Episode 48: Caitlin Jacobsen – On Eating Disorder Recovery and Women Empowerment
by Nikki Parnell — March 19, 2021
This week we have the joy of talking with Caitlin Jacobsen, an ultra running mom of three and an Eating Disorder Recovery Coach who specializes in helping athletes in their healing process. We dive right in and cover so much ground, more than I could possibly mention in this minuscule write up. We hear about Caitlin’s beautiful story of childhood, how she grew up on the south side of Chicago with incredibly strong parents, her dad who had been blinded in an accident before Caitlin and her siblings were born and her mom who rose into an example of what it means to be a strong woman for her kids. It was humble beginnings and hardships but more so it was love, deep family bonds and resiliency that shaped Caitlin into who she is today.
Caitlin tells us about her personal journey through a traumatic collegiate running experience and an eating disorder, why those two things are so prevalent in our world, and the work that must be done to change this narrative. Within the realm of motherhood, we talk about how we can learn to embrace the changes our bodies go through and start shifting the cultural language of “bouncing back” to pre-baby body to letting ourselves move forward instead, recognizing we’re not the same person we were yesterday let alone the same woman we were before having a child, so why the need to go back? Caitlin gives us tips on how to role model body respect to our kids and conversations we can have with them if we see warning signs that they might be struggling with their body or food. Another theme we touch on is the importance of taking up our space as mothers and that we are strongest and bravest when we ask for help. Life is hard, motherhood is hard, trying to pursue our passions and run ultras amidst all of that is even harder and we can’t do it alone, nor do we need to. Also, I should mention that Caitlin spent many years as a professional (I’m naming her a professional) TRIPLE STROLLER runner and if that isn’t both shocking and impressive I don’t know what is! Those days are bitter-sweetly over for her but she’s moving onto 50 milers and 100 milers this year so the awe-inspiring feats continue!
Caitlin is self aware, reflective and thoughtful and she showered us with messages of empowerment and inspiration to keep running forward as the strong, confident and capable moms that we ALL are! Give this episode a listen by clicking the link below or searching “Run Hard Mom Hard” on your preferred podcast platform. Don’t forget to subscribe and share with the awesome women in your life!
Big thanks to our sponsor this week, ReCORE! ReCORE fitness helps women improve core and pelvic floor strength, stability and function through pregnancy and postpartum with strength programs, personal training and support bands like the Maternity FITsplint (helps mamas run through pregnancy) and the Post Natal FITsplint (helping mamas recover after having a baby). We personally LOVE the Maternity FITsplint and everything ReCORE is doing to empower women as they go through these major stages of life. You can go to recorefitness.com and use code “rhmh15” for 15% off FITsplints or instant access to PreCORE and ReCORE online programs!
Show Notes:
Find Caitlin on Instagram.
Check out Caitlin’s website Endurecovery and learn about her recovery coaching!
Caitlin also works for Opal: Food and Body Wisdom Eating Disorder Treatment Center in Seattle.
Favorite race: Bulldog 25k.
Favorite meal: Nachos – with toppings like cheese, shredded chicken, beans, scallions, green onions, guacamole, etc!
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