tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post6876846335704479271..comments2024-03-26T18:32:50.307-05:00Comments on Taking the Long Way Home: 9 Things No One Tells Runners About MenopauseWendy at Taking the Long Way Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09934786207724059919noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-53806073800561390072023-02-08T01:57:32.948-06:002023-02-08T01:57:32.948-06:00This is exactly what I had to read today! Me to a ...This is exactly what I had to read today! Me to a T!! Hit menopause at 50 last year and EVERYTHING slowed down. Running took a nose dive and weight kept on piling on, for no reason! Now I have to deal with 10 extra kgs. This year, 2023, I decided to have a different outlook #myracemypace and chasing kms not pace. My goal; 2023km in 2023. It made me start loving running again. Yes, no one talks about menopause in the running world, we will figure it out as we go and empower others to follow. Thank you for your blog. You have NO idea what it meant to me!! 🌸Crissyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18004151262122118663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-71021979219813812622022-03-10T10:34:51.520-06:002022-03-10T10:34:51.520-06:00As a retired Army Staff Sergeant, I went through m...As a retired Army Staff Sergeant, I went through menopause at 56, yes, my every other day runs have slowed down, but the important thing is to keep it up, maybe not as fast, you will be stronger and healthier as you age! Also, stop trying to beat each other, rather encourage whenever possible, set the example.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18445683757628906348noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-46606521243647703552021-09-22T11:16:49.510-05:002021-09-22T11:16:49.510-05:00Thank you for this article. I'm 46 but went t...Thank you for this article. I'm 46 but went through early menopause because of illness. I have been so down on my pace lately as I'm a solid 1 minute slower on all my paces. I had been feeling so depressed about this, but this made me feel much better that I wasn't the only one experiencing this!aspiemomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09940632990962151697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-40165969586888738902021-08-21T09:40:50.340-05:002021-08-21T09:40:50.340-05:00So good to find this article.. I came home today t...So good to find this article.. I came home today thinking it’s time to quit. I’m 57 and up to last year I was coping and still ran a 21(5k) 44(10k) and 1.43 half! But I’ve literally dropped off a cliff this year,gained 10lbs and can hardly walk up the stairs without exhaustion. I stop on every race 🙈 and give up! I just can’t do it it’s completely knackering and my HR is through the roof! I find it so weird it’s post menopause for me is the worst and why now so late! I shall try the strenght and run walk. Thank you Babshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03133101044231585368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-68130841459397659312021-05-08T14:59:49.965-05:002021-05-08T14:59:49.965-05:00It's been interesting to me to see some women ...It's been interesting to me to see some women runners not affected at all by menopause and others really struggling. I had a tough couple of years around 55 but now at 58, I am grateful to have some of my speed back. Endurance is still an issue for me. Run/walk intervals have really saved me, as have trails. Wendy at Taking the Long Way Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09934786207724059919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-68159094019860975222021-05-08T12:54:27.778-05:002021-05-08T12:54:27.778-05:00Glad to read this. I am 64 and it seemed till I w...Glad to read this. I am 64 and it seemed till I was 57/58 my speed was doing a gradual taper and then, right after that and post-menopause, speed seemed to fall off a cliff (60-90 sec/mile) -- lots of walk breaks and higher heart rates, fatigue. Used to be able to run through to a second wind and now it's hard to see training progress and that 2nd wind seems gone for good. Have been seeing wellness providers and doctors and nothing detected healthwise. There seems to be very little (about zilch) expertise out there on Senior women runners with this experience.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10960896973191140773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-20631706461135269112020-06-05T16:59:08.230-05:002020-06-05T16:59:08.230-05:00Thanks so much for commenting! The worst thing abo...Thanks so much for commenting! The worst thing about being menopausal, I think, is that no one in the medical profession cares. If we were men, there would be pill so we could be vital and youthful again. Well, there is HRT, but that is fraught with risks. Like you, I keep plugging along. Just so much slower than I used to be. FWIW, Strength training has been a godsend! Wendy at Taking the Long Way Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09934786207724059919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-66879149955871295552020-06-05T13:51:14.969-05:002020-06-05T13:51:14.969-05:00Oh.My.Goodness!!!!! This is me!! (shouting) I was...Oh.My.Goodness!!!!! This is me!! (shouting) I was training for Marathon #6 and shooting for a sub-4 when, 3 weeks away from the race, the BOTTOM fell out of my training and my fitness. I'd already run 2 twenty milers but when I went out for a 7 mile run, I realized I was getting out of breath 10 - 15 minutes into the run. I kept starting and stopping, not knowing what was wrong.<br /><br />I also have RA and it is true that my RA was out of control at that point. I had been taking Plaquenil for a few years but it was no longer effective. More importantly, as I later discovered, the massive amounts of sugar I was consuming every day (I had a crazy candy/bubble gum habit) were producing inflammation throughout my body.