During past ultramarathons, Stephanie Case often found herself eagerly waiting for the chance to enjoy a cold Coca-Cola and a slice of pizza at the aid stations. However, during this month’s 100km (62-mile) Ultra-Trail Snowdonia, Case had to prioritize her baby’s needs over her own.

“Typically, when I race, I get into a competitive mindset, aiming to minimize downtime at checkpoints. But this time was different because I didn’t want to rush my daughter, Pepper,” shared Case, a 42-year-old human rights lawyer.

“I aimed to balance my racing instincts with my role as a mother, allowing Pepper to feed as she pleased without feeling hurried,” she added.

While breastfeeding her six-month-old daughter, Case mentioned, “I was just spending time with Pepper, who was a bit fussy. I started bouncing with her while trying to eat, which felt completely normal as a mother. It was part of my routine.”

Pepper turned out to be a fortunate charm for Case, leading her to victory in her first race since giving birth and her first competition in three years. She began the race 30 minutes later than the other runners, yet completed it in an impressive 16 hours, 53 minutes, and 22 seconds, even with extended breaks factored into her finish time.

This accomplishment marked her return to running after facing multiple miscarriages and undergoing three rounds of IVF. During those challenging times, running, which had been a source of joy for over a decade, transformed into a source of guilt while she worked with the UNRWA in Jerusalem.

A Canadian native, Case currently resides in Chamonix, France. She became pregnant three years prior after finishing second in the Hardrock 100, a grueling 102-mile endurance race through the San Juan Range of southern Colorado.

“I was planning a celebration in my Amman apartment when I discovered I was pregnant. It was a wonderful surprise, which unfortunately ended in miscarriage. This led to questions about whether my running contributed to the loss,” she recounted.

“There’s no conclusive medical evidence to support that, but it did shift my perception of running. I was desperate to be pregnant again, so I significantly reduced my running.”

After facing a second miscarriage, concerns arose regarding whether her stressful job contributed to her loss. “Running was my outlet for stress, so it felt like a no-win situation,” she expressed.

Following her third round of IVF, Case welcomed Pepper in November 2024. While pregnant, her running was limited.

Cleared to resume running six weeks postpartum, she rekindled her passion for the sport, aided by her midwife and running coach, the five-time national ultrarunning champion, Megan Roche.

“Getting back outside and reconnecting with my running identity was crucial for my physical and mental well-being during this vulnerable postpartum time,” she stated. “Many women face physical and mental challenges regarding their identities and self-worth during this period.”

“It’s vital for new mothers to prioritize activities that help them feel like themselves, and for me, that was running,” she added.

Upon finishing the race in the rugged Eryri National Park and reuniting with her husband, John, and her daughter, Case was pleasantly surprised to learn that she had achieved first place, finishing just minutes ahead of the second-place runner.

“I was relieved not to know my standing during the race, as that would have added pressure. Ultimately, I had a fantastic time just running based on how my body felt, being unaware of my ranking,” she commented. “I knew it was past Pepper’s bedtime, but it was a wonderful experience. I look forward to showing her the photos of what we accomplished together.”

While many have praised her achievement, Case, who is documenting her fertility struggles and running experiences, is aware of some social media criticism suggesting she sets an “impossibly high standard” for new mothers.

“I want to encourage people to allow themselves the space and grace to navigate motherhood in their unique ways,” she expressed. “For me, running was incredibly beneficial, but for others, it might not be the best option. The ultimate message is that mothers shouldn’t feel they have to sacrifice their dreams to embrace motherhood.”