Real Stories of Challenge, Support, and Motherhood with Ultra Runner Amanda Basham

The Sonya Looney Show

Becoming a mother is a transformative experience, but for elite athletes like Amanda Basham, it also presents unique challenges when it comes to pursuing their dreams. I was honored to sit down with Amanda to hear her story of returning to competitive sports after having children and the profound lessons she's learned along the way.

Amanda is a professional trail runner and endurance coach with an inspiring path in the world of ultra running. We explore the profound changes in training, racing, and life schedules that come with becoming a mother, and Amanda shares her experiences returning to racing postpartum. From battling self-doubt to navigating the lack of support for postpartum athletes, Amanda sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles faced by mothers in athletics.

Together, we discuss strategies for managing disappointment, expectations, and the mental toughness required to persevere as both athletes and mothers. Plus, the complexities of co-parenting while pursuing elite sports, highlighting the importance of flexibility, communication, and self-care.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Returning to sports after having kids is very challenging both physically and mentally.
2. There is a lack of support for postpartum athletes from sponsors, races, and in general.
3. Having a positive mindset and not giving up can help overcome mental hurdles.
4. Flexibility and communication are needed to balance parenting and competing.
5. Sharing real stories of challenge and success can inspire and support other mothers.

LINKS

- Learn more about Amanda Basham's career- Watch my documentary for free: Benched - Listen to Work, Parent, Thrive with Yael Schonbrun - Check out my solo episode, Rethinking Competition - Cultivating an adaptive mindset on competition with Kim Perkins, PhD