Meet Sophie Power: The Super‑mom Who Beat 170 km While Breastfeeding
Sophie Power didn’t just conquer the Ultra Trail of Mont‑Blanc (UTMB)—she also swapped baby‑burps for mountain‑breaths. The 36‑year‑old, who’s already got two little detectives on her hip, clocked in a whopping 43 hours to finish the iconic 170 km trail. Meanwhile, she was on a mission to prove that motherhood can coexist with marathon madness.
How an Ultra‑Runner Becomes a Breast‑feeding Pro
- Start line essentials: Sophie picked up her tiny bundle, Cormac, and fed him right before she turned the corner. Talk about a “starter pit stop”!
- Aiding squad: Her band‑mate hand‑held a milk pump all the way to help stations, guaranteeing a steady supply of “live‑action” nourishment.
- Time sync: While most runners stare at the clock, Sophie was synced with Cormac’s three‑hour feeding rhythm—smaller intervals, but no less critical.
- Enjoying the view: When she finally crossed the finish line, the 3‑month‑old was happy, and the “old brother”, Donnacha, was already chewing his way through the Alps.
Breaking Boundaries—And the Rules of the Game
Prior to joining the UTMB crew, Sophie tried to defer her entry by telling organizers she was pregnant in 2014. Instead of a pass‑code, she received a stern reminder that “a choice” is what pregnancy means in the race world. She’s now sending a clearer message: race regulations should include new, realistic options for parents.
While the races are subtly shifting to be more inclusive for women, Sophie nailed the point with practical inspiration: “If Cormac can fit the mountain’s schedule, all of us can too.”
What She Learned on the Trail
“It took me 16 hours to reach the finishing line in the Alps, but it was worth every second because Cormac was finally ready for a hungry adventure!” Sophie concluded with a laugh, proving that even a 170‑kilometre trek can be topped with a baby’s giggle and a mother’s resilience.
Running, Babies, and Beautiful Peaks
When you’re juggling maternity leave, a wee one, and the 9‑to‑5 grind, you might think that running would fall to the wayside. But for one Londoner, motherhood has turned the sport on its head—and she’s loving it.
New Rules of the Road
Instead of sprinting to beat a time, she’s embracing a slower, more mindful pace. “I’m trading the clock for the view,” she says, waving at the valley from a trail in the Chilterns.
- Enjoy the scenery – not the little Google map that tells you how far you’ve gone.
- Take a break when you reach the summit, because a little “boom, you made it!” hashtag on Instagram is all the motivation you need.
- Keep the body moving, not just for fitness—because staying healthy is the real MVP around the baby boom.
Mom‑Enter‑The‑Game
While the advice during her pregnancy was all about “rest‑and‑rule” (with a side of comfort food), she found that staying active was the secret to feeling strong and confident. “I didn’t take a break I took a running break,” she jokes.
She’s found a “safety-first” approach: light training, balanced nutrition, and mental health support has become her go‑to playbook—good for her and her little one.
What’s Next?
With a baby in tow and a trail at hand, the future looks scenic. “I’m ready to dive into short, sweet races and savor each moment,” she says. Whether she’s pulling a stroller after the finish line or conquering a 10K in mom‑mode, it’s clear that the only thing she’s replacing is a stopwatch with a camera frame—and that’s a win.
