Episode 26: Brigid Pickett on Training Through Pregnancy and Running Her First 100 Miler
by Nikki Parnell — September 25, 2020 — 📸: Chadwick Photography
This week we talk with Brigid Pickett, an ultra running mom of two, a running-through-pregnancy inspiration and the first pregnant cover model for Runners World Magazine. She also just tackled her first 100 mile race this past July so we get to hear all about that! She recently moved to Boston from the southern Arizona Huachuca mountains and tells us about big city life and the adjustments she’s had to make as a trail runner. As she’s describing the good and bad parts of living in a city, I can tell that her family’s lifestyle of moving around a lot (her husband was in the army) really has helped her appreciate a place or season for what it is while realizing that it’s all temporary; the hard parts won’t last forever — which would serve one well in ultras!
Brigid ran her first 50 miler last year and then progressed distances by jumping to a 100k next and a 100 miler after that (Palisades 100 in Idaho)! That’s a steady build up and a great way to check off some goal boxes! Each year her husband and two older brothers pick a 100 mile race to do and it becomes a family vacation. Her parents come out to watch the kids and the ladies crew and pace their guys. So cool. This year Brigid was ready to give the distance a try and her husband, Jeff, paced her for the last 50 miles. Running through the night sounded tough — she kept getting mesmerized by her husbands shoes as he stepped and led her down the trail, falling asleep on her feet. She finished that race and learned how she can “get to a point where I feel like I have nothing left and want nothing more than to quit but if I keep taking a step forward I can do it, I can keep going.”
We talk about her and her husband’s dynamic as pacers for each other. They’ve both gotten each other to the finish lines of big races, but I was curious about how it works because it can be so challenging to know how best to encourage your runner when they’re in the pain cave (tough love? empathy? What’s going to get them to the finish?) I’d also like to point out that Brigid paced Jeff during the last 10 miles of IMTUF 100 (a very difficult race) while she was 31 WEEKS PREGNANT!! Mind blown. I love how they work together and accomplish these events side by side.
Brigid shares some of her experience with running through pregnancy and gives some great perspectives on how to appreciate running while pregnant — viewing it as a gift instead of a burden, not dwelling on all the negative changes you notice in your body and again, know that it’s not going to last forever so try to enjoy it. On her last pregnancy, she ran the full 40 weeks and during that time was featured in Runner’s World –check out the article in the show notes below!
We loved our time with Brigid, she brought such a light and calming presence to us and tons of inspiration and wisdom. Click the link below to listen or find this episode by searching “Run Hard Mom Hard” on all podcast platforms! Don’t forget to subscribe and share this one with your mom tribe!
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Show Notes:
Find Brigid on Instagram
Check out Brigid’s Jewelry business – Plume Handmades!
Brigid on the Cover of Runner’s World
Brigid’s Favorite Race: Palisades Ultra Trail Series 100 Miler
Brigid’s Favorite Meal: Sushi Salad!
- Cook brown rice & let chill
- Start with spinach or romaine as base
- Add salmon (smoked, grilled, or whatever you choose)
- Add fresh veggies: edamame, avocado, shredded carrot, sliced cucumber, chopped green onion
- Top with nori cut into strips
- Add soy sauce, sriracha, or make your own dressing
That’s it! If you enjoy this podcast, consider supporting Treeline Journal by signing up for our free weekly Rise & Grind Newsletter or becoming a patron through Patreon for as little as $2 a month! Thank you for your support!