Running & My PCOS Health Journey: What Marathon Training Taught Me About Hormones & Consistency

Madison Matthews
Jul 23, 2024
3 min read

This past weekend, I ran my first-ever half marathon—a 21 km race that pushed me physically and mentally. It was my second race ever, with my first being a 5k fun run back in 2016. I crossed the finish line in 2:45:36, placing 9750 out of 10095 overall and 1131 out of 1175 in my age group (24-29).

While I felt proud of completing the race and running the full distance—minus a couple of quick water stops—I found myself comparing my time to the thousands who finished before me. I momentarily felt disappointed. But then, I caught myself.

This was my first half marathon. I wasn’t trying to win—I was simply trying to finish. I reminded myself that I didn’t know the backgrounds, experiences, or training of those ahead of me. So, who was I to compare?

Running & PCOS Health Journey: How Training Reflects PCOS Management

A quote I saw on Instagram recently stuck with me: “Comparison is the killer of joy.”

Before this year, I had never run more than 5 km or trained consistently. The fact that I completed a half marathon is something I never thought I’d achieve. That alone deserves recognition.

Instead of focusing on where I placed, I chose to honor my progress. The dedication, training, and discipline that got me to race day are what truly matter. And now, I’m even more motivated to improve my time in my next race at the end of August. Running & PCOS Journey Running & PCOS Health Journey

The same applies to PCOS and weight management. It’s easy to compare our progress to others, but everyone’s journey is different. Instead of feeling discouraged, we need to celebrate our own wins—no matter how small.

The Impact of Nutrition on Performance & PCOS Management

One of my biggest takeaways from race day was how much nutrition matters. Had I prioritized my nutrition better in the months leading up to the race, I would have had more energy, better endurance, and possibly a faster time.

But here’s the thing—nutrition isn’t just about performance. It plays a crucial role in balancing hormones, stabilizing blood sugar, and managing PCOS symptoms.

The key to sustainable health improvements? Focusing on whole foods, nutrient-dense meals, and consistency over time. Just like training for a marathon, nutrition is about long-term commitment, not quick fixes.

If you’ve ever struggled with PCOS symptoms, know that small changes compound over time. Quick results may be tempting, but real, lasting progress comes from consistency and patience.

The Mindset Shift That Changed Everything

Mindset is everything—in running, in health, and in life.

During my race, I found myself battling negative thoughts:

“Why am I so slow?”
“Maybe I’m not built for long-distance running.”
“Other people are finishing so much faster.”

But just as I teach my PCOS clients, I had to shift my mindset. Instead of focusing on where I wasn’t, I reminded myself of how far I had come.

This same mindset shift applies to PCOS and weight management:

Stop focusing on how long it’s taking—focus on the progress you’ve made.
Don’t compare your results to others—your journey is unique.
Remember that setbacks don’t define you—what matters is how you move forward.

Lessons From Running That Apply to PCOS & Long-Term Health

Small Changes Lead to Big ResultsI didn’t wake up one day and run 21 km—I built up my endurance over time. The same applies to PCOS management: small, sustainable changes lead to long-term success.
Consistency Over PerfectionSome training days felt great, while others were a struggle. But what mattered was showing up. The same is true for nutrition, stress management, and exercise in PCOS—it’s not about being perfect but being consistent.
Your Journey is Yours—Own ItEveryone has different genetics, experiences, and starting points. Your progress is valid, no matter how fast or slow it seems. Stay in your lane and focus on what works for YOU.