231: Balancing Motherhood and Elite Sports: Insights from Olympian Dr. Tara Peterson

In this episode of the Practice Brave podcast, I sit down with Tara Peterson, a two-time Olympic curler and dentist, to talk about what it really looks like to pursue elite sport while navigating motherhood and a professional career.   Tara shares her journey from her early days in curling to competing on the Olympic stage, all while working as a dentist and raising a family.    One of the most powerful parts of Tara's story is how she returned to sport postpartum—starting to practice curling just two weeks after giving birth and stepping back into international competition only seven weeks postpartum. Her experience highlights both the physical and mental demands of this transition, as well as the importance of listening to your body and having the right support in place.   We also talk about postpartum training, managing expectations, and how the four-year Olympic cycle shapes decision-making and priorities along the way.   This episode is a powerful reminder that chasing ambitious goals doesn't have to come at the expense of other parts of your life—it just requires intention, support, and a willingness to evolve.   Connect with Tara IG: @taraissupercool   Need workouts for your pregnancy or postpartum? Check out my programs (now with app access!):   The Pregnant Athlete Training Program: https://go.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/the-pregnant-athlete-program    The 8-Week Postpartum Athlete Training Program: https://go.ppaprograms.com/pp-program     MORE ABOUT THE SHOW: The Practice Brave podcast brings you the relatable, trustworthy and transparent health & fitness information you're looking for when it comes to coaching, being coached and transitioning through the variables of motherhood and womanhood. You will learn from athletes and experts in the women's health and coaching/performance realm as they share their knowledge and experience on all things Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism. Whether you're a newly pregnant athlete or postpartum athlete, knowing how to adjust your workouts, mental approach and coaching can be confusing. Each week we'll be tackling questions around adjusting your workouts and mindset, diastasis recti, pelvic health, mental health, identity, and beyond. Through compelling interviews and solo shows, Brianna speaks directly to where you're at because she's been there too! Tune in every other week and share the show with your athlete friends!