Professional distance and marathon runner Neely Spence Gracey has been a competitive runner since she was in her teens and running has been a part of her life since she was born: both of her parents were competitive runners, and her father was an internationally competitive marathoner.

In recent years, however, Neely's running focus and motivation has shifted, in large part because she began to balance new priorities. In addition to remaining committed to being an elite level competitor, Neely wanted to become a mom.

This story follows Neely's running career from the high highs of her phenomenal 2016 debut in the marathon, through to today, including becoming the mother of two boys, Rome and Athens.

Her journey has been full of ups and downs, but as the uncertainties that come with pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding have come to pass, Neely finds herself appreciating running in new ways and finding competitive fun in unexpected places.

Along the way, Neely has set a world record in the stroller mile, she's had some epic races at Disney World, and she's earned her way into Olympic Trails Marathon, which will happen February 3, 2024.

Keep Up with Neely Spence Gracey

Instagram: @neelysgracie

Twitter: @neelysgracey

Mentioned in This Episode

Breakthrough Women's Running: Dream Big and Train Smart by Neely Spence Gracey and Cindy Kuzma

Starting Line 1928 podcast

JAMBAR energy bars

WRS episode: Jennifer Maxwell: Running to Her Own Beat

WRS episode: Maegan Krifchin: An Epic Marathon PR Story

Ways to Connect and Engage with Women's Running Stories

Instagram: @womensrunningstories

Twitter: @WomenRunStories

Website: womensrunningstories.com

Email host Cherie: [email protected]

Women's Running Stories is a member of the Evergreen network: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/

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