Mom Athlete Guide: Postpartum Nutrition and Marathon Fueling
Balancing Motherhood, Training, and Proper Nutrition
Since becoming a mom, I’ve realized that moms are literal superheroes. Taking care of kids, managing a household, making sure everyone is fed, socialized, and healthy—all while prioritizing your own body, relationships, and passions—is nearly impossible! Through this journey, I’ve learned a lot (and am still learning) about assessing priorities and allocating time and energy effectively.
For me, training has become essential—not just for fitness but for mental health. These moments are my escape, a way to clear my mind and focus on something I can control. Proper postpartum nutrition has been a critical part of sustaining my energy, supporting recovery, and fueling my training as a mom and endurance athlete.
Before you read further: If you’re a mom, please don’t compare yourself to me. This is meant to share insights and hopefully inspire you to prioritize your health, nutrition, and fitness.
Assess Your Capacity
Understanding your energy and time limits is key. There’s only so much you can do in a day, so prioritizing nutrition and training wisely is essential. My current routine works for me now, but that can change as life evolves—and that’s okay.
Schedule, But Stay Flexible
Planning is important, but flexibility is vital. Kevin and I plan our week together, scheduling workouts and other priorities. Most mornings, I’m up at 5 a.m. for training before Keely wakes up. If that doesn’t work, I find creative ways to fit in a workout around naps or bedtime. Some days, things simply don’t happen, and that’s fine.
ABOUT US: SPOKANE NUTRITIONISTS
We are a group of registered Spokane dietitians and personal trainers who have a passion for helping you feel in control of your health.
We work mainly with athletes, those with chronic GI conditions, and women in perimenopause and menopause. We create customized nutrition plans to empower and educate you in your health journey.
Fuel Your Training: Nutrition Tips for Endurance Athletes
Balancing marathon fueling plans with life as a mom requires intentional nutrition:
Prioritize protein and healthy fats to sustain energy
Include complex carbs for long runs
Hydrate consistently, especially during workouts
Prep simple, nutrient-dense meals that work for your family
Consider consulting a Spokane nutritionist for customized nutrition plans tailored to postpartum endurance training
Accept That What You Give Is Enough
Your pre-baby routine may not be realistic anymore—and that’s okay. Your postpartum training and nutrition will look different, and it’s important to embrace your new normal.
Tips for Embracing Your New Season:
Let go of comparison to your pre-baby self
Adjust expectations for workout intensity and timing
Explore new ways to fuel your body effectively
Celebrate consistency over perfection
Time With Your Kids Is Precious
Sometimes that means skipping a run to have pancakes with your kids—and that’s okay! Both motherhood and endurance training can coexist, but balancing them requires conscious effort.
You Can Be Both a Mom and an Athlete
With intentional planning, proper nutrition for endurance athletes, and realistic expectations, you can thrive as a mom athlete in Spokane. Both roles can complement each other beautifully.