Boulder’s Rachel Joyce Expecting First Child

From Ironman
A New Journey for Rachel Joyce
by Megan Evoe
Rachel Joyce has been a regular on the Kona podium for the last three years. This season, the fierce and bubbly Brit will commence training of a different kind as she and her partner plan to welcome their first child in September.
We jostled Joyce—one of the most consistent racers in the sport these days— to find out how her training had changed, what foods she’s craving, and, most importantly, her plans on returning to racing.
IRONMAN.com: What went through your mind when you found out you were pregnant?
Rachel Joyce: I don’t think anything can brace you for seeing the double stripe of a positive pregnancy test. It was a big rush of emotions. Happy, excited and a feeling that our life was going to change in a big way.
How did Brett (your partner) react to the news?
We were both delighted when we found out I was pregnant. It was nice having it as our secret for a few weeks and I did have to repeat the test just to make sure! Brett has been great through pregnancy. He took up the slack around the house in those weeks where I felt like I could sleep 20 hours a day. He’s now being getting through a list of jobs around the house as we don’t expect that things like decorating and garage sorting is going to be touched for a good few months after our new arrival.
When did you realize that the time was right for you to become pregnant?
As more and more of my friends have started families I’ve realized that just because you decide it’s time for a baby doesn’t mean it will happen right away. It feels to me that no matter what a woman’s career is, there is never an obvious time to take time out. In terms of financial reward, 2015 was one of my best, but priorities change. Neither of us wanted to keep putting it off just one more year as there are no guarantees in life. The time felt right.
What would you say to someone who might ask “Why get pregnant now when you have a chance to win Kona?”
At 37, I feel like I still have some good years of racing in front of me post-baby. I don’t know what life will look like with being a mum, and getting back to race fitness and racing, but the challenge appeals to me.
Read the full article HERE