Menstrual Cycle Can Affects Your Running
Consider the following scenario: Your training schedule includes a weekly track or hill workout. One week, you hit your workout targets right on. You are brimming with confidence. The following week, the identical workout is awful with no apparent reason why. You feel bewildered and discouraged. Knowing where you are in your menstrual cycle can provide valuable insight into your performance. Let's examine why and how to use this knowledge to your training and racing advantage. The menstrual cycle is comprised of three phases. During the Follicular Phase (Days 1-14), estrogen levels are low, except for a spike near Day 14. Ovulation begins on Day 15. The Luteal Phase (Days 16-28) is marked by relatively high but stable estrogen levels. Also, progesterone levels peak, inducing a much-higher-than-normal breathing rate during exercise. Not only does estrogen level affect your cycle, it also impacts what type of fuel is available for working muscles and consequently what type of w...