Running and periods

[RunGirlyRun]

This issue will probably have been discussed before but I couldn’t seem to find any recent or more detailed threads so I thought I’d ask: does anyone have a good strategy for carrying on the running despite PMS and/or the days when your period is holding you back?

Personally I get severe cramping on the first day and then remain pretty lethargic throughout my own ‘time of the month’ but I would really rather it didn’t affect my progress too much.

I’m sure others might struggle with similar/ related issues as well. Any good tips?

Thanks gang!

[JennyH10 Graduate]

I growl, snarl and sulk through it but I do it anyway. Ibuprofen is good for cramps. Iron supplements and Berocca is good for energy. Running is good for murderous PMS moods 😈

[RunGirlyRun in reply to JennyH10]

I can imagine it being quite a release of tension once you get out there. I suppose it is just about learning to tell oneself to suck it up and get running in the first place 😆 thanks for the tips!

[JennyH10 Graduate in reply to RunGirlyRun]

Lol exactly. When I really CBA going, I always tell myself I never regret it afterwards 😊

[TailChaser Graduate]

I’ve just had a month like yours and found that running helped but the tiredness after running & period made the following run tricky. If I get one this month (they’re coming to an end - yippee!) it will be interesting to see if I have any more energy. I just take paracetamol and drink lots of water because I get so hot. A darkened room with a good strong lock is often useful too 😂😂

[RunGirlyRun in reply to TailChaser]

Excellent! When it does hit me in a couple of days I will be able to think of you and Jenny telling me that the run actually helps, which will hopefully motivate me to get up and out! Will make sure to take an extra rest day too, as per your advice.

Lets see how we both get on! Best of luck to you!! 😊😊

[TailChaser Graduate in reply to RunGirlyRun]

I suppose if you think about it, if you’re doing a sponsored run or (at the other extreme) your an athlete with a big meet, you have no control over when you run so you just get on with it. I’ve always felt better for doing it, even when I’m on the treadmill staring at the car park for 30 minutes. You can push us through it too, getting out there is the hardest part.

All the best too 👍👍🏃‍♀️😀

[Hidden]

I'm now menopausal (it's great) but I used to get severe cramps. I always found that running helped the pain. It used to go off. And Jenny is right - running is gr8 for PMS!

[RunGirlyRun in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I will try to get myself out and about!

[Hidden in reply to RunGirlyRun]

I know it's hard when u just wanna curl up with a hot water bottle but you really will feel better. Good luck.

[Amandana]

I also find activity really helps to get rid of cramps. I get them all through my thighs and activity really helps with that. It's definitely hard to get out there though. My main concern is that the cramps also seem to affect my digestive system so I need to plan a repetitive loop route that keeps me close to home in case I need the bathroom.

I'm not sure if part of what you're asking is about hygiene supplies - but if so, a menstrual cup is my recommendation - better for your body than tampons, no leaks, no chafe from a pad, pays for itself in no time and better for the environment as well. It's the best thing to happen to my period aside from pregnancy.

[RunGirlyRun in reply to Amandana]

Thanks Amandana! I get the cramps and the dodgy tummy too so I’ll definitely monitor how I go. Might shoot for a menstrual cup too as you are the fifth or so person to passionately recommend them though this might have to wait till next month. I appreciate the response!

It’s helpful to hear about how everyone copes! X

[Dream76 Graduate]

I had a bad experience using menstrual cup while running, but that is just my experience. And yes, running does help and is great for PMS

[RunGirlyRun in reply to Dream76]

Oh I see! I will keep that in mind! Thank you 🙏

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Run - definately helps me. No excuses - just run! 🙂😉🏃🏽‍♀️

[MamaHogg]

Ive only had to run through one monthly cycle so far. It was mostly the tiredness that I was worried about (i get super tired at time of the month) but it didn't really affect the running... in fact, during the running I was probably the most energised that I had felt all week!

I did plan to have my rest day(s) on the heavier days in my cycle which helped. I

I was also worried about this in the lead up, but was not sure whether to ask on here. I'm so glad you did! So thank you xxx

[RunGirlyRun in reply to MamaHogg]

Thank you! It helps to know that others have been able to power through. My symptoms are also quite severe so it’s great to hear that you felt energised by the run!

I know what you mean: I noticed that there wasn’t too much talk about feminine hygiene in the forum as far as I could see and hesitated for a few days before posting but then I thought ‘what the heck, it affects, will or has affected half the population, I’ll shoot for it!’. It’s good to hear that others had similar questions, though!!

[Kar43]

Interesting post.

For me I usually suffer extreme cramps and severe tiredness & moods (not gooood) the week before, BUT this month I had nothing!!! No cramps, no severe tiredness, no moods nothing! Incredible really but they do say we get "runners high" from running so I'm thinking this is why. So for me running or more like jogging at the moment is doing me & my family a massive favour 😉✅

As for the monthly itself, I rested on heavy days from running and just did gym

[RunGirlyRun in reply to Kar43]

Brilliant! Thanks so much for the reply! I’ll keep my fingers crossed and hope to see similar changes too!