Natalie Lawrence’s running story is an inspirational tale for women and girls everywhere
Fairlands Valley Spartans runner Natalie Lawrence was back competing less than two weeks after giving birth to baby Louie. Pictures: Keith Perry/Natalie Lawrence - Credit: Archant
Stevenage club runner Natalie Lawrence doesn’t stand still for long – with the mother-of-four back competing less than two weeks after giving birth.
Little Louie Lawrence was the second arrival at Lister Hospital on January 1. Picture: Natalie Lawrence - Credit: Courtesy: Natalie Lawrence
The Fairlands Valley Spartans member welcomed Louie Lawrence into the world on New Year’s Day, but was the sixth female finisher at a Three Counties Cross Country five-mile race in Biggleswade just 13 days later.
But being a mum that runs is nothing new for Natalie, who completed last year’s London Marathon 11 weeks after having daughter Molly – and then went on to finish May’s Edinburgh Marathon while she was pregnant with Louie in just three hours and 15 minutes.
Little Louie was the second New Year’s Day arrival at Stevenage’s Lister Hospital, joining the Lawrence clan of Natalie, husband Lee, three-year-old Max, Bobbi, two, and Molly – now one.
Natalie's husband Lee Lawrence with their older children - Molly, Bobbi and Max. Picture: Natalie Lawrence - Credit: ArchanPicture: Courtesy of Natalie Lawrence.
As well as being a mum and running up to six days a week with the Spartans and Luton-based club Stopsley Striders, Natalie has her own sports mobile therapy business Supple Flex Mobile Massage, trains clients and runs boot camps – so she is certainly used to being busy.
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The 31-year-old, who was an under 23 elite triathlete and a pro Ironman athlete, told the Comet: “It was actually easier running just after I had Louie, as I wasn’t carrying as much weight. The birthing was also easier as I regularly keep training.
“As a former triathlete, I was brought up to keep going and to do as much as I could – both mentally as well as physically.
Natalie Lawrence (nee Barnard) running for Stevenage club Fairlands Valley Spartans while 34 weeks pregnant. Picture: Keith Perry. - Credit: Picture: Courtesy of Keith Perry.
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“When you have children your whole world takes on a different dynamic. So, for me, keeping on my triathlete take on life was very important as it gives me a great release.
“In fact it has had a cathartic effect on my life – my whole world has changed, but I still have my sport which confirms my identity.”
Natalie is now preparing for another cross country race and also has her sights set on the 2018 London Marathon in April.
Louie Lawrence was born on New Year Day. Picture: Natalie Lawrence - Credit: Archant
Natalie with new baby Louie. Picture: Natalie Lawrence. - Credit: Picture: Courtesy of Natalie Lawrence.
