Menopause, Marathons & Me: Why I'm Not Slowing Down at 52

World Menopause Day | Two weeks to the New York Marathon

It's World Menopause Day, and with just two weeks until I line up for the New York Marathon, it feels like a pretty good time to talk about being a woman in her 50s.

Because apparently, this is the stage of life when we're supposed to start slowing down.

Instead, I'm collecting marathon medals, spending a small fortune on running trainers and voluntarily getting up at ridiculous hours to run distances that most people would sensibly drive.

Not quite the midlife I had imagined!

Menopause. Let's Talk About It.

One thing I've noticed is just how many conversations I now have about menopause. With friends, colleagues, my sisters and other women who are trying to make sense of the changes they're experiencing.

Am I perimenopausal? Is this normal? What are my options? Should I be doing something about it?

And there's one recurring theme that really stands out to me.

So many women recognise that things are changing, but there's often a hesitation to actually do something about it.

Perhaps it's uncertainty, fear of treatment, conflicting information or simply believing that feeling rubbish is something we should accept as part of getting older.

But why should we?

I'm not suggesting there's one solution for everyone. Far from it. But I do believe we should feel comfortable asking questions, speaking to our doctors, exploring our options and making informed choices about our health.

Acceptance is one thing. Resignation is quite another.

Running Into My 50s

I started running in my 40s, but it's in my 50s that running has really become a huge part of my life.

Last year I ran my first marathon in London. This year I've taken on Sydney, achieved a fantastic personal best and, in just two weeks, I'll be standing on the start line in New York.

And somewhere along the way, I've realised something.

Getting older doesn't have to mean thinking smaller.

Of course, my body is changing. Recovery matters more, strength training is no longer optional (even if I'd occasionally prefer to ignore it), and I've learned that listening to my body is just as important as pushing it.

Running hasn't magically solved every challenge that comes with midlife. But it has given me something incredibly valuable: confidence in what my body can still achieve.

It's good for my physical health, but the mental benefits are just as important. A run can clear my head, lift my mood and give me a sense of achievement before the day has even properly started.

And sometimes it's simply an excuse to get outside with friends, have a good chat and put the world to rights.

Two Weeks to New York

With New York now just around the corner, I'm reminded that looking after ourselves isn't about chasing perfection.

This marathon build has involved some brilliant runs, a few niggles, plenty of learning and a growing appreciation for rest and recovery.

At this stage, the hard work is largely done. Now it's about arriving at the start line healthy, feeling strong and ready to enjoy every mile.

And isn't that a pretty good approach to midlife too?

Understand what's changing. Look after yourself. Ask for help when you need it. And don't stop making plans for the future.

We're Not Done Yet

If there's one message I'd love more women to take away from World Menopause Day, it's this:

You don't have to simply put up with feeling less than yourself.

Talk to your mum, your sisters, your friends and colleagues. Share experiences. Ask questions. Speak to your doctor and find out what options might be right for you.

We need to move beyond simply raising awareness of menopause and start empowering women to take action.

As for me, I'm 52, two weeks away from another World Marathon Major and still discovering what I'm capable of.

There are plenty more adventures, finish lines and probably far too many pairs of running trainers ahead.

Midlife? I'm only just getting into my stride.

See you in New York! 🗽