NCT talks to British athlete Jo Pavey

Last year was an amazing year for you. Bronze at the Commonwealth Games (5,000m), winning at the European Championships (10,000m) plus coming third in Sports Personality of the Year…have you taken it all in yet?

Everything that happened in 2014 was unexpected as my main priority was being a mum. It’s such a precious time that you can’t get back so I was really just concentrating on motherhood. I was breastfeeding Emily at the start of April 2014 and the trials for the Commonwealth Games started in May. It was a surprise to make the team and I think one reason I did so well was because I had nothing to lose and I just did my best.

Ten days later it was the European Games and it was amazing to win gold; it was worth waiting for, especially as my children were in the stadium with me.

Your children, Jacob and Emily, are both under five; how do you balance your sports career and the needs of a young family?

It’s certainly busy! I’m definitely not organised but I am flexible and we somehow muddle through. I’m fortunate that my career allows me to spend time with my family. My husband is my coach and manager and I plan my training sessions around the kids’ needs and activities; I might get to the track two hours later than planned but I get there!

You clock up over 100 miles a week in your training sessions as an elite runner but what advice do you have for our members who aren’t at the level you are? Can you share your top tips on exercise for parents?

Fitness is important as being healthy is good for mums and their children. Every pregnancy is different and there are different conditions that can affect bones and muscles so get medical advice if you need to before you start any exercise.

During pregnancy, always listen to your body when you exercise, avoid overheating and keep hydrated. In addition, if you do go running, take your mobile with you so can you always get in touch with someone if you need to.

Postnatally, my advice is: don’t rush. I had c-sections so it took time for me to get back into training. Keeping fit when you have a family is about finding time to train but not being regimented. Go with the flow and work some exercise gradually into your day when you can. Don’t feel you have to build yourself up to a massive training session; remember that exercise little and often is a great way to build up your fitness. Why not walk or jog up the road and back, for instance?

Make exercise a family activity too; teach your kids from an early age that it’s fun to be fit and active. I take my kids to the track and also often take my youngest, Emily, on training runs in the buggy.

People have commented on your age – in terms of motherhood and also your sports achievements. What do you say to those who think motherhood and age can be barriers to sporting success?

I think being older and a parent has helped my sporting career and given me an inner strength. I also have a better mental approach to training psychologically; I don’t dwell on every little detail anymore. I’m so much happier now, enjoying running again and motivated to train harder.

On top of your running career, you’re also an ambassador for Dreams Come True, a charity that fulfils the wishes of seriously and terminally ill children.

Yes, I’m thrilled to be involved with a charity that’s so close to my heart being a mum. Given what the children are going through, it’s so important to find ways to make their lives better.

Finally, what are your plans this year?

I’d love to be selected for next year’s Olympics in Rio and the trials will start early next year. I’m already building up my running mileage to gear up for that. 

We wish Jo the best of luck and hope she does represent Team GB in her fifth Olympics. She is certainly an inspiration to women and mums across the UK.

We have lots of helpful information about exercise in pregnancy and postnatal fitness on our website.