76. Rebecca Charlton: Cycling Through Pregnancy
In this episode host Dr. Gemma Sampson welcomes cyclist Rebecca Charlton to discuss her experiences cycling through two pregnancies. The conversation covers a range of topics including the importance of proper fuelling, the evolving advice on exercise during pregnancy, and Rebecca's personal challenges and triumphs.
They stress the importance of individualised nutrition and exercise plans, listening to one's body, and the mental and physical benefits of staying active. The episode aims to inspire and educate listeners on maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle through different life stages.
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Timestamps
00:00 Fuelling for Long Rides: Breaking the Eating Stigma
00:45 Introduction to the Podcast and Host
01:39 Guest Introduction: Rebecca Charlton
02:01 Cycling Through Pregnancy: Rebecca's Journey
04:54 Navigating Exercise During Pregnancy
08:54 Changing Narratives and Research on Pregnancy and Exercise
13:49 Balancing Career and Motherhood
15:49 Personal Experiences and Advice on Pregnancy and Exercise
21:12 The Importance of Enjoying Your Sport
24:25 Overcoming Physical Challenges During Pregnancy
27:57 Navigating Health Challenges and Cycling
28:37 Unexpected Complications and Recovery
31:05 Balancing Motherhood and Fitness
33:17 Realistic Expectations and Self-Compassion
35:33 Nutrition During Pregnancy
40:33 Challenging Cycling Norms and Body Image
44:18 Fuelling for Performance and Enjoyment
50:58 Final Words of Wisdom
Embracing Cycling Through Pregnancy: A Journey with Rebecca Charlton
Navigating the world of cycling while pregnant is no small feat, but for Rebecca Charlton, it's a testament to understanding one’s body and breaking the norms often associated with sports and pregnancy. In this exploration, we dive deep into Rebecca’s personal journey, insights, and experiences, sharing invaluable lessons about staying active during pregnancy.
The Unseen Challenges and Triumphs
Rebecca’s story is not just about cycling; it’s about challenging preconceived notions that pregnancy means putting a pause on pursuits and passions. Cycling has been a cornerstone of her identity, and as she embarked on her journey through her second pregnancy, Rebecca found herself not just maintaining her routine but thriving through the uncertainties and physical demands of pregnancy.
"Pregnancy is vastly different for every woman, much like our menstrual cycles," begins Rebecca. Her experience with her two pregnancies was starkly different, emphasising the individuality of each journey. Her first trimester was marked by severe nausea, a common struggle yet individually unique in its manifestation.
Staying Steady on the Saddle
As she transitioned into the later stages of pregnancy, cycling became both a physical and mental lifeline. Indoors or outdoors, on platforms like Zwift, she continued to pedal her way through the months. The support from platforms offering tailored programs for pregnant women, like Zwift's "Baby on Board," played a vital role in her maintaining this active lifestyle.
Rebecca’s perseverance emphasises the importance of listening to one’s body. “It’s about becoming smart with how you fuel on and off the bike around your training and lifestyle for peak body composition, health, and performance,” she shares. Her message stresses the necessity of balance and nutrition, concurrent with maintaining physical fitness.
Shifting Perspectives during pregnancy
Rebecca’s experience reshaped her perspective on exercise and nutrition during pregnancy. It wasn’t about weight control or comparing herself to others; it was about health and wellness. “It was about turning the legs, helping the swelling in my ankles to go down, and blasting good tunes in my headphones,” she reflects.
These insights lead her to challenge the cycling community’s age-old stigmas like "eating is cheating." By unapologetically eating during rides to maintain energy levels, she pushed against these norms, allowing herself and others the freedom to fuel their bodies as needed.
Navigating Postpartum and Advocacy
Rebecca’s journey didn’t stop after delivery. Her proactive approach to staying fit was evident in her quick postpartum recovery, crediting her active prenatal lifestyle with aiding her return to health post-surgery.
Rebecca’s story extends beyond her personal achievements. She's a beacon for women navigating similar paths, offering encouragement to embrace individual journeys without succumbing to external pressures. “If you're feeling great doing something, continue to do it,” she advises, urging fellow cyclists to stay true to their paths and not fall prey to others’ negativity.
Rebecca Charlton’s journey through cycling while pregnant is one of resilience, adaptability, and inspiration. It is a call to all individuals to cherish their unique experiences, balance health with passion, and steadfastly pursue what brings them joy, regardless of societal norms.
This story serves as a reminder that while each journey is uniquely personal, shared experiences can foster a supportive community. Whether you're expecting a baby or not, Rebecca's wisdom and life lessons extend to anyone balancing career, passion, and personal life. So, gear up, fuel wisely, and embrace your ride—pregnant or not.
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