A few weeks ago, I came across the headline: “Mom Wins 100K Ultramarathon While Breastfeeding Her Baby.” I stopped scrolling and smiled – FINALLY, some proper headlines. If you missed the story, it was about human rights lawyer and ultra runner Stephanie Case, who just recently won the 100K Ultra Trail Snowdonia—a rugged, mountainous race through Wales, known for its relentless climbs and technical terrain.
But the part that kept me in amazement?
She started 30 minutes behind the elite runners— even with this disadvantage, she overtook the entire women’s field.
Stephanie was 6 months postpartum with her first child after suffering IVF failures and multiple miscarriages.
She CONTINUED to do it while managing to stop at aid stations to breastfeed her daughter.
Stephanie didn’t just win. She blew the minds of many ultra runners and moms.
I found her post about motherhood to be so relatable. There are so many assumptions about becoming a mom – about giving up some of your lofty dreams to give more to your children. And for some, that IS their dream, and that’s admirable. But, as Stephanie Case put it so beautifully, “we need to remove the pressure and provide more support.” Some moms still want their best adventures, most badass athletic feats, and strongest overall fitness to be – POST baby.
Here is her quote from her winning post.
“Whether you are thinking of being a mom, are pregnant, or are a new mom yourself, don’t be afraid to keep setting big goals for yourself. Everyone has an opinion about what new moms should or shouldn’t be doing, and that doesn’t open up a lot of space for “out there” ideas like running an ultra. Should I spend this much time away from my baby? Is it harmful for my body? What about my milk supply? … we need to work together to remove the pressure in the first place and provide more support.”
Stephanie’s performance was a powerful symbol. A reminder that postpartum women are still athletes, capable, still fierce. It also highlighted how far we still have to go in terms of equal opportunity, visibility, and support for mothers in sport.
When Racing 100k Isn’t Built for Mothers
Stephanie’s win didn’t happen in a vacuum—it followed years of advocacy from women like Sophie Power, another ultra running powerhouse who made headlines back in 2018 for completing the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc while stopping mid-race to breastfeed her 3-month-old son. She hadn’t planned on running so soon after giving birth, but the race had no pregnancy deferral policy. It was to run the race or lose her hard-earned spot.
That now-iconic photo of Sophie breastfeeding in an aid station mid-race didn’t just go viral because of grit—it brought attention to a subject that needed some modernization. Since then, Sophie has worked tirelessly to push for more inclusive policies in endurance sports, including pregnancy and postpartum deferrals, better sponsorship protections, and actual infrastructure for mothers in sport.
So when Stephanie Case lined up (30 minutes behind, no less), with a feeding schedule and a game plan, she wasn’t just running for herself—she was running through the doors women like Sophie helped pry open.
These Women Aren’t “Bouncing Back”—They’re Building Forward
Stephanie. Sophie. Serena. Allyson. Kiera. We’ve seen time and again: strength doesn’t vanish when a woman gives birth—it transforms.
And most recently? CrossFit legend Tia-Clair Toomey, the six-time Fittest Woman on Earth, returned to the competition floor just nine months postpartum—and won the North America East Semifinal. She trained with intention through pregnancy, gave birth to her daughter, and came back with a strategy rooted in experience, recovery, and fierce commitment to herself and her goals.
These stories aren’t exceptions. They’re the new blueprint.
And while not every mom is out here racing ultramarathons (although more are than you’d think!), you don’t need a race bib to reclaim your strength. It’s in the first bodyweight squat that reconnects you to your legs. The early morning walk before the household wakes. The quiet ten minutes you claim for yourself to feel like yourself again.
Reclaiming Strength
Stephanie’s story reminded me of my path. I didn’t line up for a 100K—but I did return to movement with curiosity and caution. The first time I picked up a barbell again, it felt like I was meeting a new version of myself. My core was wobbly, and my breathing was different. My strength had shifted. But it wasn’t gone – it was waiting for me to welcome it with kindness, grace, and understanding.
With each rep, each breath, I built forward. I wasn’t chasing my old numbers—I was honoring a new body, one that had done something wild and hard and miraculous. I let go of the idea of “bouncing back” and focused on rebuilding—patiently, persistently, proudly. And now? Now, I am stronger than I have ever been.
Let’s Keep Redefining Strong
Stephanie’s win—and Sophie’s advocacy—remind us that strength isn’t about being unchanged. It’s about showing up changed and doing it anyway.
If you’re in your season of rebuilding—postpartum, post-injury, post-burnout—I see you. You’re not behind. You’re on your way. And whether your version of a race win is making it through a workout without leaking (which at 20-month postpartum still happens), or finally getting through a day feeling like the new you—it all counts.
You don’t need to win a race to prove your strength.But if you do happen to crush a 100K while breastfeeding —and start behind the elites—just know, we’ll be screaming your name at the finish line.