Running issues specific to women

3boyz · 03-11-2019 10:38pm

Hi ladies, looking for advice for good running bras. I did dcm last week and ended up with a mastitis type breast infection. My baby is 10 so I really wasnt expecting anything like this! I think it was caused by not having a supportive enough bra, being small chested I thought any sports bra would be fine, but apparently not.

Anyway I want to get a decent bra so that I can get back out running. I had a quick look in marks and debenhams the other day and they had a fairly good selection of high support bras. Is there anywhere else or anywhere better that would be good to go to get fitted and with a good selection? I was thinking if I get correctly fitted and try one out from a local shop then I could buy more online.

DBB · 03-11-2019 10:45pm

Shock Absorber Ultimate Run.
Try on in Elvery's for size, then shop for better value online.
I got mine on doctor's orders. Best advice ever. They're fab

3boyz · 03-11-2019 10:49pm

DBB wrote: »

Shock Absorber Ultimate Run.
Try on in Elvery's for size, then shop for better value online.
I got mine on doctor's orders. Best advice ever. They're fab

Brilliant DBB, thanks

Hedgehoggy · 04-11-2019 9:18am

3boyz wrote: »

Hi ladies, looking for advice for good running bras. I did dcm last week and ended up with a mastitis type breast infection. My baby is 10 so I really wasnt expecting anything like this! I think it was caused by not having a supportive enough bra, being small chested I thought any sports bra would be fine, but apparently not.

Anyway I want to get a decent bra so that I can get back out running. I had a quick look in marks and debenhams the other day and they had a fairly good selection of high support bras. Is there anywhere else or anywhere better that would be good to go to get fitted and with a good selection? I was thinking if I get correctly fitted and try one out from a local shop then I could buy more online.

Did not know this was remotely a possibility! Hope you are feeling better.

*runs out to buy better sports bras

rainbow kirby · 04-11-2019 10:12am

DBB wrote: »

Shock Absorber Ultimate Run.
Try on in Elvery's for size, then shop for better value online.
I got mine on doctor's orders. Best advice ever. They're fab

This one is great for anyone smaller than around a G cup. For the not-huge-chested, the Brooks ones are pretty good too (they bought out Moving Comfort) and the Juno is very popular in the C-E cup range.

3boyz · 04-11-2019 2:36pm

Hedgehoggy wrote: »

Did not know this was remotely a possibility! Hope you are feeling better.

*runs out to buy better sports bras

I know, I was expecting sore legs, black toe nails but not this:pac:

3boyz · 04-11-2019 2:37pm

rainbow kirby wrote: »

This one is great for anyone smaller than around a G cup. For the not-huge-chested, the Brooks ones are pretty good too (they bought out Moving Comfort) and the Juno is very popular in the C-E cup range.

Thanks i hadn't come across these I'll add them to the list.

julyjane · 04-11-2019 7:02pm

Has anyone got low iron/haemoglobin? I'm a regular blood donor, last donated in June and my hb was 12.5 so I was only barely eligible. I went back last week, my fingertip reading was 11.6 and my venous blood was 11.4 so I'm excluded for 6 months now. I don't bleed monthly (mirena) so can't blame that. The nurse said people who play sports often have low iron so I'm guessing it's that. I take floradix and vitamin c when I think of them and have a reasonably balanced diet.

Choc Chip · 04-11-2019 7:07pm

Kellygirl wrote: »

Thanks for the tip off. I ordered a pair of leggings as love those side pockets.

Peachy Lean have the side pockets and are an irish brand. I'm not associated with them but I do love their leggings.

Choc Chip · 04-11-2019 7:20pm

Choc Chip wrote: »

I live in shockabsorbers but I've ordered a Syrokan because they look similar. Will update when it arrives as to whether it's any good.

It is coming from China (if people have issues with that) but it's about half the price of the shockabsorbers normal sale price so I reckon it's worth trying...

Also, I never came back to confirm how the Syrokan went and they're... fine. They wont be replacing my shockabsorbers and if you're like me and in sports bras daily, you might be disappointed with how they wash.

