Emma Cowper: Juggling triathlon and life

It's an issue we all face... How on earth do you juggle work, training and family life? For this week's guest Emma Cowper, the struggle is real as she attempts to maintain her pro status and race at the highest level, all while bringing up a toddler. Emma did her first triathlon in 2013, was crowned Age Group World Champion (Olympic) in 2016, secured her pro card in 2017 and became a mum in 2020.
You'll hear:
5:45 How Emma decided to do her first triathlon in 2013 and how she worked her way up through the age group ranks and her first experience of racing in an elite wave at the London triathlon. 'That was a real wake up call.'
10:45 Emma admits it was probably too soon for her body to step up to pro level when she did in 2017 and discusses some of the realities of training and racing as a professional.
15:15 The difficult decision around when to have a baby when you're trying to compete at the highest level.
17:15 How Emma found it returning to training after having a baby. The pandemic helped because I didn't have FOMO because there were no races.
20:05 I think there were some 3am turbos because the only time I could do a longer session was when I knew she would be asleep. If I had done a session, at least I could deal with not moving for the rest of the day.
26:00 Emma says juggling everything is challenging. 'I just have to be really organised. When it doesn't go to plan, I just have to check myself and not get too stressed by it.
32:15 Dealing with mum guilt. "When she is up before I go to training, that's hard and I do feel guilty. It's a lot to process and I am constantly asking if it's ok?
33:45 Advice for other triathletes looking to juggle parenthood and training 'be kind to yourself, set yourself a realistic goal and make those sessions non-negotiable.
Find out more about this week's guests
Emma Cowper Instagram
Emma Cowper website
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