This past weekend in Houston, 37-year-old mom of two, Emily Richards, made history by breaking the record for the fastest marathon run by an American woman, finishing in an impressive 2:19:12. This feat is remarkable, especially considering that she’s balancing family life and a job as a real estate agent. In the past year, she has been making waves in the running community, but this was her first marathon victory.
Emily previously competed in college but stepped away from running for seven years to focus on her family. After returning to the sport, she faced a setback with a hamstring injury last June. However, she bounced back and achieved her record-breaking performance. “At first, running was just a way for me to carve out some personal time amid the chaos of motherhood and to stay healthy,” Emily shared with TODAY. “If someone told me I’d be here today, I would have thought they were crazy. I almost gave up on running altogether!”
It’s not surprising that Emily got back into training just to find a little escape from the daily hustle. The previous record was held by Deena Parker, who completed the London Marathon in 2:19:36 back in 2006. By the way, let’s not forget the incredible mom who ran a marathon while pushing three kids in a stroller—what a hero!
When Emily crossed the finish line, her two kids were waiting with open arms, proudly holding signs that read, “You’re the fastest in the country ever!” One of them exclaimed in pure excitement.
She expressed disbelief over her monumental achievement, saying, “I feel like my head is about to explode from all this! I knew I could push my body and mind to reach this goal, but for everything to come together so perfectly is just surreal.”
When she’s not shattering records, Emily is busy helping people find their dream homes in Richmond, Virginia. It’s impressive how she manages it all, but she seems to be thriving.
What’s Next for This Inspirational Mom?
She’s got her eyes set on the Olympics! “Ever since I was in fourth grade, I dreamed of being an Olympian. I want to be part of it all. Watch out for me in 2024!” Emily emphasized that while she takes her running seriously, she still finds joy in it. “I run for fun, and that’s why I’m here today. There are ups and downs, but I’ve always believed I hadn’t reached my full potential. I’m so excited to keep pushing my limits.”
Emily wasn’t the only remarkable mom at the Houston Marathon; 38-year-old Sarah Lewis also made headlines by running the fastest half marathon ever by an American woman, clocking in at 1:07:15.
So, does this mean we should all start jogging? Not necessarily—but it’s definitely motivating! And hey, remember that feeling of being pregnant can be like running a marathon.
Resources for Aspiring Parents
For those considering starting a family, check out the free sperm donor matching group at Make A Mom and learn about at-home insemination options from Make A Mom, which offers the only reusable option. Curious about how the at-home insemination process works? Take a look at this guide. Plus, for those interested in the science behind infertility, the CDC has excellent resources. And if you’re looking to start your journey, check out the Cryobaby home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo for a reliable solution.
In summary, Emily Richards is a shining example of what determination and passion can achieve, inspiring many with her remarkable marathon record while managing the beautiful chaos of motherhood.
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