What Next Mum

Welcome to a new episode!In this episode I chat to Purusha Gordon, a mum of 2 who, in 2021 rowed the Pacific Ocean in an all female team and got a world record for the fastest female crossing.Purusha and I chat about how she gained back her fitness after putting on weight with her 2 sons how she undertook 40 challenges for 40 which led her to the row.We talk about what it was like to leave her children, mum guilt and how her challenge has made her and her husband more equal parents.Purusha also shares her plans for the future including Oceansheroes and plans to row the Indian Ocean in 2024 and then the Atlantic.Purusha's story is really inspiring and I hope you enjoy listening. 

Welcome to a new episode of the Podcast! In this episode I chat to Wendy Searle, a Mum of 4 and polar explorer.Wendy talks about the fact that she only started to be more active after the birth of her 3rd child when she realised she needed to  do something for herself.Wendy then became fixated on the Antarctic  and managed to ski the 715 miles to the South Polo solo and unsupported in 2020/21 in 42 days. In December 2022 she embarked on another expedition to the South Pole hoping to break the record but had to bring the record attempt to an end. When we spoke Wendy had only just returned to the UK and talks about what went wrong and what she has learnt from failing.We talk about how her family and children view her expeditions and how she copes with mum guilt. Wendy is really inspiring and I hope you enjoy this episode. Thanks for listening. 

Welcome to a new episode of the Podcast.In this episode I chat to Lebby Eyres, a journalist and Mum of 2 who in 21/22 rowed the Atlantic as part of a 4 woman team called The Mothership.  They completed the crossing in a speedy 40 days, 11 hours and 25 minutes.We chat about life before the row, how Lebby came to be on the rowing team and what the row was like. We also talk about the impact on her family and two teenage children. Lebby talks with such passion about the row that if, like me, you're even a little curious about an Atlantic row, then this is the episode for you. Thanks for listening. 

Welcome to a new episode of the Podcast!In this episode I chat to Gemma Dobson, a triathlete, triathlon coach and Mum of 2.Gemma is a self confessed sport junkie who competed in gymnastics and swimming when she was younger.  She now has the triathlon and long distance cycling bug and  qualified for the Age Group World Champs in 2021.Gemma talks about how she found her pregnancies, both mentally and physically and how she competed in Ironman Barcelona just 11 months after her first child was born.  We talk about how she has found the time to train along side a busy job and a husband who sails and the power of support.Gemma also qualified as a PT when pregnant and is a triathlon coach.  She is a real inspiration and shows that you can achieve in sport with work and kids if you use your time effectively, get your kids involved and have the right support.I hope you enjoy this episode.  If so, please take the time to share it on your social media and with any women you think might be inspired by Gemma's story.

Welcome to a new episode of the Podcast.In this episode I chat to Kate Hallam.  Kate has undertaken some big adventures pre-motherhood, including rowing the Atlantic and climbing Mont Blanc, Kilimanjaro, Denali and Ama Dablam.She is now Mum to a young son and pregnant with her second.  Just 8 months post partum she undertook the Marathon des Sables.We chat about Kate's adventures before motherhood, how she found her first pregnancy and how this second one is different.  We also talk about how she trained for the MdS, how the event went and what might be next.I really hope you enjoy this episode.  Please help me to share these amazing stories and to inspire other women by sharing the podcast.

A new episode of the Podcast is live!In this episode I chat to Laura Briggs - a runner, writer and Mum of 2.In 2022 Laura ran the 300 Macmillan Way to raise money for Macmillan.  She did it in 6 days and 13 hours and bagged a FKT in the process.  Laura is now training for the September 2023 Dragons Back Race.Laura and I chat about how the Macmillan Way run came about, how it went and how she is approaching her training for the Dragons Back.  Laura is not a fan of training plans and fits her training around her busy family life and 2 dogs.We also talk about Mum guilt and how it is important to recognise that we give so much to our kids that it is ok to take time away from them and for ourselves.I hope you enjoy the episode.  If so, please do share it with anyone you think would be inspired by it!  Thanks for listening.

