Episodes
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Ali Pottinger is a runner and running coach through her business SquadRun. Ali's take on mental strength is from both the athlete and coaching perspective and she shares some amazing mental strength nuggets on the show including the danger of comparison, why you should show gratitude, how the context through which you views things shapes your mindset and why we should be kind to one another to increase your mental strength. Ali shares her take on dealing with negative self-talk and shares some powerful stories from athletes, women and men, who have achieved amazing feats. Ali also talks goal setting and reveals the one question you can ask yourself to find out how mentally strong you really are. Ali is one of the most positive people I've had the pleasure of talking to on Mental Strength Conversations. It's pretty infectious so much so if I eve decide to run an endurance event Ali will be my go-to running coach. With that team, I hope you enjoy this weeks episode of Mental Strength Conversations.
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Toni Hodge started competing in her 30s spurred on by wanting to make sustainable healthy life choices. After trying out a few different sports Toni eventually signed up for a beginners triathlon and hasn’t looked back since. Starting with that tri, over the last 20 years Toni has gone on to compete in 14 Ironman races and two Ultraman events.
Not only that but she’s battled back from injury on after being the victim of two separate car accidents.
In today’s episode Toni talks about her logical mind and how it’s served her as she’s progressed through her sport over the years. It’s a fascinating insight into how being clinical and methodical can help you achieve amazing feats. We also talk about Toni’s Alter Ego, coming back from injury, managing your emotions and a bit about goal setting. And Toni shares hows she’s made two very different decisions on the two occasions she’s had to pull out of a race.
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Missing episodes?
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On today's episode of Mental Strength Conversations we have out first ever guest on the show, Kelly Sutherland returning to talk about her first multi-day Ultra Run - the Alps to Ocean. The Alps to Ocean covers 320kms over six days running from the base of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mount Cook, to the East Coast town of Oamaru. As a seasoned Ultra Runner, Kelly has done a tonne of one day events but this was her first foray into the staged challenges... which even she wasn't sure how she'd go later in the event. Kelly talks about her preparation before the race and how she took each and every day. She talks about how she used other runners to support her, how the decisions she made weren't always rational and logical, how she managed her mindset throughout the later stages of the event, plus her mum's surprising reaction from the sidelines as Kelly ran past looking for moral support. There is a darker side to running events like the Alps to Ocean, including pushing through mental and physical pain, and Kelly shares her own journey through that, including sharing a revelation she's had about how she deals with mental challenges using perspective to give her situation some Today's episode is a exciting insight into managing both your physical and mental strength over long-term event. And it's inspirational to get a sense for what you can achieve if you're prepared to just keep going. Even if, as Kelly says, you're a disaster and you really don't want to. And what Kelly thinks she can achieve next is counter-intuitive yet inspirational. Enjoy today's episode of Mental Strength Conversations with Kelly Sutherland.
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Julia Smay is a Strong (Wo)man competitor who was drawn to sport of Strongman partly due to her competitive nature. In 2017, Julia took the plunge and entered California's Strongest Woman, a competition she simply signed up and trained for which she ultimately won. And she hasn't looked back since. Julia also holds the title of Worlds Strongest Master 2018, USA Strongest Master 2017 and 18 and in March Julia competed in the Arnold Strongman. The Arnold Strongman is considered the pinnacle of strongman competition where Julia competed in the women's open grade and finished 7th. Today's episode is packed full of awesome insight from a mentally and physically strong competitor. Julia talks about getting over her fear of starting strongman and how her life experiences have shaped her desire to succeed. We talk about taking action, the power of managing your self-talk through writing and how to deal with failure. Julia talks about how coaching has helped her become a better competitor and using the support of others to help her stay motivated. We chat about Julia's WHY and discuss how as an athlete you have the power to influence. Julia also shares her thoughts on visualisation, being successful through consistent habits and actions and checking out your competition to give you insight into your own strengths and weaknesses.
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Today's Mental Strength Conversations episode is a bit different as I'm the interviewee in the hot seat. My good friend, artist and host of the Savvy Painter podcast Antrese Wood takes control of the microphone and talks to me about Mental Strength.
We talk about what mental strength means to me, how it's affected my life in different areas and how I've changed as an individual since focusing on it. We talk about the different ways you can show up as mentally strong, self-awareness and how the power of courageous conversations and getting feedback can help shape your success.
The subject of mental strength blind spots come up plus I share a piece of advice my mum gave me years ago that's given me the power to choose how I respond to events. Plus Antrese pulls no punches getting me to talk about my own self-sabotage and we talk about how you can stop yourself sabotaging your own success.
