Summer of Sisterhood: Paula Radcliffe, Olympian Mom

Our hearts go out to Paula Radcliffe, the marathon world record holder who just yesterday had to withdraw due to a flare-up of a foot injury. Paula is one of those inspiring women who does it all. She holds the world record in the marathon and is mother to 2 children— Isla (who she delivered after 27 hours of labor) and Raphael. She's competed in four Olympic Games but had yet to earn a medal and is of course deeply disappointed that she has to give up that dream. “It hurts so much to finally admit to myself that it isn’t going to happen,” she said. “My sport is a beautiful sport. It gives so much fun and enjoyment, I believe it helps me to be a better person, and I have been very fortunate to experience some great success and have so many beautiful and happy memories."

Showing her selflessness, she noted that "As desperate as I was to be part of the amazing experience of the London Olympics, I don’t want to be there below my best. If I can’t be there and give it my best, then I would rather someone else who can do that is able to be there."

We'll miss watching Paula compete and are sending our thoughts to her. She is still a champion and role model in our eyes though and it is in that spirit that we wanted to share a Q&A she did with us just two weeks ago as she was gearing up for the Games. Thank you, Paula, for being such an example of grace.  - Erin

1. What about your lifelong athletic training prepared you for motherhood?

I think nothing really prepared me for how special it is. Rather, my own upbringing taught me things I wanted to pass on to my children. I think also my sport and training taught me lots about working hard, strength of character and morals and staying in touch with your body and mind. Hopefully I can pass some of these to my kids. I also learned about the importance and joy of Sport and what gifts it can give and so am very keen for my kids to play sports. To what level is totally up to them. I am also more aware of the importance of nutrition so was careful through pregnancy and toddlerhood to be sure they had the best nutrition.

2. What effect has having your children changed or impacted your body or the way you train or race?

It has given me more patience and perspective in tough and good times. It means we have to be more organised time wise! It also means I have two extra reasons to dig deep and fight hard!

3. At the end of my one marathon I couldn't help compare those last few miles with giving birth. What were your pregnancies and deliveries like? Do you see any similarities in these achievements?

My pregnancies were both smooth and the labours very different. I found pregnancy humbling though, as an athlete I am used to being in control of my body but now my body was not mine to control! Isla's birth was very long and tedious. I had to sit cross legged with epidural 14 hours as my muscles wouldn't dilate and then she had to be ventouse birthed with two midwifes pushing on my belly too as she barely fit through my pelvis! Thankfully she was perfect and unaffected. Raphael was much quicker but more stressful as he had the cord double wrapped and despite being out in 3 contractions he wasn't breathing. They inflated his lungs and then he was ok but in an incubator overnight. So physically not hard but mentally way worse than any marathon. I found them very different. In a race I know exactly where I am and am in control. With pregnancy you are just waiting for things to happen at the end and it could be days or weeks! Recovery was about the same-physically though!

4. What's the most challenging part of juggling your career and motherhood for you in 2012?

The hardest part is that mentally I want so badly to perform well for me and the family but I know it is a balancing act as my body has a lot of miles on the clock. I am trying to get in the best shape I can but don't want to lose long-term health or ability to run and play with my kids either. I put the kids first but we all still make time sacrifices for my training.

5. Can you share a dream or wish you have for your daughter and son?

I want them to have the strength and courage to identify their inner dreams and goals and go after them and the little bit of luck that it takes in addition to achieve them. Above all I want them to be happy.