Running, periods and the reality that too many women face
I’ve set myself a goal to run 27 miles in January, but I didn’t get off to the strongest start, as is often the case with best-laid plans.
My plan was to head out on the 1st. If not, then definitely the 2nd. In reality, my first run didn’t happen until the 3rd of January.
Why?
I woke up feeling a little fragile on New Year’s Day after a fun New Year’s Eve, and then my period started.
I’ve always considered myself fairly lucky when it comes to my cycle. I had painful periods in my teens, but they settled as I got older. Now, in my late 40s, day two has become really heavy. And I mean really heavy. Standing up can mean needing to change a pad immediately. I have to double up with both a tampon and a pad, and I rely on reusable period pads because they’re highly absorbent and help me feel confident that I won’t leak.
There is absolutely no way I could even consider going out for a run at that point, and that’s completely okay.
And honestly? I feel incredibly grateful that I can access the period products I need. Because period poverty is a very real issue for far too many people.
*Research shows that 41% of people in the UK struggle to afford period products, and 30% are forced to choose between buying them or paying for essentials like food or clothing. Without access to proper period care, some are left using toilet paper, kitchen roll or old clothing, which can lead to embarrassment, stress and exclusion from everyday life such as work, school and social activities.
Two in five people who menstruate cannot afford period products.
The average person spends around £120 per year on period products, nearly £4,800 over a lifetime, and that’s just for the basics, not including pain relief, extra laundry or replacement clothing.
Periods affect our health, confidence, movement and daily choices far more than we openly talk about and for many, they can be the very thing that stands between wanting to move, and being able to.
And the photo I’m sharing with this blog, the one with BELIEVE across my jumper, isn’t about motivation quotes or “just push through it” energy. It’s about something much deeper. It’s about believing women when they say they’re struggling. Believing that our bodies change and accepting that. Believing that some days movement feels easy and empowering, and some days it simply isn’t possible. It’s about believing that you are still strong, still worthy and still doing your best, even when your body needs rest instead of running. And it’s about believing that no one should have to choose between dignity and daily life, especially when it comes to period care.
Because believing in women means believing in the reality of their bodies too.
*Source – Aldi UK