In this episode we get a chance to speak with Megan DeHaan, a mother, rancher, ultrarunner, and race director. Megan shares her unique journey from her first-ever race postpartum to directing the challenging Crazy Mountain 100 ultramarathon in Montana. Balancing life on a ranch with her passion for running, Megan discusses the realities of motherhood, ranch life, and the thrill of ultrarunning. Her story is a testament to the strength and resilience of running moms everywhere.

Key Takeaways:

1. Motherhood and Running: Megan highlights how running helped her combat postpartum depression and find a community.
2. Ranch Life: Insights into the demanding yet rewarding lifestyle of ranching in Montana, including balancing work with running and family life.
3. Ultramarathon Journey: From her first trail race to directing her own 100-mile race, Megan's ultrarunning story is filled with determination and adventure.
4. Race Directing Challenges: Behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to organize an ultramarathon in the rugged Montana mountains.
5. Community and Support: The importance of community in both the running and ranching worlds, showcasing how support systems are crucial for success.

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!

Nicole is a mom, dental hygienist, and passionate ultra runner. She has completed four 100-mile races in the last 2 years, including the Arkansas Traveler 100 where she set a new course record - beating Ann Trasons record! Nicole is definetely someone to keep your eye on because she's taking this sport to a new height

Nicole shares her journey as a mom and ultra runner, discussing how she got started in running and her transition to longer-distance races. She provides insights into her training and preparation for the Arkansas Traveler 100, where she set a new course record. Nicole also shares her experiences during the race, including the challenges she faced and the mental strategies she used to stay focused. She offers valuable advice for moms who want to get into ultra running, emphasizing the importance of finding balance and not comparing oneself to others.​

Key Takeaways:

• Nicole's love for running began in college and gradually evolved into a passion for longer-distance races.
• She prioritizes effort and fueling during both training and races.
• Nicole faced challenges with hydration and the urge to pee during the Arkansas Traveler 100.
• She recommends getting a coach and finding training partners to make the ultra-running journey more enjoyable.
• Nicole emphasizes the significance of not comparing oneself to others and finding joy in the process of running.

​**Quotes:**​-

• "No matter if you were winning or if you were dead last, do you still love it? Would you still be choosing this? And the answer is yes." - Nicole
• "You have to compete with the best to be your best." - Nicole
• "It's not about the pace, it's about the effort." - Nicole