Two-time Olympian Molly Huddle has proven that motherhood and marathon running can go hand in hand—especially when the course is designed with new moms in mind. Just six months after giving birth to her daughter, Louise, the 41-year-old elite runner laced up for the Every Woman's Marathon presented by Team Milk, a race built to welcome postpartum athletes back to the starting line.

"I knew I needed to do this," Huddle says. "I'm used to elite fields and chasing qualifying times, but this time was different. I wanted a challenge, but I also wanted to ease back into running on my own terms. This race gave me that."

What made the experience truly special weren't just the miles—it was the thoughtful details. Huddle noticed the course was "stroller-friendly," a small but game-changing feature for parents running with little ones. She also appreciated the breastfeeding accommodations, including dedicated lactation spaces at the expo and facilities to keep milk fresh and cold during the race.

"I was still nursing my daughter, so seeing those options meant everything," she shares. "It felt like a space for women created by women. You could tell the leadership was thinking about what we really need."

From extra bathroom stops (which Huddle happily used twice during the race) to a supportive atmosphere that encouraged new mothers to take their time, the marathon highlighted a growing movement in the running world: inclusivity for postpartum athletes.

For Huddle, the experience wasn't just about crossing the finish line—it was about showing other moms that running after childbirth is possible, and that the sport can adapt to support them every step of the way.