Female endurance runners with this condition also miss more training time recovering from injuries than those with normal cycles. The results show that 25 percent of the runners had menstrual dysfunction, which is higher than the general population. Many of the runners experienced common running injuries. Female runners with menstrual dysfunction were also sidelined longer recovering from injury. Researchers are not sure why this happens, but speculate that hormonal imbalances play a role.
Past research shows that eating enough calories is key to keeping the menstrual cycle regular.
Nutritional deficiencies also slow the ability to heal, so put the focus on maintaining a healthful diet. Jesusrun.org, where online registration is available. Run 5 scenic miles, then savor a free gourmet ice cream cone. August 21 in Cambridge, N.Y. Runners will assemble at the Washington County Fair Grounds and take off for 5 miles of cross-country and roads with gentle hills along the Batten Kill River. Mont. The course takes in both gravel and paved roads, hills, plenty of mountain vistas, and even passes a campsite where William Clark and other members of his expedition rested in 1806.