Periods & Full Plates For The Win.
Meet our team working to reduce RED-S in female athletes.
We're just gonna say it: skipping your period isn't normal.
It was once thought that female athletes skipped or lost their periods because they were “fit”, that it was a good thing, even! Now, we know that’s not true. We know there are myriad long term health impacts to these hormonal imbalances, and we know that if it goes on too long, an athlete loses their chance at competing in the sport(s) they love. This isn’t just true for collegiate and elite athletes, it’s true for ALL of us. Low bone density, cardiac health issues, mental health struggles, and GI disorders are just a few of the things that may happen to athletes who struggle with eating disorders, chronic under fueling, and menstrual irregularities.
L9P was co-founded by Alexis Fairbanks and Heather Caplan in 2017,
They wished for practitioners who understood these issues, and instead flew under the radar as “seemingly healthy” young adults. They launched L9P by sharing their personal stories, and the response was loud.
Dozens of runners and former athletes reached out, wanting to share their stories, too. Hundreds of women joined the Lane 9 Project community, looking for support, providers, and a space to talk about it.
born of their lived experiences with hypothalamic amenorrhea and eating disorders.
Our Mission
You want to keep running, and we’re right there with you.
We want to support female athletes in creating a world of sports that celebrates their cycles, fills their cup, and provides space to rest. Whether you’re competing at a high level or “just” in it for fun, L9P resources, coaches, and workshops are here to support you. And you’re in Lane 9 with all of us who get it.
In 2024, Lane 9 opened community hubs in Denver CO and Ann Arbor MI, where Alexis and Heather are based (respectively).
Join a local Group
They work with local teams and sport organizations to raise awareness of REDS, the risk factors and symptoms to look out for, and provide workshops, athlete camps, and coaching for runners (Cross Country, Track & Field, and adult running groups). They’re expanding to other sports as well, and would love to work with your team, athlete, and/or group.
Meet the team
Heather Caplan
is a registered dietitian and Lane 9 Project running coach. She primarily works with female-bodied athletes and active folks, helping them fuel adequately and with flexibility, and recover from hypothalamic amenorrhea. Heather takes a weight-inclusive, non-diet approach to sports nutrition. She’s now based in Ann Arbor MI, and loves working on events and collaborative projects for Lane 9 and the local running communities and teams. Heather is also a parent to three young kids, and one doggo.
Alexis Fairbanks
is an educator and running coach. She also has a strong passion for health and received her master’s degree in Health Promotion Management from American University. Alexis was a collegiate runner and continues to chase big goals at the half marathon and marathon distances. Her perfect day is a morning run, followed by plenty of coffee and cuddles from her 110 pound lap dog, Troy. She’s now based in Denver CO, and manages Lane 9 Project content, social media, and operations.
Female athletes should have regular cycles, full plates, and rest days aplenty. Our workshops help shift team cultures and coach attitudes to provide a healthier environment and more competitive athletes. Find the right-fit provider for you, or bring Lane 9 to your team!
Workshops
Coaching
