There are many concerns that women should consider when running. Sure – we could focus on technique, speed, or race strategy buuuut… let’s chat about three things that most women don’t tend to discuss as much…

1. Safety. This seems like a no-brainer, but make sure you are in a safe area when you run and always try to run in a group. While this is not always possible, taking extra precautions like letting your family/friends know where you will be, carrying pepper spray, trusting your gut, and being aware of your surroundings is essential. Harassment is frequent for female runners: a Runner’s World report showed 43% of all women are harassed while running. There needs to be a change in our dialogue regarding how women are treated when trying to work out, either in the gym or when running down the street.
2. Sports Bra Fitting. Most of us think that sports bras are small, medium, and large. And the size that is right for you is the size that squishes your tatas the most to reduce bouncing. There is so much more than that to consider for the safety of your shoulders and back. In July, we will feature an interview with Kathy from La Bellissima in Crystal Lake to help learn how to properly protect “The Girls.”
3. Incontinence. It is never okay to pee in your pants. We don’t let our kids do it, so why do women laugh it off like it is some rite of passage when we do it later in life? It is never okay to pee in your pants (said it a second time for you!). Poor pelvic floor control can lead to issues like hip pain, low back pain, and embarrassment that may prevent you from running. Talk to your local women’s health physical therapist if you notice incontinence when running or jumping.