Our Cycle & Inner World
what if we embraced these natural rhythms? what if we saw our cycles not as a hindrance but as a key to unlocking our truest, authentic, wild selves?
A Note:
The same energetic signature or theme is complementary amongst the headlines listed here. I use the menstrual cycle name as the “title",” however, the aforementioned connections may be interchangable.
Menses ⇢ Winter ⇢ Wise Woman ⇢ New Moon ⇢ Recovery & Rest
Follicular ⇢ Spring ⇢ Maiden ⇢Waxing Moon ⇢ Rise & Return, Base & Build Training
Ovulation ⇢ Summer ⇢ Queen, Mother ⇢ Full Moon ⇢ Rule & Peak Training
Luteal ⇢ Autumn ⇢ Wild Woman ⇢ Waning Moon ⇢ Rewild & Taper Training
The menstrual cycle is our natural, phenomenal compass, our OG technollogy. On average, the menstrual cycle lasts around 28 days, although variations are common ranging from 26-52 days. Women are infradian (based on the moon) and men are circadian (based on the sun).
Diving into Your Phases
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Menstruation (New Moon) Days 1-5
Symbolism: Rest, release, and introspection.
Connection: Menstruation aligns with the new moon, marking a time of renewal as the body sheds the uterine lining to prepare for a new cycle. This phase invites rest, reflection, and setting intentions for the cycle ahead.
Key Indicators: Bleeding, cramping, low energy, mood shifts.
Hormonal Influence: Low estrogen and progesterone cause fatigue, irritability, and low energy.
Peak Performance: Rest and gentle movements like walking or restorative yoga.
Pleasurable Nourishment: Iron-rich foods and hydration to replenish nutrients lost during menstruation.
Low energy, emotional sensitivity, introspection. Focus on self-care.
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Follicular Phase (Waxing Moon) Days 6-14
Symbolism: Growth, renewal, and new beginnings.
Connection: As the body prepares for ovulation, rising estrogen levels parallel the energy of the waxing moon. This is a time of increased vitality, development, and building momentum.
Key Indicators: Rising energy, clearer skin, improved mood.
Hormonal Influence: Rising estrogen promotes mood improvement and energy.
Peak Performance: Ideal for high-intensity exercise, strength-building, and tackling difficult tasks.
Pleasurable Nourishment: High-protein meals to support muscle growth and recovery.
Increased energy, motivation, and optimism. Perfect for challenging tasks and workouts
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Ovulation (Full Moon) Days 15- 17
Symbolism: Fullness, illumination, and peak energy.
Connection: Ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary, aligns with the full moon. This phase represents fertility, heightened energy, and clarity.
Key Indicators: Increased libido, clear cervical mucus, mild pelvic discomfort.
Hormonal Influence: Peak estrogen enhances energy, mental clarity, and focus.
Peak Performance: Peak physical strength, endurance, and focus for intense exercise and social engagements.
Pleasurable Nourishment: Nutrient-dense foods for hydration and recovery.
High energy, emotional balance, and clear communication. A time for social confidence and peak performance.
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Luteal Phase (Waning Moon) Days 18-29
Symbolism: Reflection, release, and preparation.
Connection: The luteal phase corresponds to the waning moon, symbolizing a time of reflection and winding down. If conception doesn’t occur, decreasing hormone levels lead to the preparation for menstruation and the release of what is no longer needed.
Key Indicators: PMS symptoms like bloating, fatigue, mood swings, cravings.
Hormonal Influence: Rising progesterone causes mood fluctuations, fatigue, and increased cravings.
Peak Performance: Lighter, recovery-focused workouts, focusing on rest and restoration.
Pleasurable Nourishment: Focus on complex carbs, fiber, and magnesium-rich foods to support mood and energy.
Decreased energy, emotional fluctuations, and cravings. Modify activities to lighter, recovery-focused routines.
Understanding the moon phases in conjunction with the menstrual cycle provides a metaphorical framework for embracing the cyclical nature of life, fertility, and personal growth.
Moon Specifics
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The darkest night allows us to see the stars more brightly.
Symbolism: Represents new beginnings, initiation, and setting intentions.
