2022 Brings a Baby and a Return to Professional Sport

Life is crazy sometimes. As much as we want to control the narrative or map out the ‘perfect plan’ it has a way of just carrying us along on a path and at a pace that ends up being just the right one for each and every one of us. I think back to 2020 and 2021 and realize these were truly years of deconstruction, self discovery and growth. It was uncomfortable at times and of course, as I do, I kept wanting to control the narrative. Finally I just ‘let go’ and let life take me on the most beautiful journey of self discovery, one far better than I could have ever constructed for myself.

After publishing my previous post in November about a return to triathlon racing in the form of-off road competition (otherwise known as cross triathlon or XTERRA racing), I dove into the first month of ‘base training’ with a return to some structured running and swimming. Even at six months pregnant, my body has responded remarkably well (although paces are adjusted for pregnancy). I am so grateful for my coach, Hannah Otto, and her guidance in this endeavor. She has a strong background in XTERRA racing and I trust her expertise.

The fire for this sport burns strong and the time I took away for self-discovery and self-improvement were just what I needed. With that said, Triathlon Canada has given me the opportunity to race off-road triathlon professionally. At almost 36 years old, I am embracing this opportunity with open arms. I love how professional sport challenges me to pull the best out of myself both in competition and in life. I thought I was done with professional racing, but in hindsight, I see that a year off, a ‘pregnant pause’ and some time to reignite the fire was timely and necessary.

The time is now, for everything! Steven and I will welcome a baby girl in early 2022, I will return to professional triathlon racing with the goal of qualifying for and racing at the XTERRA World Championships, and I will continue my full time role as the Clinical Nutrition Manager of Outpatient Services at Intermountain Healthcare. I am all in and I cannot wait. I have the support system I need, I have the confidence to go after these big goals, and I have the fullest heart that will propel me forward. To all the dreamers out there, I say, nothing is ever easy that’s worth it. But it is always, always, always worth it.

To my dear sweet baby girl, Emi, mama is going to show you how to set big goals and go after your dreams. Dream big, baby girl!