The Grit Clinic
Do you have a burning question you want to ask The Grit Doctor? Don’t you think that every area of your life could be improved if you just had that bit more Grit? Well, the Grit Doctor has now opened her surgery doors…
‘The Grit Clinic’, is an agony aunt style weekly column in which the Grit Doctor will answer a couple of questions from you on any motivation-related issues you may have (as regards your diet or running or indeed any other area in which you feel the Grit Doctor might be able to help). Bear in mind that the Grit Doctor is no fitness expert nor is she a real doctor. Her profession is simply grit, but in this area she is without question the world’s leading authority and every Monday Ruth will answer your questions (up to a limit of two a week, but don’t be disappointed there will be rollovers!)
So tweet your questions using the hashtag #askthegritdr, post a question below or, if you’d like to remain anonymous, email gritdoctor@hotmail.co.uk.
I have had a protruding stomach all my life. I have been incredibly skinny, incredibly plump, I do yoga, I run and recently I have tried Pilates. I admit that when it comes to the stomach exercises in any class, I bow out or do it half heartedly but that is because my stomach muscles don’t seem to work. Nothing I do seems to give me a flat stomach. Please help. I am slim and healthy, and I don’t need a six pack, but I would like to get rid of my paunch.
I have the exact same problem!!! I feel your pain! My legs tone up really quickly but no matter what I do and what I eat (I have had PT’s, nutritionists, everything!) it just wont go away! Since mud last year I have been training for triathlons, so am training 6-9 times a week (aiming for 3 runs, 3 swims, 3 cycles) and am not a big eater. It’s just so freaking frustrating that I feel like a fatty no matter what I do!!
I’m doing great with my run thanks to the Good Book. I was averaging three to four times a week. However, on Saturday I noticed one of my ankles bitchin’ at me. I didn’t twist it, didn’t turn it, nada but it was complaining nonetheless. I set off anyway and there is a point along the way where I allow myself to drop to a fast walk IF ABSOLUTELY necessary. It was necessary this day, even knowing that I would not be able to pick up the run again. I wasn’t. I walked the rest of the circuit home and could not go out yesterday either. I can walk on my ankle, fine. WHen I do a quick rotate, i feel that little twinge. I’m still only fresh at the running game and have one circuit which is a road. Is this hurting my ankle? What’s the best surface to run on or is this an individual thing? Will my ankle listen to my inner grit doctor and grow up or is it the start of a running injury? Please tell me I’ll be fine. I am loving this new hobby of mine!!!
this may well be a proper injury or as you say the beginning of one. definitely go to see the doc/physio asap as you don’t want to aggravate it. road is definitely the worst surface to run on – grass or trails or dirt tracks would be so much better for your joints, anything but concrete really. and what about footwear? do you have proper running shoes yet from a specialist shop? they will provide excellent support for your ankles and the people that work in these shops have brilliant advice too so its worth popping in to your nearest one for shoes and a natter. so in summary: see a real doc! change your circuit to more ankle-friendly terrain and invest in proper running shoes. hope that helps. love how you have embraced your inner bitch – you should be very proud of yourself!
Hi have just finished reading RFBR and am raring to go. I’m worried though about bursitis i had in my hip a few months ago – agony and only in the past couple of weeks have i started back running.
I can still feel it ever so slightly, but it’s making me nervous about keeping on running, as i’ll be gutted if i have to stop for a few months again – am icing it 2 times a day and if i feel a tiny twinge, i take it easy and walk instead of run.
What do you think – am i fearing the worst without it happening and do you have any recommendations about how i can stop the bursitis from returning?
Thanks
i am going to answer this in the grit clinic tomorrow x
Hi Grit Doctor,
About 6 weeks ago I started walking a 4 mile route prior to running it. But ended up straining my SI joint. Thats all now settle down & ready to start again but worried my route was wrong. It was quite hilly but everywhere outside my front door is hilly. Advice please?
I will answer this in next mondays grit clinic….In the meantime, do you have proper running shoes?
Hi, I am currently getting into running, and want to run 3/4 times per week alongside one yoga class, how many km or for how long do you suggest would be a good running workout to tone my legs and lose some weight? Advice would be great please x
45mins running 3-4times a week would be fantastic for leg tone and weight loss alongside your yoga class. dont worry about the distance for now just concentrate on trying to jog solidly for a 45minute stretch. if you have never run before, follow the progmamme in my book to get you started. good luck x
Thanks Ruth, I have ordered your book and will aim for 45 minutes each run, I can do about 30 at the moment so will attempt to gradually increase this. Looking forward to reading the book! Jen x