall conditioning, it’s hard to give up our precious running time for time at the gym. Nonetheless, the rewards are great and come in the form of faster recovery times, injury prevention, a reduction in bone loss and performance improvement.
What To Do: Simplify. Do these five strength exercises at least 3 times a week: push ups, pull ups, lunges, crunches and back extensions.
4. Competing With Our “Selves”
The Trait: It’s well documented. Men are motivated in their running by their desire to beat external competitors or the clock. Women are motivated to achievement to boost their own self worth – overcoming physical and emotional limitations to meet our expectations of ourselves. This works well when goals are realistically set, and not so well when goals are unreasonable. For example – trying to lose an inordinate amount of weight or spending 8 hours a day at the gym.
What To Do: Develop a realistic training plan based on your current fitness level. Maintain a training log and focus on the journey rather than the destination. Work the program. You’ll become a faster better runner but you’ll enjoy the process as much as the weight loss and improved times. Try to always remember the joy that started you running in the first place.
5. Sociability
The Trait: Many women are true social creatures and it’s the search for the company of others that frequently brings many women to running in the first place. Compared with men, women have more empathy with other runners and seem to gain more inspiration from running partners.
What To Do: Whether you’re training for a race, or just looking to stay fit, find yourself a running partner or group to workout with. Doing new and challenging things can be difficult. Finding support in others is frequently critical for women’s success.
6. Hormonal Shifts
The Trait: Women experience hormonal shifts throughout the month. Bloating, feeling cranky or lethargic are common symptoms. Changes in progesterone may change your metabolic rate. A dramatic drop in running performance can occur at the end of your cycle.
What To Do: Mark your period in your training log and note any patterns in performance throughout the month. Don’t expect your best performance just before your period and give in to your food cravings while you are bleeding. This may boost your energy level during this time.
I guess I do see myself in several of these traits and I think that I am doing pretty well in the “To Do” column. I do find myself obsessing about weight and pace though. especially right now since I am starting training all over again after being out with an injury. I am definitely going to resolve to lighten up a bit.
How about you? Do you see yourself in any of these traits?
