Conversation with Willow Koerber Rockwell

The two-time World Championship medalist and pioneering women’s professional mountain biker, grew up immersed in nature and community, where movement, self-reliance, and respect for the land shaped her earliest understanding of wellbeing.

I became a fan of Willow's in the early 2000's during my time living in California, so I was giddy to see her name show up in our orders and find she uses Naturallogic skin and body care regularly I had been planning our new interview series for a few months and reached out in hopes she might pioneer this, too. I soon discovered there is so much more layer and depth to this bad-ass lady.

I caught up with her recently, where she so honestly and transparently shared about her career, body wisdom, mental health, resilience, healing, family life, and supporting others on their own wellness journeys.

Read on to learn more about her progression from seeking escape in athleticism, to championship, to integrated, sustainable wellbeing rooted in nature, and care for the whole human.

xo

Toni

Growing up in a natural community, how did your early environment shape your understanding

of health and wellbeing before it had a name?

Nature was my first healer. I had a very difficult childhood and I always wanted to run away... my solution was to hike in the woods in my back yard, making up a world I wanted to live in. The forest still brings me the most peace and magical downloads!

What did “wellness” look like to you as a child—was it something intentional,

or simply how life was lived?

Wellness was not emphasized in my childhood. It was very extreme in every way including many rules about food and religion that took me a lot of time to unwind.... my approach to wellness now is much more loving. I focus on joy and frequency in all areas of life! 

Were there early mentors, places, or experiences in nature

that still influence how you care for yourself today?

My athletic coaches inspired me the most. I always wanted them to be proud of my efforts. To focus on being great at sport was something I could control! 

When you entered professional mountain biking, how did your relationship with your body change?

I always had a very difficult relationship with my body. I always felt a bit trapped in a "bodysuit"... the training is very intense, so I wouldn't call it healthy necessarily, but I did learn how to listen to what worked for me and not just doing what anyone else did as far as training load, diet etc. I had to really learn to trust myself.

What did your training years teach you about resilience—physically and mentally?

The training was incredibly strenuous. Early on I did way too much and pushed way too hard. I had to really ease up and find my flow... toward the end of my career my approach was much more spiritually aligned. I really looked at it like a mission and fulfilling a destiny.

How did you learn to listen to your body under the demands of elite competition?

Trial and error! So much of racing success is really pushing past listening to the body, but I did the best I could with rest and diet and adding a lot of fun wherever I could! I would have beauty days, party days and shopping days! It's all about the balance! 

Were there moments during your career that forced you to rethink rest,

recovery, or sustainability?

All the time! I was always recalibrating... adjusting and ascending. I never had the same approach. I was constantly changing and adapting.

What was the most significant wellness shift you experienced

when you retired from professional racing?

Learning to love myself without any outside accolades.

How did becoming a parent reshape your priorities around health,

energy, and self-care?

Raven changed everything. I found out I was pregnant while ranked #2 in the world and a favorite for an Olympic gold medal. I took the year off and promised my team I would be back as I had just signed a very big contract. She was born 12-31-11. Trying comeback after having her was brutal. I kept getting sick and crashing and was also removing myself from a very toxic family situation. Raven was my number one priority and the signs were so clear... I retired in May of 2012. Zero regrets! I know when a chapter is closed. Moving on may be my greatest superpower! 

Looking back, what practices from your athletic years were worth keeping

and which were better left behind?

Determination, focus, resilience and passion/ worth keeping. Obsession, low self worth, emotionally vulnerable... worth leaving behind. 

How do you define holistic wellness now, compared to when your life

revolved around performance metrics?

Entirely different. I'm very private. My husband and my children are my number one priority. I set them up for success in the day, in life and love them fiercely. That brings me the most joy!

What is your typical daily wellness routine?

After getting the girls to school I get the chores done listening to whatever inspires me.... sometimes it's alternative financial news (creating generational wealth is my passion) a reading from a goddess membership I am a part of, or just some nice music. Then I workout at home either Pilates or weights. I walk my dog Leo and then shower, use all your delicious products and then do my makeup. I usually go to my little downtown for lunch as I'm very busy in the evenings taking my girls to horse lessons. 

How do you incorporate Naturallogic products into your wellness routine?

Morning and night I use your delicious products! I love the texture and smells and so happy they soothe my sensitive skin. I had a hard time finding facial oils that didn't break me out, yours are divine!

What is your current favorite Naturallogic product?

The green oil (Rarefy)! The cult classic. A makeup artist turned me onto it.... it's so delicious!

What are some simple yet effective daily habits you recommend for someone

just beginning their wellness journey?

Speak kindly to yourself. Your body listens. Consume only what brings you true joy, food, media etc. Your frequency is your greatest currency. Spend your energy and time wisely. Have beauty rituals! Enjoy pampering yourself with delicious products like Naturallogic and remember you can always start over. Any minute! Consciousness is key to perception and our perception creates our reality. Your mind is YOUR mind, enjoy this life!