In this episode, we explore Sophie Power's incredible journey from self-professed anti-runner to ultra-runner and advocate for women in racing. Despite her initial reluctance towards running, Sophie discovered a passion for it at 26, leading her to tackle challenges like the Marathon des Sables (MDS) with only nine months of training.
Her journey wasn't without hurdles, especially as a mother of three. Yet, Sophie's dedication to running while pregnant sparked global attention, inspiring women everywhere.
Fuelled by her experiences, she founded SheRACES, aiming to make racing more accessible for women, advocating for pregnancy deferrals, and breaking barriers.
Sophie's resilience shines through, overcoming setbacks like a coma and memory loss. Her story embodies the power of belief and perseverance. Listen to Sophie now to learn more about her remarkable journey.
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Show notes
- Who is Sophie
- Being an anti-runner
- Not being sporty
- Discovering running at 26
- Being a good hiker and doing kick-boxing
- Ready to take on a new challenge
- Having 9 months to train
- Going from zero to ultra
- The planning and preparation for Marathon des Sables (MDS) in 2010
- Doing her own research and putting previous experience in planning and logistics to use.
- Enjoying running and why she does ultras
- Looking to find herself again
- Starting to travel and do adventures at the same time
- Working long hours and running 20 miles max per week
- Running while pregnant and why it was different every time
- The photo that went viral
- UTMB
- Not wanting to let her 3 year old down
- Not wanting other women to be in her position
- How She Races came about
- Why races should have pregnancy deferrals
- Wanting to reduce the barriers for women to encourage more women to race
- Surveying over 2,000 women about their barriers and wanting to understand what events can change
- Coming up with guidelines for races
- Not having any free time
- How people can support the work that She Races is doing
- Also focusing on cycling and triathlon
- Why women and girls deserve better
- Running for Team GB and her ultra runner journey
- Finding herself on the start line of the European championships in 24hr running
- Taking running more seriously after turning 40 and having 3 kids
- Training for a 24hr race
- The mental side of the challenge
- Recovery after races
- Nutrition and fuelling herself during races and recovery
- Being in a coma for 36 hrs
- Dealing with short term memory loss
- Going back to work too soon
- Running with a prolapse
- Mummy MOT
- Emma Brockwell - “why did no one tell me”
- How to connect with Sophie
- Final words of advice
- “Believe that you deserve it”
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