Hello and welcome to a new episode!In this episode I chat to Becks Ferry, an ultra runner, mountaineer and mum of 5.Becks shares how she got into ultra running, including her novel approach to training for the MdS, and how that race was pivotal for her in terms of both her running and approach to life.Since the MdS Becks has gone on to race ultras around the world and then got into mountaineering after a run to Everest Base Camp.  She has now climbed six 8000m peaks including Everest and K2.We walk about the beauty of the running community, staying safe in the mountains and how Becks deals with mum guilt when she takes on these expeditions.I loved talking to Becks, she's a real inspiration and I hope you enjoy listening.As ever, I would be so grateful if you could help the podcast grow and these women's stories to be shared more widely by recommending the podcast to anyone you think may enjoy it and by sharing it on your social media.Thanks for listening!

Welcome to a new episode!In this episode I chat to Helen Ryvar, a single mum of 3 who is currently running 333 half marathons in consecutive days.Helen talks honestly about her mental and physical health issues when her children were young, which were exacerbated by her ex-husband who suffered from his own mental health issues.In 2021 Helen took up running more regularly and decided to run a half marathon every day for 28 days in the first lock down.  She then went on to run 111  half marathons in consecutive days and achieved a world record in doing so.Helen is now running 333 half marathons in consecutive days.  She manages to fit this in by waking at 4am and running before her kids are up and before her full time job.  It really is an incredible achievement and Helen's passion for achieving a goal, no matter what it is, is infectious.  So be warned!I hope you enjoy the episode,  If so, please share and leave a review on whichever platform you listen on.  Thanks!

Welcome to a new episode of the Podcast!In this episode I chat to Claire Smith aka Brutal Claire.  She's a mum of 2, founder of Brutal Events and an ultra long distance triathlete.  Claire is currently training for the Arch to Arc and has just announced that she will be going for the endless pool swim world record in February 2023, which currently stands at 31 hours.Claire talks about how she got into triathlon, what led her to take on ultra long distance triathlons, including the Double Deca and how she juggles training and motherhood.  We also talk training and how Claire manages her fears of open water swimming.Claire is also the author of 2 books; Becoming Brutal and No easy Day which is about her self supported JOGLE run.I loved talking to Claire and I hope you enjoy listening.  If you do, please share the episode on your social media and if you can, please leave a review on whichever platform you listen on.

Welcome to a new season!In this episode I speak to Kate Barron, an adventurer, story teller and Mum of 1.Kate quit her teaching job for a life of adventure.  A couple of years ago she met her partner Chris, was is walking the ENTIRE coast line of the UK to raise funds for SSAFA and decided to join him.  They got pregnant on the walk and decided to continue through Kate's pregnancy and now with their son Magnus.As I have a baby son not much older that Magnus I was fascinated by how Kate has dealt with her pregnancy while on the move as well as her birth and continuing to walk with a baby.  This is such a great episode to kick off the new season and one I hope you will enjoy.  If so, please give Kate a follow.If you are new to the podcast go and check out the previous episodes and subscribe so as not to miss future episodes!

Welcome to the 30th episode of the Podcast!In this episode I chat to Carolin Botterill, a 56 year old, Canadian multi-day endurance runner and mum of 3.Carolin started running after her youngest daughter was born to lose weight so she could be healthier and run after her kids.  She soon discovered her competitive spirit and has gone on to compete in a number of multi day ultra races - including the Jungle Ultra 5 times!Carolin has also undertaken 3 iron distance events and is a hiker.Carolin and I talk training, menopause, why she loves Beyond the Ultimate's events and what's next for her.I hope you enjoy the episode.  If so, please take the time to share it and leave a review!Happy listening!

