Endometriosis And Triathlon: A Swimmer Story

Endometriosis And Triathlon: A Swimmer Story

Our athletes are amazing aren’t they?

Take this athlete. She suffers with endometriosis and has to manage training around this often debilitating condition, yet still manages to enjoy her training, make good progress and achieve great things.

In fact, in the hope of informing and educating others – as well as inspiring other athletes – she has shared her experiences of living, managing and performing with endometriosis.

Here is her story …

---

Dream Big

As an endometriosis suffer, I wanted to share my story of how triathlon helps me manage a chronic condition.

Just an FYI, I am not medically qualified and in my experience every endometriosis sufferer experiences different journeys with their condition but I hope this empowers people to dream big.

---

Firstly, What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that, in it’s simplest terms, is where womb cells grow in other parts of the body but still act as womb cells, i.e. they break down each month. Unfortunately, those broken down cells have nowhere to go, so cause an onset of symptoms.

Personally, I suffer from chronic pain in my pelvic area, lower back and legs, my joints feel inflamed and I feel nauseous. The worst symptom by far however, is the level of fatigue during a flare up. At its worst I can sleep for 12 hours and still struggle to get out of bed or muster the energy for a shower which in comparison to someone who usually trains twice a day, works full time (plus a bit…a lot) with at least two dog walks to fit in. These symptoms are like clockwork every month, whilst the severity may change the symptoms are the same.

There are certain things that make my flare ups worse, stress, inflammatory foods, alcohol.

---

Has Triathlon Helped With My Endometriosis?

I would say most definitely.

I started triathlon in 2019 after struggling to commit to the level of hockey I was playing at the time. Unfortunately, my work is very unpredictable and trying to meet team practices became really difficult.

In saying that, I’ve never looked back.

My job also generates a lot of stress on a daily basis. Sports has always played a huge part in my life and have always been my release. The variety triathlon brings means you don’t get bored and therefore are less likely to skip that stress relieving session – that is key to keeping my stress levels lower – in turn reducing the symptoms of a future flare up.

Along side training regularly, the sport tends to turn my hand away from that naughty junk food jar (it does for me anyway, I know others crave goodies after a session!). I feel good from my workout so I don’t want to turn to food that is going to reduce that feeling.

Reduction in inflammatory foods, check.

Mentally, triathlon has taught me so much. One thing sticks out in particular is control the controllable and don’t worry about the uncontrollable. In triathlon, you can turn up on race day with the best engine, gear etc. but you can’t control the weather, the sea conditions etc. This key element of triathlon has taught me that whilst I can’t control my endometriosis flare ups I can accept them for what they are and manage them as best I can.

---

Support Network

I believe that everyone should create a support network and the triathlon community creates exactly that. I’ve been lucky in that my previous coach and Bryan both took an interest in trying to understand endometriosis and how it affects me. During a flare up, Bryan and I will adapt my sessions accordingly. We also plan my race calendar around potential flare up to try and reduce any impact that has on my race.

In addition to coaches, the Swim Squad, particularly my current and previous lane buddies, are always happy to accommodate any extra breaks, reduced lengths etc. without issue. Whilst at the same time making sure I’m ok.

Similarly other tri friends will ride or run at my pace if we need to drop the pace without question and try to understand how I’m being affected. A couple in particular have taken it upon themselves to carry out their own research and send me new things to try. The Wim Hof Method appeared on my doorstep for Christmas which fits nicely with Jan and Lisa’s mission to turn the Squad into cold water swimmers.

Such an inspirational, amazing bunch that I wouldn’t be without.

---

Your Limits Are Your Own Imagination

Since starting triathlon, I might not be the most decorated athlete ever, however I’ve been a regular GB Age Group athlete, raced some iconic races and have turned my focus to 70.3 / middle distance – setting some big goals.

So to everyone with a chronic condition, don’t let it stop you from achieving your dreams. Manage the condition as best you can and reach for the stars.

---

Wise Words

A very brave post to write – so thank you to our athlete for writing it down and sharing it with us.

Even if you don’t suffer with this, I hope it has helped you think about your own training and how you manage energy levels, peaks and troughs through the week / month / year.

For me, this post also shows the importance of a positive mindset, of ‘can do’, ‘will do’. And it also points to being sensible, taking a strategic approach to training, knowing when you can push on and when you need to put the breaks on a little for your own good.

“So to everyone with a chronic condition, don’t let it stop you from achieving your dreams. Manage the condition as best you can and reach for the stars.“