The AND philosophy.

I change diapers at 3am, and I dream of trails 3pm.

​I became someone’s mother last December. It’s the most beautiful thing, it’s exhausting, it´s overwhelming love, and it’s all-consuming.
​For the past months, my social media has been kind of just a collection of little rectangular photos from my camera roll, that I snapped here and there, without much text. But in reality, I have had so many more thoughts, feelings and challenges that I just haven’t shared. 

​Now spring is arriving, and I feel it. I want to start the new season by opening up more, more about motherhood and my experience in this new chapter of my life. 

​I want to start with challenging the idea of what a mum should do or be. One of the reasons I have held back a bit and kept things somewhat ‘polished’ was because, when I first started to post a bit after giving birth, people started to message me, ofc many lovely texts, but also some quite pointy ones – pointing out that I “shouldn’t think about riding but focus on my baby”. When I said I only had time for very short rides – “Welcome to real life!”, “Why do you care about that? You are a mum now”. 
It made me somewhat insecure. But also frustrated. Am I only allowed to be a mum now and stop doing anything for myself? And will that be the only thing that defines me? 

The "and" philosophy

​It made me realize I want the “and”. I can be gentle and nurturing, and I can be driven and gritty. I’m patient and persistent. I’m a mother and a cyclist. I change diapers at 3am, and I dream of trails 3pm.  

​Starting a family will inevitably change my page, but I hope you guys will still find it interesting and fun to keep being part of it. Cycling is an anchor in my life, and it’s still a huge part of me. I just got an insanely cool addition to life with Leo’s arrival. 

I don’t care that I’m slow or weak right now, because I just gave birth to a tiny human and I’m keeping him fed and happy, which feels like the biggest privilege and job I’ve ever had.

​I plan to come back to do some fun racing events later in the year, but for now, training is like a self-care moment for me. When he naps, I can quickly jump on the home trainer and feel my heart pumping. Or when Nino’s not riding, it’s my turn to take the MTB out for a quick trail ride or run.  I don’t care that I’m slow or weak right now, because I just gave birth to a tiny human and I’m keeping him fed and happy, which feels like the biggest privilege and job I’ve ever had.
​(side note. ps. For anyone who has tried to give birth, what in the world was that, haha, the most primal experience I have ever had. Our bodies just take over, zero control, just instinct!) 

Life changes. Our bodies change. We change. But the bike can remain as a constant. It’s a tool for sanity, fun, friendship, challenges, and a way to remember who we are besides our titles. I want to connect with you in all the messy and beautiful corners of life. Whether you're navigating motherhood, a career shift, just trying to find an hour for yourself, or something else entirely – let’s ride through it together (okay, that sounded cheesy, but you get it). 
 
Cheers to AND’s and changes. 
/Malene