"Train for the race! Stay connected to you as a parent/individual. And eat all the carbs, especially if you’re still a mama cow!" - Rebecca Holstrom
Full name - Rebecca Holstrom
Hometown - Newcastle, CA
Current town - Portland, OR
Race PR’s pre mom - marathon 3:18:50, half 1:31:27
Race PR’s mom - marathon 3:15:21
Name / time / place of marathon race - Vernonia marathon, Vernonia Oregon April 2026
Training vs. training postpartum -
Main difference is that postpartum, running was my me time!! It’s such a privilege these days to get a good quality session in. Also, with my goal of a full marathon before a year postpartum, I had to trust the process and put ego aside more than I ever had while running. I was rebuilding my body and strength/endurance as a runner while dusting off old fitness that I knew was in there
Physical / mental training postpartum for marathon -
TRUST, and trying to let go of tying my self worth to a result! I really wanted that PR because I knew it left some speed potential on the table pre pregnancy due to a rough (hot) race, but if I’d been too hung up on a time, I wouldn’t have raced as gusty or fun of a marathon! I also had to eat a LOT, since I was still breastfeeding.
Positive / negative thoughts during postpartum training and the marathon race -
Negative thoughts were certainly there! Eating enough to fuel my training and breastfeeding was tough, because a big part of me was trying to chase pre baby aesthetic. I also had a few long runs or tough workouts that had me questioning if I’d ever get back to where I was- and that’s before you factor in the mom guilt! On the positive side I felt so empowered and proud of what my body can do, even after having my baby while nursing . I felt grateful for myself, my running, and that my son will grow up seeing a mother who makes time and space for herself when society do often expects moms to be fully self sacrificial. Training for this really helped me connect to who I am as a mother and as my own whole person, which of course is different than who I was before baby.
How long have you been running with Boulder Underground / Coach Tansey?
Just over two and a half years! We started working together in January 2024 for my Boston marathon build.
How did Coach Tansey guide you towards a postpartum marathon PR?
She was hugely instrumental in helping me let go of worrying about the little things! I’d start to sweat the small stuff, she’d laugh and help me zoom out. I would have way overtrained and burned myself out without Tansey. Most of all, a coach Tansey pep talk is pure GOLD- before a race or after a rough workout.
Any other thoughts to add about training pre/post motherhood? Any advice for future moms and/or existing moms?
Train for the race! Stay connected to you as a parent/individual. And eat all the carbs, especially if you’re still a mama cow!