The support is grand (32e) and seems to be holding ok with not too much stretching. I had to fiddle a bit to get the right fit, but that was expected. I was more disappointed with how the piping lasted in the wash, but then I honestly wear sports bras constantly so they're probably on rotation maybe every wk/10 days.

As I said, they're fine if you're not washing them a lot or if you're fine about the piping wearing quickly.

Kellygirl · 04-11-2019 9:03pm

Choc Chip wrote: »

Peachy Lean have the side pockets and are an irish brand. I'm not associated with them but I do love their leggings.

Oh thank you - never heard of them but I’ll go look now.

rainbow kirby · 05-11-2019 1:01am

julyjane wrote: »

Has anyone got low iron/haemoglobin? I'm a regular blood donor, last donated in June and my hb was 12.5 so I was only barely eligible. I went back last week, my fingertip reading was 11.6 and my venous blood was 11.4 so I'm excluded for 6 months now. I don't bleed monthly (mirena) so can't blame that. The nurse said people who play sports often have low iron so I'm guessing it's that. I take floradix and vitamin c when I think of them and have a reasonably balanced diet.

I tend to run on the low end of normal, but I have extremely heavy periods due to the copper IUD and I'm a vegetarian.

hillsiderunner · 05-11-2019 11:09am

rainbow kirby wrote: »

I tend to run on the low end of normal, but I have extremely heavy periods due to the copper IUD and I'm a vegetarian.

If you had a Mirena instead it would have the opposite effect, btw. I got this done to fix my iron deficiency and heavy periods and it worked, it makes the monthly bleed very light or even nonexistent ...

greentea is just wrong · 05-11-2019 11:12am

Hey Guys,

Any sports bra recs for a small boobed lady? I'm an A cup, and I feel like with the ones that have wiring/a lot of support that I am being suffocated rather than supported

I'd prefer a soft one, nearly like a yoga bra, but with some padding for modesty. I find the ones with removal cups go funny in the wash sometimes - so if there was one that wasn't like that, even better !

Thanks

juke · 05-11-2019 11:29am

M&S angel range do a non-underwired sports bra afaik, might suit.

rainbow kirby · 05-11-2019 1:05pm

hillsiderunner wrote: »

If you had a Mirena instead it would have the opposite effect, btw. I got this done to fix my iron deficiency and heavy periods and it worked, it makes the monthly bleed very light or even nonexistent ...

Can't do hormones - progesterone is terrible for my mental health unfortunately

3boyz · 05-11-2019 3:07pm

greentea is just wrong wrote: »

Hey Guys,

Any sports bra recs for a small boobed lady? I'm an A cup, and I feel like with the ones that have wiring/a lot of support that I am being suffocated rather than supported

I'd prefer a soft one, nearly like a yoga bra, but with some padding for modesty. I find the ones with removal cups go funny in the wash sometimes - so if there was one that wasn't like that, even better !

Thanks

I can't help with recommendations but debenhams have a lot of their sports bras reduced at the moment, you might find something suitable there.

eyrie · 05-11-2019 5:15pm

julyjane wrote: »

Has anyone got low iron/haemoglobin? I'm a regular blood donor, last donated in June and my hb was 12.5 so I was only barely eligible. I went back last week, my fingertip reading was 11.6 and my venous blood was 11.4 so I'm excluded for 6 months now. I don't bleed monthly (mirena) so can't blame that. The nurse said people who play sports often have low iron so I'm guessing it's that. I take floradix and vitamin c when I think of them and have a reasonably balanced diet.

Yep I constantly have low iron stores and pretty much permanently seem to be taking iron supplements these days. I'm vegetarian but I eat mountains of green veg and I would have thought dietary intake was ok, so I blame it on the running!

kulekat · 05-11-2019 8:48pm

Hygge Bands...

What are your thoughts? I like the design etc, and i do sweat a lot lol but are they better than normal head bands or would merino wool head bands be better?
Thanks!

rainbow kirby · 05-11-2019 11:37pm

kulekat wrote: »

Hygge Bands...

What are your thoughts? I like the design etc, and i do sweat a lot lol but are they better than normal head bands or would merino wool head bands be better?
Thanks!

