Half marathon and period due

[christinarossetti]

I'm going to be running my first half marathon on 12th Oct (Royal Parks in London) and my period is due on the actual day.

Fab.

It's not so much the bleeding that's a problem as I don't have a heavy flow, but I generally feel pretty rough - heavy legged, hotter, less energetic.

Other than double shot of expresso an hour before and hoping that adrenalin over-rides some of the progesterone, is there anything else I can do to give my energy levels a boost?

TIA.

I take it you're not on the pill so can't just start a new packet and give it a miss this once.

In which I case I would research what professional athletes eat to boost energy before the race (which you might already have done, I admit.)

Whatever the weather it is going to be a beautiful picturesque run through autumnal elegance so you could try some visualisation exercises to remind yourself how great it is going to be whenever you feel your energy dip.

Thanks. No, not on the pill or I would do just that I think.

I think it's becoming a bit of a loci for my 'oooh, I haven't revised enough' nerves now that the date is coming closer, so I think you're right about thinking out rather than in.

I think you'll find the occasion and the running itself give you everything you need and you won't even notice on the day.

In Paula Radcliffe's book she says she set the Marathon World Record in Chicago the day her period arrived, so you're on for a great run. Enjoy it! She also says there's no evidence to suggest our cycles have any effect on our performance, only that exercise helps alleviate all the unpleasant symptoms.

Although caffeine is supposed to be good before a race, don't do it on race day unless you've practised beforehand - it can play havoc with your stomach!

Wow, that's inspiring! Thanks.

itll be fine, but double tampon maybe

Double tampon? Use two at a time, you mean?

I do find tampons more comfortable than my mooncup when running, so nothing to lose!