In this episode I chat to Zahrah Mahmood aka The Hillwalking Hijabi.Zahrah is a new mum to baby Harris and a keen hillwalker.  She took up hill walking around 7 years ago to help her manage work stress and despite not enjoying her first trip up a Munro, that walk inspired her to take up walking and to come back into the hills as her confidence and ability grew.Zahrah was extremely sick throughout her pregnancy with an aversion to food which meant she  could barely walk which she found frustrating.  Once she had her son via emergency C-Section she was so keen to get moving that her stitches reopened and her recovery was delayed.  Thankfully she is now back in the hills with her son.Zahrah said that initially it would have been easier to walk without her son as knowing what to pack to take him out felt overwhelming but she is glad she did as now he is awake and enjoying it, they are both getting a lot out of it and she is keen to carry him for as long as she can.  Her goal is to climb a Munro with him before he gets too big for her to carry.This feels like a brief episode as both our baby sons decided to start crying mid-recording but I really enjoyed our quick chat and I hope you do too.  As ever,  please help the Podcast grow by sharing the episode on your social media and with any women you know.  Please also take the time to leave a quick review on apple of Spotify.Thanks for listening!

Welcome to a new episode!I am speaking to Ines Thoma, a German Enduro mountain bike racer and mum of 1.We talk about Ines' decision to become pregnant while racing professionally,  how she found her pregnancy and how she stayed fit during it - including cross country skiing and e-biking.  Ines also shares how her recovery has been and that she continues to suffer from diastasis.We  talk about the lack of active pregnant role models but how every pregnancy is different and you cannot compare yourself to other women.  Ines also shares her race plans for the future now that she is racing as an individual athlete and travelling to races via camper with her daughter.I really enjoyed this chat, especially Ines' laid back attitude to motherhood, and hope you do too.

Welcome to a new episode of the What Next Mum Podcast!In this episode I speak to Masha Gordon, former MD of Goldman Sachs turned climber, world record holder and Mum of 2.Prior to the birth of her children Masha was focussed on her career and was not very sporty.  However, after the birth of her second child she decided to spend her 6 months maternity leave in Chamonix where a love of the mountains and climbing was born.In 2015 and 2016 Masha achieved 2 world records - the fastest woman to scale the world's 7 highest summits and the fastest woman to complete the Explorers' Grand Slam, which saw her climb the highest peaks on each continent and ski to both Poles.  Masha talks about her experience of climbing Everest and how she dealt with the 'Mum guilt' in discussing her expeditions with her children and responding to other peoples' expectations of her.  Her son is also a very able climber and she is alive to the conflict of having introduced her son to a potentially dangerous sport.Masha is also the founder of Grit and Rock - a charity which aims to help girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to develop grit, determination and confidence by climbing and mountaineering.  The charity also provides grants to female climbers to help them achieve their goals.I really hope you enjoy this episode.  If so, please take a moment to leave a review and share this with any women or mum friends you think might enjoy it.Thanks for listening.

Welcome to a new episode of the What Next Mum Podcast!In this episode I am delighted to speak to Rachel Cullen, a runner, Mum of 1 and author of 3 books: Running for my life, A midlife cyclist and her latest book - Running for our lives, which is out in May but available to pre-order now.Rachel talks about her mental health problems which made her initially think that motherhood was not for her but after quitting her job as a lawyer  to become a personal trainer and being in a stable relationship, she had her daughter.  Just 7 months after birth Rachel ran the London Marathon for the first time.  We talk about how running helped her cope with motherhood and her sense of identity and what led her to write her books.I really hope you enjoy this episode. If so, please take the time to leave a review and even better, share it on your social media.Thanks for listening!

Welcome to another episode of the What Next Mum Podcast!In this episode I chat to Cath Wallis, an Australian long distance walker and trail runner and single mum of 3.Just before turning 40 Cath realised her life was one long "To Do" list and decided to do something for herself - by signing up to a 1 day 100km walk.Cath completed the walk second to last and just before the cut off time but once she had recovered she signed up to her first multi-day ultra marathon - the Big Red Run.  After that she went on to do the Oman Desert Ultra, Rat Race's Race to the Wreck in Namibia and the Mongol 100.  She has even been joined by her youngest daughter on a couple of events.  While she doesn't push her children to join in, Cath shares how she has juggled being a single mum and finding the time to train and take part in events and how building a team of supporters around you is so important.Cath has also started coaching people like her that want to bypass the traditional running route into ultras and start with walking them and building up to run/walking them.I really hope you enjoy this episode and are inspired by Cath's story.  If so, please do check out her instagram page for more inspiration.As ever, if you have enjoyed the podcast, please take the time to share it with someone who you think may be inspired by it, come and join the facebook group of the same name and leave a quick 5* review if listening on Apple or Spotify.

