I've always wanted to know the answer to this question. What if California's top girl runner gets her period the day before the state meet. Does it affect how she runs? Is this a big deal to the girl? How does it affect a females performance?!
I've always wanted to know the answer to this question. What if California's top girl runner gets her period the day before the state meet. Does it affect how she runs? Is this a big deal to the girl? How does it affect a females performance?!
Personally it definitely impacts me. I get bad side aches so that I need to stop my run sometimes. I've never been unlucky enough to have it the day of a big race.
I'm sure it varies. Im also sure the pain can be ignored to a certain extent in a high pressure situation like a WC, and exercise definitely helps with it.
If the girl is any good she won't get her period
Ouch.
You cannot tell me elite runners do have menstruate in some way (natural, birth control, etc) because they would be plagued with injuries and have brittle bones and fractures all the time
I did not become a semi-serious runner (2:43 marathoner) until I was in my early 30s, when perhaps those things would have sorted themselves out anyway. But I never found menstruation to be a problem apart from the messiness. It didn't seem to affect my performance.
I always raced my best while on my period. Yes, it was a hassle to deal with but it shouldn't be a huge factor in a race. Take some advil and they'll be good to go.
Some female athletes use birth control to regulate when they will have their period, to make sure it is not during a big meet.
I've never missed my period! That is a myth elite female runners don't get periods- in fact, those who do get regular periods means they are taking care of themselves and eating well to perform well. If you take an oral contraceptive, your period should be every 28 days, w/your period falling on Mon-Wed (races on the weekends). Sometimes I get pre-menstrual cramps in the days leading up to my period- nothing as bad while taking oral contraceptives (vs when I didn't take it). Because of this I haven't had to worry about bleeding/tampons/cramps/etc coinciding with race day, since early college/pre-oral contraceptive. As far as how your period impacts performance, each individual is different. There's a comprehensive review or two if you search around. I don't find trends at all throughout the cycle, nor have I ever felt hindered by taking oral contraceptives. You're going to get mixed opinions and anecdotes on this.
elites get periods wrote:
You're going to get mixed opinions and anecdotes on this.
For sure. I have a definite difference on days t-1 and t. It absolutely knocks me on my butt physically -- no amount of coffee or naps or rest can overcome. It's not psychological, as I often don't realize until day t why day t-1 was a complete wash. I can't imagine trying to race on those days.
I’m a D2 female runner. Our coach explicitly told us not to visit LetsRun forums.
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