I started Black Women in Menopause because, as a black woman, I discovered there was a gap for us to connect with each other and have a safe space to share their experiences, support each other and learn.

My passion stems from my own menopause holiday. Which is my embarking on meno holiday destinations during menopause with a lot of suitcases being packed and unpacked trying to decide what would be best to take. How was this a menopause holiday? I have to admit that I did not recognise any of these menopause destinations that I was unfortunate enough to visit. I do know I still have many destinations to visit. My first destination was a crash landing; I was embarrassed to confess that at 43, I had been diagnosed as peri-menopausal and I am now postmenopausal and have been for 3 years.

This led me on a journey during which I have learned (and continued to learn) so much along the way that I want to share my experiences in the hope that other black women will not feel alone.

Why am I doing an ultra-marathon?

Why not? I am adopting the identity of an ultra-marathon runner. I have many identities, some are positive and some negative, not through labelling or judging of myself, but those given by other people. What do I mean by that? By labelling me as a menopausal woman what images or thoughts does that conjure up? For me, Im not menopause and menopause isnt me.

The menopause narrative is negative and we need to change this, as well as raise awareness of what is going to happen to half the population. Change is inevitable and we would be better equipped if we understood and accepted that at some point in our lives menopause will happen. At this stage in my life whether it be menopausal or not, its also for me, as well as longevity. Longevity is my health currency; physically, emotionally, socially, mentally and spiritually.

There isnt just one reason for me to do this. The answer is complex, as it is a combination of personal factors and decisions. One of the personal factors was choosing where I wanted to run. I want to be with nature and it be picturesque. Another, was distance, as in time to travel and start time of event. Ill be focussed on putting one foot in front of the other, away from technology and left with my own thoughts and stunning views.

Menopause is not a period in life to think thats it. You have control over certain parts. For example, take the weather, if it rains it may last a day or several days. Eventually it will taper off and even stop but you will have to accept that it may not be sunshine that precedes the rain. It could be thunder instead, it varies. There are things that you can do for example stay inside or put on appropriate clothing but you cant change the weather, that is outside of your control and you accept it.

We need to understand that everybodys menopause map blueprint is different, and we will each respond differently to the many differing tools out there. An ultramarathon at this moment in time (we cant bank and save time another important point) is for me, it isnt for everybody to do what makes YOU happy, so dont compare.

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Facebook community - Black women in menopause (public and private group)