Welcome to a new episode of the What Next Mum Podcast!In this episode I speak to Heather Hann, a mum of 2 who last summer got the world record for the fastest 10km with a single running buggy.Heather talks about her running journey prior to children, how she stayed fit during her pregnancies and how she has found buggy running not only has given her valuable head space as a mum but has also made her a stronger runner.  Heather also talks opening about her fertility issues with both children and the fact that she had ivf to have her second.Since her record Heather has won the Dorney Lake marathon and has started her journey as a running coach.  She wants to share her story to inspire other parents to set themselves goals, especially with a buggy.  You can read more about her on her blog: http://activetrainingworld.co.uk/sub-40-minute-10k-pushing-a-buggy/The audio in this podcast isn't brilliant and apologies for that.  I hope it doesn't detract from Heather's story.I hope you enjoy the episode.  If so, please share the podcast and even better, please take a second to leave a 5* review on apple and Spotify.

Welcome to a new episode!In this episode I chat to Ruth-Anna Macqueen - Consultant Obstetrician, family cycling champion and mum of 3.Ruth-Anna has been a life long cyclist. She cycled through her 3 pregnancies and even to hospital to be induced with the third.  She has been car free for 10 years and explains how she has done it.  We talk bike trailers, cargo bikes and the impact family cycling has had on her family, including a 150km bike packing adventure on tandem bikes last summer.In 2014 Ruth-Anna set up the facebook group Family Cycling UK which now has over 11,000 members.  If you want advice on family cycling, this is the place to go.Ruth-Anna is passionate about removing the barriers to cycling and her other projects have included co-founding Beyond the Bicycle Coalition and running the Hackney Family Cycling Library.This is such an informative episode and one I hope you enjoy.  If you do, I would love it if you could take the time to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or hit the 5 stars on Spotify and share on your social media.

Welcome to a new episode of the What Next Mum Podcast!In this episode I speak to Anna Troup - a 51 year old ultra runner and Mum of 2 daughters.Anna and I talk about her love of team sports and rowing during school and university and how she came to ultra running in her 40s in 2012 as an activity that she could do with her partner.Anna trained for and competed in the 2014 UTMB but it was not until she reduced her working hours in 2018 that she had the time to train which led to success at the Summer Spine Race.This year, post menopause, Anna achieved the female FKT on the 268 mile Pennine Way despite running the last 60 miles with a torn quad muscle.  She credits a lot of her training success to her watt bike as well as running.Anna's daughters have also developed a love of ultra running though volunteering at aid stations and undertaking long family hikes and Anna talks about the joy of bring able to train as a family.I really hope you enjoy this episode.  If so, please take the time to leave a review on apple podcasts, drop me a line or subscribe so as not to miss future episodes.

Welcome to a new episode of the What Next Mum Podcast!Rather than release a new series I will be releasing ad-hoc episodes.  In today's episode I speak to Irish marathon swimmer and Mum of 2, Elaine Burrows Dillane.Elaine swam competitively as a child but did not swim again until 6 years ago when she took up sea swimming.  In those 6 years Elaine has gone from swimming in local swimming events to swimming the English Channel in 2019 and then in 2020 and 2021 completing the Irish Triple Crown - the Fastnet Swim, Galway Bay Swim and the North Channel.Elaine talks about how she trained for the swims, her brilliant team, the logistics and completing her final swim while dodging jellyfish.What I love from talking to Elaine is her clear passion for more women to get into sea swimming -for exercise, the endorphins and the sense of community and to be proud that  our body shapes and physiology can make us ideal for sea swimming, especially in the winter!  I hope you enjoy this episode.  If so, please share and subscribe so as not to miss future episodes!Thanks for listening.

