As an avid runner, I often find myself inspired by uplifting stories of women, regardless of their age, as they prepare for their first major race. These narratives typically focus on themes like weight loss, overcoming health challenges, or running in memory of a loved one battling a serious illness. Recently, however, I came across the story of 26-year-old Tara Lee, who ran the London Marathon in April while on her period. Yes, you read that right—she completed the race while allowing her menstrual flow to go unimpeded.
I’ve run a marathon while on my period, too. So what? I believe in embracing the natural processes of the female body and not making a spectacle of it. Sure, I had to plan strategically—stocking up on tampons and knowing the locations of medical tents and restrooms—but I wouldn’t say I was overcoming any monumental obstacles. The true hurdle was the months of training, during which I constantly reminded myself not to feel guilty about stepping away from my kids for a much-needed run.
Tara, on the other hand, chose to forgo any feminine hygiene products during her marathon. She explained on her blog that her intention was to draw attention to period shaming and the stigma surrounding menstruation. “I ran with blood streaming down my legs for those who lack access to tampons and for those who, despite suffering cramps, conceal their struggles,” she wrote. “I wanted to show that menstruation is a reality we face, and we deal with it every single day.”
This makes me wonder what my grandmother, who grew up with four sisters and no disposable products, would think. She would likely question why someone would choose not to use something that she would have cherished in her time. Isn’t that what progress is all about?
Feminism seems to come in many forms, and while we all strive for equality—something women before us fought tirelessly for—Tara’s choice to highlight menstruation as something we must “overcome” confuses me. Personally, I don’t view my period as a challenge to overcome. It’s more about managing it so it doesn’t make a mess. My period doesn’t oppress me or diminish my worth; it simply makes me crave fries, a nap, and comfy pants. I’m proud of my female body, which has the ability to nurture life, and I don’t see menstruation as a disadvantage.
As a mother of four sons, I admit I’m relieved I can sidestep detailed discussions about menstruation. Yet, I’ve made it clear to them that yes, I have a period, and yes, their future partners will also experience it—it doesn’t mean we’re bedridden or ashamed. If I had a daughter, I would explain, “Yes, it’s annoying, but it doesn’t stop you. Do we need to broadcast it? No. Is it gross? Sometimes. But thankfully, we have products for that. Is it unfair? Ask your dad how unfair it is that he’ll never know what it feels like to carry a child.”
Tara stated, “On the marathon course, sexism can be defeated.” Absolutely! And it already has. Since Kathrine Switzer made history by running the Boston Marathon in 1967, countless women have followed suit. The percentage of female marathon finishers has consistently risen, with women making up 57 percent of all finishers in 2013. A recent Danish study even showed that women are 18.61 percent better than men at maintaining a steady pace throughout the race.
While I admire Tara’s commitment to raising awareness on an issue she cares about during her marathon, as a female runner, I just want to be recognized as a runner. We all have our challenges on the course, and I prefer not to be defined by my biological functions. Besides, I’m sure fellow runners—both women and men—don’t want to encounter my bodily fluids along the way. There’s enough chaos on a marathon course as it is!
In summary, while the conversation around periods and their portrayal in society is essential, we must recognize that not all women view their menstruation as a hurdle to be overcome. We should celebrate the progress made in female representation in running and continue to support each other as athletes, without the need for sensationalism.
Keyphrase: Running a Marathon While Bleeding
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