The last few days, I have had some of the most amazing, powerful runs of the last several years. In reviewing my TraxLog, the pattern is clearly emerging; the a week and a half or so before my period, I gain an extraordinary strength in my legs, have the sense of improved lung capacity, and I feel absolutely unbeatable. Before I diligently recorded runs in my log, I though it was only my imagination - but now I know this is a real phenomenon...times on the same course don't lie.
So I did a little research and it turns out that I'm not crazy. In Jean Weiss' fascinating article, about women's cycles and athletic performance, she explains that low estrogen levels can actually improve max VO2, which accounts for my feelings of absolute un-stoppability mid cycle. It makes me laugh to think about it really - low estrogen levels...is this what it feels like to be a man? I feel so powerful during these fazes..the hills don't even phase me.
But in reading the literature on the subject it appears as though every woman is different; this just appears to be my way of dealing with these monthly changes, and as Weiss points out, races have been won during every phase of women's cycles.
When planning your race season, Weiss suggests that you take your cycles into account--yet another great reason to maintain a running log, right?
Oh, and if you're thinking about skipping our runs right before or at the start of our period because you legs feel like ten ton weights, think again. The best thing you can do to reduce the effects of PMS is to exercise. Trust me, you WILL feel better.