Welcome to the final episode of Series 2!I leave you with a brilliant and inspiring episode - of the 4 Mums from Yorkshire who in 2015/2016 rowed the Atlantic.In this episode I speak to Frances Davies, Helen Butters and Niki Doeg, all professional women who have 2 children each.  They share how they came to join a rowing club and just a year later, agreed to row an Ocean, despite their husbands being less than keen on the idea.Their reasons for wanting to row all came from a similar desire to find themselves.  They share the highs and lows of the row and how they coped with the post adventure blues, missing their families and the legacy of the row - inspiring others, the confidence in themselves and the realisation that we don't need as much sleep as we think!You can see and read more about the adventure as the documentary "Four mums in a boat"  is available on You Tube and the book of the same name is also available.  Both of which I highly recommend.If 4 mums in their 40s can row an ocean with little experience, it sends such a positive message to us all -  we can all achieve big things, we just need to find our 'ocean'!Thanks so much for listening.  If you have any guest ideas for series 3 please let me know and as ever, please leave a review on apple podcasts if that's where you listen and please share on your social.

Welcome to another episode!In this episode I chat to Alice Thomas, a triathlete, pre and postnatal PT who is a mum of one and pregnant with her second.We talk about Alice's love of triathlon which led her to competing in an ironman event and the aquabike world multi-sport championships in Denmark in 2018.Alice talks about how she stayed active during her first pregnancy and how she is finding this one.  She is a fan of the Fiit app @Fiit which has great workouts for pregnant women, as well as the Zwift  pregnancy cycling sessions designed by Dani King.Alice gives some great tips on training to heart rate and feel and her plans for next summer, post baby number 2.I really hope this episode informs and inspires you.  If it does, please spread the word by sharing the Podcast on your social media.Thanks for listening.

Welcome to another episode of the What Next Mum Podcast.Today I am speaking to Dr Juliet McGrattan @drjulietmcgrattan - a GP, runner, author of “Run Well and “Sorted - The Active Women's Guide to Health” and Mum of 3.  Juliet is also the co-founder of 261 Fearless UK.In this episode we talk about Juliet's own fitness journey, the fact that she was too tired to run after her first pregnancy with a baby not keen on sleep and how she started running after her second pregnancy and become more committed after her third pregnancy.  She also gives some great advice to new mums getting back to running - start slow, make sure your core and pelvic floor are stable and consider waiting until 12 weeks post birth.As Juliet became more interested in running she contacted Women's Running Magazine ta ask if she could write for them which led to her writing features and a Q&A column.    This led her on to writing her 2 books.As a co-founder of 261 Fearless UK Juliet is a keen advocate of women's running communities as a supportive space  She is now working on an online programme - Activate You - which is designed for those who want to be more active.You can find out more about juliet at drjulietmcgrattan.com and about 261 Fearless as 261fearless.org.

Welcome to another episode!This week I speak to Anna Rutherford - ultra runner, lawyer and mum of 2, her youngest being just 11 months old when we spoke.In May 2021 Anna hit the headlines when she ran the 216 miles of the Southern Upland Way in 62.5 hours - getting a female FKT in the process.  Anna went from running short distances straight to ultra distances in 2010.  She found she was too sick to run during her first pregnancy but during her second, she ran up to the day before she gave birth and was back running soon after.On her day off Anna runs 50-60 miles and as I follow (stalk) her on Strava - I know that her pace is phenomenal.Anna talks about the difficulties of juggling mum guilt, time and training but knows that it is important to find time for the things you love and to show your children that they too can achieve their dreams.I really hope you enjoy this episode.  If so, please take the time to leave a review on itunes and share the episode on your social media or with someone you think might enjoy it.Happy listening!

Welcome to another episode!This week I speak to Ann Daniels - polar explorer, speaker and mum of 4, including triplets.When Ann's triplets were just 18 months old and she was a single parent, she saw an advert to join a women's only relay team to the North Pole.  She decided to apply, was successful and took part in the trip 18 months later despite having no skiing experience.  Her parents looked after the kids to enable her to undertake the expedition.On her return from the Pole, Ann started speaking about the trip to provide an income for her and her family.  She had fallen in love with the ice and went on to become part of the only all female teams to ski to both the North and South Poles.  She has also been back as a guide and for scientific experiments and has plans for a further expedition next year.Ann has had a fourth child and continued to train for her polar expeditions by pulling a tyre while she carried her daughter in a backpack.In this episode we talk about how any adventure big or small can be rewarding including @al_humphreys Microadventures and the unhelpful comparisons with other female explorers like the late Alison Hargeeaves.I hope you enjoy the episode.  Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss future episodes and even better -please share on your social.

