15/06/2026
These days when people say they’ve seen me out running I’m almost cringing. I usually make a joke about how It was barely a run.
But I wanted to be open about this as I’m human just like the rest of you.. those days of putting race times and achievements on this page are few!
Even 4 yr ago I was able to run a 10k with a pace of under 8 min/mile. It bewilders me how I ran full marathons at 8min/mile pace when I was having babies, sleepless nights and breastfeeding.
But I wasn’t quite ready for the way menopause and fluctuating hormones would impact my running. I’ve loved running since I was 18. Now 52….I believed if I kept it up, ate well, slept well, did yoga, all the things I try to still manage, my fitness wouldn’t change.
But today’s run was humbling. My beetroot face after 5 miles when in the past I’d clock up sometimes 15 miles in speed work sessions with clients in one day. I’ve been learning to accept that those times are indeed out of reach for me now. My body doesn’t feel like mine anymore with all the energy changes, but I know I’m still very lucky. I have far too many people I know that can’t train, climb mountains or do what they once did before ill-health.
I can still train, and even on days when my running pace is 3 min/mile slower than back then, it feels just as hard. In fact running is harder now at this slower pace than when I was 10 years younger at a faster pace.
So when you see me running slow, that’s my pace now 🤪 I’m still going to keep doing it, and doing weights and yoga for as long as I can.
And as your PT, I can understand just how hard training can be some days when you are wiped out with unpredictable hormones…contact me for advice on training through peri-menopause and menopause.
[email protected]
Gartcosh area
