As a runner, I find inspiration in heartwarming stories about women, regardless of age, who take on their first major races. These tales often focus on themes like weight loss, conquering health challenges, honoring loved ones battling illness, or raising awareness for meaningful causes. Then there’s 26-year-old Tara Thompson, who ran the London Marathon in April while on her period. Yes, you read that right: she ran the entire race without any menstrual products whatsoever. GASP!
I’ve tackled a marathon while on my period, and frankly, it didn’t feel like a groundbreaking achievement. I’m proud to be a woman, and I embrace my natural biological processes. Sure, it required a bit of planning—stashing tampons in my sports bra and knowing where the medical tents and restrooms were located. But did I conquer some monumental challenge? Not really. The real obstacle was the months of training that came before, during which I had to remind myself that prioritizing my runs was okay, even if it meant stepping away from my kids for a bit.
Then there’s Tara. Did I mention she chose to run with blood running down her legs? She explained on her blog that her decision to forgo tampons was meant to raise awareness about period shaming and the stigmas surrounding menstruation. “I ran with blood dripping down my legs for sisters who lack access to menstrual products and those who, despite cramps and discomfort, hide it away and pretend it doesn’t exist. I ran to say, it does exist, and we overcome it every day.”
I can’t help but think of my grandmother, who grew up in a household of four sisters without the luxury of disposable pads. She’d probably wonder why anyone would choose to go without something she would have cherished. Isn’t that what progress is all about?
Feminism and Menstruation
Feminism seems to be interpreted in so many ways by women. We strive for equality and fight for it, yet here’s a woman making a statement about menstruation as something we must “overcome” daily. I don’t see it that way. I manage my period so it doesn’t become a wardrobe malfunction, but overcome it? Not at all. It doesn’t oppress me or make me feel less than. Instead, it makes me crave French fries, a nap, and comfy pants! Plus, I take pride in my female body, capable of creating life or letting go of what it doesn’t need. It’s menstrual magic, not a burden.
As the mother of four boys, I’ll admit I have it easy when it comes to discussing periods. Yet, I’ve made it clear to them that, yes, I menstruate, and yes, their future partners will too. And no, it doesn’t mean we’re bedridden or ashamed. If I had a daughter? I’d say, “Yes, it’s annoying. Does it stop you? Nope. Does the world need constant updates on it? Nope. Is it gross? Well, it can be. But thank goodness for modern products. Is it unfair? Well, ask your dad how unfair it is that he’ll never know what it feels like to have a baby kick inside him. Next!”
Breaking Barriers in Running
Tara also stated, “On the marathon course, sexism can be beaten.” Absolutely! It has been beaten—ever since Kathrine Switzer made history by entering the Boston Marathon in 1967. Thousands of women have followed in her footsteps, and since 2010, the number of female marathon finishers has increased, with women comprising 57 percent of all finishers in 2013. Interestingly, a recent Danish study even showed that women perform 18.61 percent better than men in maintaining a steady pace throughout a marathon. BOOM.
As a fellow runner, I applaud Tara’s effort to raise awareness during her marathon journey. However, as a female athlete, I just want to be seen as a runner, not as someone who is burdened by biological functions. Everyone has their own challenges on the course, and I prefer not to expose others to my personal bodily fluids, thank you very much. There’s enough mess on a marathon route already!
Conclusion
In conclusion, while running a marathon with a period is a personal choice, it doesn’t necessarily signify overcoming a hurdle. Women should be empowered to run without being defined by their biological functions. After all, there are plenty of other matters to focus on during those 26.2 miles!