A change of pace

Emelie, you mentioned on social media that this third pregnancy has been quite different from your previous two. Would you mind explaining why?

Emelie: That’s right, each pregnancy has been unique. During my first, my body responded well, and I recovered quickly to my athletic performance level. I was surprised at how natural it felt to return to training. But after the second, I realized that recovery demanded more effort. So for this one I was conscious that I needed to do a little further work with strength and core training. Not to mention a much greater fatigue between weeks 8 and 15, which I explain by the fact that my body was less fit than before my first pregnancy, in particular.

Was there a different preparation for each pregnancy?

For this third pregnancy, I’ve focused on targeted core training and reduced professional obligations to allow for better recovery. Of course, balancing this with two small children is a challenge in itself, but it’s taught me to prioritize recovery and listen to my body in new ways. Physically, I’ve also learned to accept the slower pace. During my first pregnancy, I felt like I had to “come back strong” as soon as possible, but now I recognize that taking time to recover is an essential part of the process.

This inevitably has an impact on the way you mentally approach the recovery.

I try to stay focused on what’s most important — being present for my family. It’s easy to get caught up in training schedules or the expectations of others, but I remind myself that my journey is my own. Each pregnancy is different, and I’ve tried to embrace that uniqueness.

And about the food, did you make any changes to your diet?

Yes. I’m a vegetarian, and I therefore knew from the start that I might have to compensate with b12. But during the second pregnancy, my values dropped so much that my doctor actually suggested to start eating fish and much more milk product like yogurt. So I introduced kefir to my diet, and that has helped a lot. Today, I just mainly have to make sure that I really get enough protein, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also by adding some protein powder to a smoothie and be a little bit more concerned about getting enough amino acids.

Parenthood and professional athletics seem to require opposing approaches: meticulous planning on one hand and a certain amount of “letting go”: we can’t control what happens to our children. How do you manage to balance these demands?

It’s definitely about adaptation. You need to have a bigger plan, but you always need to go with the plan and adjust. As an athlete, I like to follow a structured plan, but as a parent, improvisation is often necessary. I’ve learned to accept changes in plans and not to get too obsessed when things don’t go as expected. For example, some days I might have planned a long training session, but if the children need me or I’m not feeling my best, I’ll scale it back to a simple walk or a light workout. It’s about doing the best you can each day, whether it’s a full workout or just a short walk with the dog. It’s so different from the classic 25-30 hour training weeks. But I’m happy to be able at the same time to devote myself to my other projects, like Moon Valley, but it’s different from the sporting aspect, where you feel in your body what's going on, given that you’re not training.

One can imagine that this requires reprogramming the brain, after years of training at the highest level.

Over time, I’ve found that this flexibility actually strengthens my resilience and adaptability, both as an athlete and a parent. Parenthood teaches you patience, and that carries over into my training. It’s okay if a plan doesn’t go perfectly. I think that’s one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as both a mother and an athlete. Some days, I feel exhausted, and I know I won’t be able to give 100% to my training. That’s okay. I try to celebrate the small wins, like being able to get outside with the kids or take a short run, and that mindset shift has made a huge difference in my well-being.

Talking about mindset, what was the biggest difference between your expectations and reality? Was it about physical changes, time management, or something else?

I approached my first pregnancy with an open mind, listening to my body and adapting as needed. While I was in great shape and could maintain a high level of activity—including hiking in the Himalayas during my fifth month—I learned to respect my limits. For instance, after pushing too hard, I fell sick and realized the importance of balance and recovery. These experiences were invaluable as they taught me how to pace myself better during subsequent pregnancies and prioritize my well-being alongside my ambitions.

Is there anything you see today that you hadn’t anticipated at the time?

One of the biggest surprises for me was how much mental space pregnancy takes up. I expected to feel the physical changes, but I wasn’t prepared for the mental shift. Everything from planning for the baby’s arrival to thinking about how my career would change required more mental bandwidth than I’d imagined. I’m someone who likes to stay in control of situations, but pregnancy has a way of reminding you that you can’t control everything. That was a humbling but necessary realization for me.

Your partner, Killian, is also an athlete. Do you both approach physical challenges, such as pregnancy and injuries, in similar ways?

Absolutely. Killian has been incredibly supportive throughout all my pregnancies. He understands the toll it takes on my body and helps wherever he can, especially on sleepless nights. While our experiences differ, we share a deep respect for the physical and mental challenges each of us faces. Killian often brings a scientific approach to his training and recovery, and while I appreciate that perspective, my pregnancies have required me to focus more on listening to my body’s natural rhythms.

It’s a chance for a couple to synchronize in this way, I guess.

This dynamic has created a mutual understanding and support system that I’m very grateful for. We both believe in the power of patience and consistency. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or navigating a pregnancy, you have to be patient with yourself and trust that progress will come with time. Our shared experience as athletes helps us understand each other’s needs. If I have a tough day or feel overwhelmed, he’s the first person to remind me that I’m doing a great job. That kind of support is invaluable.

Was the decision to have children a planned decision for you, or did you embrace it as it came?

It was both. I’ve always wanted a big family and felt ready for a change after years in the sport. My first child came when I was 32, which, looking back, feels young but was perfect for me at the time. Having children close in age was also important to us for the family dynamic, especially as we often travel for work. We wanted our children to have each other as companions during our travels, and it’s been wonderful to see how they support and entertain each other.

And today, how do you feel about the life that will accompany this 3rd birth?

The decision to have a third child was deeply personal, and I knew it would significantly impact my career. Ultimately, I realized that while athletic achievements are fulfilling, they don’t compare to the lifelong joy and love of raising a family. It wasn’t an easy decision. I knew it would mean stepping back from the sport for a while, and that’s a hard choice for any athlete. But I’ve always believed in following my heart, and my heart told me it was the right time to expand our family. I also realized that my identity isn’t just tied to being an athlete. I’m a mother, a partner, and a person with dreams outside of sport. Embracing that perspective has made the experience much easier.

And when you let your inner athlete speak, what does she says?

I have been and I always will be very careful in my comebacks, because almost all the professional runners that I know got injured after pregnancy. It’s quite common, because your hormones drop and your estrogen and it modifies your bone thickness. I don’t want to be injured. I just want to keep running and training, and feel the joy of being outside, in competition or not.

As someone who might be paving the way for professional athletes with three children, do you feel a responsibility to share your experiences and inspire others?

It’s something I think about. I don’t know many high-level athletes with three kids (smile), so this journey feels both exciting and uncharted. Whether or not I can continue competing at a high level remains to be seen, but I’m committed to sharing my experiences openly. I believe it’s important to challenge the perception of what’s possible for athletes who are also parents, especially mothers. If my story can inspire others to pursue both their professional and personal dreams, that would be incredibly rewarding.

How do you see your role? A trailblazer, a mentor?

It’s not just about being an example for other athletes. I want to show people in all walks of life that you can have big goals in multiple areas. You don’t have to choose between being an athlete or being a parent. You can be both. And while the journey might be more complex, it’s absolutely worth it.

Finally, how do you see the woman you were when you were 20, looking back at everything you’ve learned?

When I was 20, I didn’t imagine becoming a professional athlete. I pursued biology and sustainability because they were my passions, and I believe those choices shaped me. I’d tell myself not to stress about the future and to embrace every opportunity with confidence. Life has a way of surprising you, and it’s important to stay open to all possibilities. I used to be afraid of failing or making mistakes, but now I see that those moments of failure are where the most growth happens. Failure is not the end.