Celebrity Mom Profile: Julie Foudy
By: Deirdre Uria
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with three-time Olympian, soccer star, and mother – Julie Foudy. She is currently working with the Kleenex brand in support of their Olympic sponsorship for the 2008 Beijing Games.
Kleenex launched let it out, which is a tour that travels around the country allowing people the opportunity to sit on the signature blue couch, talk to the Good Listener, and use Kleenex, for when their emotions cause a few tears to fall, whether through laughter or sadness.
Julie Foudy and Kleenex brand facial tissues are launching let It out: the movie, a 40-minute documentary highlighting top Olympic memories and moments. The movie, which will premiere in Beijing this August, will set out on a cross-country journey to spotlight moments in Olympic history. Fans across the U.S., former Olympians, and Olympic hopefuls will share their favorite memories with the Kleenex brand’s Good Listener and how such memories have inspired them in their own lives.
As a mother herself, it was important that we asked Foudy some advice about fitness, motherhood, and, of course, her Olympic medals. Here is what she had to say:
Q: You had your daughter, Isabel, a little over a year ago, and I am curious to know how you exercised during your pregnancy?
A: I was very active during my pregnancy with her, and received various advice to just keep doing what I was doing. I worked out the same, but made sure not to get my heart rate too high – I stayed between 140 and 150. I ran up until I was 6 or 6 and ½ months pregnant – until the belly got in the way. I actually was doing the elliptical up until the day before she was born and just used the heart monitor on the handles, or the one that you can strap under your bust.
Q: Were you able to get back into shape after her birth quicker, because of your exercise routine during pregnancy?
A: I got back to my pre-pregnancy weight, within 5 pounds or so, in two weeks – and I gained 33 pounds during my pregnancy. I had a C-Section so the liquid diet they put me on really helped, but not being able to lift or do stairs for 6 weeks hurt me. I actually started running again after 5 weeks, but was walking right away after her birth, as recommended by the hospital staff.
Q: How do you stay fit now?
A: I use the baby jogger stroller for running – 20 to 30 minutes either 4 or 5 days a week. I actually go running a lot with Izzy – I still enjoy running, even though I am not playing soccer as much. I also like to go mountain biking – we live in Southern California with great mountain bike trails.
Q: What are the top three fitness tips you can give moms who just don’t think that they have the time to exercise?
A:
1- Think outside of the box. Try yoga or fitness classes. Maybe you like dance – try Dance Dance Revolution. Just do what interests you.
2- Don’t always do the same routine – the monotony will get you. Be spontaneous – what about a pick up game?
3- There is so much that you can do with your own body weight. Try squats, lunges, pull-ups, and push-ups. If your baby is on the floor, do sit ups – try them by incorporating your baby.
Q: What is the hardest part about being a mom?
A: Balance, as a working mom is hard. When I am at work I want to be with her, and sometimes when I am at home with her I think of work. Also, traveling without her is hard – I struggle with being without her.
Q: What is the easiest part about being a mom?
A: There is so much joy with being a mom – many easy parts, like when she falls asleep on my chest. Also, never realizing that you could love someone so much – it’s just the greatest gift.
Q: Ok, where do your three Olympic medals live?
A: You’re gonna laugh, but they’re in my underwear drawer. I used to keep them on a shelf or on the coffee table displayed, but we just moved and I think that the realtor recommended that I put them somewhere safe, so I put them in my underwear drawer and just never got around to taking them out.
Keep an eye out of for the blue couch, and let It out: the movie.
Related Features:
