For the ladies - running with Endometriosis

[Idizzy1]

Hi, have today done 10miles in prep for my possible upcoming HM. I say possible because I’ve got some jitters as to whether I’ll be able to complete and I’m having some vanity issues I need some advice on.

I had be on a long term hormone treatment that had stopped the Endo and the issues with bloating and the typical “endo baby” that has blighted me for so long.

Anyway, treatment stopped about a year ago, and over the past few months the bloating has been getting worse, to the point that on today’s run after about 6 miles it was really bad. About 5 months bad.

Anyone have any advice, I feel really self conscious when this happens, let alone when trussed up in Lycra.

[ju-ju- Marathon]

Can I ask was that zoladex implants? I had these years ago as treatment for this and it was very hard. I wasn’t running then. I’m guessing your question is about self consciousness? I would say that no one will be staring at you or anything as the people running will be focussing on their own performance and the spectators will be cheering you on and in awe of anyone that can run that distance. I don’t know if that helps but I wish you all the best in your race, well done 😎

[Idizzy1 in reply to ju-ju-]

Hi

Yes yes it was Zoladex! Was on it for nearly 10 years, stopped Feb last year and at the moment still nothing to report if your know what I mean apart from returning cramps and the bloating which can go from zero to 9 months in about 30 mins.

[ju-ju- Marathon in reply to Idizzy1]

Gosh that is a long time.... I was on it 20 years ago but not for that long. ( I’m 47 now). The only thing it has done is given me an early menopause but I think I’m through the worst and I have 2 gorgeous children so I can’t complain. Running will really help with all of your symptoms I’m sure. Don’t forget vit D and also looking after yourself too 😎

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Hi there!

What clothes do you currently run in? I don't share your problem, but I do like to wear high waisted running bottoms with a nice thick waistband, which help me feel more confident about any swelling I have. I have seen compression type items that claim to hold in the belly, I don't know how comfortable they might actually be. There's also the art of distraction - wear dark coloured bottoms and loud, colourful tops, headbands, sunglasses etc., to draw attention away from your tummy area.

I wish you success with your half marathon training! Hope to see more posts from you here

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

Although I didn't have endometriosis, I did a full walking marathon at the peak of my fibroid troubles. Sorry, TMI coming up . My struggles were unpredictable, long, heavy, frequent periods with nasty flooding and cramps. It definitely added a challenge to the long training sessions and the concern of where would I be in my cycle on race day. I carried ALOT of product with me (I had to use a running belt plus a fanny pack for all my goodies 😖), wore dark bottoms and used the bathrooms often. In the end, I lucked out and ended my cycle just before race day. I had my hysterectomy a few months later and found out that my fibroid was the size of a 16week pregnancy. I'm quite thin and was showing as well, but figured it was the start of middle aged spread. When I developed intense pain in my tailbone resembling my end stage pregnancy (my son was "sunny side up" and carried super low), I had to come to terms that what I dealt with every day was not "normal" although it had become my normal.

I understand your self consciousness. I felt it too, although my distension was more constant and didn't have the wide swings as you see. I tended to wear looser,longer tops but sometimes they can chafe more so would try them during my different length training sessions. My favourite (most hiding) top couldn't be worn in any long session without massive chafing under my armpit 😖. Don't try anything new on race day. If the only top you can comfortably wear for race day is form fitting and shows off your bloated tummy (which is basically what happened to me given it was a cooler day and couldn't wear my second favourite baggy tank top that didn't chafe) please don't despair. You are amazing, accomplishing something most cannot with challenges others don't have to deal with. Let it empower you (easier said than done, I know). Good luck on race day. Please post a race report and let us know how it goes.

[Anniemurph Half Marathon]

I'm sorry you're suffering like this, but well done on your run and your training. Good advice from Ju, Rosabi and Sask about running wear. All I can add is that I marshalled for the first time at Parkrun yesterday and was left in absolute awe of the wonderful group of people that run. There were 284 runners of all shapes and sizes, most in Lycra, and they ranged from tiny and stick thin to larger body shapes, men and women. I am quite self-conscious about my figure and the only other thing I would say is that I have never found an event photo I like because my eyes are always drawn to my belly and my thunder thighs - oh, and my gurning face and 5 chins. Then there's my fat upper arms, my saggy backside... Probably very few other people bother to look at these features. I've stopped looking at event photos now!

Find something you are as comfortable as you can be to run in, and at the same time makes you feel as though you aren't drawing attention to your middle. Practice in it first. Then say, 'Sod it!' and go run.

[Idizzy1]

So it’s the night before. Nervous as hell. Will report back tomorrow on the progress. Thanks for your support.