Mom + Fitness

After the birth of her daughter Adalynn in May 2017, Leanna Carriere, trainer at Royal Glenora Fitness Club, knew she wanted to continue her career as an athlete. However, as many new moms learn, finding that balance is not always easy. The former Canadian heptathlete retired from the sport shortly after Adalynn’s birth, citing lack of time as one of the reasons.

“Accommodations was one thing. You can only be on the track from five to seven, and that’s when my husband gets home. That’s family time,” she says. “Also, I’ve sacrificed so much for track and field, including my husband, who’s been super patient with me. My whole life revolved around it, but now it revolves around my daughter, and work, training, and my husband.”

After her retirement, Carriere transitioned into triathlon, which has allowed her to train, but still spend time with Adalynn.

“There’s a real lack of sleep,” she says.

“Like, I’ve gotten up at three in the morning to go for a run just to get it in. I try to make sure I’m home at night and I’m never away more than three hours at a time. I guess it’s challenging to get it all in, but I take that time for my body.”

Part of the reason Carriere is able to balance is thanks in part to her husband Kyle Lubbering. An athlete himself, Lubbering understands how important Carriere’s workouts are to her, so he helps her find the balance.

“He’s awesome. He knows when I don’t get my workouts in, I’m not a happy person, so even if I’ve had a hard day with the baby and I’m on the fence, he’ll be like ‘just go, you always feel better when you get back,’ which is true, but it’s nice to have that person to encourage you,” she says.

But the most important part of her active life is for Adalynn to enjoy it with her parents as she grows.”

“We’ve always been active people, we’ve just found ways to include her in now.”