Mother runner overcomes postpartum barriers to run fastest marathon yet #motherrunner

Have you ever felt like taking a pause in your running journey was holding you back? If so, you won’t want to miss this empowering conversation with Erica Hopper. In this episode, we explore how these breaks can transform into opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.

I’ve known Erica for many years, and while our paths diverged for a bit, we reconnected when we both signed up for the Chicago Marathon this past fall. I was blown away by her incredible running journey, which inspired me to invite her onto the show.

At 40, Erica achieved a remarkable marathon personal record of 2:57 in Chicago, shattering her previous best of 2:58—set 15 years earlier! Just a year prior, she was navigating the challenges of postpartum life with her fourth child and struggling to shed the baby weight. Erica made a pivotal change that she credits for her breakthrough, and we dive into what that transformation entailed.

In addition to her running accomplishments, Erica has launched a new business, Fueled Up Kitchen, dedicated to providing moms and their families with nutritious, wholesome meals. With her background as a seasoned pastry chef, food stylist, and food blogger, she’s well-equipped to guide others on their culinary journey.

Some topics we chat about:

🌀how she fits in her high-volume training

🌀the big shift she made to have her marathon breakthrough

🌀the power of pauses to redirect your life,

🌀and the lessons her running is teaching her kids.

Erica is just getting started. As a busy mom of four young kids and now 41, she’s not only pushing the limits of her running as she trains for her 20th marathon but also paving a new career path to inspire and uplift fellow mothers.

Join us for this uplifting episode that showcases the resilience of mothers who run!

Follow Erica on IG: @fueledupkitchen!

BONUS MEAL PREP TIPS at Patreon.com/themotherrunners.