Moms On The Run

WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM ELITE MOM RUNNERS

- Jonnah Perkins

There’s a breed of trail runner not only finishing out front at nationally competitive races, they’re raising their children along the way. The challenge of being a mom may not lend itself to the elite runner’s life, but this bold class of women is rewriting what it means to be a mother athlete.

Create your own values.

“People will judge you and you need to ignore that judgment. The outside pressure of what motherhood looks like doesn’t apply. You just need to do what’s right for you and your family. The longevity of my running is in large part due to taking time off for my pregnancies. Having built-in breaks has given me time to emotionally and physically take a step back. Respecting the cycle of our child-bearing years is so important as a mother in this sport.”

—JEN BENNA, 38, of Reno, Nevada, has raced over 50 ultras in the last 15 years. She has wins at Zion 100 and American River 50 as well as podium finishes at Leadville 100 and Angeles Crest 100. Benna has continued racing competitively while raising two children, now ages seven and three.