<![CDATA[Malene Degn

<![CDATA[Malene Degn - Stories]]>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:10:29 +0200Weebly<![CDATA[maybe it's something you choose]]>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:30:46 GMThttps://www.malene-degn.com/stories/maybe-its-something-you-chooseI found myself in a downward dog, staring at the chipped nail polish on my toes, and it hit me. Do we spend so much time thinking about the future that we forget how to just breathe in the present?

As someone who has always had a career goal to chase, motherhood has taught me the exact opposite. There is no countdown to a specific day, no targets to reach. Instead, every single day is important in some quiet way or form.

Towards the end of the class the yoga teacher had us belly-breathing - inhale the good things and exhale the bad. To feel our bodies in that very moment.
The thought kept ruminating in my mind for the rest of the day. Truly being present? It takes practice.

And honestly, I need the practice. Lately, the digital world has shifted, I feel, and I want to be more deliberate about how I show up in it. I want to make better choices, take photos like I love to do, create content with them, but then also be able to log off (mentally and physically).

I’ve always cared deeply for my body; for a long time, taking care of it was my job. But when you have a baby, your own needs are suddenly pushed to the second row.
That’s why I’ve decided to commit to a little bit of yoga or Pilates every day, and to get back out on my bike more.

For me, riding has always been the ultimate act of presence. Especially on a mountain bike—where if you aren’t entirely focused on the root, the rock, or the trail right in front of you, you’re in trouble. Mountain biking as a form of meditation? Count me in.

As I rolled up my yoga mat, I realized that maybe presence isn't something you attain. Maybe it’s just something you choose.
Perhaps the secret to moving forward isn't about perfectly balancing it all. Maybe it’s just about putting your hands on the handlebars, and letting the moment lead the way.

]]><![CDATA[A forever athlete]]>Sat, 09 May 2026 13:16:33 GMThttps://www.malene-degn.com/stories/a-forever-athleteI couldn’t help but wonder… In a world obsessed with 'The fastest', why don’t we talk more about 'The forever'? Could it be that the ultimate luxury is the ability to stay in cycling as your body, circumstances and priorities change?

Last weekend I was in Girona, as part of the Scott family, while the gravel race ‘Traka’ took place. I didn’t race it. Last year I did. My Instagram caption was “Last year I raced the clock. This year I’m raising the future”. And it made me reflect a bit further than just a fun word play.

I’m at a point in motherhood where I have slowed down completely. Our boy is 4,5 month old, and he needs more and more energy, and as he gets that from me, I have decided to slow down, in order to make sure I meet his needs. Never have I ever trained so little. And I’ve challenged myself to slow down and be okay with slow.

My entire teen and adult life has been about the polar opposite: speed.
Could I do it? Could I slow down?

Turns out: I could (with a couple of mental breakdowns? yes. Haha, sorry Nino).
I have been on my bike, both MTB and road, but mainly I have tried to stay relaxed.

And it felt/feels right. I also did a post on my Instagram page, starting a conversation about training, milk production and so on. So many awesome responses.
As I can hear from so many mothers, it’s a ‘season’ in life. And I have taken that in, that’s such a cool perspective. It’s a season in my life. And honestly? What a cool season.

My takeaway: Whether it’s an aero-fit jersey or a spit-up stained shirt, my bike remains in one way or another in my life. And honey, isn’t that the most romantic relationship of them all? One that changes you, without ever leaving you behind?

/Malene

]]><![CDATA[Signing up for a gravel race]]>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:38:19 GMThttps://www.malene-degn.com/stories/signing-up-for-a-gravel-raceI couldn’t help but wonder… (in true Carrie Bradshaw style), when a woman becomes a mother, does she lose her competitive edge, or does it simply evolve into something more efficient?
I mean, there must be some remaining super-hero extra blood volume in there - or maybe it’s just the heart growing bigger in more ways than one.

Lately, life has found a new rhythm, turning around feeds and sleep(s). It has been, and is, lovely to explore this new rhythm of life while also managing to fit it into my life of bikes and travel.
My gravel bike has been looking at me from the garage, with what feels like longing eyes, so I have decided to sign up for a Gravel Race. The GRIT N’ GRIND, in Sweden, in August. That’s approximately 4 months from now. 150km of Swedish gravel. At the moment, my riding time is so limited, but I plan to slowly build it up, so I feel ready and capable on that summer day in August. Maybe something is going to come up before, who knows, but at least now I have a goal.

I’m 4 months out from Grit n’ grind, so let’s find out what this 'Mum Strength’ is.

To me, having a goal is something I’m familiar with, and it feels good to have one. Something that motivates me, because it means something, but also not too much, so it gets overwhelming.

They say that after a baby, your priorities shift. And they are right, they do. But I’ve found that my legs still remember the feeling of a climb, and my heart still beats for a race start. I’m 4 months out from Grit n’ grind, so let’s find out what this 'Mum Strength’ is. Just a fancy term for 'I have 30 minutes to train, and I’m going to make every second count’? Or is 150km a walk in the park after birth and sleep deprivation? Only one way to find out!

/M

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