The Sport and Exercise Scientist Issue 27, Spring 2011 - BASES

Final word with ProfNanette Mutrie FBASESOne person who inspired meIn relation to BASES, Prof Andy Smith FBASES, MBEinspired me (see MBE for Prof Andy Smith on p4).When I first met him he was a young leader in thefield of sport and exercise science and during histenure as Chair created a change in BASES culturetowards professionalism. Without his inspiredleadership BASES, I believe, would not have flourished.One moment that changed the course of mycareerIn 1979 there were no doctoral programmesrelated to sport and exercise science in the UK butI really wanted to study the topic in more depth.My boss at the time (Prof Peter Radford) found away to get me extended sabbatical leave. I appliedfor a Fulbright scholarship and I was awarded thechance to study at Penn State University under thesupervision of Dorothy Harris. Gaining my PhD atthe end of that experience most certainly changedmy career towards developing the field of exercisescience in the UK. Through this experience I madecontact with a UK lecturer Stuart Biddle. He hadbeen at Penn State the year before me and Dorothyput us in touch. After that introduction Stuart andI have had 25 years of collaboration in the area ofphysical activity psychology. Together we helped BASSprogress to BASES!One great thing that sport and exercisescience has achievedHaving an accreditation system that sets thestandards for our profession has been a greatachievement for sport and exercise science. Makesure you are fully accredited and recognised for yourexpertise.One thing that I would change about sportand exercise scientistsI would encourage all sport and exercise scientiststo consider the health implications of involvementin sport and exercise to be as important (andperhaps even more important) than the performanceenhancing application of our knowledge. Performancemay have glamour but health has public importance.One proud momentIn 2009 I was asked to deliver the Dorothy HarrisMemorial Lecture at Penn State University (seemoment that changed my career section above).Dorothy left a sum of money in her will to providean annual lecture in the area of sport and exercisepsychology. Every famous sport and exercisepsychologist in the States has delivered the lectureand so I was very proud when they invited me to dothis lecture.“I would encourageall sport andexercise scientiststo consider thehealth implicationsof involvementin sport andexercise to be asimportant (andperhaps even moreimportant) thanthe performanceenhancingapplication ofour knowledge.Performance mayhave glamour buthealth has publicimportance.”words: Prof Nanette Mutrie FBASESProf Nanette Mutrie FBASES, CPsychol isProfessor of Exercise and Sport Psychology atthe University of Strathclyde, Scotland and shedirects the Scottish Physical Activity ResearchCollaboration (www.sparcoll.org.uk).Compiled by: Len Parker SimpsonSports Physiology Research Scholar, Universityof ExeterOne thing that I like to do on days offI like to play golf and walk my dogs (or carry Jock -see above - at the end of a long day). But I also like tokeep my eye on pedometer counts and dream up aresearch project that involves all of these activities.One bit of advice that really influenced meA third year medical student who was doing aresearch project with me (and was also a gooddistance runner) once said to me, “Nanette -everything in a balance.” She meant I needed to geta better work, life and sport balance – all things areequally important and I try to remember that. She(Catriona Cadell) now runs her own GP practicein Noosa, Australia and makes sure she has time fordaily cycle rides to the ocean for swimming with herkids!One quote that I really like“I could tell you running is a spiritual high, but itwould be a lie. The thrill is purely physical. I’m anendorphin addict. I love the idea of my body beinghow it should be - in shape and active, able to deliver.The more I train and see muscle definition, the moreI am inspired to push myself harder.” Ellie Goulding inTimes Magazine interview 16/10/10.I like this quote because it is from a pop star whoclearly finds activity an important part of her life –that seems rare for pop stars. Also my students cannever guess who said it – they often attribute it tosports stars by mistake.One regretOne regret that I have in relation to BASES isthat we have not yet had a woman as Chair of theAssociation.One person I would like to have dinner withIn relation to sport and exercise science that wouldhave to be my old boss Peter Radford and his wife.They are both great story tellers and live in Oxfordnow so I do not see them too often. Peter oncetold me the story of Captain Barclay over dinner.Captain Barclay is a character from the history oftraining and sporting achievements - he walked 1,000miles in 1,000 hours at Newmarket in 1809. Petersubsequently wrote a book about him and therehas been a television dramatisation of the event. Thejockey Richard Dunwoody has recently re-enacted1,000 miles in 1,000 hours – but with full sportsscience support.About to change your home address?Update your details in the Member Area at www.bases.org.uk,e-mail enquiries@bases.org.uk or call 01138126162The Sport and Exercise Scientist n Issue 27 n Spring 2011 n www.bases.org.uk27