The Female Athlete Triad: What all Women Runners Should Know

....While a lean physique is regarded by most as synonymous with good health, it is possible for some athletes to become undernourished, to the detriment of their overall health. In female athletes, inadequate intake of calories can have serious hormonal implications. This problem is so commonly recognized that the medical community has a name to describe it: The Female Athlete Triad.....

.....Inadequate eating describes anyone who does not regularly eat enough calories to replace those burned. Sometimes these women display features of anorexia (severe calorie restriction) or bulimia (binging followed by purging behavior). Unfortunately, a higher incidence of eating disorders is seen among athletic women when compared to the general population.....

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Bethany`s Notes
Notes: As the end of the cross country season is upon us I think it is important as a coach to always assess both the men and women on a team and make sure they are getting adequate nutrition. Visually looking at an athlete is not enough. Be open, ask questions, and really discuss a situation like this when it arises...never brush it off or ignore a gut feeling.