YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Your questions answered
Rehabbing injuries at home, coping with runner’s trots and how menopause can affect your training. Plus advice on backpacks if you have big boobs
SUPPORT NETWORK
THE EXPERTS
Dr Rhonda Cohen is a sport and exercise psychologist at Middlesex University and the author of Sport Psychology: Optimising Human Performance.
Dawn Morse, the founder of Core Elements Training, has an MSc in sport and exercise sciences and teaches sports therapy courses. coreelements.uk.com
Dr Juliet McGrattan is our resident health expert. She is the author of Sorted: The Active Woman’s Guide to Health. drjulietmcgrattan.com
Ashleigh Wienand is a physiotherapist and the founder of Ultra Sports Clinic. ultrasportsclinic.com
ASK US YOUR QUESTIONS!
Email womensrunning @anthem.co.uk
QWhat’s the best way to stop me getting too competitive with myself and reducing my enjoyment?
AConstantly comparing your training times and previous running ability can easily tip the balance and lead to a loss of running mojo. Remember why you run and what you get from the sport: Post-it Notes on your bathroom mirror and photos on the fridge are a good way to remind you of this. Accept your limitations (not just physical ones, but family life, job and social pressures, too) and be aware when your performance is affected by what’s going on around you. Aim to include at least one training session a week when you train by effort, not pace. Take pride in keeping your easy runs slow to avoid burnout, and only race when motivated by the process, not the results.