Exercise Tips To Improve Performance

February 3, 2025

Training Tips from Lauren Fleshman’s Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man’s World

In her memoir Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man’s World, former professional runner Lauren Fleshman offers more than just a candid account of her experience as a female athlete. While the book critiques the inequities women face in sports, it also provides valuable insights on training, mental toughness, and how to approach running in a way that honors both physical and emotional health.

Fleshman’s first piece of advice is to train for your body, not the ideal. She notes that women’s bodies have distinct physiological differences compared to men’s, and as such, training regimens built on male-centric models often fail to meet women’s needs. She encourages athletes to respect their body’s unique demands, focusing on the importance of recovery, nutrition, and adapting training to one’s physical and mental state.

Listening to your body is a central theme in the book. Fleshman stresses the significance of knowing when to push and when to rest. Overtraining can be a major issue for many athletes, especially in a sport that often glorifies extremes, so paying attention to fatigue and stress is essential for long-term health. This tip will also help to prevent painful and debilitating conditions such as stress fractures which can often set athletes back weeks or months. 

She also highlights the mental game of training, urging athletes to develop resilience and a balanced mindset. Training isn’t just about pushing harder but understanding the ebb and flow of motivation, performance, and recovery.

Lastly, Fleshman promotes quality over quantity in training. Rather than focusing on long, grueling hours, she suggests incorporating smart intervals, strength work, and a focus on technique and injury prevention. Aim for shorter repetitions, a longer rest period in between sets and use of a mirror to help improve exercise form. 

Many social media trends and cultural norms often equate success with sacrifice. It’s important to note that athletes that aim for longevity in fitness should prioritize their health first and strive for their best effort second.