Insights on training during pregnancy with Allie Gibbons

In our latest Insight Series, we went deep with professional ultra runner and mom-to-be, Allie Gibbons. She opened up about her recent achievements and how pregnancy has shaped her training and her life overall. From life lessons to words of encouragement, Allie shares her hard-earned wisdom on pursuing goals, pushing yourself, listening to your body, and staying inspired. Keep reading to experience her unparalleled insights on going the extra mile(s). 

Winning 1st place female in a 300-mile race through the Atacama Desert and doing it while 22 weeks pregnant is incredible. What did this achievement feel like in the moment, and what does it mean to you now?

In the moment, it felt quiet but powerful. Deep and steady. Mile after mile in the desert, feeling my baby move while my body kept going, this was so much bigger than a race. It was proof that strength is not just physical. It's trust. Trust in your body, your instincts, and your purpose. And knowing my strong little girl was there every step of the way made it feel sacred in a way I couldn't have imagined. It wasn't just my effort anymore. It was ours.

Now, it means even more. It showed me that life doesn't pause when things get hard or uncertain. Sometimes the most powerful moments come when you lean in, not back. Winning mattered, but what stayed with me was the reminder that we are capable of far more than we think, even in seasons that feel unknown.

How has pregnancy shifted the way you move, train, or care for yourself?

Pregnancy forced me to listen. Really listen. Not to pace charts or expectations, but to my body. Some days strength means pushing. Some days it means slowing down. I train with more intention now. More patience. More respect for recovery, fueling, and rest. I used to measure success by output. Miles, pace, performance. Now I measure it by connection. How present I am. How supported my body feels. How well I care for the life growing inside me while still honoring the athlete I am.

What lessons from training for this race apply to pregnancy, motherhood, or life?

You can't rush endurance. Whether it is a 300-mile race, pregnancy, or raising a child, it's built in small, steady steps. Show up. Stay patient. Keep going when things feel uncertain.

Another lesson is adaptability. Plans change. Bodies change. Conditions change. The strongest person isn't the one who controls everything. It is the one who adjusts and keeps moving forward.

And maybe the biggest lesson is trust. Your body knows more than your fear does.

The most surprising lesson about your body, mindset, or capability?

How strong and intelligent the body really is. Pregnancy did not make me fragile. It made me aware. Aware of how much my body can hold, create, and sustain. Mentally, I learned that limits are often stories we inherit, not truths we live. When you stop listening to fear and start listening to yourself, everything changes.

What are you most looking forward to in this next chapter?

Watching life through new eyes. Slowing down in the right ways. Building a family while still chasing my wildest goals. Showing my child that strength can look like many things. Grit, softness, courage, patience. I'm excited to grow into a new version of myself. Not leaving behind who I was, but expanding it.

Who or what has been your biggest source of encouragement?

My husband, Sam. Steady, grounded, always believing in me even when things feel uncertain. My team and close circle who remind me I don't have to do everything alone. And honestly, my baby girl. Feeling that tiny life move during some of the hardest miles reminded me why I keep going. Support doesn't have to be loud. Sometimes it's just knowing you are not alone.

What inspires you most to stay motivated?

Possibility. The idea that we don't have to live small or safe if that isn't who we are. I'm inspired by growth. By pushing past what once felt impossible. By becoming stronger, deeper, more resilient through every season of life. And now, I'm motivated by the example I want to set. Strength, courage, and belief in what's possible.

Advice for expecting parents who want to incorporate more movement?

Start simple. You don't need perfect conditions or a perfect plan. Just begin. Move in ways that feel good and sustainable. Listen to your body, not fear or outside noise. Movement isn't about performance. It's about connection, health, and confidence. Even small steps matter. Consistency matters more than intensity. And most importantly, trust yourself. Your body is working for you, not against you.

Allie Gibbons is a professional ultra runner and mom-to-be. Stay connected with Allie through her Instagram handle @alliegibbons_ (opens in a new tab)

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