Please can I have some experiences about what its like to be a runner who hits menopause?
I've been running since I was 33, but now finding myself getting slower and struggling. Im only 40, but do have some signs of peri-menopause (night sweats, very light periods - if at all, irritability). Not sure if its related, but my mum went through her menopause in her early 40s and I was 10 when my periods started. Ive had no tests done as yet because Im worried they will think Im too young yet.
Anyway, to get back to my question. Im slower than I ever used to be at running and its started to get me down a bit. I know its finish lines not finish times and Im not the last person to finish a race, but Ive moved from a middle of the pack to towards the back now.
I know of various training techniques to make me faster and I have been doing them throughout my running anyway. So Im wondering if its anything to do with my body and hormones changing.
Ive tried to google, but all Im really getting is that its helpful to exercise during menopause as it helps to relieve some symptoms. I just want to know if the menopause may effect my running. I really struggle at the moment. Also most people I know are just getting faster and either haven't got to this stage or started running after the menopause so have no experience of the difference before.
So I thought Id ask here.