<br /><br />I abandoned the race, took a short course of Prednisone and back completely off running - but only for a very short while. That was 6 years ago. My RA has since been completely under control (I ditched the sugar (mostly) and switched meds) but my running has never been the same and I could not figure out why. I was perimenopausal then (47 y.o.) and am post-menopausal (52, almost 53) now. I have been to my general practitioner, a cardiologist and a pulmonologist and they all say I'm fine. So, I have continued to plug along - but I can only run 3 miles (slowly) or so without stopping, which is craaaaaazzzzzzzyyyyy to me.<br /><br />BUT, it is what it is, and I am grateful to be able to run at all. Life is such a journey and you have to live what you can while you can, that is for sure! Monica C.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13340763858046457293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-58224098277255609212020-02-01T06:49:53.857-06:002020-02-01T06:49:53.857-06:00I was not aware of that! Off to do some research!I was not aware of that! Off to do some research!Wendy at Taking the Long Way Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09934786207724059919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-7599574536261727552020-02-01T05:52:41.629-06:002020-02-01T05:52:41.629-06:00Not mentioned is the effect of low estrogen on ten...Not mentioned is the effect of low estrogen on tendons. Been having lots of issues particularly with peroneal and gluteal tendonitis and physio pointed out research showing low estrogen impacts tendons : ( on top of everything else. Did have a blood test which showed have v low estrogen.LWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09439965613454932014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-8139399297383127372020-02-01T05:49:06.688-06:002020-02-01T05:49:06.688-06:00Not sure if I am at the end of peri or hit M yet. ...Not sure if I am at the end of peri or hit M yet. Had a lot of issues for the last 8 years and estrogen was rock bottom when had a blood test. Another issue not mentioned here is the impact of low estrogen on tendons. Been having lots of issues with peroneal and gluteal tendonitis marathon & ultra training-physio pointed out research showing tendonitis is apparently prevalent with low estrogen : (LWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09439965613454932014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-25079687617017744782019-08-08T15:19:20.763-05:002019-08-08T15:19:20.763-05:00Thank you for this post! I have a client who was s...Thank you for this post! I have a client who was specifically asking what I knew about running and menopause, and I honestly didn't have a lot to share. I will pass on this post! Relentless Forward Commotionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10994114843561430941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-89973840521953164432019-06-11T16:38:36.327-05:002019-06-11T16:38:36.327-05:00I am so glad you commented! It just shows that non...I am so glad you commented! It just shows that none of us are alone. I too avoid sugar--it's like crack when I eat something sweet. And no matter how bad I feel, just getting outside and moving, even slowly, always makes me feel better.Wendy at Taking the Long Way Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09934786207724059919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-71776475005403550432019-06-11T13:46:28.132-05:002019-06-11T13:46:28.132-05:00Thank you so much for this! I am almost in tears a...Thank you so much for this! I am almost in tears as I type this!! I'm going on 4 months without my period, experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia! I.am.so.tired!! And the weight gain; where did those extra pounds come from?! <br />I'm struggling getting up in the morning to run, but I am determined to get at least 2 km in, even if some people can walk faster now :). I think this is a difficult time in our lives as we are now the "sandwich generation"; our parents are elderly, and, at least in my household, I still have a teenager in the house! <br />I have noticed, however, that avoiding sugar seems to help. But why am I craving chocolate?<br />Thank you so much for letting me vent. And thank you to everyone who commented; very insightful! Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10727887581037527022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-31824666220326667152019-06-09T14:52:32.784-05:002019-06-09T14:52:32.784-05:00I didn't talk about the issues with sex becaus...I didn't talk about the issues with sex because this was a post about the effects on menopause and running. Yeah, it all sucks. Thanks for sharing your perspective. Wendy at Taking the Long Way Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09934786207724059919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-77849658312818558912019-06-07T11:12:37.223-05:002019-06-07T11:12:37.223-05:00Because I started so late in life, I haven't r...Because I started so late in life, I haven't really hit my slow down yet. Then again, I'm pretty slow to begin with, so there's that. I'm sure it's coming at some point.<br /><br />Hot flashes . . . not so much. I call them hot flushes, and even those I don't get that much. Must be genetic, like my mom, I went through menopause late, about 56 (yes, like my mom) & she also didn't really get many hot flashes (hopefully I don't get breast cancer like her, though).<br /><br />In fact, I actually thought I'd finally gotten through menopause at PCB -- perimenopause was far worse for me, I struggled way more with my weight and the erratic periods drove me bonkers. At that point, thought, it had been about a year since the last one. Except I got my period right before the race! Thankfully, that turned out to be the very last one.