Episode 37 - Run Like a Woman: Physiology, Power, and the Patriarchy in Women's Running

Episode Summary:

In this episode, host Alison introduces the Women's Running Lab and the mission of the Women's Running Academy, explaining why her coaching is tailored specifically for women. She emphasizes that effective training must consider not only female-specific biomechanics—such as pelvic shape, muscle mass, and connective tissue laxity—but also physiological factors like the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, PCOS, and the importance of proper fueling. Alison advocates for cycle awareness rather than rigid syncing, and stresses strength training to support performance and prevent injury. Beyond the physical, she explores the broader social context women navigate, including body image pressures, emotional labor, safety concerns, and historical exclusion from sport and research. The Academy is presented as both a science-based training program and a supportive, inclusive community that empowers women—cis and trans alike—to reclaim their autonomy, show up fully for themselves, and pursue their goals with confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Training Must Reflect Female Physiology and Biomechanics
  Women’s running training should account for unique anatomical and physiological factors like pelvic structure, muscle distribution, menstrual cycles, connective tissue laxity, and hormonal changes across the lifespan.
• Sociocultural Context Matters
  Female athletes face unique social pressures, including emotional labor, people-pleasing conditioning, body image scrutiny, and safety concerns—all of which impact training consistency and performance.
• Body Autonomy and Empowerment Are Central
  The Women's Running Academy emphasizes helping women reconnect with their bodies, recognize their needs, and train in ways that are informed, intentional, and self-supportive—reclaiming autonomy in a culture that often undermines it.
  
  

Time Stamps:

[00:00] – Introduction

[04:31] – Female-Specific Biomechanics & Physiology

[10:49] – Hormones, Life Stages & Cycle Awareness

[15:52] – Fueling, Strength, and Long-Term Performance

[19:14] – Sociocultural Pressures & Emotional Labor

[22:44] – Body Autonomy, Inclusion & Empowerment

[26:30] – Wrap-Up & Closing Thoughts

Resources Mentioned:

• Women’s Running Academy Membership: Smart, female centered, run supportive strength training month after month. With the Women’s Running Academy Membership you can successfully continue to strength train year round in a way that is supportive of your running and long term health. (Enrollment opened May 21 - May 30th)
  
  

Quotes:

• “It takes a lot of mindset shifting for many women to even make the time and space for themselves and their goals.”
  
  
• “Biology flows. The exclusion of trans women doesn’t protect women—it simply excludes women.”
  
  

Follow Along Between Episodes on Instagram and if you enjoyed this episode please give a share and tag me in your stories!