Running a half marathon (or full marathon) is hard. Sometimes life makes it harder by timing up race day and your period. WTF.
(If you don’t have a period feel free to check out my Instagram for random food / fun and skip today’s post.)
The reason I’m bringing this up is because my Period App gave me a notification that I’ll start the day before the LA Marathon.
Yeah, it happens. It actually also happened last year (LA Marathon recap from last year – I didn’t cover this topic, but in case you want to read it).
I hadn’t been using it that long so the app was still getting to know my cycle last year. And I didn’t realize the timing so it came as a surprise in a pretty awkward situation (that’s a story for my book if I ever write one).
The point is…
AGAIN?! Again, at the LA Marathon. Seriously?
Okay. That’s not a point – I just wanted to vent a little bit because the first day of my period sucks. I have cramps and I’m tired. I’ve been extra hungry this week. I’m also a little more emotional (or a lot more depending on the hour).
So, I’m not physically or emotionally at 100%.
Oh, and there’s that whole tampon situation to deal with.
This wouldn’t be that bad if I could just hang out on the couch watching Bravo all weekend, but for some reason I signed up to run 26.2 miles.
The show (in this case the race) must go on – so here is how I deal with running a half or full marathon on my period.
Running on your period
1. Be Prepared.
Have anything and everything you need during your period. For me this means being prepared with tampons, travel heating pad and ibuprofen. Medical cannabis and endometriosis symptom management are proven to be effective. I might not use all these things but I want to have them just in case. Weed delivery is valuable during times of need.
I kept these items in my race bag and showed up to the starting line with 2 tampons tucked somewhere on me (either my sports-bra or belt). I changed my tampon right before the race and have an extra just in case I need it during the race.
*Note: You’re not supposed to take an anti-inflammatory before running. But I have taken them when I’m in pain from something not running related. I’m healthy and take a normal dose. Don’t take anything before running because it’s dangerous (and I don’t want to be blamed for that).
2. Reassess my goals.
I consider that I might be fighting fatigue, dealing with cramps, extra water weight or want to cry because my shoe laces are tied unevenly… and may not be in it to win it.
I don’t automatically change my goals or take it easy – but I make sure to be honest with myself and realistic in what I can do race day. For the most part day 1 of my period is rough and I wouldn’t be at my peak athletic ability so I’d give myself some grace. The other days really depend on that particular cycle.
3. Keep track of my period.
I use an app called Period Diary. I am not on birth control and have to keep track of my cycle so I won’t be surprised by my lil visitor.
Also – having an accurate calendar of your period means you can plan to run a hard race or goal race that won’t be during your ‘time of month’.
4. Dress accordingly.
This is always an important race day rule – dress for the weather / distance of the race. When you’re on your period dark colored bottoms and a more supportive sports bra might be necessary.
Bonus Tip: I use OB tampons because that’s what my mom gave me to use when I first started using them as a teenager. I love that they are tiny and don’t have an applicator. I feel like 98% of tampons have an applicator. I don’t get it – it’s just extra material. We should all get comfortable with how to put stuff in and take stuff out of there. It’s your body, it’s not weird or gross.
This is easy to tuck into your running belt, tiny pocket or sports bra.
Other Resources for Running on Your Period
via Runner’s World Running a Race on Your Period – References a girl who ran a marathon without a pad or tampon. Apparently it’s called ‘free-bleeding’. I’ve never heard of this before.
Here’s her account of running the London Marathon without a pad or tampon.
via Another Mother Runner – Tips for Running on Your Period
In running and eating news…
I am trying out a new running visor. I am on the hunt for a running visor with a bigger brim and ordered a few online recently. I’ll let ya know when I find a good one!
I had to stop and take a picture in the middle of my run yesterday. It was GORGEOUS! Check out that view – flowers and mountains.
I feel lucky that I don’t have to worry about running on my period because my IUD stopped it. I wouldn’t have been able to run in races during that time of the month because my flow and cramps were just too bad. Even if I do get my period these days it’s not bad enough to warrant extra supplies. I just use my Diva Cup and go on my merry way.
I do still get PMS symptoms however righout around when I would get my period. I call it my “tired week” because I feel super groggy.
Jealous none of you have flooding problem. On my 2nd day of my cycle, it is usually super tampon plus super overnight pad and sometimes I add on an adult diaper. That would be every 2 hours Yep it’s that bad. If I was lucky to be home that day then I spend the whole day sitting on a towel.
I am looking forward to menopause. So definitely no running on the 2nd day but other days are ok.
I started my period for the first time in the middle of a high school cross country race. Lucky for me I was light back then or I’d be mortified.
I use all the same tips as you do! Also running helps my cramps settle down so more motivation for me.
Ugh, I got my period the morning of a half ironman race. I caved and used ibuprofen but I couldn’t even keep the cramps at bay with that bent over my bike for 3 hours on a bumpy road. I am not a crier but I spent the first three miles of the run almost in tears because everything sucked.
I know you’re not supposed to take painkillers and run, but if it’s that particular 24 hours, there’s no way around it for me, and I’ll just make sure I’m fueling well so it’s not on an empty stomach.