<br /><br />Insomnia . . . oh yeah, that's a different story. Most of the time I really do sleep ok, but I go through weeks at a time when I'm not getting enough sleep and I just feel like a zombie. Not really sure it's due to menopause, but who knows, could be.<br /><br />Ah, the land down under. Which no one talks about. Not so much the chafing, although there is that occasionally -- but that started before menopause. But can we talk about sex? Initially, it was horrible. So painful. Yeah, no one talks about that, either. Hopefully this post doesn't get dumped into spam because of that sentence! Anyway, I have to use lubricant, which is not so sexy or spontaneous, but otherwise we'd be roommates. It has gotten better, though, thankfully.<br /><br />I have only leaked once (maybe because I never had kids), but man that was definitely unpleasant & glad that I was alone that time.Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14096124660145481881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-38707836568008932322019-06-06T06:58:14.192-05:002019-06-06T06:58:14.192-05:00This is great and I'm glad you shared the link...This is great and I'm glad you shared the link! Heading over to read it. Wendy at Taking the Long Way Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09934786207724059919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-1397443631875665802019-06-06T06:54:53.901-05:002019-06-06T06:54:53.901-05:00All great points and I'm so glad you weighed i...All great points and I'm so glad you weighed in! I agree that we shouldn't just accept problems associated with menopause. But we have to take charge of our health!Wendy at Taking the Long Way Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09934786207724059919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-65230874302845199232019-06-06T05:14:29.001-05:002019-06-06T05:14:29.001-05:00I love this. I'm a runner and went through ear...I love this. I'm a runner and went through early meno at 41 - I'm now 52 and yes I've definitely slowed down. But it isn't all bad. Losing estrogen doesn't have to lead to vaginal atrophy and there are lots of things we can do to naturally help ourselves transition more easily through menopause. Increasing natural phytoestrogens in our diet is key to this. Leakage is also common but NOT normal. If women with stress incontinence see a specialist pelvic physio 84% of them can be cured in just 6 sessions. So don't accept menopause problems, ladies. There is much that we can do to help ourselves achieve hormonal balance long term. rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01287645347292915088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-70908842440609377632019-06-06T03:52:00.869-05:002019-06-06T03:52:00.869-05:00Wendy, it is good that you are raising awareness o...Wendy, it is good that you are raising awareness of the potential impact of the perimenopause & menopause on runners. The number of comments show just how little information there is out there for runners and endurance athletes. I've found a lot of people look at the posts I've written about my own experience of the perimenopause so I've published a post on my blog which brings together the useful information I've found specifically written for endurance athletes, including from a sports nutritionist, sports physio and a triathlete podcast which includes an interview with Stacey Sims, author of ROAR. http://runyoung50.co.uk/running-and-the-menopause-resources/ KatieRY50https://www.blogger.com/profile/11844581329025049258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-81257845127417663702019-06-01T18:30:47.552-05:002019-06-01T18:30:47.552-05:00Seriously! But do we even want to track those?Seriously! But do we even want to track those?Wendy at Taking the Long Way Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09934786207724059919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-48423731663388217302019-06-01T17:36:46.803-05:002019-06-01T17:36:46.803-05:00I've learned that aging is not for sissies!
...I've learned that aging is not for sissies! <br /><br />One of my running girlfriends sent a group text asking if we'd seen the new feature on Garmin that tracks your menstrual cycle. I reminded everyone that I'm 61 and said that a hot flash tracker would be more appropriate for my age group!Debbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15673587906852568968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-62529266047534779402019-05-30T06:00:29.641-05:002019-05-30T06:00:29.641-05:00I feel like my "donut" keeps expanding! ...I feel like my "donut" keeps expanding! I'm not loving it. Wendy at Taking the Long Way Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09934786207724059919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-48529352694311039952019-05-30T05:58:22.951-05:002019-05-30T05:58:22.951-05:00I love this post! I'm not there yet, but I'...I love this post! I'm not there yet, but I've already felt the 40 year old slowdown and had trouble with injury and my body breaking down from overuse. But, women need to talk about all this stuff more and I'm thrilled you put it out in the open. Am not thrilled to hear about the donut though....I got more of one than usual at 40!Sarah (Sarah's Book Shelves)https://www.blogger.com/profile/04114051128835057362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647157930116406632.post-13435316552129942992019-05-29T20:03:43.993-05:002019-05-29T20:03:43.993-05:00I think we're just supposed to suck it up!I think we're just supposed to suck it up!Wendy at Taking the Long Way Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09934786207724059919noreply@blogger.com