Women & Running- How to Stay Sane During Your Monthly Cycle

During those years of my serious training and racing days, I really dreaded the time of month.  

I've always been one of the unfortunate women whose period affected my running in a negative way.  In my younger days I was a stubborn and not-so-smart runner who stuck to my training/racing plans no matter what physical condition I was in.  Over the years I have learned that it was not earth shattering to adjust/modify your training if I was not up to the workouts.  My unpleasant menstrual  symptoms included; upset stomach, bloating, muscle pains, back pains, headaches, and severe fatigue.  

Here I are few tips to get through the unpleasant 5-6 days each month.

1, listen to your body

When I was running a lot of marathons and training for them, inevitably the time of  month would interrupt one or two of my key workouts a month such as a weekly long run or speed work.  Consistency  is the key.  As long as your training as a whole is consistent for a few month, skipping those key workouts just for a week is not going to affect your overall fitness.  Switch to short and easy runs instead on those days.

2, take remedies

As much as I don't like to rely on medication, it is one time in a month that I take aspirin.  I start taking them a few days before to help with muscle pain and bloating.  I also take natural remedies like ginger and turmeric to help with inflammation.  Ginger can be cooked with your food or made into tea.  Turmeric tea and other herbal teas helps with cramps.

3, Eat a balanced diet

Eating a balanced, whole food based diet low in animal fat and protein helps ease menstrual  symptoms.  Animal fats and proteins are not good for balancing hormones.  I cut out all animal products during the time of month.  Eat foods that are rich in iron such as beans and green leafy vegetables to combat fatigue from blood loss.  Maca root is good for balancing hormones.

4, Get more Sleep

Sleep is very important for runners.  When you are resting, all the training is being absorbed.  Since you are more tired during the time of month, more rest is needed naturally.  

Relax….

Instead of being frustrated about disruption from your routine, think of this time as a small break from training.