February 1 Is National Girls & Women in Sports Day
Created by Bob Helmbrecht, collection development librarian
February 1 is National Girls & Women in Sports Day. The day was first officially declared in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan as National Women in Sports Day to recognize the history of women’s athletics. It has since gone on to promote the benefits of athletics to women’s and girl’s physical and mental health, as well as success in later life.
It’s not too late to make a New Year’s resolution! Check out some titles from the Library’s collection about getting fit, getting strong, and improving your athletic importance.
- “Confessions of an Unlikely Runner: A Guide to Racing and Obstacle Courses for the Averagely Fit and Halfway Dedicated” by Dana L. Ayers
For anyone who has considered trying a marathon, an obstacle race, or simply taking up running for the first time, Ayers is your ambassador. If she can do it, you can too.
- “Fat Girls Hiking: An Inclusive Guide to Getting Outdoors at Any Size or Ability” by Summer Michaud-Skog
Provides practical advice for aspiring hikers with a body-positive bent and offers personal and heartfelt stories and reviews of trails to welcome and encourage people of all body types, sizes and backgrounds to enjoy outdoor recreation.
- “Fuel the Fire: A Nutrition and Body Confidence Guidebook for the Female Athlete” by Pamela Nisevich Bede
In this game-changing guide, sports dietitian Pam Nisevich Bede explains how women are unique with regards to training, nutrition, and performance, on the road, court, field, or track.
- “Get Strong for Women” by Alex Silver-Fagan
A streamlined exercise program uniting diet advice and step-by-step exercises for women who want to train hard and lift heavy to look and feel strong.
- “The Girl Outdoors: The Wild Girl’s Guide to Adventure, Travel and Wellbeing” by Sian Anna Lewis
A beginner-friendly bible for all women looking for information and inspiration to get out in the great outdoors, get fit, get healthy, and find adventure.
- “How She Did It: A High-Performance Guide for Female Distance Runners With Stories From the Women Who’ve Made It” by Molly Huddle and Sara Slattery
The ultimate roadmap for female distance runners, from two-time Olympian Molly Huddle and two-time NCAA champion Sara Slattery—featuring 50 candid interviews with women who’ve made it
- “Ironfit Triathlon Training for Women: Training Programs and Secrets for Success in All Triathlon Distances” by Melanie Fink and Don Fink
Melanie and Don Fink have created a complete training guide for women triathletes with highly efficient, easy-to-follow, multi-distance training programs.
- “Shooter’s Bible Guide to Shotgun Sports for Women: A Comprehensive Guide to the Art and Science of Wing and Clay Shooting” by Laurie Bogart Wiles
Whether they’re beginners or seasoned shooters, women need to know some subtle (and not so subtle) differences to excel in—and enjoy—the shotgun sports.
- “Women’s Lacrosse: A Guide for Advanced Players and Coaches” by Janine Tucker and Maryalice Yakutchik
Highlighting the most current strategies and tactics in the game today, Women’s Lacrosse is a comprehensive instructional guide for coaches and players at all levels.