Since her school days, Julia Webb has been running competitively.
So when the Olympic steeplechase trials came up a few months ago, she decided to try out for them – despite having only given birth to her second daughter Paula a few months prior!
Unfortunately, she didn’t manage to qualify, but she didn’t let that put her off running and set herself a different goal.
She would try to break the world record for a half-marathon run by a stroller-pushing mum.
Lindsy James from the UK set the record last month at 1:27:34, so Julia had her work cut out for her.
But incredibly, she beat it!
On July 17th, she lined up at the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon with her nine-month-old daughter in a running stroller.
In the run-up to the race, she fit in plenty of practice, taking baby Paula out on her runs three times a week.
And on the big day, despite a few gusty gales threatening to slow her down, Julia did herself proud, running at a 1:22 finish - four minutes faster than the record.
“I felt great,” she told Today. “Paula fell asleep for a little bit and woke up for a couple of miles. She was completely happy in there. I hope it encourages other moms.”
Wow. That’s no mean feat. Well done Julia and Paula!
