For us, running has always been about more than performance. As women, understanding our bodies, how we fuel them, how we respond to training and when to listen to them is just as important as the run itself.
So we asked Jaydan a few questions about running as a woman, from fuelling and recovery to navigating challenges, understanding your cycle and feeling strong.
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What’s one thing you wish more women knew about running and the female body?
No female body is the same - we all deal with stresses, load, intensity and life differently. However the female body is incredible and the things it does for us is something we should never take for granted.
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How do you support your body before, during, and after a run?
Before: carbs always. Never ever train without fueling before.
During: gels & hydration fluids if the session is longer than 70mins.
After: try get any form of protein&carb in as soon as possible.
Also during sessions, listen to my body.. if it’s not my day then I won’t try force it. -
Do you run differently depending on where you are in your cycle or how your body feels?
Umm.. I think every cycle is different. I’ve definitely learnt how to fuel better during my cycle as the body requires more of everything but I don’t necessarily think personally that my cycle has a massive impact on my running - Besides for a little extra fatigue and bloating. -
What’s your biggest challenge as a woman who runs, and how do you navigate it?
I think building up that speed endurance is my hardest challenge but also my most rewarding one. I love the journey and I’ll never take that for granted. It’s not a race to get to the goal, so I’ll take full advantage of navigating through all the obstacles along the way. -
What makes you feel your strongest, most confident self when you run?
I think believing in myself is one of my hardest but probably the most powerful tool in making me feel my strongest.
Also a nice matching outfit and some good running shoes to style it up adds a nice touch 😂Key Takeaways for Female Runners
Every woman’s experience with running is different, but there are a few things worth keeping in mind:
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Fuel your body. Running requires energy, and giving your body enough fuel before and after training can support both performance and recovery.
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Listen to your body. Some days you’ll feel strong, while others might call for an easier session or more recovery.
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Get to know your cycle. Your cycle may influence how you feel, train and recover. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, pay attention to your own patterns.
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Don’t rush progress. Building endurance, strength and speed takes time. The journey is part of becoming a stronger runner.
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Remember why you run. Progress and performance can be rewarding, but running should also bring enjoyment, confidence and a sense of community.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
Feeling tired after a challenging training session is normal, but persistent fatigue, recurring injuries, significant changes to your menstrual cycle or difficulty fuelling your training are worth paying attention to.
If something doesn’t feel right, consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional, sports dietitian or physiotherapist who can provide guidance based on your individual needs.
Running Should Be Fun
Running is at the heart of KoaKoa, but we don’t believe every run needs to be about chasing a PB.
Run with friends. Explore somewhere new. Slow down when you need to. Celebrate the small improvements and enjoy what your body allows you to do.
Understanding your body can help you become a stronger runner, but it can also help you build a healthier and more enjoyable relationship with running.
At the end of the day, running should add something positive to your life, and it should be fun.
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