Running Through Motherhood: Capturing Katie Follett's Journey as a Professional Athlete and Mom
Pregnancy is often portrayed as a time to slow down and step back—but what if it could also be a time to lean into your passion and identity? For professional runner Katie Follett, pregnancy became a testament to perseverance, strength, and the beauty of balancing athleticism with motherhood. As a middle-distance runner who competed on the international stage and proudly wore her Team USA uniform, Katie refused to let pregnancy sideline her dreams.
Katie Follett running while pregnant at 36 weeks.
In this blog, I’ll share what it was like to work with Katie during both of her pregnancies, documenting her journey through powerful, artistic maternity photography. From capturing her running in her USA team uniform to showcasing her workouts on the trail and in the studio, each session told the story of a woman embracing change without sacrificing her identity as an athlete. Her story, published in Outside Magazine, resonated with readers and inspired countless women to view pregnancy not as a limitation but as a source of strength.
Katie Follett: Professional Runner, Mom, and Inspiration
Katie Follett has spent years making her mark in professional running. As a multiple-time NCAA champion and Brooks-sponsored athlete, she competed at the 2018 World Indoor Championships, where she represented Team USA with pride and determination. Katie’s passion for running didn’t end when she started her journey into motherhood. Instead, it transformed, becoming a platform to inspire women navigating pregnancy and postpartum life.
Her ability to maintain her training regimen while pregnant defied expectations and sparked important conversations about what it means to be a professional athlete and a mom. With the support of Brooks, her sponsor, Katie demonstrated that motherhood and elite athletics can coexist, paving the way for more athletes to embrace both roles confidently.
Documenting Katie’s First Pregnancy: Strength in Motion
Our collaboration began during Katie’s first pregnancy in 2021. Her goal was clear—to showcase the beauty of pregnancy while honoring her identity as a runner. We planned a series of photoshoots that highlighted her strength and dedication.
On the Track and Trail
One of the first sessions took place on the track where Katie spent countless hours training. Wearing her Brooks racing kit and Team USA uniform, she embodied the grace and power of an elite runner. The imagery celebrated her ability to continue moving forward, even as her body changed.
In another session, we captured her running on a serene trail bathed in golden light. These images portrayed her connection to nature and movement, emphasizing how running remained an integral part of her journey into motherhood.
In-Studio Elegance
In the studio, we focused on capturing Katie’s form and silhouette. Using soft lighting and artistic angles, we highlighted the curves of pregnancy alongside the toned muscles of an athlete. These portraits combined elegance and strength, serving as visual reminders that motherhood doesn’t mean sacrificing personal identity—it enhances it.
Second Pregnancy: Sharing Her Story with Outside Magazine
Katie’s second pregnancy brought even more opportunities to inspire others. Her story, published in Outside Magazine, delved into the realities of running while pregnant. She spoke candidly about the physical and emotional challenges, as well as the triumphs of maintaining her athletic routine. The article highlighted her ability to adapt her training while honoring her body’s needs.
During this time, we captured new photos that complemented her story. One standout image features Katie running alongside fellow runner Tracy Roeser, both in their third trimester. The photo, set against a quiet trail, symbolizes resilience and the shared strength of pregnant athletes.
Katie Follett and Tracey Roeser showing how a baby bump doesn’t have to slow you down.
Katie’s article resonated deeply, encouraging women to trust their bodies and continue pursuing their passions during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend checking out her feature in Outside Magazine for an intimate look at her journey.
Running While Pregnant: Challenging Expectations
One of the most remarkable aspects of Katie’s story is how it challenges outdated expectations about pregnancy. For decades, women were told to avoid intense physical activity during pregnancy, but recent studies—and athletes like Katie—are proving otherwise. Running while pregnant is not only safe for most women but also incredibly empowering.
Katie’s dedication to training throughout both pregnancies demonstrates that motherhood and athleticism are not mutually exclusive. Instead, they can coexist in powerful and inspiring ways. Her images reflect this balance—strong, graceful, and unapologetically proud.
Katie in her Brooks sponsored race kit. 38 weeks of pregnancy was not enough to slow this mama down!
Empowering Women Through Art and Photography
Working with Katie reinforced my belief that maternity photography is about so much more than capturing physical changes—it’s about celebrating identity, resilience, and transformation. Whether on the track, trail, or in the studio, Katie’s portraits told a story of perseverance and beauty.
For any woman who has ever wondered whether she can continue pursuing her passions during pregnancy, Katie’s journey offers a resounding “yes.” It’s a reminder that your story is worth telling, and your body is worth celebrating.
Pregnancy is worth celebrating. Runner Katie Follett shows how pregnancy is an empowered stage of life.
A Call to Celebrate Your Own Journey
Whether you’re an athlete, an artist, or someone simply navigating the profound changes of pregnancy, your story matters. Professional maternity photography can help you capture this chapter in a way that feels authentic, empowering, and timeless.
If you’re ready to celebrate your strength and beauty during pregnancy, I’d love to help you create something extraordinary. Let’s work together to honor your journey—just like we did for Katie Follett.
Working with Katie Follett in 2021.
Final Thoughts
Katie Follett’s story is more than just one of athletic achievement—it’s a celebration of the intersection between motherhood and passion. Through her photoshoots, she showed that pregnancy isn’t a pause; it’s a continuation of the incredible work our bodies can do.
As a maternity photographer, it’s my privilege to tell stories like Katie’s—stories of strength, transformation, and beauty. Whether you’re an athlete, a professional, or someone who wants to honor this chapter in your life, I’m here to help you capture it.
Let’s celebrate your strength, your beauty, and your story—one stunning image at a time.
Ready to create something beautiful? Contact me today to schedule your maternity session.