Kickstart Your Run Journey: Training Meets Hormones

So, you’ve decided to start running – amazing! Whether your goal is to build stamina, boost your mood, or just feel better in your body, running can be such an empowering way to move.

But here’s something not a lot of people talk about: your hormones can seriously affect how you feel during your runs — and for women, this impact is even more significant. Our monthly cycle means our hormones are constantly shifting, influencing everything from energy to recovery. That doesn’t mean we’re any less capable of training hard — it just means we benefit from adjusting our routine to match what our bodies need throughout the month. Your energy, motivation, sleep, and even how sore you get after a workout can shift depending on where you are in your cycle.

Ever had a day where your legs feel like bricks even though you slept great and ate well? Or a surprise burst of energy mid-month where you feel like you could run forever? That’s your hormones at work.

Instead of ignoring those signals or pushing through them, what if you used them to your advantage?

What’s Really Going On?

For women, hormones like estrogen and progesterone rise and fall throughout the month as part of the natural menstrual cycle. When they shift, they affect everything from your mood and focus to your body’s ability to build muscle, handle stress, and recover from workouts.

It’s not just about your period, the whole month is full of changes. And understanding them doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your routine. It just means you get to work with your body, not against it.

Why It Matters for Runners

Your body isn’t meant to feel the same every day and that’s not a bad thing. Noticing those changes can help you:
● Be kinder to yourself on the tough days
● Push your limits when you’re feeling strong
● Avoid burnout and overtraining
● Stay consistent without guilt

Running is personal. And the more you get to know how your body works, the better your running routine will feel — mentally and physically.

A Gentle Place to Start

If you’re new to running, give yourself room to experiment. Some weeks you might want to push harder, and other weeks, rest or lighter movement might feel better.

This isn’t about tracking every symptom or getting it perfect. It’s about building awareness and learning what your body needs — one run at a time.