An expert panel of elite athletes will share their tips and knowledge about female physiology when it comes to running and endurance sports, on November 4 at UBC Okanagan.
What: Lacing Up for Life: The Science of Women’s Running and Sports Performance
Who: Elite athletes including Stephanie Brown, Malindi Elmore, Dr. Jessica Piasecki and Melissa Spooner
When: Monday, November 4, doors open at 6 pm; event starts at 6:30 pm
Where: Room RHS 260 LT, Reichwald Health Sciences Centre, 1088 Discovery Way, UBC Okanagan
Whether it’s an informal jog around the block, a goal to lose weight or training for a marathon, there is a lot more for women to think about when it comes to running than simply buying a good sports bra and well-fitting shoes.
Next week a panel of elite athletes will discuss the science and unique physiology behind women’s running.
“Lacing Up for Life: The Science of Women’s Running and Sports Performance” will dive into the myths, challenges and joys of running throughout a woman’s life. This event is hosted by UBC Okanagan’s Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention, in partnership with Westcoast Women in Engineering Science and Technology and the UBC Okanagan Heat
The expert panel will share their tips and knowledge about female physiology when it comes to running and endurance sports.
Dr. Piasecki, with the United Kingdom’s Nottingham Trent University, explains that a lot of the research conducted within sport aims to support women to be active throughout their lifespan to whatever level they desire.
“The rise in participation of women in sport over the previous years has been outstanding—a trajectory we hope remains throughout the future,” she says. “I am looking forward to showcasing and discussing some of our recent work at this event and sharing key findings that women can use in their daily lives. I also think by sharing our stories about our own lived experiences we can empower other women to reach their goals.”
Panellists are:
- Stephanie Brown: Brown is a local athlete who is a former elite road cyclist as well as a runner. She works as a certified physical therapist while balancing elite running—with a 3:02 marathon personal record—and parenting.
- Malindi Elmore: Elmore is a member of the Athletics Canada team and participated in the 2004, 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games. She has also competed in Ironman at the professional level, recording a sub-nine-hour time. She has acquired three degrees while pursuing elite sports and is currently the head coach of the UBC Okanagan Heat cross-country and track program.
- Jessica Piasecki: Dr. Piasecki, an Associate Professor at Nottingham Trent University, studies female physiology and women’s sport, and her research extends from youth to master athletes. She is a member of the UK Athletics Team and represented Great Britain in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Summer Games.
- Melissa Spooner: Spooner is a local coach, entrepreneur and Iron(wo)man. She holds three Ironman titles and placed fourth at the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. She is a local business owner and coach who has successfully built her education in nutrition and passion for triathlon into her profession.
This event is free, open to the public, and perfect for anyone interested in the science behind women’s sports performance—runners, parents, volunteers and sports enthusiasts alike—says UBCO’s Dr. Jenn Jakobi, event organizer, Institute Director and NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering.
While the event takes place in person, people can also attend virtually. A Q&A session will follow the formal presentation. To register, visit: Lacing-Up-For-Life.eventbrite.ca
