Running a great race depends on many things coming together on the day, such as training, nutrition, sleep and, of course, the weather. One less-considered factor is that time of the month.
Your menstrual cycle can definitely affect how well you run. This can be explained by the level of different hormones in your body at certain times of the month, influencing how strong and energetic you feel. You just have to hope that the race you've targeted coincides with beneficial, good biorhythms.
Research has shown that physical and mental performance is at its worst in the seven days preceding menstruation. That's when levels of the key hormone progesterone peak, inducing a much-higher-than-normal breathing rate during exercise - which makes running feel more difficult.
By contrast, studies have shown that optimum performance in runners with a normal 28-day menstrual cycle seems to occur either during the pre-ovulatory phase (days 9 -12) or during the early luteal (post-ovulatory) phase (days 17 - 20).
I find I run my best about a week after my period, feeling re-energized with renewed mental and physical strength. Friends have said they also experience a similar peak. So, go on, benefit from your monthly biorhythms. Run a race at the right time of the month and expect a fast time or even a PB.
Sandra Prior runs her own bodybuilding website at http://bodybuild.rr.nu.
