Girls Running: All You Need To Strive, Thrive, and Run Your Best

Gr 7 Up–This comprehensive guide discusses how young girls can cultivate a healthy relationship with running. Written by two highly accomplished cross country coaches, the text covers training, workouts, nutrition, and gear. What sets the book apart from other running manuals is its detailed information on how puberty, hormones, and the menstrual cycle impact the performance of still-growing athletes. The authors emphasize that teens need to tune in to their bodies to figure out what foods and exercises will help them function at their best. They advocate for self-compassion, assuring readers that all bodies are different and there is no one type of “runner’s body.” A chapter on eating disorders shares available resources. A chapter devoted to mental and emotional health explains how to maintain a positive mindset and utilize mindfulness techniques to stay calm during competitions. A section on the history of women runners covers Title IX and how inequity still exists between male and female athletes in terms of access to funding and resources. Back matter includes a glossary and a bibliography.