Allyson Felix: Busy but Unstoppable

Allyson Felix has certainly taken a different path, but she hasn’t slowed her pace. As the co-founder of two businesses and a member of the IOC Athletes Commission, the retired sprinter is focusing her efforts on promoting gender equality and rights for mothers. Despite the challenges of balancing her role as a mother of two with her professional life, Felix remains active in sports.

Surprisingly, Felix, America’s most decorated track athlete, hasn’t simply retired her running shoes. She pointed out that fitness isn’t just about collecting medals; instead, it’s vital for staying grounded and energized in her post-competitive life.

“Moving allows me to truly be myself, so I have to make that a priority,” Felix, who is 40, shared.

This commitment means scheduling workouts into her busy calendar. Whether it’s an early morning Peloton class or a late-night gym session after dropping the kids off, she finds a way to make it work.

However, like many parents, she recognizes that finding time for oneself can be quite the challenge. “Some days I look back on my day and realize I just can’t fit it in, and that’s okay. It’s about giving yourself some grace and coming back to it when you can,” Felix mentioned in connection with her latest campaign. “Flexibility and doing the best you can with what you have is what’s really important.”

It’s a scenario that resonates with many women today.

A recent survey found that 61% of moms in the U.S. enjoy less than an hour of uninterrupted personal time daily, while 28% exercise infrequently or not at all. Additionally, 43% said they wouldn’t go out with friends without their kids.

For moms who struggle with maintaining their fitness habits or motivation, Felix suggests transforming fitness into a social activity. “Instead of coffee, what about saying, ‘Let’s go for a walk’ or ‘Let’s hike together?'” she proposes. “Whatever you’re doing, make it enjoyable and don’t fixate too much on it.”

She also keeps her routines refreshing through variety. “Gone are the days of strict structure, so each day looks different,” Felix explained.

Some days might include running on the treadmill or hitting the track, while on other days, she enjoys Pilates or strength training at her local gym. “I try to engage in activities I might not excel at. Like, I’ve begun taking tennis lessons,” she added.

Even when not every new venture panned out—yoga, for instance—she finds value in trying different things. “I mean, it sounds good in theory, but I’m like, this isn’t for me,” she laughed, acknowledging her lack of flexibility.

Equally vital to her wellbeing is ensuring adequate rest and recovery. “I’ve always been the type who felt the need to do more. My coach often had to remind me that rest days are as crucial as hard training days,” Felix noted. This principle extends to her current life.

“To maintain your health and stamina, prioritizing recovery is essential,” she stated.

For Felix, this could mean enjoying a good book, journaling, or simply practicing some breathing exercises each morning to center herself.