Why "Normal" Iron Levels Aren’t Enough for Female Runners

Every female runner knows the feeling: the alarm goes off for your interval session, but your legs feel like they’re filled with concrete. You’re breathless on hills that used to be easy, and your recovery seems to take forever. You go to the doctor, get a standard blood test, and the results come back: “Everything is normal.”

But here is the secret the running world is finally starting to talk about: There is a massive difference between "clinically normal" and "optimal for performance."

The Ferritin Factor

When a standard lab looks at your iron, they are often looking at Ferritin—your body’s iron storage. A "normal" range might go as low as 15 or 20 ng/mL. For a sedentary person, that’s enough to get through the day. But for a woman running 40, 60, or 80 kilometres a week? It’s a recipe for a plateau.

Research in sports science suggests that athletes often feel the "drag" when Ferritin drops below 35 or 50 ng/mL. Iron is responsible for transporting oxygen to your working muscles. If your stores are low, your heart has to work harder to do the same amount of work.

Why Runners Lose Iron

Female runners face a "triple threat" when it comes to iron:

1. Menstruation: Monthly blood loss is the primary cause of iron depletion.
2. Foot-Strike Hemolysis: The physical impact of your feet hitting the pavement actually destroys red blood cells.
3. Hepcidin: Intense exercise triggers a hormone called hepcidin, which can block iron absorption for several hours after a run.

Take Control of Your Energy

Stop guessing why you’re tired. By tracking your Ferritin and Iron levels regularly with SuperRun Labs, you can see the trends before you hit "the wall."

Don’t settle for "normal." Optimize your engine. Order our FemRun Panel today.

Disclaimer: SuperRunLabs provides health data for educational and performance purposes. We are not medical providers. Always discuss your results with your GP before starting iron supplementation.