Question for the ladies

[Cleeve81]

So when you are full of cramps and low on energy each month, do you push through it and run or give yourself a break? I don’t know what to do?

[NonstopTweet]

So, not to be too TMI, but I have an awful time with cramps due to PCOS and endometreosis. During those days when I cramp, I know that it just is not worth spending any energy I have forcing myself to run. So I don't and don't feel any guilt.

A friend of mine has "normal" cramps and finds a short run helps her and she feels better afterwards.

I guess what I am trying to say is that you should do what feels right to you and pick it up again afterwards.

[Runner_P Graduate]

I push through, but I also go a little easy on myself. My first two days are the worst for cramps etc, but the whole week of, I feel significantly weaker. I don’t have any underlying conditions though. Just the standard curse. If I finish a run that is achievement enough in that week, there are definitely no personal bests

My last was on week 7, 25 minutes, and I had to fight for each and every one of those runs. Week 8 and 9 were a breeze in comparison, so I can only attribute it to that.

I take painkillers if necessary for the cramps, make sure my clothes are comfy, and that I have lots of carb foods on those days. I know you don’t need to fuel up for C25K runs, but the carbs help my mood (mood haha).

Take it easy, but give it a go. The exercise and endorphins can actually help in the end

[Blackcat2111]

I actually wondered this too as I was feeling a little like this today, it was more of a struggle. Maybe you could take pain relief 15 mins before you go perhaps. I might try this myself next time

[sally1993]

It would be smart to take it easy around this time (I wouldn't stop completely unless I was in total pain), but a gentle pace and watching your step could be good. I'm sure I've read somewhere that hormones(relaxin) around that time can loosen our ligaments and we can be more prone to injury.