Running on your period

[Vejo]

This one’s for the ladies. I ran today on day one of my cycle and with cramps. My stats were actually better than my previous run, but it felt REALLY hard. And it did nothing for my cramps as I had hoped it would.

What are others’ experience with running and cycles?

[Catbee]

I’ve thought about this too...great minds!! Mid cycle I’ve felt tired, heavy and sluggish so my pace is well off, however I did feel generally better for doing something!

early doors (day 1) I’ve run like a gazelle (sort of 🤣!!) and it felt easyish! 🤷‍♀️x

[Hidden]

I always find that it doesnt particularly help as is claimed...& definately requires more effort!!!but it does the mind good 😊

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

I no longer get them which is good but when I did, I always found it harder but I didnt ever let it stop me as it does help. Just accept everything is more difficult during that time!!

[Vejo in reply to ju-ju-]

Thanks, that’s really helpful 😊

[ju-ju- Graduate10 in reply to Vejo]

[VictoriaRuns]

I find it's harder to get out there, but I am always glad for it when I do. I am much more fatigued, but it does help my cramps. I'm sorry that wasn't your experience!

[Vejo in reply to VictoriaRuns]

Maybe next time it will be. Thanks!

[HeleneCorsa Graduate10]

Like the others, I generally find it much harder at that time but do feel better afterwards.

Over the last year or so I have also found that my period is infinitely more bothersome - it never used to be but nowadays I feel really off-colour for days. My energy levels are completely depleted and the first few days are very painful. As you say, running doesn't really do much for cramps.

I can usually run if I've taken painkillers but still feel sluggish, perhaps less so afterwards. Running also usually somewhat reduces my desire to shoot arrows at about 90% of the human population, which can only be a good thing. It doesn't prevent me from wanting to eat ALL THE THINGS though.

[Langley-Loper Graduate10 in reply to HeleneCorsa]

Ah, not just me who comes back from a period run wanting to eat everything in the house then.

I get rotten headaches 1-2 days before my period and running helps them even if my head is thumping when I set off. I am also grumpy so probably better that I am outdoors away from people.

Regarding energy, I can't link that to my cycle as I have done both my best and worst times while going with the flow.

Just goes to show we are all different.

[HeleneCorsa Graduate10 in reply to Langley-Loper]

It's good that running helps your headaches.

I find that, even if It's hard work, I'm glad just into be outside and moving anyway.

[Vejo in reply to HeleneCorsa]

Ah, very similar symptoms... running doesn’t help my headaches. But days of low energy, headaches and cramps. I’m sure in the longer term running may benefit the symptoms 😊

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

Hi Vejo...I run during my cycle & it always feels like a struggle...but I run through it...I’d rather waste a run & get halfway than not even try...take it steady, listen to Mother Nature, she’s the important one at the end of the day xxx

[Vejo in reply to Mummycav]

Thanks 🙂