As an avid runner, I often find inspiration in stories of women, whether young or old, embarking on their first significant race. These narratives typically revolve around themes such as weight loss, overcoming health challenges, running in memory of loved ones, or raising awareness for causes close to their hearts. Then there’s 26-year-old Maya Rivera, who made headlines for running the London Marathon while menstruating. Yes, she ran the entire race while shedding uterine lining—no feminine hygiene products in sight.
I’ve also completed a marathon during my period. So what? I embrace my identity as a woman, and my menstrual cycle is a natural part of that. While it requires some careful planning—like discreetly placing tampons in my sports bra and knowing the locations of medical tents and restrooms—I hardly consider it a monumental challenge. The real struggle was the months of training leading up to the race, during which I had to constantly remind myself not to feel guilty for taking time away from my children to preserve my mental health.
Then there’s Rivera, who ran without any menstrual protection. She stated on her blog that her goal was to shed light on the stigma surrounding menstruation and to challenge the language often used in reference to it. “I ran with blood trickling down my legs for those who lack access to menstrual products and for those who endure pain and discomfort in silence,” she wrote. “I aimed to show that periods exist, and we face them every single day.”
I can’t help but ponder how my grandmother, who grew up with four sisters and no access to disposable menstrual products, would react to this. She might question why anyone would choose not to use a product that she would have cherished and that is widely available today. Isn’t that the essence of progress?
The interpretation of feminism can vary significantly among women. We strive for equality and champion those who fought for our rights. Yet, here we have a woman asserting that menstruation is something we must conquer daily. Personally, I don’t view it as a battle to be fought. I manage it to prevent any mishaps, but it doesn’t oppress me or diminish my worth. It simply signals that my body is functioning as it should, and I take pride in that. As a mother of four sons, I feel fortunate to navigate this topic without too much fuss, yet I’ve made it clear to them that menstruation is a normal part of life. “Yes, it’s an inconvenience,” I would say. “Does it stop you? No. Does the world need a status update on it? Absolutely not. Is it unpleasant? Sometimes. But thanks to modern products, it’s manageable. Is it unfair? Well, let’s talk about how your dad will never feel a baby kick in his stomach.”
Rivera claimed, “On the marathon course, sexism can be overcome.” And she’s right. The fight for gender equality in running has indeed made strides. Since Kathrine Switzer entered the 1967 Boston Marathon, countless women have followed in her footsteps. The percentage of female marathon finishers has steadily increased, with women making up 57 percent of finishers in 2013 alone. A recent Danish study even showed that women perform 18.61 percent better than men in maintaining a controlled pace throughout a marathon.
While I can support Rivera’s endeavor and her unique way of advocating for a cause she believes in, as a female runner, I want to be recognized simply as a runner. I’m aware that as a woman, I may have unique challenges to navigate during races, but who doesn’t? Everyone has their own hurdles to clear. I’d prefer to be seen as just another runner rather than someone who is burdened by biological functions. Honestly, I’m quite sure that fellow runners don’t need to be subjected to my bodily fluids. There’s already plenty of that on a marathon course—trust me.
In summary, while Maya Rivera’s choice to run a marathon without menstrual protection was a bold statement aimed at breaking down stigmas surrounding menstruation, it raises questions about how we view women’s biological functions in the context of running and feminism. For many, menstruation is not a barrier to achievement but a natural part of life that doesn’t need to be highlighted or sensationalized.