Running couch to 5k, week 4. Women runners: Cramps/pain around hip after running during period.

[runner_k]

Hello,

I am doing the couch to 5k program and I am now on week 4. I hurt my hip by running too fast without any stretching on week 1 so I had taken a few weeks off and I started from scratch 3 weeks ago and I have been feeling great.

Yesterday afternoon, I did my first week 4 run while on the second day of my period and though I was afraid that might be too demanding, it went fine. Since my injury I often have a very mild pain in my buttocks (sorry this post gets a bit too graphic but I want to be precise) while running but nothing that would make it difficult or truly painful for me to run.

Usually, after the run, I stay at the gym and do more exercises, weights, cycling etc but as I was menstruating I thought I'd take it easy so I did some mild stretching and came home where I took my laptop to bed and worked lying down. So far no pain and apart from a short walk in the evening I did no more exercise.

Late at night (about 10 hours after the run) when I lied down to sleep I felt a sudden sharp pain/ cramp on the outside of my hip/ upper thigh that made me scream. For a few minutes, I could barely move. This is the first time I had pain that sharp and it was completely sudden. I feel better now though still a bit achy and I have booked an appointment with my GP but the first available was a week away.

Has anyone had a similar experience? I don't know if it relates to my previous injury or to the fact I am on my period and apparently menstrual cramps can travel to your legs (who knew?)

As mentioned above I plan to speak to a doctor ASAP but in the meantime it would put my mind at ease if someone else had a similar experience. I don't want to stop training if I don't have to but I don't want to damage my legs either.

Thanks!

[Equi-geek Graduate]

Oh crikey runner_k, I hope you are feeling ok now? Good job you’ve booked to see the GP. I’ve not had any problems, but I take ibuprofen on occasion for my arthritic hip and if I get period pain and it works. Wish I could help but all I can do is sympathise. Take care!