Menstrual Connection: Aligns with menstruation, a time of release and renewal, as the body sheds the old uterine lining to prepare for a new cycle.
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Symbolism: Signifies growth, development, and building momentum.
Menstrual Connection: Correlates with the pre-ovulatory phase, where estrogen rises, leading to the preparation of the uterine lining for potential conception.
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Symbolism: Represents culmination, fullness, and illumination.
Menstrual Connection: Aligns with ovulation, the peak of fertility and the release of an egg from the ovary.
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Symbolism: Indicates reflection, harvesting, and the winding down of energy.
Menstrual Connection: Correlates with the pre-menstrual phase, marked by a decrease in hormone levels if conception didn't occur, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining.
it’s literally your OG technology
Associated Archetypes
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Wisdom and Experience: The Crone embodies the elder aspect of the feminine journey, representing wisdom, experience, and the culmination of a lifetime of learning.
Transformation and Endings: This archetype is associated with the waning phase of life, transformation through acceptance of mortality, and the understanding of cycles and transitions.
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Innocence and New Beginnings: The Maiden archetype represents the youthful, innocent, and burgeoning aspects of femininity. It symbolizes the beginning of a woman's journey, filled with curiosity and a sense of wonder.
Exploration and Self-Discovery: This archetype is associated with the exploration of one's identity, self-discovery, and the embracing of new experiences. The Maiden embodies the joy of learning and the unfolding of potential.
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Authority and Leadership: The Queen archetype embodies maturity, sovereignty, and the regal qualities of a woman who has come into her own. It symbolizes authority, leadership, and the ability to rule with wisdom.
Nurturing and Protective: This archetype is often linked to a nurturing role, providing guidance and protection to those in her care. The Queen archetype reflects a woman who has developed a strong sense of self and purpose.
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Freedom and Liberation: The Wild Woman archetype is characterized by untamed and primal qualities. It symbolizes a woman's untethered, instinctual nature, free from societal constraints.
Connection to Nature: This archetype often emphasizes a strong bond with nature, wildness, and a celebration of the natural, unbridled aspects of femininity.
Both the wise and wild woman are considered dark feminine archetypes while the maiden and queen are considered light feminine archetypes.
Menstrual Moon Messages
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Dream + Manifest, White Moon Goddess
- represents more love and care
- focus is outward facing
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Action + Commitment, Pink Moon Goddess
- represents a time of transition
- focus on stepping in your strengths and going with the flow
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Shedding + Illumination, Red Moon Goddess
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Adjust + Release, Purple Moon Goddess
- represents “opposite” transition
- focus is quieter or an exploration of our shadow
anatomy of feminine athletics
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anatomy of feminine athletics 〰️
Racing On Your Period
Throughout our cycle, there’s a pendulum that swings between ease and effort.
When it comes to performing on our period, the pendulum may swing more towards effort, especially in the days leading up to your period and the first 1-2 full days of being on your period.
We also know running, or racing, takes an immense amount of effort.
Additionally, we know that during major taper periods, the body is in the process of building back after intense training sessions of breaking down. This occurs while training for a specific event or in endurance/sustainability training.
It is normal to feel tired and lethargic, and have that amplified more by your cycle.
Given this framing, it’s critical to have your restoration stores full, conserve your energy, and perhaps more so than normal so that when you race, you’re able to dig into those stores.
Rest + Recovery Recommendations
Given all the factors, it is our recommendation to implement focused rest days leading up to your race, and/or take days 1 and 2 of your menstruation off as much as possible in preparation.
If the race falls on day 1, having fully immersed yourself in as much restoration & relaxation, you may feel more energized than you typically would.
Additionally, be mindful of overstretching and hypermobility. This is not the time to practice speedwork, powerlifting, or HIIT workouts. It is during the days leading up to our period and our menstruation phase, where we are more prone to injury and/or previous injuries flaring up with minor tweaks. Research has found that hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle alter values such as laxity, strength, body temperature, and neuromuscular control, among others. This fact causes women to constantly adapt to hormonal variations, which exposes them to a higher risk of injury.
Recommended tools & products
Wipes for portapottys
Menstrual cup
Period panties
Additional electrolytes throughout the course