Module 3: Iron — The Number Your Doctor Misses > Key Takeaway: 52% of female distance runners are iron deficient. Most doctors only check hemoglobin — the LAST thing to drop. Ferritin is the key number, and altitude athletes need higher targets (Females >40, Males >50 μg/L). --- Why Iron Matters for Runners Iron is the oxygen carrier. Without adequate iron, your athletes are training with a smaller engine than they should have. Runners with ferritin below 20 have a 20% lower aerob...

Module 3: Iron — The Number Your Doctor Misses > Key Takeaway: 52% of female distance runners are iron deficient. Most doctors only check hemoglobin — the LAST thing to drop. Ferritin is the key number, and altitude athletes need higher targets (Females >40, Males >50 μg/L). --- Why Iron Matters for Runners Iron is the oxygen carrier. Without adequate iron, your athletes are training with a smaller engine than they should have. Runners with ferritin below 20 have a 20% lower aerob...