As we head into Mother’s Day weekend, we couldn’t think of a better time to shine a spotlight on two of our favorite Team PWR LIFT mom-athletes. Lauren Weeks and Megan Jacoby are not only kick-ass, elite-level HYROX athletes but also devoted mothers. We sat down with Lauren and Megan to chat about all things motherhood, training, and how they balance their demanding training schedules and being a high-level professional athlete with being moms.

Lauren Weeks

PWR LIFT:

What did it mean to you to compete in the HYROX World Championships race while pregnant?

Lauren Weeks:

Being able to compete in the HYROX World Championships was surreal. I don’t know if it was luck or fate, but the championship was held where my family lived. It was scheduled on the same weekend and in the same city as my baby shower.

I got to share this experience with friends and loved ones. And for that, I will be forever grateful.

I would never want a mom to have an unrealistic expectation of “if you’re not competing, you’re not doing enough.”

Every single mother’s platform is important. I want to showcase what we as women and mothers “can” do. We can still move, be active, and enjoy parts of our lives that we love.

PWR LIFT:

How has motherhood reshaped you, if at all, as an athlete, in both training and performance?

Lauren:

Motherhood has made me excited about the little things, more excited than I ever could have imagined. Sometimes we forget to see the amazing things we do daily.

My daughter has been the best reminder of that, to appreciate and have gratitude for all the things we can do. It is so fun to watch my daughter celebrate and be proud of something she has learned or accomplished.

PWR LIFT:

How does your family support you in your athletic career?

Lauren:

My family is the reason I have found success in this journey. My husband is more supportive in every aspect of my life than I could have ever asked for. He genuinely loves this community, the people we have met, and especially all the science behind progressing and evolving.

We have learned so much over the years, and we are so grateful we now have a platform where we can share that experience and knowledge.

PWR LIFT:

You're the most dominant female in this sport right now, but a lot of moms are starting to get into HYROX. What would you say to other moms getting into the sport?

Lauren:

Setting goals, challenging ourselves, and striving for growth is so empowering. This goes for all goals. HYROX is just one outlet where we can set goals and push ourselves to get as close to them as possible.

I would encourage mothers to go after their goals and show their children their mental and physical strength and the importance of work ethic. I would also encourage other moms to pursue those goals while always cherishing and remembering that our family is the most precious part of our lives.

Our results do not define us. How we interact with others does. Go after your goals, include your family, and continue to teach and spread kindness and humility

Megan Jacoby

PWR LIFT:

How do you balance raising a child, training, and managing your sponsorships?

Megan Jacoby:

The balance is hard at times, but my daughter Mila has fortunately always seen her mom very focused on training since she was born. She is accustomed to the lifestyle and is a “gym” kid.

Gaining sponsorships and being able to spend more time with her and less time physically in an office has been amazing for both of us.

PWR LIFT:

How do you think being an athlete sets an example for Mila? What kind of example do you want to set for her?

Megan:

I think the coolest thing is how many strong women she gets to see and be around. She knows that winning isn’t everything, that showing up and doing your best is what counts.

She also sees how hard I push myself in training and knows that practice makes perfect. I hope to show her strength in so many ways, not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well.

PWR LIFT:

What are the biggest challenges that come with raising your daughter as a single mom?

Megan:

On days when it’s hard or life is overwhelming, there is no one to sub me out. I’ve found this is the biggest challenge at times.

When training for a big race starts to get hard and stressful or I have a lot on my plate, I still have to keep my emotions in check and put her first. Ultimately, this has tested me in many ways and will continue to, but she is very understanding.

Leaving for races to travel has also been a big challenge, but the support and help from my family has been amazing. She has such a strong relationship with my parents, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It takes a village truly!

PWR LIFT:

How do you find support from your community?

Megan:

It’s hard in a small area for people to really grasp what I am doing. Leaving my corporate job probably seemed crazy to most, but those who know me and the journey I’ve been on in the last 1.5 years have been so supportive!

So many of my clients, family, and friends tune in to every race or even come if an event is close enough. That support means everything.

PWR LIFT:

What do you and Mila do for fun? How do you like to spend time together?

Megan:

Our two favorite things are singing together and having dance parties. Mila belongs on the stage. She loves to put on a show!

And of course ice cream and retail therapy. We both love to shop! We’re girls’ girls.

If we took just one piece from our chat with Lauren and Megan on being a pro athlete and a mother, it would be the part about the community around them. A supportive community of family, friends, and fellow athletes surrounding you really makes all the difference—and not just if you’re a mother or caregiver. On Team PWR LIFT, we try to foster an environment where all of our athletes feel 360 degrees of support and are able to train and perform better because of it.

All that’s left to say now is go Lauren and Megan, and happy Mother’s Day to all our mom-athletes out there!