Oh, totally! A few of us have discussed this. I'm a freaking beast on day 3-7 of my cycle. I was so excited when I counted ahead & figured I should be on day 3 or 4 of my cycle for Savannah. Instead, it got all screwy and I was actually into the second half of my cycle. I feel a huge difference. Every big PR has been during week 1-2. I become a slug in weeks 3-4. I don't sweat races during my period. I welcome them.
Post by spunkypenguin on Nov 20, 2014 8:56:14 GMT -5
I have noticed differences at different times of the month, but I didn't actually have a period for over a year - it was hard to know where I was in my cycle. Now that I'm getting back to regular, I'll have to start paying attention!
I really struggle when I'm ovulating because I get so f'ing hot it's uncomfortable. Usually I am faster right after my period ends but can run farther when I'm in my period.
The races I dread are the ones that fall in the luteal phase. Anything from ovulation to the start of AF is bad news. I'd rather race with AF than that. I agree that the first two weeks are awesomesauce.
I also have ovulation pain that's far worse than any cramps I get with AF, so there's that too. I already miss my BCPs, which so conveniently kept me from experiencing ovulation pain, and kept everything so regimented. My doctor wants me to go back on them after a baby because of the reduction in risk for ovarian cancer (which my mom has). I have no objections!
I was just looking through old photos on my computer last night and realized the last race I ran was a 5k (on a hilly course!) in which I got a huge PR and got within sight of breaking 20 mins. I was about a week pregnant and didn't know it yet. So, maybe those hormones were the rocket fuel?