In this episode I talk to Moire O'Sullivan @moire_osullivan - mountain runner, writer and Mum of 2.Moire talks openly about her lack of maternal instinct when she had her boys and the importance of staying active and competing during her pregnancies and afterwards.  She then went on to write a book about her experience which I found hugely inspirational; Bump Bike & Baby.In 2018 Moire's partner and the father of her sons suffered from depression and took his own life, leaving Moire as a single mother.  She talks about the importance of support from her friends which has enabled her to continue to get out into the mountains and recently to complete Cassie's Challenge.Moire also talks about how she manages her training as a single mum with the assistance of a coach to ensure her sessions are efficient as possible and rely on a lot of cross training now that she can't spend as much time running.Moire's new book; A Quarter Glass of Milk about the suicide of her husband is available now.Thanks for listening.  Please subscribe so you don't miss future episodes and even better, please share on your social media.

In this episode I talk to Sabrina Pace-Humphreys - co-founder of @blacktrailrunners, ultra runner, Mum of 4, grandmother of 2 and @inov_8 ambassador.When Sabrina and I spoke she, together with a team from @blacktrailrunners, had just completed the Ramsey Round and we start with this and about the racism Sabrina and the team faced.We go on to talk about Sabrina's journey into running after her 4th child when she was 5 stone overweight and how it helped her mental health.For her 40th Sabrina decided to take on the Marathon des Sables and how that has kick started her love of trail running.Sabrina is an inspiration who talks passionately about the Black Trail Runners movement, the importance of representation, the benefits running has brought to her family and coping with mum guilt.We also talk about our running inspiration from black girls hike @bgh_uk @flygirlcollective to Nicky Spinks, Jasmine Paris and Sabrina Verjee.I hope you enjoy this episode.  If you do, and are listening on apple podcasts, please leave a review.  Know a fellow runner who might enjoy this? Share the love and let them know about it so that we can share these brilliant stories.

Today I am speaking to Lowri Morgan @_lowrimorgan - ultra runner, broadcaster, running coach and Mum of one who is currently training for Ironman Wales.  Apologies for my dog briefly interrupting our chat!Lowri talks about her adventures before her son - including the Jungle Ultra and being the only person to complete the brutally cold 350 mile 6633 Ultra in the Arctic.When she became pregnant she continued to run 5 miles a day and started running again 2 weeks post birth to train for the 3 Peaks Yacht Race in the first all female team.Lowri then went on to compete in the Dragons Back Race across Wales and talks passionately about her love for endurance events.Becoming a mum has not slowed Lowri down and if anything she believes it has made her stronger and that she is able to be a role model for her son and show him that we have to work hard in order to achieve.You can find out more about Lowri on her website - lowrimorgan.co.uk, her coaching at @run.fluence and read her book -Beyond Limits.I hope you enjoy this episode.  If so, please take the time to leave a review on Apple Podcasts and even better, share this with a mum friend or anyone you think might be inspired by Lowri's story.

Welcome to another episode!  This week's is with Beth French - ocean swimmer and mum of one.Following the birth of her son Beth swam the English Channel - and even got back in time to put her son to bed.In 2016 she took on the Oceans 7 challenge - to swim the 7 major channel crossings  in a year - a world first.  She is a single mum and a fan of functional fitness so she included her son in her training by towing him in a dinghy while she swam.Beth completed 4 of the swims before stopping when the challenge started to have an impact on her son and her health.If you want to know more about the challenge then I highly recommend the documentary Against the Tides.I hope you enjoy this episode.  If so, please share it on your social media.Thanks

