Balancing Motherhood and the Podium with Olympian Erin Huck

The Sonya Looney Show

“I just can’t believe how grateful I am. I just love being a mom, and I am an Olympian.”

This episode features a special conversation with Erin Huck, recorded during the Women's Cycling Summit at Breck Epic. Erin is a mountain biker who competed in the women's cross-country event at the 2020 Summer Olympics, and the 2015 Pan American Games. She’s also a mom, like me.

We explore the remarkable journey of balancing motherhood with a flourishing athletic career. Our candid discussion covers postpartum physical rehab, shifts in racing perspectives, and the art of balancing multiple roles. Plus, we share our experiences with unexpected challenges, like infertility, uncertainties and fears we grappled with in continuing our athletic careers, and the complexities of sponsorship and identity in the world of competitive sports.

So, how do athlete parents find a balance between racing and parenting? Tune in to hear about how vital systems like childcare and meal prep are for training and maintaining flexibility in the face of change. This conversation is raw, honest, and essential for anyone leaning into the spectrum of parenthood experience.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Ultimate Recovery: Learn tips for utilizing tools like rehab, fitness, and fueling after pregnancy

• Managing Expectations: How does motherhood change performance?

• Appreciating Our Bodies: Reflections on the power of motherhood and developing empathy for changes in their bodies and appearances.

• Cycling and Identity: Hear about challenges navigating the sponsorship and training in the professional cycling world as moms

• Personal Experiences: Plus, we share anecdotes from our own motherhood journeys, miscarriages, and infertility

LINKS:

• Want to hear more from inspiring athlete moms? Check out this interview with Olympian Kara Goucher
• Work, Parent, Thrive with Yael Schonbrun
• Tune into my series about being an athlete mother
• Learn tips on training the pelvic floor with Corrine Wade
• Explore exercise guidelines for pregnancy and postpartum with Catherine Cram