Breaking Barriers: A Conversation with Endurance Runner Sophie Power

Business of Endurance

In this episode, Charlie and Claire welcome ultra marathon runner, Sophie Power, as she shares her unique experiences around pregnancy and racing. Sophie caught the world's attention when a photo of her breastfeeding during the UTMB race went viral.

She explains the story behind the photo, revealing the roadblocks she faced from race organisers due to her pregnancy and the subsequent impact on her decision to run the UTMB race with her three-month-old baby.

Additionally, Sophie discusses the stigmas and barriers women face in sports and as mothers, her advocacy work like she races, her struggles with regaining fitness after pregnancy, and the importance of setting personal and family goals. Sophie also shares her book recommendations to educate women about their bodies and their health as athletes.

Highlights:

• Discussing the Iconic UTMB Race Photo
• The Story Behind the Viral Photo
• Post-Pregnancy Training for a 106 Mile Mountain Race
• The Role of Women in Ultra Running
• The Impact of the Iconic UTMB Race Photo
• Barriers for Women in Sports
• Inclusive Changes in Race Policies
• Balancing Motherhood and Athletic Goals

Contact Sophie Power: LinkedIn | Website

Sophie Power is a remarkable British ultrarunner and a mother of three. Sophie's extraordinary journey in the world of ultrarunning has been a source of inspiration for many. Her fame skyrocketed when a photo of her breastfeeding her 3-month-old during the grueling 106-mile Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) went viral in 2018. This powerful image not only showcased her incredible determination but also highlighted the unique challenges faced by female athletes, especially mothers, in balancing the demands of endurance sports with family life. Sophie's experience has ignited important conversations about the inclusion and support of women in endurance sports, advocating for greater equality and facilities for mothers. Beyond her athletic prowess, she is a beacon of empowerment, encouraging women to maintain an active lifestyle for both physical and mental health. Despite the demands of motherhood and work, Sophie has recently returned to running postpartum and has released a film documenting her journey. In this episode, we delve into Sophie's experiences with racing while breastfeeding, her ongoing campaign for fairness in sport, and how she navigates the mental challenges of 24-hour races. Join us as we explore the resilient world of Sophie Power, a woman who runs not just races, but also a campaign for change in the world of sports.

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This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline

Chapters

1. Breaking Barriers: A Conversation with Endurance Runner Sophie Power (00:00:00)

2. The Power of Sophie (00:00:04)

3. Women in Sports and Racing Barriers (00:10:39)

4. Sports, Family, Work, Women, Tips (00:24:35)

5. Balancing Family and Training Stories (00:36:50)