Welcome back to Series 2!Today's episode is with Dr Jessica Bruce; a runner and Mum of 2 who also runs @Run3d,  biomechanic  specialists in running injuries.Prior to having children Jess was a keen runner with a marathon PB of 2:58.  She found it difficult to run during her first pregnancy but ran all the way through her second.Amazingly, just 7 months post birth she achieved a world record by being the fastest female to run a marathon with a single buggy in a speedy 3:17.  Then just 7 months after baby No.2 she became the fastest woman to run a marathon with a double buggy in 3:22!I hope you enjoy the episode.  If so, please subscribe, leave a review and share.Thanks

Welcome to the final episode of series 1!Today's episode is with Laura Lee; a former international hockey player, PT and mum of 2.Laura talks openly and honestly about how difficult her first pregnancy was, the recovery and how she found pilates and a focus on healing and health helped her prepare for and recover from baby No.2.As a PT who works with a lot of post-natal women as well as peri-menopausal and menopausal women, Laura gives some great advice about getting fit and active not only just post baby but for all women coming back to exercise from a break.I hope you enjoy the episode and that you have enjoyed this series.  If so, please leave some feedback on Apple Podcasts or on social media and if you know of any inspiring and active mums whose stories you think should be shared, please let me know.

Welcome to another episode!Today's episode is with Sophie Bubb, a mum of 2, former ironman triathlete and runner who has just sold her home to spend the next few years living on a catamaran and sailing the world with her family.Sophie was athletic before she had her boys - she sailed competitively then spent a few years travelling the world skating, skiing and surfing.Sophie stayed active during her pregnancies but had her boys very close together and found that she suffered more pregnancy related injuries in her second pregnancy.  That didn't stop her from having an epiphany in a birthing pool and deciding that if she could have a baby she could do anything..which led her to entering and winning Challenge Weymouth at age group level.  As a result she qualified for the World Championships and Kona and spent the next 6 years racing iron distance events.Sophie couldn't have achieved so much without support and sees her athletic success very much as a family adventure.  It was so inspiring talking to Sophie, I hope you enjoy it.

Welcome to the podcast!In today's episode I talk to Mel Findlater.  She is a Mum of 2 who has recently moved to Vancouver Island mid-pandemic.  You can read more about her here: wearehappyparents.com.Mel is the founder of the Ordinary Superparents Facebook Group which she set up as she wanted to build a community of parents with an adventurous mindset.  She is also a member of the Yes Tribe.We talk about the importance of having an adventurous mindset and getting involved in activities - big or small - with your kids so it feels just as fun for you as it is for them.  We also talk about how it's just as important for your kids to see things go wrong on adventures and how you cope with them to help them build resilience.Enjoy!

Today's episode is with Sally Kettle @sallykettle @activepregnancyfoundationSally is an adventurer, founder of the Active Pregnancy Foundation and mum of one.Sally has rowed the Atlantic Ocean twice - the first time with her Mum, achieving a World Record in the process and the second time as an all female team of 4.She then went on to qualify as a humanitarian aid worker and took part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and walked the Freedom Trail across the Pyrenees.Sally talks openly and honestly about her IVF, the importance of women having access to proper information about post natal recovery and fitness, the need to change the 6 week post natal check and what the future holds for her.I also couldn't resist asking her about what it was like to be on the TV show Deal or No Deal and come away as a member of the illustrious 1p club!In May 2021 the @activepregnancyfoundation is running a campaign - #RealMumsAreRoleModels - enter to win a £100 Amazon voucher.

Today's episode is with Sarah Booker; runner, triathlete, Asics frontrunner, Breca Swimrun ambassador and mum of one.Sarah's love of running started when her daughter was one.  Since then she has gone on to compete in 35 marathons and ultra marathons including the Autumn 100 (centurionrunning.com) and 24 hour races including the Thunder Run, Endure 24 and the Hope 24.She is also a triathlete and swimrunner with plans to compete in this year's Breca Coniston and Loch Lomond races.I really enjoyed chatting to Sarah about our shared love of running, running mishaps, kit and the importance of snacks.  She often tweets about the comedy things that happen on her run so please follow her and check out her blog dreamingoffootpaths.co.uk.

Today's episode is with the phenomenal Ellie Lacey.Ellie was a fit and active runner when her liver failed without warning and she needed an immediate liver transplant.  Thankfully she was found a transplant with just 2 days to live. Ellie was back running 2 months post transplant and competed in the Transplant Games just over 5 months post transplant.  A year post transplant Ellie managed to get pregnant and we talk about the impact of having had a transplant on her pregnancy, how she stayed active during her pregnancy with running and indoor cycling as well as whether being a runner helps with labour!Ellie admits she started running too soon post birth and had to seek help from a physio to help with her weak pelvic floor.Amazingly, just 8 months post baby Ellie competed in the World Champion Transplant Games and won gold in the 800m.  Read more about her on her blog runbecauseyoucan.co.uk.I hope you enjoy the episode and Ellie's story.  If so, please subscribe, leave a review and tell an active mum or mum to be to have a listen!

In this episode I chat to Maria Leijerstam - an amazing endurance athlete and mum of 2.In 2013 Maria was the first person to cycle to the South Pole. She has also cycled across New Zealand and taken part in a number of multi-day adventure races.We talk about how Maria stayed active during her pregnancies and how soon she got back to fitness afterwards.  When her youngest was just over one Maria took part in a 6 day adventure race across Sweden and Norway and her plans for the future include horse riding across the Tien Shan Mountains with her mother and cycle-rowing across the Atlantic.Maria also runs the Burns Series Adventure Race https://burnseries.co.uk/races/burn/ which allows families of all ages to compete in an adventure race together and as a team.  This year's event is on 9 October at Margam Park in Wales.Thanks for listening.  Please subscribe, leave a review and share.  Even better - take a screen shot and share it on your social media so we can inspire women and Mums to stay active and to adventure.

Janine is a new mum, writer, triathlete, runner, cyclist and open water swimmer.  Apologies for the change in audio half way through due to internet issues!Before having a baby Janine cycled Land's End to John O'Groats, competed in UK Ironman, represented GB as an age group triathlete, ran the Paris Marathon and then cycled home and swam the 5 mile length of Coniston.We talk about the lack of athletic role models for pregnant women and new mums and the realities of trying to stay active during pregnancy while coping with pregnancy related injuries.  Janine suffered from pelvic girdle pain, pubic synthesis and a subchorionic haemorrhage during pregnancy and then a prolapse and weak pelvic floor post baby.  She found there to be a lack of support and advice to encourage an active pregnancy and then getting back to an active life post baby.We talk about getting back to fitness post baby, the hurdles and the importance of support we well as Janine's big athletic goals for the future including another iron distance event, competing as part of Team Soas, swimming Lake Windermere as well adventures with her son.I hope you enjoy this episode.  Please take the time to subscribe, leave a review and share with a friend.

Wendy is a Mum of 2, a running coach and running buggy expert having run a business selling buggies for 2 and a half years.We talk about running a marathon to lose weight, the benefit of getting proper advice on exercise when pregnant and pelvic floor weakness post babies.  None of this stopped Wendy running getting a Boston Qualifying marathon time and then running the Boston Marathon despite an injury.Wendy also talks about running the Running Buggies business, her top tips for buggies, setting up the facebook group The Original Buggy Runners and her new passion as a running coach.If you enjoy the episode, please leave a review, share it on social media and tell a friend.

Today's episode is with Jen Benson - writer, photographer, runner, adventurer and mum of 2.  Together with her husband Sim, Jen has written a number of books; the latest being "100 Great Walks with Kids".  You can find out more about Jen and Sim on their website jenandsimbenson.co.uk and on instagram @jenandsim.  In this episode Jen and I talk about the impact of having children on living an active life, including:the physical impact of having children and getting back to exercise.racing an ultra marathon while breastfeeding.The need to "prove yourself" post babyJen and Sim's "Wild Year" living in a bell tent with their children.Buggy running, slings and useful kit.The importance of support and sharing childcare duties.I hope you enjoy this first episode.  Please leave a review,  share the podcast with a mum friend, get in touch on insta @whatnextmumpodcast and join the facebook group "What next mum podcast".