Women's Running Stories is moving to Tuesdays; expect the next new episode Tuesday, April 30. This Friday episode is a re-air of a great story featuring running great Sally Kipyego. The episode first aired back in March 25, 2021, and it centers on Kipyego's return to competitive running after having her first child, and the journey to making the 2020 Olympic Marathon team.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Race Report: Emily Durgin + 2024 USAFT Olympic Marathon Trials: https://womensrunningstories.com/race-report-emily-durgin-2024-usatf-olympic-trials-marathon

Michelle Sikes: NCAA Champion, Author of Kenya's Running Women: A History: https://womensrunningstories.com/michelle-sikes-ncaa-champion-author-of-kenyas-running-women-a-history

Sally Kipyego is one of the fastest distance runners in the world, with a long resume of incredible performances. And, she also wanted to be a mom. This is her journey navigating pregnancy and returning to elite-level competition, just in time to compete at the historic 2020 US Women's Olympic Marathon Trials. 

Sally was born in Kenya and started running at a young age. She discovered early on that she had talent and a will be seek the ultimate limits of her potential. She had early success as a junior, and when she came to the United States and ran as a member of the Texas Tech cross-country and track team, she dominated by winning total of 9 NCAA championships. 

Sally turned pro after college, in 2010, and has been internationally competitive ever since. Among her many accomplishments, she placed 2nd in the 10,000 meter at the world championships in 2011 and 5th in 2015, and she won the silver medal at that distance in the 2012 London Olympics. During that time she was competing for her home country of Kenya, and in 2017, she became a US citizen. She currently calls Eugene, Oregon, home, and visits Kenya regularly.

In 2016, Sally decided the time had come to become a mom. This episode traces her experience going through pregnancy and the bumpy, uncertain journey returning to her job of elite running. And it all culminates at one epic race: the 2020 US Olympic Marathon Trials. 

Through Sally's experiences, we learn about patience, listening to your body, and honoring the reality that every single pregnancy journey is different. 

Follow Sally Kipyego on Instagram: @sallykipyego 

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Email host Cherie: [email protected]

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