This November Q & A has been so fun! Thank you to everyone who has emailed their questions. I love connecting with this community in this new way.
I continue to take a step back from my running as I recover from post-viral reactions from when we got the flu and COVID this fall and try to optimize my overall health.
I view running as a window into our health and it showcased that I have some work to do to be my best self. I talk a bit about that in this month’s answers along with a big upcoming announcement!
Please feel free to email me your questions at whitney@themotherrunners.com.
You took a break from running. What happened?
My family and I got hit with both the flu and COVID earlier this fall. My body does not like COVID, like many people, and thus I battled post-viral inflammation which reignited any past injury I’ve had and ignited a current one at my calf and hamstring attachment.
To get a handle on things, I took a break from running and then scaled it way back while also doubling up on my physical therapy. Around this time I also had bloodwork done which showed that my hormone levels were not where they should be. This, coupled with a loss of my period and some surprising weight loss, made me realize I need to make some health changes—and also figure out what is going on!
My doctor has me on some new supplements to help get my levels where they need to be. My hope is that this will help me feel and recover better so that I can start running closer to the level I want to be. In the meantime, I have had to put all running goals on hold until things have been regulated and are where they need to be!
More resources:
Why Runners Need Regular Bloodwork
Does Running Cause Hormone Imbalances
RED/S: The Danger to Female Runners
Ever since I had my son, I haven’t been able to run while wearing tampons. They are painful because they don’t stay in correctly. I’ve done pelvic floor therapy to heal the dysfunction, but it’s still an issue. I tried the menstrual discs, but they leak on hard runs and workout days, even though they are comfortable. Do you know of any other options that work?
I got with Dr. Carrie Pagliano, a pelvic floor physical therapist, to help with this question as Carrie is a (caring!) leader in the realm of pelvic health for women. She says:
Yes, this happens. Our support systems in the pelvic region are far more than the sling we typically think of. It’s 3-D architecture of muscles, ligaments, and fascia attaching to the bony pelvis PLUS the organs. If there’s a disruption to any of these structures, you can have a change in space/architecture with a common complaint of difficulty keeping tampons in. Menstrual discs, and cups are all great options. There are a ton of different brands with different sizes so unfortunately since we’re all different, it’s a trial-and-error situation.
Depending on what she did in pelvic floor therapy, they likely didn’t discuss this aspect (better understanding now of the 3 dimensionality of the pelvic support structures.)
I hope this helps!
More resources:
Should I See a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist?
Should I Run a Race on My Period?
I’m running my first marathon and I had my final planned long run yesterday three weeks ahead of my marathon. It’s a combination of reasons I didn’t finish, so I’m trying to figure out what to do. Do I make up the run or try again during the week?
If it is going to mess with your head and you will line up not feeling ready (but you are!), you could definitely go for the 20 miler again this weekend and do a two-week taper. But just remember, training for a marathon isn’t dependent on one run or workout. It’s a collection of those bricks that builds your fitness wall. You got this! Good luck!
More resources:
2 vs. 3 Week Marathon Taper Pros & Cons
I was in an accident a few years ago just before my 30th birthday and severely injured my ankle. I’m really struggling without running. I recently learned about anti-gravity treadmills and am curious if this could be a good replacement for actual running. Those that have used one, how real does it feel?
I am so sorry for your accident! I have used an anti-gravity treadmill (alter G) three times coming back from injury and highly recommend it. It feels more like running the more body percent weight you add. If you’re using less of your body weight, it feels more like you have someone holding you up, or you’re in a balloon floating with your feet barely touching the ground.
As your body gets used to the stress and stimulus of running, you can add more weight. It was super helpful to me to maintain fitness, and biomechanics of running and reintroduce running. Best of luck!
More resources:
Lessons Learned from My Running Injury
9 Steps to Return from a Running Injury
How to Cope with Fear of Reinjury
I really enjoyed the podcast you hosted. What happened to it?
Thank you! I used to host The Passionate Runner podcast for another running website called RunnerClick.com. However, they pulled it last year after not being able to find a solid title sponsor.
It’s been my dream to host my own running podcast, especially for mother runners. And my dream came true last month ago the Miles with Moms podcast! This podcast is co-hosted with three other mother runners where we aim for you to feel like you’re on a run with friends. No topic is off-limits and we keep it REAL! There is no other podcast like ours in the world!
Our goal for this podcast is twofold: 1. To share information to be your best self on and off the roads. It includes conversations and answers to questions sent in from our listeners. 2. To help no mother runner ever struggle alone. I started The Mother Runners in the past because I felt like I was struggling alone in a lot of ways. Now that I am connected with other mother runners, I know that wasn’t the case and wished I had this community sooner. Listen to the Miles with Moms podcast here!
More resources:
Thanks for being here!