I have 4 of them, I'm a fan. Less likely to slip than others and keeps my fringe back and sweat out of my eyes.

kulekat · 06-11-2019 12:34am

rainbow kirby wrote: »

I have 4 of them, I'm a fan. Less likely to slip than others and keeps my fringe back and sweat out of my eyes.

Great! Interesting that they dont slip... might be my reason to buy so

thanks!

quaalude · 07-11-2019 12:43pm

julyjane wrote: »

Has anyone got low iron/haemoglobin? I'm a regular blood donor, last donated in June and my hb was 12.5 so I was only barely eligible. I went back last week, my fingertip reading was 11.6 and my venous blood was 11.4 so I'm excluded for 6 months now. I don't bleed monthly (mirena) so can't blame that. The nurse said people who play sports often have low iron so I'm guessing it's that. I take floradix and vitamin c when I think of them and have a reasonably balanced diet.

Here's something to think about: My partner gives blood regularly, and his HB went a bit too low to donate a couple of years ago, he was annoyed because his diet was decent. He was told coffee inhibits iron absorption, so he stopped drinking coffee with his spinach/beans/eggs breakfast, and has only two cups of coffee a day, and never with meals. He made this one tweak and was back with good HB the next time, has been there ever since, donating every three months no problem.
Maybe this helps!

julyjane · 07-11-2019 8:36pm

yeah I'd heard that about the tannins in tea inhibiting iron absorption but I had it in my head it was only black tea or coffee and I always add milk, maybe my information is wrong but it's food for thought anyway, thanks.

ariana` · 26-11-2019 10:44am

Good to see some media coverage of womens issues.

Bluesquare · 26-11-2019 11:09am

Thanks Ariana

I don’t think it’s giving me an edge at the moment because impossible to track or know what my hormones are doing . For peri menopausal women there seems to be zero edge !!

Coming up to the marathon my body was playing ball and I seemed to have regular cycles with no crazy hormonal issues - no days were runs were very difficult - I was taking all supplements recommended in roar.

My period arrived 3 days After the marathon 10 days early , then disappeared for a day or two and came back for five day’s when it should have been due . Now it’s back again after another 10 days with full on PMT everytime .

Has this happened to anyone else . My running feels hard at the moment and I’m only running easy.

eyrie · 26-11-2019 11:27am

Bluesquare wrote: »

Thanks Ariana

I don’t think it’s giving me an edge at the moment because impossible to track or know what my hormones are doing . For peri menopausal women there seems to be zero edge !!

Coming up to the marathon my body was playing ball and I seemed to have regular cycles with no crazy hormonal issues - no days were runs were very difficult - I was taking all supplements recommended in roar.

My period arrived 3 days After the marathon 10 days early , then disappeared for a day or two and came back for five day’s when it should have been due . Now it’s back again after another 10 days with full on PMT everytime .

Has this happened to anyone else . My running feels hard at the moment and I’m only running easy.

Jayney that's rough Bluesquare, you poor thing. I haven't experienced anything like that so I've nothing useful to share but I'd say maybe go easy on yourself for a while? Could be the stress of the marathon disrupted things a bit? I know my body is massively reactive to stress and all kinds of weird things happen :rolleyes:. Might be worth a trip to the GP either, at least if you have another very short cycle like that.

Bluesquare · 26-11-2019 11:36am

Thanks eyrie,I’m assuming it was the marathon that caused it all right . I’m on meds for my thyroid as well so my diagnosis was that that the marathon threw the thyroid out of whack which then affected my cycle.

I suspose I should go to the doctor - make sure meds are correct etc .

Baby75 · 26-11-2019 11:46am

Bluesquare wrote: »

Thanks Ariana

I don’t think it’s giving me an edge at the moment because impossible to track or know what my hormones are doing . For peri menopausal women there seems to be zero edge !!

Coming up to the marathon my body was playing ball and I seemed to have regular cycles with no crazy hormonal issues - no days were runs were very difficult - I was taking all supplements recommended in roar.

My period arrived 3 days After the marathon 10 days early , then disappeared for a day or two and came back for five day’s when it should have been due . Now it’s back again after another 10 days with full on PMT everytime .

