“Be strategically lazy – it’ll help you do the happy thing for longer” says ultra star who made global headlines

Stephanie Case made headlines around the world earlier this year when she won the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia by UTMB just six months after giving birth to daughter Pepper. 

Her stunning feat was made all the more incredible by the fact she was forced to start the 103km race without an elite bib – having lost her trail-running ranking during the three years she was trying for a baby.

And she also stopped to breastfeed her daughter at aid stations around the course. 

Since then the Canadian, who works with the United Nations, has gone on to finish an impressive fifth at Hardrock 100 behind Katie Schide.

Starting to regroup

It’s a remarkable story – one she hopes will inspire other mums – and she posted a lovely message this week on her social channels which will also resonate with so many people.

She said: “After what felt like a pretty intense – wonderful, but intense – couple of months, I feel like I’m starting to properly regroup. Having a baby and then training up for @ultratrailsnowdonia and @hardrock100run at six and eight months postpartum was never going to be easy…. I am so grateful for the chance to train and run, but if I’m being honest, I also felt a bit of relief when they were over 😅

“When I came home to France after running those 100 miles in July in Colorado, I shut down the training plan. I let the mud on my running shoes dry, and pushed the protein powder to the back of the shelf (behind the giant bags of potato chips I bought). I watched crappy reality television, ate ice cream, and relished in unstructured days. I SLEPT…”

The drive and dreams are back

She added: “When we strive for big goals, and even when we succeed with flying colours, it can take a toll on the body and the mind. I love having plans, but sometimes we need to actively UNPLAN our days to give ourselves a break.

“I waited until I was excited to train again to really push. Today was the day. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel on my run when I started, but something clicked, and I got IT back. The drive. The dreams. The big goals.

“Do what makes you happy. But also be strategically lazy in spurts. It’ll help you do the happy thing for longer 😊”