Inspired insights
Here are my key insights to returning to racing physically strong and mentally ready :
1 . Training through the trimesters – I switched my head into ' maintenance ' mode instead of ' training ' mode . Pregnancy is not the time to smash PBs and push beyond your physical limits . When I had concerns or doubts , I sought guidance from my Midwife or GP . I followed an exercise programme that adapted to my needs and capabilities as I progressed through the trimesters . The advantages of exercise through pregnancy include lowered risk of gestational diabetes , increased stamina for labour and delivery , boost in energy levels and improved mood , avoids excessive weight gain and help to maintain range of motion .
2 . Steady and gradual return postpartum – the fable of the Hare & Tortoise is a good one to reference . I listened to my body , re-started slowly and stepped things up day-by-day and week-by-week , this leads to long-term gains but let ’ s be clear that progress isn ’ t linear , so you have to roll with the ups and downs . As with any training , consistency is key . It takes nine months for the body to grow a human , so be kind , respect your body and allow your body the time it deserves to recover , especially during what ’ s dubbed as the fourth trimester , which is the first three months after a baby ’ s arrival .
3 . Stay safe – being pregnant puts an increased spotlight on safety ; after all , there ’ s more than just yourself to consider with a baby on board . I worked well within my limitations of myself and the environment ; during the later stages of my pregnancy , I switched to using a wider and more stable board . The key thing to remember is ‘ don ’ t bump the bump ’. As always , I carried a whistle , a fully charged phone with a tracker in a waterproof pouch and let my fiancé know my route with a live tracker and how long I ’ d expect to be out . I ’ d dress appropriate to the weather , only venture out if the river conditions and weather were within my capabilities , and wear a personal flotation device ( PFD ) and quickrelease waist leash .
4 . Mix it up – this isn ’ t so much to the adage of ‘ do the same thing and get the same results ’ but more of a case of taking the pressure off the situation and trying something different . Postnatally I did loads of walking , got into doing CARiFiT baby wearing workouts and got back on my bike . I also started to retrain as a PT , so I spent lots of time studying . A change is as good as a break .
5 . Desire to inspire – I believe that if I can be happy and healthy , I will be a better mummy to my girls , a better fiancé to my partner and hopefully an inspiration to others – not only parents but anyone looking to improve their fitness after a period of absence or injury .
6 . Embrace the change – with two little people to look after , life is a little chaotic but embrace the chaos and go with the flow if it all goes pearshaped . The ability to accept and adapt will help you ride the wave of the unknown . This has been and continues to be the most challenging aspect of becoming a parent .
7 . Reframe your expectations – try to relax and remove your expectations , as these can be counterproductive to success . Instead , recognise the challenge and appreciate its significance ; this way , you can celebrate the small wins specific to you and the situation . And accept that pregnancy and rehab , for that matter , is a progressive journey that ebbs and flows , both prenatally and postnatally .
8 . Team effort – and what I consider the most important point , without the love , support and encouragement of first and foremost my fiancé and secondly my paddling friends , getting back on my board would be extremely challenging , in fact , close to impossible . Surround yourself with people who believe in what you do and respect their effort , input and motivation .
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