Has this happened to anyone else . My running feels hard at the moment and I’m only running easy.

yes, unfortuently for me it was leading up to the marathon I got 3 periods in 27 days so only about 12 to 13 days inbetween I felt I was constantly in the two week high hormone phase drove me mad. PMT was bad before my period this time and knocked me for six at least my cycle was longer though.

Baby75 · 26-11-2019 11:49am

Bluesquare wrote: »

Thanks eyrie,I’m assuming it was the marathon that caused it all right . I’m on meds for my thyroid as well so my diagnosis was that that the marathon threw the thyroid out of whack which then affected my cycle.

I suspose I should go to the doctor - make sure meds are correct etc .

I am on meds for my thyroid as well, which can also cause issues with your cycle

juke · 26-11-2019 11:51am

Bluesquare - I've been there - you are not going mad

I still am to there a degree. I definitely put it down to being peri-menopausal. I can go 3 months without a period and then get 2 in the space of 3 weeks. My head is all over the place. I am definitely struggling with fatigue - just getting out for a run can be a challenge.

I'm struggling a little with my weight, so trying to track it weekly over a 4 week cycle isn't the easiest, let alone weekly :eek:

Now - I don't have other medical issues as such - so keep an eye on your thyroid.

juke · 26-11-2019 12:06pm

I listened to an interesting podcast recently - on how the reduction of oestrogen in peri-menopausal women can cause a myriad of symptoms that are often mis-diagnosed.

https://sigmanutrition.com/episode279/

It start about 9 minutes in.

ariana` · 26-11-2019 12:47pm

Bluesquare wrote: »

Thanks Ariana

I don’t think it’s giving me an edge at the moment because impossible to track or know what my hormones are doing . For peri menopausal women there seems to be zero edge !!

Coming up to the marathon my body was playing ball and I seemed to have regular cycles with no crazy hormonal issues - no days were runs were very difficult - I was taking all supplements recommended in roar.

My period arrived 3 days After the marathon 10 days early , then disappeared for a day or two and came back for five day’s when it should have been due . Now it’s back again after another 10 days with full on PMT everytime .

Has this happened to anyone else . My running feels hard at the moment and I’m only running easy.

That does sound rough. I don't know much about peri-menopause but it seems to be the new buzz word among my peer group but some reason

I've noticed changes in the last year but the changes are consistent so very manageable for now. It's weird but a decade ago when i was trying to conceive my kids i had completely erratic & very long cycles (100 days + kind of thing) and ended up needing fertility treatment, now that i'm no longer bothered about ovulation or any of that i have a clockwork cycle most of the time :rolleyes: I'm rambling I'd suggest visiting your GP if it goes on as it could impact your iron levels! And fyi my running feels hard at the moment too but i've had a couple of viruses this past month - could it be anything like that? Also you are possibly still recovering from DCM and the physical and mental slog of that training block? Mind yourself x

Bluesquare · 26-11-2019 1:35pm

November is always a bad month as well . I might just get my bloods checked to make sure nothing weird or wonderful is going on . My iron is borderline once I’m running and I take ferrograd C everyday so I’d be surprised if it was low.

It’s good to be able to discuss this stuff as the girls I run with have their heads buried firmly in the ground and despite over whelming evidence to the contrary refuse to believe it’s not all mind over matter!

27-11-2019 2:44pm

In mountain running I think women can be better at running uphill than down, as in I know a few who will match physically stronger men going up, only to be overhauled on a descent. Not sure is physical, bone density, pelvic mechanics. Or psychological, adverse to risk. Or all just my subjective opinion with no basis in fact!

HelenAnne · 27-11-2019 4:02pm

Deleted User wrote: »

In mountain running I think women can be better at running uphill than down, as in I know a few who will match physically stronger men going up, only to be overhauled on a descent. Not sure is physical, bone density, pelvic mechanics. Or psychological, adverse to risk. Or all just my subjective opinion with no basis in fact!

I don't know (in my case) about downhill on mountains, because I haven't done a lot of mountain running, but I think I'm ok at descending on roads / trails. In the Stook recently, I was 74th finisher, but 48th fastest 'flying-mile' - that's the timed sharp downhill between miles 8 & 9 - which means there were 26 people who ran faster than me overall, but ran slower than me on the downhill. (I know that doesn't prove anything, i just thought it was interesting to have numbers on it, in that race at least).

