McGrattan - Sorted: The Active Womans Guide to Health

BLOOMSBURY SPORT

An imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

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This electronic edition published in 2017 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

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First published 2017

Juliet McGrattan, 2017

See for photo credits

Chapter illustrations by Ellie Foster; all other illustrations by Louise Turpin

Juliet McGrattan has asserted her right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as the Author of this work.

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British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

Library of Congress Cataloguing-in-Publication data has been applied for.

ISBN: 978-1-4729-2479-7 (HB)
ISBN: 978-1-4729-2480-3 (eBook)
ISBN: 978-1-4729-2481-0 (ePDF)

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this book is a) correct, to the best of the authors and publishers knowledge, at the date of publication; and b) published for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. In no way are there any expressed or implied representations by the authors or publisher that the information contained in this book constitutes or is a substitute for medical advice or guidance by a qualified doctor. The authors and publisher employees do not accept any responsibility for any loss, which may arise from reliance on information contained in this book.

Contents

Acknowledgements

So many people have played a part in this book, the culmination of my long journey from GP to health writer. Thank you to them all, especially the staff at Dalton Square Practice who have kept me afloat on the stormy seas of General Practice, Christina Macdonald and Womens Running, who started my writing career, Shona Thomson, who provided the electricity for my lightbulb moment, Helen Murray for all her enthusiasm, and Lucy Waterlow, who guided me when I didnt know where to start. Along the way Ive had enormous support and encouragement from all my friends (Ill repay all those favours I promise). Special thanks to Lisa Jackson, the 261 Fearless team, Kathrine Switzer and Nell McAndrew, all of whom kept telling me I could do it, and most importantly to my family, who believed in me and made sure there was food to eat and not too many late marks on the school register!

A big thank you to all the experts who kindly share their knowledge and expertise throughout the book and to my sister Ellie for her illustrations. Im so grateful to the wonderful women of Wray Womens Running Club, the UKRunChat community and my followers on Twitter and Facebook for their enthusiasm and overwhelming generosity with their words. Without your stories there wouldnt be a book; youre all an inspiration to me.

Finally, to my little woman-to-be; may you get health and happiness from being active all your life, and by the way I love you more.

Endorsements

Physical activity is our greatest defence against ill-health and this is just what we need; a book full of sensible, sound, health advice for women of all ages and abilities. Ill definitely be directing my patients to this essential handbook to help them stay active and keep healthy. Dr Andrew Murray, Sports and Exercise Medicine consultant and GP, University of Edinburgh, and endurance runner

Ive had the pleasure of knowing Juliet for several years. The concept of a book addressing the specific challenges facing women who exercise is just brilliant. There is no doubt that women have far more complexities to deal with over the monthly training cycle. Ive had to figure out a lot myself and Im often asked questions about being a female runner. Having a bible where women can go is long overdue and a valuable tool for any woman. Written with first-hand experience, deep knowledge and sensitivity, this book is a must have resource. Shona Thomson, adventure marathon runner

Unafraid to tackle even the most blush-inducing topics (yes, were talking fanny farts in yoga, period pain during marathons and menopausal misery), this book aims to break down the barriers for women whore keen to start exercising but fear there are too many hurdles in their way. Juliets a GP so you know youre getting really sound, evidence-based advice but she talks with you, not at you, and in so doing her enthusiasm for the joys of an active lifestyle are bound to inspire millions of women of all ages to lead healthier, fitter and much happier lives. Lisa Jackson, co-author of the best-selling beginners running book Running Made Easy and author of Your Pace or Mine? What Running Taught Me About Life, Laughter and Coming Last

At last, a frank and honest one-stop-shop of everything you needed to know about the physicality of being a woman. Juliet has a brilliantly open approach to all those questions you were too embarrassed to ask. Easy to read, straight to the point and a must on every womans bookshelf, we owe it to ourselves to be fully informed about every stage in our lives. Carol Smillie, TV presenter, co-founder DiaryDoll

Juliets book not only informs and inspires but it holds your hand through frankly the tougher parts of being a woman like pregnancy and PMS and makes you feel normal. Engaging and supportive, this is a must-read for mamas everywhere.
Vicki Psarias, founder of multi-award winning online lifestyle magazine Honestmum.com

Forewords

Life throws many things at us and often makes it hard for us to keep active. Ive had my fair share of ups and downs with relationship problems, family bereavement and baby blues. It hasnt always been easy to keep motivated and sometimes I havent known whether I should be exercising at all. It wouldve been so useful to have a book like this to guide me. Juliet has lived through many of the problems that she covers which means that she can truly understand. If she hasnt experienced it herself, shes seen hundreds of women with it in her many years as a GP. Her friendly, positive, knowledgeable voice will help and encourage you to overcome any worries you have. Juliet reassures us all that many things that we think would prevent us from being active, dont have to. Reading this book is like having a friend to talk to without going anywhere. You can read about all the embarrassing things that you may not even want to discuss with your best friend, in the comfort of your own home.