It was an fun experience having the spot light on me and I really hope you enjoy today's episode of Mental Strength Conversations.
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Jane Moran is a former Australian Olympic Water Polo player who won Bronze at the 2012 London Olympics. But Jane's path to the Olympics was an arduous one that started with her dreams of being an Olympic swimmer smashed at the age of 14 and was followed years later by being dropped from the 2008 Olympic team... in a pretty shocking way. But Jane stayed the course and ultimately returned to the sport she loved. And continues to play today. In today's episode learn how Jane got started in Water Polo and why she keeps playing it. Plus get a bit of insight into the brutality of the sport. Jane talks about how "grunt" and the right attitude can help you have success regardless of your physique or talent, how over reacting when something doesn't go your way is not the best idea on the Field of Play, how precedence plays a bit role in mental strength preparation and why you shouldn't focus solely on the opposition when it comes to performing on the Field of Play. We also talk about how making mistakes is the best place to learn, how trust plays out in a team situation and why communication is crucial to any teams success on and off the Field of Play. Also the mental strength aspect of giving and accepting feedback. This was a really awesome conversation. As older athletes we also chat a bit about how younger players can battle a little to just play the game, athlete welfare and how the lessons Jane learned during her athlete days play out in the business world. This is an epic episode packed full of mental strength nuggets. I could keep going but I'll leave it to you to listen in. Here's Mental Strength Conversations with Jane Moran.
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In today's episode of Mental Strength Conversations you'll hear from Claire Jaycock aka Claire the Decks a member of the Wellington-based Richter City Roller Derby.
Claire by her own admission is new to this "athlete thing" but in today's episode Claire drops some awesome mental strength nuggets for you.
Roller Derby is at times a brutal sport but here Claire has found a safe space to express herself and a sense of purpose which allows her to make positive decisions that affect all areas including her health and nutrition. Learn what being an athlete means to Claire and why it's a new mindset and lifestyle she is embracing.
We also talk goal setting and why Claire keeps her audacious goals to herself before sharing them with certain people. Plus Claire's three layered approach to set goals. We also talk how mental strength plays out in Roller Derby and how to stay positive recovering from injury. Plus Claire talks about how she uses persona's to experiment with who she takes out onto the Field of Play. This bit you have to hear.
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Kate Sawford is an adaptive athlete who competes in climbing and surfing. Taking up the sport of climbing in 2007 Kate has subsequently won three successive silver medals in the World Para-climbing Championships. And she's to the World Championships again in August 2019. Plus after recently taking the sport up, Kate won first place in the Women's Division at the 2018 Australian Adaptive Surfing Titles. Kate is also a keen skier and yoga practitioner. What doesn't she do? In today's interview Kate candidly talks about "being used to the struggle" and some of the challenges facing adaptive athletes. Kate also kindly dug into her memories to share her personal 25 year journey from being an 11 year with bone cancer and having her leg amputated to the person she is today. Kate talks from her perspective about why not everything is "inspirational" and how the way we see the world can influence how we see the achievements of others. We also talk about the mental game of climbing, Kate's surprising fear and how she pushes through it. We also talk about how climbing differs from other sports when it comes to mental strength and how your head space can affect them. We also touch on goal setting and why wishing things were different isn't a helpful way to face challenges. Finally listen to Kate's advice to all anyone - athlete or not - about what you're capable of. Enjoy today's episode with Kate Sawford.
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Stephanie Bruce has been a professional US long distance runner for 10 years. She runs a 2:29 marathon and placed 10th and 11th at the NYC Marathon 2017/2018. She's also finished in the top 10 of the London Marathon. Which when you're talking 40,000+ competitors is no mean feat.
In 2018 she won her first US national title at the Peachtree Road Race, a story she recounts in today's episode that gave me excitement chills. She’s also recently been named in the US Cross Country team to compete in the World Cross Country Champs in March 2019.
Stephanie has also tried to make the US Olympic team four times and in today's episode shares a great re-frame of what not achieving that goal yet means to her. You have to check it out.
But that's not all. Stephanie is also a mum, a coach and an entrepreneur. All of which she covers in today's episode of Mental Strength Conversations.
In this episode Stephanie and I talk about her take on mental strength. From how she used the loss of her father to re-frame her approach to running and give herself the mental foundation to tackle any challenge, to how and why she views pressure as something positive, the 10/90 principle and why it's important to bear that in mind when you're training
Stephanie also talks about her approach to setting goals, her battle with injury and how it's helped shape her as a person and an athlete, how she overcomes feeling pain in a race plus why Stephanie never quits no matter how much it hurts.
