Question:

Hi,

I am starting up cross country training, but I have been hearing that running for women can cause female internal organs to "drop" or become damaged and that it would be a better idea to limit the amount of running. Is this some myth or is their proof that women involved in running affect their internal organs?

Jenny

Answer:

Dear Jenny

Thank you for your question.
That is a myth!! As long as you have a clean bill of health and have no other medical problems / condition running is perfectly safe for women as it is for men. here are some examples of 3 women, who run and lead a perfectly normal family life:
Paula Radcliffe: World Record holder for the marathon, World Cross Country Champion, World Marathon Champion (she runs 100 - 130 miles per week!!)- now has a beautiful baby daughter;

Sonia O'Sullivan: Olympic 5000m champion now has 2 healthy happy children.

Liz Yelling: Commonwealth Marathon Bronze medallist has just given birth to a beautiful healthy baby girl.

These are just a few examples of hundreds of elite women runners who lead a perfectly normal life. If it is OK for them then it is certainly OK for you.
Just one more thing; I run 3 times a week just to keep fit and I have 3 healthy boys: 1 of 15 years and twins of 8 years.

Get running!
Regards

Katharine