A forever athlete

I 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?
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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.  
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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