Question for women runners....

silkysly

Guys…, I warned you.
Ladies how do you make it though a long run while on your period? I have a 1/2 marathon in two weeks & I only managed to bang out 3.5 miles today. I was supposed to run 10, but I’m weak sauce & cramping. I always have a heavy cycle, but try my best not to let it get in my way. Sometimes that very hard to do. I was thinking about going out again this evening & trying for some for some miles. Any suggestions? Please & thank you…

lmd172

i honestly think i feel better when i do some type of exercise when it's that TOM...i'd try to do a little something tonight...if you're anything like me, when i run it seems like i get in a zone and tend to block out most everything else and that would go for any cramps i may have...drink plenty of water and just keep doing what you normally do, i think you'll feel better for it.


good luck with your race!

silkysly

I can get past the cramps, but I felt very weak today. I just felt like I was running uphill the entire time. I try not to let anything mentally block me, but I was juiced...

allisshiney

Make sure you get lots of iron.

Kath712

My doctor recommends Advil gel caps, three of them at a time. I don't know why, but they work so much faster than the regular advil/ibuprofen. Yesterday, was Day 1 of TOM, and I was planning a 6 mile run. I took 3 gel caps in the morning and 3 more in the afternoon about an hour before my run. I had issues with breathing (first hot day in a while), but my pace was not too bad. I felt great after the run. I agree with others who said that exercise helps them feel better on TOM. Good luck!!

carlynn13

The cramps I can deal with, but I do have to double up on protection, that could be a disaster

chevy88grl

I actually try not to run the first couple days - all that happens is severe cramping and bleeding when I do. So, I try and just take it easy and avoid anything too strenuous. I guess I'm an odd duck because most people I talk to say working out makes them feel better and makes it just better overall. I'm definitely the complete opposite.

I say do what you can do. Listen to your body. I think most of us don't do that enough and we should. Our bodies will tell us what they can handle and what they can't.

PBmaria

Honestly? I just suck it up and do it. It's draining and I feel sluggish but I still get it done.
To be fair, though, my long runs (13+) are on Sundays, which is never a heavy day since I'm on the pill and I'm a Sunday starter.
How about some midol like 30 mins before you go?

4thehardman

You could switch up your contraceptive pill so that you won't get your period during your half marathon but be warned that you may need to use other forms of birth control in the meantime. Before I was married I used to do this for long haul flights because those little toilet cubicles on planes scare the *kitten* out of me!!

PBmaria

On the bright side, you'll be in the middle of your cycle on race day so you'll be in top shape!

tenunderfour

I don't ever have any problems with this. But, from a purely running/training perspective. There is nothing wrong with doing doubles, i.e. splitting your mileage into two parts for the day.

laynunugawa

I have noticed that I get very sluggish and uncomfortable working out (especially running) at TOM so I started taking Iron pills during that time every month and I have noticed a difference. I'm not as heavy and tired and is able to get thru a workout. so maybe Iron will help you as well

DiannaMoorer

Eat a lot of high iron foods (spinach,liver,,etc.) Your favorite pain meds. and heavy protection. Then go for it. I had the Warrior Dash this weekend on my day three and did just fine.

prizmaa

I would try again this evening, if I were you. For me, on the first day of my period, I have had cramps so bad that I almost passed out and felt extremely weak. But I found that after that initial bout, I feel much better later on that day and can go about my normal business. I'd just try again a bit later this evening and see how you feel.

And I agree, the iron thing is a great idea!

madamepsychosis

I feel you. My period hasn't been anywhere near as bad since I went on the pill, but before that I used to have the worst cramps imaginable. Maybe on the days you run, make sure you're eating foods packed with iron and maybe even take a supplement if you can't do that?

tenunderfour

Just an FYI - taking iron supplements only on the days you have your period will do nothing to help you. Any benefit realized is probably the placebo effect. It takes 2-3 weeks of daily iron supplements to see an increase in hemoglobin. And it honestly will only help if there is really an iron deficiency anemia present.

laynunugawa

I actually take iron pills every other day and then take them daily during my TOM. I am not recommending that she should do that but to perhaps add more iron..eating it is obviously the better route. I do this because I have consulted with my Dr.

Thank you for you input, this is why I love this forum, you can learn so much

silkysly

Eat a lot of high iron foods (spinach,liver,,etc.) Your favorite pain meds. and heavy protection. Then go for it. I had the Warrior Dash this weekend on my day three and did just fine.

I eat spinach every morn with my eggs & take a multi woman’s vitamin. I’m also 49 & can usually mind block the cramps, but I was just weak sauce when I ran. I’m glad to hear there are others out there like me. I’ll try it again this evening. Thanks all for your help!

ps..., I loved the Warrior Dash! Best day of my life (so far).