As a dedicated runner, I often find inspiration in the stories of women, both young and old, who bravely take on their first major race. These narratives typically revolve around themes such as weight loss, conquering illness, or running in honor of a loved one battling disease. However, one particular story stands out: 26-year-old Mia Thompson, who ran the London Marathon in April while openly menstruating. Yes, she ran the race while allowing her uterine lining to flow freely.
I’ve completed a marathon while on my period. So what? I embrace my femininity and let it flow. It’s a natural part of being a woman, and it doesn’t require a spotlight. Yes, I had to plan ahead, stashing tampons in my sports bra and knowing the locations of medical tents and porta-potties. But was I overcoming a monumental obstacle? Not really. The only significant challenge I faced was those months of training, constantly reminding myself that it’s okay to take time for a run away from my kids.
Then there’s Mia. Did I mention she ran without any feminine hygiene products? She explained on her blog that she chose to run without a tampon to raise awareness about period-shaming and the stigma surrounding women’s menstrual cycles. “I ran with blood running down my legs for those who lack access to tampons and for those who, despite cramping and discomfort, hide their periods and pretend they don’t exist. I ran to say it does exist, and we conquer it every single day.”
This makes me ponder how my grandmother, who grew up with four sisters and no disposable period products, would react to this. She would likely question why someone would choose not to use the products she would have cherished. Isn’t that what progress means?
I often find the expressions of feminism among women to be perplexing. We strive for equality, a goal for which women before us fought tirelessly. Yet, here is a woman making a statement about menstruation as something we need to “overcome.” I don’t see it that way. Sure, I manage it to prevent any unfortunate accidents, but it’s not a source of oppression or shame for me. It simply makes me crave comfort food, a good nap, and comfy pants. I am proud of my female body, capable of creating life or shedding what it doesn’t need. It’s not a hindrance; it’s a part of who I am. As a mother of four boys, I feel fortunate to avoid the more awkward discussions about periods. Still, I’ve made it clear that yes, I have a period, and yes, their future partners will too. It doesn’t render us helpless or ashamed.
If I had a daughter, I’d tell her, “Yes, it can be an annoying inconvenience, but does it stop you? Nope. Does the world need to know about it? Definitely not. Is it gross? Sometimes, but we have products for that now. Is it unfair? Ask your dad how unfair it is that he’ll never experience a baby kicking in his belly. Next question?”
Mia claims, “On the marathon course, sexism can be defeated.” Absolutely it can—and has been. Since Kathrine Switzer ran the Boston Marathon in 1967, countless women have followed her example. The percentage of female marathon finishers has been on the rise, with women comprising 57% of all finishers in 2013 alone. A recent Danish study even found that women run 18.61% better than men when it comes to maintaining a consistent pace throughout the marathon. Boom!
While I can appreciate Mia’s attempt to raise awareness while running, as a fellow female runner, I simply want to be recognized as a runner. I know there may be issues I need to manage during the race, but every runner has their own battles. I wish to be acknowledged as just another participant rather than a woman burdened by her biological processes. And let’s be honest—no one wants to be subjected to someone else’s bodily fluids on a marathon course. Trust me; there’s enough of that already!
In conclusion, while I respect Mia’s intentions, I feel that the focus should be on our shared passion for running, not on the inconveniences that come with being female. If you want to learn more about navigating these topics, check out this insightful post about intracervical insemination. Also, if you’re interested in at-home insemination options, you can visit Cryobaby for their reputable syringe kits. For further information on pregnancy and home insemination, consider this excellent resource from Cleveland Clinic.
Leave a Reply