On the off chance that guys are reading this and thinking “ew, TMI,” let’s set the record straight:
That time of the month is a completely natural thing that happens once a month and lasts for several days. If you live with a significant other, you are probably aware of the immediate side effects, which include crankiness, snappiness, bitchiness, an increase in chocolate consumption and usage of “cramps” as an excuse for not washing the dishes, as well as spending the evening on the sofa watching seasons one through three of The Vampire Diaries on Netflix, for the 17th time.
What most men don’t seem to realize is that “that time of the month” can be used as an excuse for either or all of the above at any time of month. Hello, there’s a reason it’s called a monthly cycle. It has no beginning, no end, period. (Ah, that was not intentional, hah!)
That said, there is one thing for which cramps cannot, should not, be used as an excuse: running.
It is perfectly OK to go for a run while menstruating (yes, yes, I used a funny word, it’s a medical term get over it). If Uta Pippig could run and win the 1996 Boston Marathon like that, surely you can go for a quick, easy three-miler, yes?
You will likely be slower and get tired sooner. I won’t even try to get into the medical/ biological details here, others have already done a much better job at it, thank you, Google.
But I can tell you that at the end of that run you will feel better, stronger, and certainly more badass than you felt earlier, on the way to your medicine cabinet.
You’re welcome.
Today’s run: 3.75 miles, 35:19 min; avg pace 9:25.
Took a shortcut home after mile 3, going the 3.75-mile route instead of the 4-miler. Mostly due to intense heat at 1 pm, but let’s throw in a bit of a cramps excuse in there, too 🙂
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Confession: Treadmill was a no go but I’ll make up for it with a 10 mile jaunt tomorrow. And definitely get the running with cramps domain name. runningwithcramps.com…it’s fun to say.
@slowgirlfastdog: Word! If I convince even one fellow lady runner to just do it, my day is complete. Yay! (Also, save that chocolate bar for post-run :))
Too late for the chocolate bar but not too late for running with cramps!
🙂 I hope you did go for a quickie treadmill and felt better afterwards 🙂 As for “running with cramps,” I am now seriously thinking of purchasing the domain name. Will make one kick of a blog/ website! :))
Darn…I always thought it was a great excuse to not run. I guess I’ll put my chocolate bar down and jump on the treadmill. 🙂
Gosh, Jess. Married father of three, you are.
ew… gross!