Mia Hamm On Mothering Like a Coach & Being Fit at 40
By GalTime .com. Posted on .
by Jené Luciani for GalTime.com
She’s arguably the world’s most famous female soccer player, scoring more goals than most male and female players alike in her lengthy career (take that, David Beckham). After retiring from the sport in 2004, 40-year old Mia Hamm settled into life in Los Angeles as a wife and mother of three (she married former MLB shortstop Nomar Garciaparra in 2003) but has yet to slow down.
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We chatted one-on-one with Hamm who was in town promoting the Dick’s Sporting Goods Gifts that Matter campaign.
Jené: Obviously, you’re in great shape, how do you stay in your soccer form being a busy mom?
Mia: (laughs). Well first and foremost, thank you. I am not in my playing shape but I am trying to get there! I just had my 3rd child 11 months ago. Constantly, I'm trying to find time for myself and it is really important to get those work outs in. Not only does it help you get healthy, but helps your mindset and how you feel about yourself. With my husband, we work like a team with the baby. I'll go work out while Nomar has him or I will take him on a run or do things that I can do with him. The good thing is that my twin girls (who will be 6 in March) are in school most of the day so we just have to worry about the baby.
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J: What are your favorite workouts -- do you like running, Zumba?
M: I would embarrass myself with Zumba! I like to run but whether it’s cross training or doing some free weights. I'm trying to get that strength and core strength back. Having a child impacts your body! You form knee issues, back issues - all from carrying your child around.
J: When you’re on the go, what do you do as far as eating? How do you maintain a healthy diet?
M: My focus is based on what I'm doing that day. Making sure I'm not eliminating carbs completely but making sure I eat the right amount. For a living I was burning 2300-3500 calories a day, depending on what we were doing. So, I really never had to focus on that and now I have to. I make sure I get enough protein by eating a good breakfast. Another thing is how I snack; when your kids are around you’ll eat whatever. I make sure it's fresh, focusing on eating fruit and vegetables rather than eating junk!
J: People look at you as a role model and as an inspiration. What did you learn from your soccer career that you apply to other areas of your life that other people can take away from?
