99 | Rachel Drake: Motherhood, Ultra Marathons, and Staying Positive

Welcome to another episode of Run Hard Mom Hard! Our guest, Rachel Drake, shares her insightful journey through pregnancy, postpartum, and her return to competitive trail running. As a professional athlete sponsored by Nike Trail, Osprey, and Spring Energy while simultaneously pursuing a Ph.D., Rachel opens up about the challenges and triumphs of being a mother, athlete, and student.

Key Takeaways:

1. Mom Guilt and Training: Rachel talks about the reality of mom guilt in training and balancing family life with her passion for running.
2. Training Through Pregnancy and Postpartum: She shares her experiences training during and after pregnancy, including dealing with injuries and adapting her routine.
3. Professional and Personal Balance: Rachel discusses how she balances her professional commitments with her personal life, emphasizing the importance of taking care of oneself.
4. Future Goals and Races: She shares her upcoming goals, including her aspiration to participate in the Western States 100 and her training approach for the Black Canyons race.

Notable Quotes:

1. "It's important to trust your body and intuition postpartum; don't rush the process." - Rachel Drake
2. "Having kids does make you a better athlete in a lot of different ways." - Rachel Drake
3. "It's okay not to 'bounce back'; embrace the journey of getting to know your new body." - Rachel Drake

Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Nike Trail: Nike Trail Running
• Osprey Packs: Osprey Running Packs
• Spring Energy: @spring_energy
• Rachel Drake's Instagram

Rachel Drake's story is a powerful testimony to the strength and resilience of mother-runners. Her journey offers valuable insights and inspiration to mothers who are navigating the complex world of parenting and pursuing their passions in running and beyond.

----------- Subscribe to Run Hard Mom Hard for more inspiring stories. Share your own experiences and thoughts on this episode using #RunHardMomHard on social media. Stay tuned for our next episode!