Ultramarathoner aims to use book to help female runners optimise their running training based on their menstrual cycle, citing stigma causing limited conversations around the topic
Athlete media mum Natalie Dau has launched her book "Run Like a Girl: Menstrual Cycle-Based Training for Optimal Performance" on Global Running Day. PHOTO: CHERYL TAY, SPORTPLUS.SG
Singapore, 7 June 2023 - Athlete media mum and ASICS ambassador Natalie Dau has launched her book that is aimed at helping female runners optimise their running performance based on their menstrual cycle.
Launching in conjunction with Global Running Day today, and on the back of a highly successful and impactful Run Like a Girl campaign, “Run Like a Woman: Menstrual Cycle-Based Training for Optimal Performance”, puts into action the science behind how women can become stronger, perform better and reach their full potential at any age and ability.
Natalie Dau is an Ultramarathoner, brand spokesperson and social media influencer. PHOTO: CHERYL TAY, SPORTPLUS.SG
Citing that stigma around the topic has led to less conversations and embarassment around the topic, Natalie shared that it was her wish that her book can help other female runners break down these barriers.
"It is a topic that is not as widely discussed here in Asia as there is still embarrassment and stigma attached to it, but I hope these can help us have conversations that will better equip women in the sport moving forward," said Dau.
Few female runners use the menstural cycle to guide and plan training, according to Dau's book. PHOTO: CHERYL TAY, SPORTPLUS.SG
Surprisingly few female runners use the menstrual cycle to guide and plan their training.
One study found that, out of 1,086 athletes from 57 sports, while 76% believed that their menstrual cycle could impact their training, 73% believed it could impact their competitive performance, and 68% reported having menstrual cramps, only 18% said they consider their menstrual cycle when planning their training or competitions.
Variables like oxygen consumption, body temperature, lung function, hydration, muscle glycogen storage, fat and carbohydrate metabolism all play a part in performance. PHOTO: CHERYL TAY, SPORTPLUS.SG
Other studies have also found that most athletes don’t consider their menstrual cycle in their training, especially the often-painful time of their periods, even though they acknowledge it affects their performance.
The large fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone across the menstrual cycle significantly affect the female runner’s physiology.
Variables such as oxygen consumption, body temperature, lung function, hydration, muscle glycogen storage, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, and exercise performance are all affected by the menstrual cycle.
Natalie Dau hopes her book, launched on Global Running Day, will help more female runners optimise training. PHOTO: CHERYL TAY, SPORTPLUS.SG
"What if we told you that the ups and downs of a woman’s hormonal roller coaster are really better understood as an ever-changing but predictable spiral?"
"And that, with a little bit of knowledge and attention, you can analyze and even predict your running experience? Better still, you can apply this insight to your training, giving you clarity and control over your performance," Dau added.
Natalie Dau is the co-author of the book "Run Like a Girl: Menstrual Cycle-Based Training for Optimal Performance". PHOTO: CHERYL TAY, SPORTPLUS.SG
Run Like a Woman, based on Natalie Dau's latest book, shares the secrets of the menstrual cycle to show your readers how to train smarter and run stronger and faster.
Natalie Dau is a ultramarathon runner, social media influencer, fitness brand spokesperson, and co-author of Run Like a Woman: Menstrual Cycle-Based Training for Optimal Performance.