Tips & Techniques

As A Female Runner...

Denise Smith 
 • 
July 7, 2017

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, trust your gut and being aware of your surroundings.
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 workout, either in 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 proper 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 right 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 to 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.

Meet the Author
Denise Smith graduated from Marquette University in 2002 with a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy and has been a certified running technique specialist since 2014. She is a consultant for multiple local middle and high schools and instructs courses in Kinesiology at McHenry County College. Denise also travels the country as part of the Pose Method education team with a lecture series on injury prevention and treatment along with the running technique certification course.
You were made to move!
SCHEDULE A VISIT
chevron-downmenu-circle