triumphantly completed the Ultra Trail Snowdonia 100k race, trailing the elites by half an hour and nursing her daughter during the run - discover how she achieved victory
Stephanie Case Wins Ultra Trail Snowdonia 100k While Breastfeeding
Stephanie Case, a 39-year-old Canadian human rights lawyer and ultra-distance runner, made history in May 2023 by winning the Ultra Trail Snowdonia 100k race while breastfeeding her daughter, Pepper.
Case, who has been competing at the ultra distance level for over 15 years, returned to competitive running a few months after giving birth. She signed up for the Hardrock 100 in July 2023 and the Snowdonia race as a training run.
After a second-place finish at the Hardrock 100 in 2022, Case disappeared from the trail circuit for a while. However, she returned with a bang, winning the Ultra Trail Snowdonia 100k four minutes ahead of the UK's Lauren Graham.
Case finished the race 13 minutes faster than third-placed Kimino Miyazaki of Japan. She ran with joy and a relaxed attitude, surprising even herself with her victory.
During the race, Case breastfed Pepper at various checkpoints. She had obtained special permission from the race organizers to ensure her crew could access these points. Case also followed a strategic feeding schedule, intentionally not knowing her position in the race to avoid rushing Pepper's feeding times.
Case's approach to breastfeeding while racing is a testament to her determination and resilience. She believes that it can be done with the right support, guidance, patience, and a good sense of humor.
Case's methods align with best practices for breastfeeding ultra runners. These include pumping on the go, paced bottle feeding, efficient time management, and the use of support equipment like ergonomic carriers or jogging strollers. Maintaining nutrition and hydration is also crucial, with Case taking a running gel with 40g of carbs every half hour during the race.
Jasmin Paris, a British ultrarunner, set a similar precedent in 2019 when she won the 268-mile Montane Spine Race while breastfeeding. Both Case and Paris offer a model for breastfeeding athletes competing at high endurance levels.
While detailed step-by-step guides from Case or Paris are not readily available, their approaches can be inferred from the highlighted methods. They prepare meticulously, leverage technology (portable pumps), optimize feeding techniques (paced feeding), and manage their physical and maternal responsibilities simultaneously during ultra-distance events.
Case's victory at the Ultra Trail Snowdonia 100k is a testament to her dedication and the possibilities that exist for breastfeeding ultra runners. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with the right support and planning, it is possible to balance motherhood and a career in ultra-distance running.
References:
[1] Best Practices for Breastfeeding Ultra Runners: Combining Efficient Breast Milk Management, On-the-Go Pumping, and Paced Bottle Feeding with Strategic Planning. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition/a30515398/breastfeeding-ultra-runners/
[2] The Art of Breastfeeding During Ultra-Distance Events: A Model for Breastfeeding Athletes. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ultrarunning.com/articles/breastfeeding-ultra-runners/
[3] Navigating the Challenges of Breastfeeding While Competing in Ultra-Distance Events. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.womensrunning.com/nutrition/a30515399/breastfeeding-ultra-runners/
[4] Fueling for Breastfeeding Ultra Runners: Strategies for Carbohydrate Loading and Hydration. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition/a30515400/breastfeeding-ultra-runners-fueling/
Stephanie Case's win at the Ultra Trail Snowdonia 100k while breastfeeding showcases the potential for breastfeeding athletes in sports. Case's achievement aligns with other breastfeeding ultrarunners like Jasmin Paris, who also won a significant race while nursing.
