SUPPORT NETWORK
Your questions answered
Resuming running after a hysterectomy, whether you should stretch before a run and rehabbing from a back spasm. Plus how to reboot your confidence after disappointing race results
Compiled by: Lisa Jackson
THE EXPERTS
Emma Brockwell is a Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist based in Godstone and Chilworth and the author of Why Did No One Tell Me? physiomum.co.uk
Dr Rhonda Cohen is a sport and exercise psychologist at Middlesex University, and the author of Sport Psychology: Optimising Human Performance.
Dr Juliet McGrattan is our resident health expert. She is the author of Sorted and Run Well: Essential Health Questions and Answers for Runners. drjulietmcgrattan.com
Dawn Morse, the founder of Core Elements Training, has an MSc in sport and exercise sciences and teaches sports therapy courses. coreelements.uk.com
ASK US YOUR QUESTIONS!
Email womensrunning @anthem.co.uk
Q I ran really badly in two races I entered recently and it’s really knocked my confidence. What can I do?
A Believing in yourself comes from past successes, but when this goes awry, you can reset your confidence by setting new goals. A revised training plan will give you confidence as will surrounding yourself with supportive people. If you’re recovering from an injury then give yourself a chance to build up your training gradually. Employ some positive self-talk to keep you happy and motivated, such as ‘I’m getting stronger with every stride I take’ or ‘I’m doing what I love’, and use inspiring music or a podcast to help boost confidence. Remind yourself of your strengths (that you’re good at pacing, for example) and your previous achievements and set yourself mini challenges to smash. As you accomplish more, your selfconfidence will start to grow.