I just received my copy of Next Level- Your Guide to Kicking Ass, Feeling Great, and Crushing Goals Through Menopause and Beyond by Stacy Sims, and am eagerly flipping through it. So much good advice! I’ll write more about it when I’ve read the whole book, but a couple things that immediately caught my eye were in the nutrition section- namely, that intermittent fasting and keto aren’t good for women.
According to Sims, studies show intermittent fasting is beneficial for MEN, but actually detrimental for women, especially women who exercise. The book also explains that the keto diet doesn’t work the same way for women as it does for men. Both keto and intermittent fasting can raise cortisol levels and depress thyroid function in women (among other undesirable effects.)
So it’s true- women are not just “little men.” Unless you’re Camille Herron. Not that she’s a man, of course, but that hasn’t stopped her from beating all the men in some of her recent races. Like the Jackpot 100 this past February, where she won the race outright and set a new world record for 100 miles, 12:41:11.
Yep- at the age of 40, Camille ran an average pace of 7:37 for 100 miles (her final mile was 7:08), beating all the women and men in that race.
I listened to her on this episode of the Rich Roll podcast and it was SO GOOD! I loved this episode so, so much. They talk about her training, how she used Inside Tracker to identify and fix a major problem with her biomarkers, what kind of strength work she does, a story about how her family’s house was completely demolished by a tornado when she was in high school, and much more.
All these topics were fascinating, but more than that it’s her happiness and positivity, her infectious enthusiasm for running that made the episode addictive. I listened to it, and then went back and watched it on Youtube. Some of my favorite quotes:
“If I could, I would run all day.” (Good thing she runs 100 mile races!)
“I’m propelled by joy.” (Something to think about on my next run.)
“I’m doing this for the world. I’m doing this to elevate the sport, to raise the bar in what women think is possible.” (Thank you, Camille!)
It’s easy to fall into a rut, or fall into the trap of thinking our best days are behind us. Listening to podcasts like this and reading books like Next Level make me feel excited and empowered to reach my full potential. If you also need a jolt of inspiration, please listen to Camille and tell me what you think!
I’m linking up with My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida for Fit Five Friday! Check them out for more fun and inspiration.
28 Responses
I’m reading Next Level right now – so much good information! I also found the section on IF interesting as someone who tried it and never had success.
Thanks for the podcast recommendation!
So far I agree with the things I’ve read in the book, which makes me excited to read the whole thing. I know there are parts that I know nothing about, and I want to learn!
I am also in the middle of it and have read the first book. One thing I preach to my nutrition clients is that Keto and intermittent fasting is not good. This is especially true for runners! Running in a fasted state is not your friend!
I have seen so many women in my running group really shine and excel into their 50’s. It is all about mindset and training of course!
I didn’t read her first book because I felt like I was too old for it when it came out- so I’m really excited to have a book for my age group! Yes I agree- mindset and training- we can do it!
Ok, I must admit that I don’t fall into the I would run all day thinking. Hike — maybe! Run? NO! I’m generally glad to be done. However, as today’s post shows, I’ve been working hard on my mental game — even with no upcoming races, LOL! Perhaps a trail race at the end of August, but as always, I’ll wait til the last minute. 🙂
Ooh! A trail race sounds fun. You should do it!
I also have the book but have not read it yet. I have never done keto but didn’t know it is harmful for women. I am not a big fan of podcasts but hers is one I could listen to. Thanks!
I had heard that IF wasn’t beneficial to women, but this is the first time I’ve heard an explanation of why that is. I’m looking forward to reading this whole book.
Wow, 100 miles at that pace? INSANE! I will have to check out her podcast. I want to hear from the Ted Lasso of ANYTHING! 🙂 Very interesting about keto and IF. I have never been tempted to try IF, though. I don’t do well with fasting and maybe I would adjust, but I can get the shakes by delaying my lunch by an hour so I don’t think I’m the target audience for that approach anyways. Plus I don’t really believe in quirky approaches to dieting/weight loss. I am not an expert but I haven’t been tempted to try something wonky. But fortunately, weight watchers has always worked for me when I need to really to dial in my eating. And that’s all about calories in/calories out and eating the right kind of foods (low in fat, high in protein, etc).
