Ultramarathon Countdown: Hormones, Heat Packs & Hope

So, it’s officially Sunday, and this time next week, I’ll be somewhere between mile “What the heck was I thinking?” and “Is this the part where I hallucinate talking cars?” Yes, the ultramarathon is looming... my first. Press start on the 8th. No pressure. Real start on the 10th, to navigate London traffic.

Physically? The training’s done... mostly. I’ve got an ultramarathon on Monday and a “light” 35k on Tuesday. After that, I’ll be twiddling my thumbs and triple-checking my kit like an overcaffeinated squirrel. But the real prep? That’s the mental and hormonal gymnastics happening backstage.

Let’s talk tapering with a twist: perimenopause edition.

See, people talk a lot about training through your period. PMT, cramps, iron levels, injury risk... it's a thing. But what hardly ever gets mentioned is perimenopause. And let me tell you, she’s a diva. No invitation, no warning, just storms into your life like, “I hope you like unpredictability!”

I’ve been going through it for about five years, but only clocked it about two years ago. Surprise! Turns out my mum had early peri menopause too. So, thanks for that mysterious genetic party bag, Mum.

Timing-wise? Horrendous. My sleep is wrecked, my periods ghost me like a bad Tinder date, and when they do show up, boom: PMDD (that’s PMT with a PhD in destruction). We’re talking mood crashes, insomnia, and more random crying than a dog rescue ad.

Let’s not forget the charming side effects:

• Itching like I've been attacked by mosquitoes.
• Hot flushes that make me feel like I’ve stepped into a furnace while wearing a fleece.
• And fibromyalgia flares that make my body feel like it’s rehearsing for a Shakespearean tragedy... dramatic pain, every night.
• Lastly and worse of all, CRPS drama... all of the time! In training, at night... Pain increases to an average of 9/10.

And then theres sleep? Ha. Between the pain, the flushes, and the 2am ice baths for the itching, I’m averaging the sleep quality of a toddler on Red Bull.

Then there’s the lovely post-period fatigue phase, a.k.a. the “walking flu” era... migraines, body aches, and the delightful chance of a full-body system shutdown where I just... don't wake up for a while day. (Great for a Netflix binge. Not so great for wheeling 50k.)

On top of this hormonal horror show, I’m juggling:

• Fibromyalgia
• CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)
• Nerve issues
• PTSD (hi, surprise!)
• Chronic bowel issues that mean I essentially OD on colonoscopy prep every few days! (Lovely stuff!!)
• Coeliac disease (gluten = demon)
• And enough meds, kits, and specialist food to fill a small pharmacy aisle.

So yeah, packing has been... a process. Think game of Tetris, but every item is life-dependent, breakable, and must be gluten-free. I’ve already spent two full days just organising kit. I’ll probably be packing until the off on the 7th, still trying to squeeze everything I can into my bag!

And the weather? Don’t get me started. Low atmospheric pressure messes with my CRPS and nerve pain. But here’s the thing: I’m doing it. Despite all the above, I’m going to toe that start line next week. I’ve trained, I’ve planned, and I’ve cried into a lot of snoods. This event is just another training day... with more spectators, more snacks, and a lot more chafing.

So, fingers crossed the hormonal storm calms down, the flare gods go easy on me, and the car we have coming can actually fit everything. If not? I’ll strap a spare wheel to my back and call it resistance training.

Let’s do this.