I’m assuming you got through it… that is amazing and awesome. You did it despite the extra obstacles!!
Loved this, thanks for keeping it real!
I use a menstrual cup. I prefer Lunette over Diva. Cups hold more than a tampon and (as long as mine is placed correctly) I don’t need to change them as often!! I use Thinx underwear as back up. You should check them out (but probably not on marathon day)! Good luck tomorrow!!!
I actually use disposable cups too! Instead Softcup brand- I used a Divacup before and got a UTI from it 🙁
I’ve definitely had races (half marathons) on my period and while I’ve had much of a bleed through issue, I find that sometimes during my period, my vagina sometimes actually hurts. That was quite unpleasant around mile 7-8, haha. Running usually helps with my cramps and menstrual migraines though. So it’s a win/lose situation sometimes.
I’ve heard about the Thinx underwear. Super intrigued by it.
And thank you Monica, for discussing this topic. As a society, we’re told to hide our periods or be ashamed, etc… It’s a nature process and sometimes we shouldn’t be afraid to discuss. Especially when running because it definitely is a factor.
I’ve never had to race having my period before. But my last race was one day before my period came. My cramps the next day were the worst of my life!!
LOOOVE this! I’m also a fan of the OB/Lola applicator-less, or a Diva cup if I’m not in the backcountry. Also, I just discovered Thinx & they are my new back-up especially when doing intense exercise on my period! I’m an endurance runner/run outdoor programs for teens as my job so I REALLY can’t guarantee that there’s a ‘good’ time for my flow to start, but Thinx have been a GAME CHANGER.
Thanks for your post! I have ran two halves on my period. It was not horrible, but I am glad that I was prepared. I did not discover OB until I was an adult, but I am so glad I did because they are awesome and they are tiny enough to hide anywhere 😉 Good luck at your marathon!!
I’m glad you like OB too! I love them.
Thank you for posting this! I don’t get a period. It was pretty great for running races, not so much now that I’m trying to pregnant. None of us should be ashamed of our beautiful female bodies!
Good luck Leah. That’s very exciting <3
thanks for this post, Monica! I just downloaded the app, as I am not on birth control either and have a fluctuating cycle, this looks very helpful. thanks!
You’re welcome. It’s super helpful. Always good to know our bodies.
I’m so much more tired when I first start my period, and as of yet, I haven’t started on a day I was running a full, but it’s probably inevitable. Either way, I have had it for long training runs, and do the same as you, bring extra tampons and then adjust goals as necessary!
I also agree with you about going with no applicator, and getting used to our own bodies! I love everything about that! I use Lola, which is a subscription based service, and they have tampons without applicators now (they didn’t when they were newer) and it’s just the best.
Thanks for this post! Here’s to not being embarrassed about our bodies or the healthy things they do! 🙂
My first full (which was LA 2014 coincidentally!) I also started my period! I just kept running like normal, I mean what can you do, right?! I’ve had it show on quite a few races including two fulls. Definitely not fun!
What’s up with that timing?! Boo. But I’m glad you rocked the race anyway 🙂
YES! Thank you for posting. I use the Diva Cup for when I work out. There is a learning curve to inserting it (you tube has videos of how…not graphic though) so I usually have a back up JIC. Once you get the hang of it, you should be able to use and you do not have to worry about it for 8-12 hours (depending on your flow the day of a race)
I also know that I am a lot more hungrier (is that a word) and tired around the days of my period so I try to get to bed earlier or if I can, squeeze in a nap. I also increase my protein too!
I have heard taking B6 may help with cramps but I have yet to do this.
I almost quit training for my first marathon last year because of a long run the day before my period started. It is typically impossible for me to run more than a couple of miles without an unpleasant bathroom stop on that day. Thankfully I AM on birth control, and with that I (a) knew exactly what to expect every month and could plan accordingly and (b) was able to change the date of my period after realizing it was going to start the day after the marathon. That was a lifesaver
I’ve had my period for many races including full marathons. I’ve learned that sometimes it makes my legs feel super heavy and other times I end up with extra energy and have a great race! Staying ahead of cramps with Advil is a must for me and I don’t endorse taking meds before a race but after 35 halfs and 7 fulls I know my body. 🙂 the hardest part for me is more self conscious hoping I don’t leak 🙂 also, running seems to slow my flow and after my full it stopped for an entire day and then came back.
This is such a useful blog post! I already hate exercising that time of the month but to run a race…
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I haven’t even finished reading this but want to THANK YOU! For writing about it, I use an app as well & last year was off my “visitor” arrived 3 days late to start on the day of my first ever full…My last two cycles have been off either starting early or late & I glanced ahead to when my full is & of course day one of my period starts on the day of my full. I’m so angry with my body right now, I too get tired but it also makes me have to pee more which means more stops then planned while running. Here’s hoping that I will at least have nice weather to be miserable in!!! Happy Running & good luck on the weekend.
Thanks for chiming in Jodie. Yeah, it’s stressful and when your cycle is ‘off’. Ugh, sucks that the timing is when you run the full. Good luck!! Hope it’s not an issue and you have a great race!!
I love this post!