Actually I know a lot of people who had success with weight watchers. I think the main thing that helped them was learning what a proper portion size is, and understanding just how many calories (or points) that doughnut has- is it really worth it? So WW seems like a sensible, straightforward method as opposed to a fad.
You would like this episode! I found it fascinating.
I always love listening to Camille. It’s been a while since I heard a podcast with her so I’ll have to check it out.
Yes! Listen to this one- you’ll love it.
I finally ordered my Next Level book yesterday (while at the hair salon, LOL). I’m looking forward to diving in and getting some info about this “change” I’ll be embarking upon in the near future. I love that quote form Camille…”I’m propelled by joy.” I’m totally down with that strategy 😉
Kim, you would like her! And we can compare notes on Next Level once we’ve read it.
This is really a situation where I stumble because I think I would find listening to her exhausting rather than inspiring. Ha! Different people respond in such divergent ways that I sometimes wonder how we’re all from the same species!
Yes, I can see how some people would find her exhausting. I mostly find her inspiring, but sometimes it makes me frustrated. I love running, and I want to run ultras- how come I can’t run 100 miles? I’m trying but always seem to hit obstacles. Sometimes the “if I can do it, anyone can” attitude makes me angry.
That’s really interesting, about IF and keto. I have done neither, and I have never been tempted to, but I have many friends who follow those plans. I normally go 12-13 hours between dinner and breakfast, but I think IF is more like 16 hours? And that seems, like my son says, just a fancy way to say skipping breakfast. Do you ever listen to the podcast Press Play Not Pause? It’s about athletic women in menopause, I think you would like it. You have to skip the first at least ten minutes though, because of all the sponsors and ads.
Oooh! I’ll check it out.
Yes, I generally go 12 hours between meals, 8 pm-8 am. Is usually longer, like you said 16 or more. I like the 12 hours- it gives my digestive system a time to rest and I sleep better. I tried IF at one point but didn’t like it.
Also, holy god, 7 minute miles for 100 miles. I mean. How even.
Ha ha… I know! I’m not sure if I’ve ever run ONE 7 minute mile- maybe back in my 20s. I know I couldn’t do it now.
Ha – did we ALL get that book because Wendy reviewed it on her blog? I’ve got it, too!
Yes, I think so! That’s how I found out about it.
I just went and downloaded this podcast episode and I can almost guarantee I’ll love it.
I read Rich Roll Finding Ultra book years ago and loved it. I’m always somewhat ashamed to admit how much I LOVE books about ultramarathoners. I can see no future where I pursue this sort of thing, but my sister has (about a dozen Ironmans, ultramarathons, her now fav is competitive gravel bike racing)…so I find it both inspirational and appreciate an glimpse into how my sister (and other women like her) function and what drives her to such feats of athleticism.
Oh, that’s funny. I also love hearing about ultramarathoners. It’s just a fascinating subject to me.
I love her positivity I’m not always that way.
In fact today, I was running with a friend and I think we complained the whole 9 miles… it was hard…
Ha, that’s funny. At least you were like-minded! It’s kind of fun to complain together.
I will definitely take a listen! What an inspirational woman! I read Wendy’s review on this book and something that struck me then and again now as I read your findings is really that we are not little men and never should have been treated as such. Keto and Intermittent Fasting are huge lifestyle choices and to think they may not be suited to women, even if they are okay for men, is a huge case in point!
Yes, I played around with intermittent fasting for a while but couldn’t make it work- then I felt vindicated when I found out it’s not good for women!
I hope you like the Camille podcast. I just listened to another one that i love and I’ll share it soon.