63 | Grace Coombs - Four Physio Founder
Title: Embracing the Journey: Insights on Running, Women's Health & Performance In today's running world, voices like Grace bring insightful perspectives that highlight the intersection of athleticism, women's health, and the journey of performance. As a distinguished guest on the Run Spesh podcast, Grace shares personal stories and professional insights that shed light on the multifaceted experiences of female runners. ### The Early Journey: Discovering Running Grace’s introduction to running began in her adolescence, finding joy and camaraderie in cross-country sports. Encouraged by her father, she quickly developed a passion for running, fostering a competitive spirit that intertwined with her personal and physical development. Despite stepping away temporarily during her university years due to injury and lifestyle changes, Grace rediscovered her love for running, aligning it with her professional aspirations in physiotherapy. ### The Pursuit of Balance: Navigating Challenges and Expectations Grace’s story through running serves as a testament to the challenges many female athletes face, including the pressures of body image and athletic expectations. Reflecting on her experiences, she discusses the detrimental effects of striving for leanness and the impact of reduced awareness around female athlete health issues during those formative years. She emphasizes the importance of education, support, and understanding in overcoming these obstacles, both personally and for the broader female running community. ### Evolving into Women's Health Advocacy Transitioning from her running journey, Grace’s passion for physiotherapy led her to specialize in women's health. Influenced by her experiences and those of the athletes she treated, Grace saw an opportunity to bridge the gap in women's health education, particularly in pelvic health. Her work extends beyond pre and postnatal care, addressing concerns such as bladder incontinence, endometriosis, and their impacts on female runners. Grace’s holistic approach in this domain underscores her commitment to empowering women through knowledge and support. ### Building a Supportive Community: The Formation of Four Physio Alongside her business partner Holly, Grace co-founded Four Physio, a community-focused clinic that embodies their shared vision for accessible and compassionate care. Their clinic not only serves as a center for physical rehabilitation but also nurtures a supportive environment where individuals are encouraged to explore their health journeys openly. This collaborative space underlines the importance of genuine connections and forward-thinking ideas, shaping the future of healthcare practice. ### Hormonal Health and Athletic Performance Grace’s insight into the role of menstrual cycles and hormonal fluctuations in athletic training introduces a crucial dimension to performance planning. Through her collaboration with Femi, a female-focused training organization, she educates women on aligning their training with their menstrual cycles to optimize performance and recovery. Grace highlights the significance of understanding personal physiology in developing effective and tailored training strategies. ### Conclusion: Towards a Holistic Approach in Athletics Grace’s narrative on the podcast serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by female athletes. From navigating hormonal health to advocating for better education in women's health issues, Grace’s work is pivotal in redefining how we understand and support female performance. By fostering open dialogues and proactive support systems, we can pave the path towards a more inclusive and informed approach to women's athletics. With an unwavering commitment to making a difference, Grace continues to inspire and empower the next generation of female athletes, promoting a journey of health, balance, and excellence in sport and life. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 02:06 Grace's Running Journey Begins 03:50 Challenges and Setbacks in Running 08:56 Rediscovering the Love for Running 16:27 Starting a Physio Business 19:43 The Birth of 'Four' Physio 29:08 Understanding Pelvic Health 35:51 Exploring Pelvic Health in Runners 37:13 Understanding Pelvic Floor Issues 38:14 Pelvic Floor Assessments and Treatments 44:21 Endometriosis and Its Impact on Running 51:26 The Fourth Trimester: Postpartum Recovery 54:19 Hormonal Fluctuations and Training 58:36 Coaching and Training Strategies for Women 01:10:07 Concluding Thoughts and Future Topics
New Zealand