Running with Endometriosis: Lyndsy and Indy (Episode 208)

Michelle and Louise are joined by Lyndsy for an honest conversation about canicross, chronic illness and redefining what it means to be a runner.   Lyndsy shares how she went from a love-hate relationship with running to finding a completely new sense of enjoyment through canicross with her Bernedoodle Indy. After years of feeling pressure around pace, personal bests and being at the back of the pack, running with Indy helped her discover a more supportive and joyful way to move. Their partnership has taken them from first-session nerves and downhill tumbles to weekly social runs and races.   The episode also explores Lyndsy's experience of living with endometriosis, including the long road to diagnosis, the symptoms that were dismissed or mistaken for other conditions, and how chronic pain can affect exercise, confidence and everyday life. Lyndsy explains why movement can help, but also why listening to your body and adapting your plans matters.

  This is a powerful episode for anyone who has ever felt they are “not a runner”, anyone managing a chronic condition, or anyone who needs reminding that canicross is not just about speed, distance or results.   Lyndsy forgot to mention in the episode that one thing that's been really important for her has been finding a Canicross belt that she's comfortable with. Obviously a lot of the pain caused by endometriosis is focused around the stomach and with the bloating and soreness that comes with it sometimes even the waistband of your clothes can be painful. So she would advise anyone with endometriosis to try a few different styles of belt to find one that works for them. 

  Timings   0.00 – introducing Lyndsy and Indy 0.34 – meeting Indy the Bernedoodle 2.20 – Lyndsy's relationship with running 3.40 – discovering canicross through Sporting Paws 4.36 – first canicross session and falling in love with it 5.37 – becoming “a runner” 6.35 – why canicross feels different from traditional running 7.49 – hills, confidence and running with a big dog 9.10 – Lyndsy's endometriosis diagnosis journey 10.39 – what endometriosis is 13.20 – symptoms, A&E visits and being misdiagnosed 15.27 – how endometriosis affects running 16.18 – adapting canicross on difficult days 17.30 – how dogs help motivation with chronic illness 18.30 – surgery, treatment and symptom management 20.09 – research and potential improvements in diagnosis 21.30 – symptoms to look out for 22.10 – symptom checkers and GP conversations 23.06 – how to advocate for yourself at the doctor 26.59 – the wellbeing benefits of canicross 28.26 – why you do not have to be fast to belong 33.12 – what Lindsay wishes she had known earlier 35.47 – why open conversations matter 36.08 – canicross as hope, movement and fun   Resources mentioned Period symptom checker

Lyndsy recommends the following Instagram accounts for general information on a range of menstrual health conditions and how to approach conversations with your doctor: https://www.instagram.com/gynaegeek?igsh=MThmemdia3U5cWFxeg==   https://www.instagram.com/drnighatarif?igsh=MTEzd3V2eXd3ejdjYw==   For details about what endometriosis is and to find sources of support - https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/   Finally, after our chat, Lyndsy looked for any information about endometriosis and women's sport and found this article which touches on some of what we discussed - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/56276626   And this one about endometriosis and running -https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/health/a43464680/endometriosis-and-exercise/