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Original poster

Does anyone run during their period?

34 replies

rootsandwings89 · 16/05/2023 21:24

I'm on week 3 of couch to 5K, I've surprised myself how well I'm doing but worried when I get my period in a few days I'll have to stop and loose motivation to start again.

Does anyone still go for a jog when they have their period?

Is it a big No-No or is it fine and not a big deal?

OP posts:
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notsurewherenotsurewhy · 17/05/2023 19:07

I run worse from about 1-2 days before it starts until it's finished (my resting heart rate is elevated during this time too).

I use period pants for running, although I use a mooncup the rest of the time. I find a moon cup starts to shift downwards and become uncomfortable within the first half hour. I'd def try with the pads you have first before splashing out on anything new though! I use reusable pads (in addition to the mooncup overnight and on day 1) and they did chafe, but everyone is different.

And I agree it's not a silly or surprising thing to wonder about.

BogRollBOGOF · 17/05/2023 15:43

These days I can run on my period. Day 1 can be sluggish and achey so it depends on how I feel. PMT is harder and I feel like lead, and my muscles tight and niggly. Day 2 and things ease up.

In my youth I was stricken with cramps all up my thighs and crushing my uterus and I struggled to function at all in many months, so running would have been out of the question.

I can run with a cup, but it can shift position. Period pants are good. I often use cloth pads anyway as they're comfortable if there's any leakage or a bush stop on long trail runs.

junebirthdaygirl · 17/05/2023 04:22

When you think all girls playing matching/ running races etc are likely to be on their period at certain times it's absolutely doable . Getting out is the most important thing even if its not your best run and you end up walking a bit more.
As your body is used to you wearing pads l would say you won't have a reaction . I would begin by wearing what you normally wear walking around as that's what your body is adjusted to.

EarringsandLipstick · 17/05/2023 03:15

I've never had a problem running during my period, though like others the day or 2 beforehand, legs feel heavy & the run harder.

However, I think running with a pad might be harder, and as it's likely to increase the blood flow, might feel like an uncomfortable sensation - if you can use tampons / moon cup / period pants it might be easier?

TheWordOfBagheera · 17/05/2023 02:43

I definitely couldn't. The first 2 days of a period I feel a heavy dragging ache (totally separate from cramps which are there but not particularly bothersome) that means I can't stay standing on my feet without sit-down breaks, let alone do anything sporty. But it seems I'm in minority! If it's not painful for you then I'd go for it with the period pants mentioned by a pp.

Tinybrother · 17/05/2023 02:27

Pads don’t chafe me, I use reusable ones

museumum · 16/05/2023 22:06

rootsandwings89 · 16/05/2023 21:48

Yes I would worry about leaks, as I can only use pads so wasn't sure if it becomes a bit uncomfortable!

Show quote history

Don’t try to run with a pad - it will chafe. If you can’t use internal protection buy some period pants and wear them just to run.

florenceandthemac · 16/05/2023 22:05

I run, lift weights, climb mountains, anything I would do when not on my period.
Granted I don't have really bad periods, but they can be uncomfortable and aren't exactly light.
I think I'd feel worse doing nothing

Silvergoldandglitter · 16/05/2023 22:05

I run my best during my period. I run terribly the week before.

Original poster
rootsandwings89 · 16/05/2023 22:05

Tailfeather · 16/05/2023 22:00

Did you never see the Bodyform advert?! Smile No, seriously, it can feel like the last thing you want to do, but can help with the bloating, cramps and general 'meh' feeling. And less guilty if you need chocolate and comfort food!

Yes, I know I should be surfing and playing tennis haha! Grin

OP posts:
StamppotAndGravy · 16/05/2023 22:04

You're statistically slightly more likely to get injured the week before your period so it's often good not to plan a really hard run that week, but c25k will be fine. You might find pads chafe a bit. Period pants might be a bit more comfortable.

Tailfeather · 16/05/2023 22:00

Did you never see the Bodyform advert?! Smile No, seriously, it can feel like the last thing you want to do, but can help with the bloating, cramps and general 'meh' feeling. And less guilty if you need chocolate and comfort food!

Spiderboy · 16/05/2023 21:55

Day 1 I would push to the next day but I definitely wouldn’t stop!! Especially so early in the program, push through. It’s only 30 mins. Fresh pad, run, home shower etc if you’re worried

FusionChefGeoff · 16/05/2023 21:52

A crappy run is usually a sign that my period will arrive the next day. When I'm actually on I usually feel much better!

Itsallovernow23 · 16/05/2023 21:50

God you're all so lucky. I'm a runner and can not run on first or second day of my period it's so heavy I cant be far from a toilet. Been that way always.

Original poster
rootsandwings89 · 16/05/2023 21:48

Bumble84 · 16/05/2023 21:34

I don’t really know why you wouldn’t? Are you worried about leaks?

I always used to feel better afterwards. Although TMI I was more likely to get runners trots during my period so just watch out for that!

Yes I would worry about leaks, as I can only use pads so wasn't sure if it becomes a bit uncomfortable!

OP posts:
Motherhubbardscupboard · 16/05/2023 21:47

I think the comment about 'can't see why you would think it's a problem' is a bit dismissive of others' experiences tbh. I often feel pretty rubbish for a few days and no, exercise doesn't help me. Obviously it's not a no no so if you want to and feel fine then go ahead. I tend to miss a couple of days. (Also tmi, but pads can cause awful chafing...)

Original poster
rootsandwings89 · 16/05/2023 21:46

Sanch1 · 16/05/2023 21:31

No issue whatsoever, can't see why you would think it would be a problem?

I thought it may be uncomfortable or harder to run when you feel bloated etc.

OP posts:
mynameiscalypso · 16/05/2023 21:40

I tend not to run on the first day normally because I get a dodgy tummy with my period and running tends to exacerbate that and is...unpleasant. Other days are totally fine though.

rhow · 16/05/2023 21:38

I play sport, yoga, running etc on my period. If it's day 2 of my period, I do have less energy, but I'm fine.

Megamopyeah · 16/05/2023 21:35

I never seem to have the energy, so have delayed a week of couch25k each time.

Bumble84 · 16/05/2023 21:34

I don’t really know why you wouldn’t? Are you worried about leaks?

I always used to feel better afterwards. Although TMI I was more likely to get runners trots during my period so just watch out for that!

DJSteves · 16/05/2023 21:33

Did Run 1 week 4 with Aunt Flo attending. No issues whatsoever. Was a good run

cocksstrideintheevening · 16/05/2023 21:33

No problem here either

Sanch1 · 16/05/2023 21:31

No issue whatsoever, can't see why you would think it would be a problem?