Ride Bikes, Eat Food, Have a Baby with Heidi Rentz [episode 4]

Listen to Ride Bikes, Eat Food, Have a Baby with Heidi Rentz on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Your preferred listening platform 

I had the opportunity to talk with the amazing Heidi Rentz, a former professional athlete turned entrepreneur, and mom to a precious little girl. She and her husband, Zander, actually own 5 (yes, you read that right!) businesses together. They originally started their businesses out of their collective love for outdoor travel, and so much has evolved since then. Heidi and Zander’s goal is that no matter what challenges arise, both nationally and globally, they want to create a safe, fun, and memorable experience for others.

In this episode, Heidi and I chat all about what it’s like to ride bikes, eat food, and have a baby - basically what the last year + has looked like for her (especially the ‘have a baby’ piece)! We dive into her and her husband’s not-so smooth sailing journey to starting a family, what it looked like to navigate pregnancy and postpartum while running multiple businesses, the never-ending mom guilt that likes to show up everywhere, and more. 

The very real physicality that makes up so much of motherhood and parenthood in the 4th trimester (and beyond) isn’t something you can fully understand, UNTIL you actually step into that role. When you add in your career and try to juggle everything, it can be overwhelming if you’re not pursuing a path that best fits you and your family’s unique vision. I feel absolutely honored to have had this beautiful conversation with Heidi, and I have no doubt the variety of topics we covered surrounding pregnancy, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and more will resonate with you!

Heidi Rentz Heidi is a mama, former professional athlete and entrepreneur. Driven by her and her husband's collective love for outdoor adventure travel, the two of them have pursued careers as professional guides and farm direct chefs over the past 20 years. The bicycle is their vehicle for exploration, community development, and personal growth as they lead others through transformational journeys around the world. When Heidi & Zander aren't operating cycling trips for The Cyclist's Menu, they keep themselves busy at home in Patagonia, Arizona, running their beer & wine bar; The Patagonia Lumber Company, a small bike shop; Patagonia Bikes, operating their micro hotel/airbnb properties; The Gravel House, and hosting their annual 100 mile gravel race; The Spirit World 100. No matter what challenges arise, both nationally and globally, it's our goal to create a safe, fun, and memorable experience.

In this episode, Ride Bikes, Eat Food, Have a Baby with Heidi Rentz, we cover: 

• Heidi and her husband, Zander’s, journey to starting a family + the new level of peace and love that came with their surprising miracle 

• Going through pregnancy while running multiples businesses + what it looked like for Heidi to ‘slow down’ during her pregnancy

• Heidi’s plan and preparation for an unmedicated labor and delivery, and what ultimately transpired during her birth experience

• The impact that having a baby has on your work (especially as a business owner), and your professional identity

• Navigating the constant struggle of mom guilt that shows up in motherhood and your career

• The very real physicality and exhaustion of the 4th trimester and parenthood + adding your career into the mix

• Planning and making the best possible decisions for your unique family, and your future

• How stressful and emotionally draining the hospital experience can be after having a baby

Connect with Heidi:

• Follow on Instagram @thecyclistsmenu

• Check out her website

Connect with Sarah:

• Follow on Instagram @mothercrafting

• Sign up for my newsletter

• Check out my website

More about the Mothercraft podcast: 

Mothercraft - because becoming a mom today can feel crazy! It’s both uniquely challenging and exciting. The templates about how we should ‘mom’ are outdated and we have the opportunity to reconstruct them in a way that works for us. There are women, parents, and resources available who can support us. 

Let's write a new story, where we experience how to be connected, informed and empowered about our paths forward as moms, professionals, and women without overwhelm, judgment, or a one-size fits all mentality. 

Tune in each week for conversations with host Sarah Dunn, along with other moms and special guest experts, as they share their stories, encouragement, advice, and solidarity about this lifelong journey of motherhood.

We’ll cover topics such as pregnancy, postpartum, mental health, motherhood, being a high-achieving woman, mom guilt. We will touch on the good, the bad, the funny, the ugly – the multifaceted reality that is motherhood. 

This podcast will leave you feeling empowered, connected, and confident to hold space for your love of self, family, and ambitions. 

Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode!