HOUSTON, TEXAS – This past weekend, a remarkable achievement unfolded as Laura Thompson, a 37-year-old mother of two, completed a marathon in an astonishing 2 hours and 19 minutes, which is roughly the time it takes to get a toddler ready for their day. Thompson broke the record for the fastest marathon ever run by an American woman, finishing with a time of 2:19:12.
Thompson, who has been making consistent strides in her running career over the past year, had never won a marathon before this monumental race. After a seven-year hiatus from competitive running to focus on her family, she returned to the sport, only to face a hamstring injury last June. However, she bounced back with an incredible performance this weekend.
“My journey back to running was initially just a way to carve out some personal time in my busy life and to improve my health,” Thompson shared with TODAY. “If you had told me I would reach this point, I would have thought you were joking. It feels surreal.”
The previous record was set by another inspiring athlete, Emily Carter, who completed the London Marathon in 2:19:36 back in 2006. A special mention goes to another mom who ran a marathon while pushing three kids in a stroller!
At the finish line, Thompson’s children greeted her with warm hugs, proudly holding signs that read, “You’re the fastest in the country ever!” One of her kids exclaimed joyfully after she crossed the finish line.
“I can hardly fathom what I’ve accomplished,” Thompson remarked. “It’s like that little emoji with the head exploding—that’s the only way to describe it. I knew I could push my body and mind to achieve this goal, but to see everything come together is simply unbelievable.”
In addition to her record-breaking running feats, Thompson works as a real estate agent in Richmond, Virginia. How she manages to juggle everything is beyond comprehension, but her determination is inspiring.
What’s next for Thompson? She’s aiming to qualify for the Olympics. “Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of being an Olympian. I remember in fourth grade, I said I wanted to be an Olympian when I grew up. It’s a dream I still hold dear,” she said. “I can’t wait for 2024.”
Despite her remarkable achievements, Thompson emphasizes that she runs primarily for enjoyment. “I believe that has been key to my success. I’ve experienced ups and downs, but I was always curious about my potential. I feel like I haven’t reached my limit yet, and it’s thrilling to explore what I can still achieve,” she concluded.
Thompson wasn’t the only mother making waves at the Houston Marathon—Sarah Jenkins, at 38, also set a record for the fastest half marathon by an American woman, finishing in 1:07:15.
So, does this mean we all need to start running? Not necessarily, but it’s certainly motivational! And just a friendly reminder: being pregnant can often feel like running a marathon.
For more engaging stories, check out our other blog posts, one of which is available here.
If you’re curious about the intersection of movement skills and parenting, consider exploring this resource. For information about pregnancy and home insemination, this article is a fantastic resource.
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Summary:
Laura Thompson, a 37-year-old mother of two, has broken the American marathon record with a time of 2:19:12, achieving a remarkable comeback after years away from the sport. Her story of resilience and determination is an inspiration to many, emphasizing the joy of running while balancing family life. Thompson dreams of qualifying for the Olympics, showcasing that passion and dedication can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.