Lifestyle of a Fashionista

6/9/23

Over the last fifty years, women have made extraordinary advances in athletics. More women than ever are playing sports and staying active longer.

Women can and should stay active, whether running, walking, strength training, or doing yoga. Choose an activity that you enjoy. Whatever activity you choose, it’s helpful to know the science of how exercise can affect the body.

I went to a book event this past week with Christine Yu, she was promoting her book, Up to Speed. The Groundbreaking science of women athletes, the book is a guide for athletic women of all ages.

Read about the event, Christine Yu, author of Up To Speed, in conversation with Mary Cain

Christine’s book covers essential topics for female athletes, including hormones, sports bras, athletic wear, and how aging can affect performance. Women of all ages can continue to be active, and this book helps women understand the science that can help boost their athletic performance, reduce injury and stay healthy.

Christine Yu is an award-winning journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of sports science and women athletes. Her writing has appeared in Outside, The Washington Post, Runner’s World, and other publications. 

Read the top five insights from her new book, Up to Speed: The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletes

Christine was interviewed by Mary Cain. Mary also had a record-breaking professional running career that included becoming the 2014 World Junior Champion in the 3000m and a 2013 World Championships finalist in the 1500m.

In 2019 Mary created a video for the New York Times sharing her story about her experience with Nike’s Oregon Project in 2013. I Was the Fastest Girl in America, Until I Joined Nike. Mary Cain’s male coaches were convinced she had to get “thinner, and thinner, and thinner.” Then her body started breaking down. After sharing her story with the world in a 2019 NY Times Op-Ed, Mary Cain has dedicated her career to driving change in sport, with an emphasis on athlete well-being and gender equity. She works part-time at New York Road Runners, is the founder of Atalanta NYC, a nonprofit that employs professional female runners to serve as mentors for young girls, and serves on the board of The Army of Survivors, a nonprofit that brings awareness, accountability, and transparency to sexual violence against athletes at all levels. 

The conversation between the women was enlightening; they talked about the misconceptions people have about women athletes.

I wouldn’t call myself an athlete, I never competed in sports except for a few tennis matches and races with hundreds of other runners. I am athletic. I got into running later in life. I’ve run several half-marathons and one marathon. I continue to stay active by running, walking, and strength training.

I’m looking forward to reading this book.