Turn off my alarm. No snoozing allowed.
How do you wake up?
I aim for eight hours of sleep each night, although I’m not always perfect. Some weeks I have World Athletics board meetings that require me to be up from 1am until 4am, so juggling different time zones can be a big part of my schedule. On those nights, I quietly creep downstairs so I don’t wake my two children and make myself a herbal tea before joining the meetings. Otherwise, my alarm is normally set for 6.15am.
Do you make your bed every day?
Yes, absolutely.
What time do you have breakfast and what do you usually eat?
Breakfast is usually around 7.30am in our household. We start the day with Weet-Bix, some eggs, and perhaps a piece of toast.
Do you have a morning workout routine?
I tend to schedule workouts around my day or in the evenings. If I’m travelling for work, I enjoy an early morning gym session or walk around whichever city I’m in before the day begins.
What other self-care do you do in the morning?
The 10 to 15 minutes I get to myself with a coffee before the children wake up is my time. I like to browse the news, check in with family overseas, and review my emails for anything that might need my attention early in the day.
What is your shower and skincare routine?
A nice warm shower, washing my face, applying my skincare products – cleanser, moisturiser, and finishing with sunscreen, of course.
Dame Valerie Adams is on the newly released Weet-Bix Stat Attack Gold Card, one of 26 collectable cards available in promotional packs.
How do you decide what to wear each day?
I plan my outfits the night before based on what the following day looks like. Depending on my schedule, I could be wearing anything from activewear for a workout after school drop-off to smart casual or corporate attire for board meetings. Today, I’m wearing one of my favourite Karen Walker suits on my way to a meeting.
How much time do you spend on your phone in the morning?
Around 10 to 15 minutes while I enjoy my morning coffee.
Do you consume any other media?
We sometimes watch Breakfast TV, and I’ll usually browse online news websites to catch up on what’s happening.
How do you get to work?
In my Toyota Highlander.
How consistent are you with this routine? What alters it?
If it’s a typical day at home, we’re very consistent. I’ve always thrived on routine, dating back to my athletics career, and it’s no surprise that my children do too. We lead busy lives, so having a clear routine helps everyone start the day smoothly.
How long have you stuck to this routine?
Since my children started school about four years ago. Before that, our routine was quite different, especially when I was balancing family life with my career as a professional athlete.
Is your routine the same on weekends as it is on weekdays?
Saturday mornings can be just as busy, with children’s sport often requiring the same level of organisation as a school day. Sundays are more relaxed, and everyone is welcome to sleep in a little before we enjoy breakfast together. It’s our lazy day.
Dame Valerie Adams, pictured in 2022 with her children Kepaleli and Kimoana, after announcing her retirement from shot put competition. Photo / Brett Phibbs
What is your one non-negotiable each morning?
Giving my children a hug and a kiss goodbye.
What do you do the night before to make your morning routine easier?
I like to review my calendar for the next day, and often the next few days, so I know exactly what’s coming up. I might send my manager, Nicole, a few messages to confirm details and review any email briefs that have come through. I also make sure the kids’ lunchboxes are prepared and ready to go, which makes the morning run much smoother.
Stat Attack collectables are now available inside promotional packs of Weet-Bix, with 26 cards including Dame Valerie Adams, Paralympic champion Anna Grimaldi, retired Black Caps captain Kane Williamson, Warriors star Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Lewis Clareburt, All Blacks skipper Ardie Savea and Black Fern Katelyn Vaha’akolo.