running + your period

Wan-naBe

when it's that time of the month, do you proceed at your typical level of activity, or do you scale it back a little?  i'm finding that as i get older, i lack the energy to do my runs or even a session of 30DS during the first couple of days.

how do you handle it?  most of you ladies are a lot younger than i am, so you probably manage just fine. 

[Poll]

Daffyone

Exercise helps everything soo much when it is that time of the month (helps with cramps as well as shortens the length of the whole thing) that is the time I make sure to get a workout in.  If not running, anything.  That is the week that I workout/run as much as possible!

JReeds9

I voted for it depends. I try to keep up my normal level. Some months it isn't an issue. Sometimes though, I just can't. This last time I had to take the 1st few days off. The first morning I tried to run and I almost passed out!

moshi's paw

If I were to cut down on exercise during AF, I wouldn't have run my last 5 races. Just another day in paradise, I suppose

Just_Lisa

Daffyone:

Exercise helps everything soo much when it is that time of the month (helps with cramps as well as shortens the length of the whole thing) that is the time I make sure to get a workout in.  If not running, anything.  That is the week that I workout/run as much as possible!

this is me too! I get horrible cramps and it seems to help them go away. It may suck the first 10 mins or so but I'm much happier when I'm done. 

Susie Derkins

I still do my usual, whatever I've got on the calendar.  But I wouldn't say it doesn't affect me.  I just slog through it.  It's only for the first day or so that I feel sluggish.

AGsWife

I voted "It depends". I try to keep up my workouts when AF is in town, especially since I find it helps with cramps/bloatedness/etc. However, I'd be lying if I said I did this 100% of the time. I do try to stay at least a bit active - I might cut back on my running those few days, but do other things (walk, elliptical, or a short video at home) - but obviously there are times when all I want to do is curl up in bed with something salty and something chocolatey and watch Bravo re-runs of Bethenny. So, I do.

aswartzw

By the time it hits, I'm fine.  It's the week before I drag.  My cardio performance is at its lowest but I can kill at weights.  A couple of days before my period it switches and once I get going, I really enjoy my run.

septemberdreams

Oddly, I find that my runs are harder the week before my period.  I defitinely struggle more and I've been running consistenly for 15+ years.  I got my period the morning I ran my first marathon, so I don't let it stop me from doing anything.

ebeth_msn

I wouldn't say it doesn't affect me, but most of the time I work out as planned during my period. 

I feel more tired and sluggish, but most of the time I get out there anyway and don't regret it.  I might take some unscheduled rest if I'm feeling especially crampy/sick/tired.

 

 

suzymarie

The day before it starts I usually feel like crap- horrible stomach ache, etc.  Its like MS all over again.  I usually don't do more than walk.

The heaviest day (usually the 2nd day), same thing.  I feel exhausted and crappy.  Exercise doesn't help me feel better.  Again, I might walk.  And I am perfectly likely to go to the gym- but I will read my book in the sauna, not exercise  

jerseygirl81

moshi's paw:

If I were to cut down on exercise during AF, I wouldn't have run my last 5 races. Just another day in paradise, I suppose

I seem to have this unfortunate stroke of luck, too.

carlab44

For me it depends on how I'm feeling. I used to get horrible menstrual cramps. To the point I'd pass out. I was also lucky enough to get my period the morning of a full marathon, two half marathons, and two triathlons.  I used to have very regular 28 day cycles so for my marathon I even selected the race based on when I should get my period. Of course that was the one and only time my period was 1.5 weeks late and I got at the starting line. For the races I just had to pop Advil (I know not recommended but it was either that or drop out of the race).

Since having kids my cramping isn't nearly as bad, so I usually go about my normal exercise routine. But if my cramping it at all bad I take the day off.

daves_sweetpea

My actual period is no problem (thank you mother nature, after the misery of my youth!) but my PMS can be a killer.  Sometimes I am just so off with every single bit of my life when I have PMS and it's not always the same month to month.  Usually thougth I feel like a clumsy mess or like my head is in a fog.  I'll try to do C25K in the hopes that some good, hard exercise makes me feel better.  If it doesn't I'll just walk or lift weights and make sure I eat well for the day & go to bed early.  I'm feeling PMS-ish today and I'm supposed to go on to the next week of my program.  I have a feeling I'll be sticking to last week's level today.

jillybean222

I just had my first PP period this weekend (so my 1st since October 2010!) and I did all of my scheduled runs and cross training as usual.  I didn't notice any difference. 

Breezy8407

I have pretty easy periods. If I take ibuprofen the first day, I am fine. I had mine for both 1/2's last year, too.

MayFlowers22

I usually skip it because I get really bad cramps, or I'll shorten it.

jdbmjm

The day before I start, I usually have one of my best workouts of the month. It's like I have crazy energy. Since I almost always start in the morning, if I take ibuprofen right away, I can still get in a really good run early (and no pain!). Later in the day my muscles turn to jello and I will need to take it easy for the next 12-24 hours, like it takes effort to unload groceries. Then I'm good usually by the end of day 2.