Generally I'd find I pass people on the downhills. I thought it was maybe because I'm not that tall, so I don't have the fear of toppling forward a tall man would have? So i always thought women would be better at descending?

HelenAnne · 28-11-2019 4:01pm

And another query for women - you know short, tight shorts (not like tiny racing briefs, just like short tights) -- I can never work out WHY they creep up my legs. are they too big or too small? And apart from getting more athletic legs, is there anything I can do to make them stay put.

I always like the length when I first put them on, but by the end of a race they've crept up and got shorter!

HelenAnne · 29-11-2019 9:45am

Sorry I seem to be constantly posting here this week!
Just a note to say Brooks have 30% off sports bras for Black Friday
https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_gb/womens-juno-sports-bra/350071.html

ReeReeG · 29-11-2019 10:28am

HelenAnne wrote: »

And another query for women - you know short, tight shorts (not like tiny racing briefs, just like short tights) -- I can never work out WHY they creep up my legs. are they too big or too small? And apart from getting more athletic legs, is there anything I can do to make them stay put.

I always like the length when I first put them on, but by the end of a race they've crept up and got shorter!

This also happens me! Would love to figure this out too :pac:

ariana` · 29-11-2019 10:36am

HelenAnne wrote: »

And another query for women - you know short, tight shorts (not like tiny racing briefs, just like short tights) -- I can never work out WHY they creep up my legs. are they too big or too small? And apart from getting more athletic legs, is there anything I can do to make them stay put.

I always like the length when I first put them on, but by the end of a race they've crept up and got shorter!

ReeReeG wrote: »

This also happens me! Would love to figure this out too :pac:

Opposite problem this time of year my running tights keep slipping down and i have to pull them up... I can't figure out if they are too big or too small or just crap quality - poor elastic that won't stay put

I hate running tights anyhow and try to avoid as much as possible but maybe it's because i haven't found the right ones. I love shorts and don't have too much issue with them riding up - i tend to wear the 2 in 1 style like these but i have every variety really and find them all so much more comfortable & less annoying than running tights

And fwiw HA i can't imagine your legs are anything but athletic already!

HelenAnne · 29-11-2019 10:54am

ariana` wrote: »

And fwiw HA i can't imagine your legs are anything but athletic already!

I think, like most people, different bits of me are different sizes relative to each other - like one bit of me might be xx size in clothes, and another bit bigger or smaller. That's definitely what I find when it comes to getting jeans that fit right etc!

ariana` · 29-11-2019 11:10am

HelenAnne wrote: »

I think, like most people, different bits of me are different sizes relative to each other - like one bit of me might be xx size in clothes, and another bit bigger or smaller. That's definitely what I find when it comes to getting jeans that fit right etc!

Yip i think we're all like that, jeans are a nightmare trying to get that perfect fit. I'm still wearing a pair that are 5 yrs old because they fit nicely and my many attempts to replace them have failed, it's a costly business too.

HelenAnne · 29-11-2019 11:27am

ariana` wrote: »

Yip i think we're all like that, jeans are a nightmare trying to get that perfect fit. I'm still wearing a pair that are 5 yrs old because they fit nicely and my many attempts to replace them have failed, it's a costly business too.

I know this is OT for a running forum (so I promise I'll post something running-related straight after), but after years of wearing lower waisted jeans, I'm currently finding the Penney's high-waisted skinny jeans really great. They have a bit of stretch, and they seem to fit people like me who have bigger hips than waist. *non run-related bit over

*

Run-related bit:

Like Bluesquare's friends (see above) I don't really seem to have any female-related running issues (apart from my shorts problem above, and my constant resentment that men can run faster than me without training as much

) - I suppose I'm just lucky (so far) that I haven't noticed any hormonal issues etc). But I do think it's great that these issues are being investigated - most exercise (& loads of health!) science was based on testing on men before now.

