On both the pro and community levels, mother runners are having a moment.
We talked to athletes on how things are better than everbut can still improve.
But five years later, the running world looks very different.
One of the most notable today isElle Purrier St. Pierre.
She was joined in Paris by fellow new momMarisa Howard, who competed in the steeplechase.
Additionally, USATFrecently expandedhealthcare coverage for postpartum athletes.
founder of the advocacy organization&mother, former pro runner, and Olympian
This shift in the industry is trickling down to everyday runners, too.
Its not just races making changes.
And for moms whose shoe size changes during pregnancy, Felixs running shoe brandSayshhas started offering maternity returns.
But it could foster healthy habits in their kids, too.
By making running more accessible for mothers, multiple generations benefit.
Why is this happening now?
Others, like Gracey, are leading by example and embracing their identities as both mothers and runners.
Case in point: After St. Pierres record-breaking mile, much of themainstreamcoverage highlighted the age of her son.
Theres also simplymore women running today, creating pressure to get what they need to participate.
founder of the advocacy organization&mother, former pro runner, and Olympian
If we want to keep leveling up, we want to make it accessible for women, she says.
And this is a huge, huge part of it because your competitive years are also your childbearing years.
For starters, a lack of accessible childcare is a major hurdle.
When we sign these contracts, its like any business, right?
Theres budget for physio.
Theres budget for travel.
And I would love to see a budget for childcare, she says.
Gracey and Howe both wish for better access to postpartumpelvic floor physical therapy.
That would help prevent a lot of longer-term issues.
The good news is that change is happening, and many leaders in the space are receptive to it.
Montano hopes that changes made in the running space will have an impact beyond sports, too.
Were using sports as our podium moment to do this across society.
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