I really enjoyed talking to Stephanie given she competes in a sport I see as a necessary evil. I think I'm coming around team!
To see why check out today's episode of Mental Strength Conversations.
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Jaclyn Parker took up the sport of Handball in her 20s when, with a friend, she decided she wanted to represent New Zealand in sport. Picking a niche sport with less competition Jaclyn found herself three weeks later making the New Zealand Women's Handball team. It was the start of a massive learning curve for Jaclyn on the journey to fully understand and appreciate not only the nuances of Handball but also of herself as an athlete. Ten years later and Jaclyn's love of the game, and her commitment to master it, keep her going, In 2018 Jaclyn captained the New Zealand Women's Handball team in Japan at the Asiana Champs - the first time New Zealand Women's Handball had ever competed on the world stage. Under the stage lights, with TV cameras, competing in a different country, against professional women who earn their living playing Handball (unlike Jaclyn's a full time Physiotherapist), she took it all in her stride and shares how she did it and the lessons the team learned in today's episode of Mental Strength Conversations. Jaclyn and I talk also about the mental strength challenges that come from being a Captain of a team. Where you're not only responsible for your own performance but for how your team mates also perform on the Field of Play. Jaclyn talks about how she handles the Captains responsibility even if she's not feeling it and how understanding her team mates and herself is crucial to the teams success. We also talk about Jaclyn's own evolution of self-reflection and how she uses her intuition and feelings to mentally prep for games, how warming up can affect your game mentally and how you can work smarter not harder to stay consistent in your sport. Plus much more. So without further adieu, here's New Zealand's Handball Captain, Jaclyn Parker.
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Sarah Canney is a runner, a coach, a blogger and founder of the Rise Run Retreat, a women's running retreat focused on the idea that running, at its core, is a transformative act which leads to exponential growth. Which is exactly the effect running has had on Sarah. Sarah came into running later in life after being inspired by a Runner World magazine and a distant relative she was exposed to on a family vacation. That moment in time was enough to spark something inside of her which had Sarah adding "Run a Marathon" to her bucket list. Sarah is also a member of the US Snowshoe Running team and competed in the World Snowshoe Champs in Italy in December 2018. Which is kinda funny given Sarah used to hate winter and actively moved across the US to warmer climates to avoid it. That was before she discovered a way to turn something she disliked into something she loved. But Sarah's journey hasn't been without it's struggles. For 9 years Sarah battled anorexia then bulimia which had a impact on how she viewed herself, which Sarah shares in today's episode. Sarah also talks about the unfailing belief she has in herself and how that's lead to her pushing the boundaries of how far she can go. And she discussed her mental biggest challenge right now and how she's overcoming it. We dive into self-talk within the context of eating disorders and sports, and how your inside narrative is key to your success. Sarah shares how she changed her narrative from one that wasn't serving her to one that does. But also why negative thoughts and doubts aren't always a bad thing if channeled correctly. Today's interview is the tip of the iceberg when it come getting to know Sarah and her mental strength adventures. So sit back and enjoy today's show.
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According to the World Health Organisation, some 300 million people are affected by depression. Women are statistically more likely to suffer depression than men. Which makes it a very real topic for females whether you're an athlete or not. In today's episode, Cate Shave talks openly about the subject including how she took up exercise as a way to help her deal with own depression. Spurred on by the question she could sense her doctor was going to ask "Do you exercise?" as part of her depression management plan Cate started walking. In the beginning walking 2kms was a painful process but since taking those first steps, Cate has became a committed trail runner clocking up 50km and 74km events with a solo 100km on her radar. In this open and honest conversation Cate shares how taking up sport has helped her contain her depression's grip. And to stay mentally healthy and strong Cate competes to support others - her way of staying committed and giving back. There is a tonne of amazing content in today's episode including conversations on childbirth, periods, mental health, self-confidence and endurance events. Cate talks about how she pushed herself to take on her first challenge, how her self-confidence increased following childbirth, the power of sports communities and why it's easier to break into them than you think, why living in the moment is so powerful and the steps you need to take before you say "I won't exercise today". Redefining her impossible, please enjoy today's episode staring Cate Shave.
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Molly Merson is a Strongman Competitor who likes to lift heavy things. Heavy and odd shaped things. Despite being interested in competing in Strongman and always wanting to give it a go, it took Molly nearly seven years to build up the courage after working hard at the sport of Crossfit with a view to be competitive in the Masters 40s division. Call it serendipity or fortunate timing... but with some encouragement from a coach she trusted Molly's first foray into Strongman competitions lead to a podium finish. In this episode we talk about role the psychoanalysis has played in Molly's life and the practical lessons you can apply right now from what Molly has learned about herself. Molly's openness about the process and how it's given her more insight into how she's thinking is a fascinating journey into really, deeply paying attention to what you're thinking is truly fascinating. Molly talks about how she values her negative self-talk and what it can teach you. Molly talks about why it's so powerful to be conscious of your self-talk plus the value of tracking and journaling your thoughts to give you an objective view of what's going on inside your head. We chat about Molly's long term approach to being an an athlete over 30 and not taking her mobility for granted. Listen as Molly talks about the role a good coach can play in your mental game, the difference between training and competition mentality, Molly's perspective on visualisation and using cues to keep you grounded and Molly's tips on finding a coach. I'll be honest, there's no way I can do this episode justice in the intro alone and I completely got lost in talking to Molly so... without further adieu, here's Molly Merson.
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If you struggle to exercise or you don't think you're good at sports you probably haven't found the right one according to today's guest Dr Catherine Walter. Especially as Catherine took up her sport of Powerlifting at the age of 65 only to discover her true calling. There is a difference, she says, between enjoying something and being good at it and if you're lucky you'll end up with both. Catherine's son suggested she look into lifting heavy weights after a conversation she said was driven by "laziness and overwork". Who has the time to do long cardio session right? And were they actually doing anything? Catherine thought she was on the slippery slope to old age but she couldn't have been further from the truth. Since that fateful conversation, following her son's advice and scoping out a power lifting coach at her library, Catherine has gone on to become a Champion Power lifter in her age group holding numerous national and world records in the squat, bench press and dead lift. She also started "The Linacre Ladies that Lift" Power lifting Club, an inclusive club for women or those who identify as women, that has gone on to grow a number of champion power lifters. Catherine is proof that age is just a number. In today's episode we discusses what power lifting can teach you about failure and how to overcome it, why you should takes risks to be successful, and why being the best she can be is the only way Catherine views her progress. Catherine also talks about women taking their first steps into a gym environment, how she tackles competitions and uses goal setting to push herself plus she gives some insight into the difference between training for and competing in power lifting. We also discuss a topic near to my heart which is why strength training is crucial to your mobility and your quality of life as you age. I absolutely love Catherine's take on "healthy heart vs. decrepit body" so tune in to this episode of Mental Strength Conversations to hear more.
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Annalie Brown had always played team sport - football - until near her 40th birthday when she decided to challenge herself to complete a triathlon. Despite not training for her first triathlon she fell in love with the sport and committed completely to the craft of running, swimming and biking. And after clear declaration to her training group that she'd never do an Ironman. Ever Annalie found herself lining up on the starting line of the Ironman in Taupo. And she's not looked back since. What I love about Annalie is that even though she competes in triathlons and Ironman comps she doesn't consider herself an athlete. She's just trying to find ways to push and challenge herself a little harder. In this episode we talk in-depth about how Annalie tackles swimming - a vital component of a triathlon - but something that's not her strength (nor something she enjoys), how being consistent is so key to her success, why Annalie decided to compete in an Ironman despite making a bold declaration she wouldn't, how she manages expectations, sets goals and some of the challenges she's faced competing in these endurance events... and how Annalie has come out the other side. You're bound to get a lot of insight into being a mentally strong individual in this episode of Mental Strength Conversations - I know I sure did - so please enjoy.
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From picking up a hockey stick at the age of four Trish Ross was on a path to hockey greatness including competing for age groups representative teams regionally as well as for New Zealand. In her twenties having made the New Zealand Academy (effectively the B team) Trish was asked to attend a New Zealand Olympic trial though unfortunately that's where her Olympic dream ended for reasons she discusses in the show.
I originally invited Trish along to Mental Strength Conversations to chat about her mental strength when preparing for and competing in body building competitions. But as the conversation progressed I learned so much more about someone I've played hockey with and against for a number of years including in the Wellington and New Zealand 35s Masters teams as well. Body Building is something I've always been fascinated with due to the extremes body builders put themselves through to compete - which Trish details in this episode from both a mental and physical perspective.
So it's like a two for one - we talk about both Trish's hockey and body building, including how Trish stayed playing hockey despite not achieving her goals of representing New Zealand in an Olympics something she'd been committed to for years. We talk about how Trish approaches her training for body building all year long, what it's like to compete as an individual athlete vs. an athlete in a team sport and what motivates her to stay with body building now. Plus some of the issues she faces balancing body building and job... including the meal synonymous with body building - chicken and broccoli. Sometimes it's funny what you learn when you ask people the right questions... and I certainly learned a lot so sit back, relax and enjoy this episode of Mental Strength Conversations with Trish Ross.
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Tianna Bartoletta is a Gold medal winning Olympic athlete who has represented the US in the long jump and short sprinting events like the 100m. At the 2012 London Olympics won her first gold in the 4x100m relay team. At the 2016 Rio Olympics the the 100m relay team defended their title and retained the Gold. Tianna also won Gold in 2016 for the long jump where she walked away with a personal best jump of 7.17m. She even did a stint with the US Women's Bobsled team in 2012. An all-round phenomenal athlete. But Tianna's path to Olympic glory wasn't paved in gold - for six long athletic seasons Tianna toiled away with nothing to show for it. Working on the principle that no effort is wasted and showing up when even when she didn't feel like it, she kicked her mindset into a higher gear to claim her first Olympic Gold. I absolutely loved talking to Tianna - she's open, honest and living as her true self. In this episode we covered topics such as dialling in your WHY, how quitting isn't an option, Tianna's quote / unquote "unpopular opinion" on relationships and success and her struggles with her own toxic relationship, meditation and a bit of science and sports as well. Get ready to be blown away by the authenticity and amazingness of Tianna Bartoletta. Enjoy.
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Julia FitzGerald was a hockey Goalkeeper with her life under control, achieving her hockey dreams, until one day while out on a bike ride with friends she went over her handlebars at 35km per hour. This accident resulted in Julia receiving a major concussion which changed the course of her life for good. In this episode Julia talks through the ups and downs of managing her head injury, her first thoughts on being injured and how it's shaped her sporting achievements since. Which is only part of this fascinating mental strength conversation. Julia shares and awesome story about her mum and how that's effected her outlook on life, how and why she got back on her bike so quickly and what cycling means to her now. Julia also shares how she sets and achieves her goals and the concept of giving yourself permission to be the best you can.
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Shellie Edington's first Crossfit workout was a miserable experience. Lying in a pool of sweat on the gym floor at the end of a bodyweight workout, as Shellie so eloquently noted in our conversation, she felt she'd had her butt handed to her.
As a former gymnast and regular gym goer Shellie wasn't quite prepared for the workout and the discovery that her body just couldn't do what it used to - including a regular push up. And then there was the realisation that Shellie was afraid to go back and try another Crossfit workout. It hurt and it was scary but instead of letting the fear take over she used it as the motivation to go back to Crossfit and face her fear head on.
Over the next seven years, Shellie went from lying on the floor that gym to standing on top of the Crossfit Games podium on three occasions - the pinnacle being crowned the 2016 Crossfit Women's 50-54 age group champion.
But Shellie's journey to the podium wasn't an easy one and I guarantee you'll pick up some mental strength gems from our discussion.
In this episode you'll hear Shellie talk about how to manage your inner critic so you're in control, how to deal with anxiety as an athlete, why you should talk to others about your dreams and goals to have the success you want and why and how you should start visualising right now. Plus listen as Shellie comes to a realisation about her own mental strength during our conversation and what she plans to do about it.
This episode is packed with mental strength nuggets from the perspective of an athlete whose had to focus intensely on getting her mental game just right. So grab a pen and paper and be ready to inspired by Shellie Eddington.
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Janelle Delany was a sprinter in high school and despite winning national titles in her youth Janelle got busy with life and her sprinting fell by the wayside. It wasn't until Janelle's mum showed her a story in the local paper about some lady runners did something stir in Janelle which made her realise maybe she wasn't as done with her career as a 400m runner as she thought. So at the age of 41 Janelle decided to give running another go... and started in an "all in" kinda way taking on Sydney's Balmoral Burn, a 420 meter uphill sprint. From there it was a more measured and gradual approach as Janelle went from competing with her local club to take state and national titles before heading off to represent Australia in the World Masters in Leon, France in 2015. Cue Masters Athletic World Champs in 2018 and as the 45-49 years defending 400m champion, Janelle struggled with a sore Achilles and had to make a tough decision about whether she should race or not - lose the title or risk an injury. Listen to the episode to find out the decision she made as well as Janelle's views on injuries and how to come back from them. In this episode Janelle and I cover controlling what you can control, the longevity of Master's sports and how she views mental strength as a whole. We even chat aqua jogging for a bit and my favourite golden nugget - Janelle's view of being disciplined and how you can apply this view in your own life.
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