I used to listen to this podcast before it went on hiatus (& it's BACK now, hurray!) & I remember this episode from a few years ago being v interesting on REDS etc - one thing that interested me in it was how individual the whole thing was - some women could have fertility problems etc at a weight / body fat level that wouldn't be problematic for another woman. Anyway, I think it's worth a listen:

https://runningonom.com/podcast-212/

HelenAnne · 29-11-2019 11:33am

ariana` wrote: »

Opposite problem this time of year my running tights keep slipping down and i have to pull them up... I can't figure out if they are too big or too small or just crap quality - poor elastic that won't stay put I hate running tights anyhow and try to avoid as much as possible but maybe it's because i haven't found the right ones. I love shorts and don't have too much issue with them riding up - i tend to wear the 2 in 1 style like these but i have every variety really and find them all so much more comfortable & less annoying than running tights

I got these last summer in Uniqlo in London. After I'd bought them I thought 'Oh no, they're too warm', but actually I've been wearing them lately running in to work on cold mornings & I LOVE them. They have no pockets, but otherwise perfect - really comfortable, high waist, never slip down etc etc. I'd really recommend them:

https://www.uniqlo.com/eu/en/product/women-airism-soft-leggings-418435.html?dwvar_418435_color=COL68&dwvar_418435_size=SMA001&cgid=

Sunny Dayz · 04-02-2020 10:44am

Looking for a sports bra recommendation...

All the sports bras I have have racers backs on them. But I'm finding lately with some of them that it hurts a little on my shoulders and the lower back of my neck. I feel like I'm trying to yank them back a bit. Maybe it's not helped by the fact that my posture probably isn't great lately and maybe I'm slumping my shoulders more forward than I should be.

Are there any sports bras out there that are not racer back? I'm a small chest (34A) but I do like decent support.

Choc Chip · 04-02-2020 10:49am

Sunny Dayz wrote: »

Looking for a sports bra recommendation...

All the sports bras I have have racers backs on them. But I'm finding lately with some of them that it hurts a little on my shoulders and the lower back of my neck. I feel like I'm trying to yank them back a bit. Maybe it's not helped by the fact that my posture probably isn't great lately and maybe I'm slumping my shoulders more forward than I should be.

Are there any sports bras out there that are not racer back? I'm a small chest (34A) but I do like decent support.

All my shockabsorbers have a second (higher) clip at the back that turns them into a racerback. You could try the shockabsorber but just not fasten the second clip?

SmallTeapot · 04-02-2020 1:05pm

Choc Chip wrote: »

All my shockabsorbers have a second (higher) clip at the back that turns them into a racerback. You could try the shockabsorber but just not fasten the second clip?

I also recommend shock absorbers (link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00368CLV4?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title&th=1). You can unhook the top clip/ or close it before you put it on....

I used to have an aversion to racer-back before, but really like this shock absorber model

Edited to add: the best place to buy Shock Absorber bras is on amazon.co.uk. You can get some of the brighter colour combos for relatively cheap when compared to the likes of Lifestyle Sports or Elverys. Also you might need to buy a few variations in size to get the best fit.... I did this and was able to return the ones which were not suitable.

Sunny Dayz · 04-02-2020 1:37pm

Thanks Choc Chip and Small Teapot - that style looks like what I need.

I had a spy at Elverys - my god the price is saucy. Will try Amazon and see if that's any better on price.

Laineyfrecks · 04-02-2020 1:38pm

Sunny Dayz wrote: »

Looking for a sports bra recommendation...

All the sports bras I have have racers backs on them. But I'm finding lately with some of them that it hurts a little on my shoulders and the lower back of my neck. I feel like I'm trying to yank them back a bit. Maybe it's not helped by the fact that my posture probably isn't great lately and maybe I'm slumping my shoulders more forward than I should be.

Are there any sports bras out there that are not racer back? I'm a small chest (34A) but I do like decent support.

I got a few decent bras in Aldi & Lidl that close like a normal bra and are really comfy. Like you i'd be a small but the support in them is really good plus they are very reasonably priced. I know they are not available all year round but good to keep an eye out for them.

ariana` · 04-02-2020 2:36pm

Shock Absorber are also very reasonable here if they have your size!

Yellowboglady · 04-02-2020 11:32pm

Try wiggle.co.uk for shock absorbers as well if you dont care too much about colour.

Running issues specific to women

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