If you’re struggling to keep your January fitness resolutions, one Brixton-based mum who ran the London Marathon while five months pregnant might be able to offer up some inspiration.
Meet Charlie Loxley, 38, the ultimate yummy mummy who continued to run long distances throughout her two subsequent pregnancies.
The advertising executive took just three and a half hours to finish the 26-mile race back in 2011 – complete with an unmissable ‘Baby on board’ badge.
What’s more, she insists that exercising throughout all three of her pregnancies was key to the healthy births of her children Flora, 7, Fred, 3, and Isla,1.
And while most of us may shudder at the thought of completing such gruelling runs – pregnant or not – Charlie is adamant if she can do it, anybody can.
FANATIC: Charlie after completing the London Marathon.
She said: “The thing about running is you have to start small.
“Don’t try to commit to unrealistic goals and just aim to get your trainers on once or twice a week.”
Charlie – who even found time to hit the gym on her due date with baby Fred – joined a running club when she was 26 years old and became addicted from the get-go.
“I found running with a club was brilliant – the enthusiasm was infectious and brought out my competitive spirit.
“It opened up a new chapter in my life and taught me so much about my mental strength and determination,” she said.
At the age of 31, she signed up for her first marathon, before realising she was pregnant.
Despite the reluctance of her husband Tom Loxley, 40, and family and friends, the fitness fanatic was determined to not let a small bump hold her back and claims pregnant women shouldn’t be put off by societal expectations.
“I definitely got some odd looks when I was running the marathon,” she said.
“My husband wasn’t best pleased about it but the thing is only you know your own body and what it is capable of.
“I don’t think anybody was going to get in my way of going through with it – I’m very headstrong like that.”
While nurses initially advised her not to go through with it, she spoke to an obstetrician who gave her ambitious plan the green light.
“The pressure on pregnant women and mothers is immense and it sometimes feels like you can’t do anything right.
“But it’s important that you’re still able to do things that keep you happy and healthy.
“I wouldn’t necessarily advise running a marathon to expectant mothers but I do think running made me feel so much better about myself.”
According to the NHS website, pregnant women are able to continue exercising for as long as they feel comfortable.
Experts insist that exercise is not dangerous for the baby and can in fact facilitate healthy births.
The full guidelines can be found here.
