Ageless Athlete - Longevity Insights From Adventure Sports Legends – Details, episodes & analysis

"You can sculpt your body to perfection, but without mastering your mind, you’ll never unlock your true potential. The real victories happen in your head." 🧎🏼‍♀️💪🏾

We are diving  deep into the power of mental training with Hazel Findlay, a world-renowned climber, coach, and mindset expert. While Hazel may be young, her wisdom extends far beyond her years, offering insights that are crucial for athletes of any age—particularly those navigating the changes that come with aging.

A 6x British Junior champ, and with nearly three decades of climbing experience, Hazel was the first woman to climb a British trad route at E9, the first British woman to sport climb 8c, and she has free-climbed El Capitan in Yosemite four times. Her accomplishments across various climbing disciplines—ranging from bouldering to alpine—demonstrate her exceptional physical prowess. But what makes Hazel truly compelling is how she combines these physical feats with a deep understanding of the mental game, helping athletes unlock their full potential, both on and off the rock.

**Key Takeaways:**

- Harness Fear as a Guide**: Hazel explains how fear isn’t something to be banished but used as a tool to guide you toward areas of growth and challenge.

- Mind Over Matter**: Learn why mastering your mind is just as important—if not more so—than physical training, especially as you age.

- Alex Honnold on Managing Fear** - Alex’s technique is rooted in deep preparation and an intimate understanding of his mind. 

- Adaptation is Key**: As our bodies change, our mental game must evolve. Hazel shares how adapting your mindset is essential to continued success.

- Stay Present: Discover the power of staying present, which Hazel describes as the “secret weapon” for tapping into peak performance.

Don’t miss this one!

Resources: 

Hazel Findlay’s Strong Mind Coaching: Explore Hazel’s online courses, community, and coaching resources for mental training in climbing and beyond. Strong Mind Coaching and https://www.instagram.com/strongmind.climbing/

Hazel Findlay’s website: https://www.hazel-findlay.com/ 

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Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 

If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show. 

 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩

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""Seeing the transformation in the inmates, from despair to determination, reminds us of the profound impact running can have on someone’s life." 🏃🏽‍♂️🙌🏽

Diana, and Tim Fitzpatrick, are accomplished ultrarunners who’ve not only achieved remarkable personal feats but also transformed lives through their work at San Quentin State Prison. They've marathon PRs of 2:37 and 2:35 respectively, and multiple finishes at the Western States 100, where at 60, Diana was the oldest to complete the run in sub-24 hours. Diana and Tim exemplify resilience, both in their athletic pursuits and their commitment to giving back.

For the past eight years, they’ve coached a running club at San Quentin, where they’ve seen firsthand the power of running to restore hope, build community, and offer a sense of purpose to inmates. Their story is a powerful reminder of how sport can change lives, even in the most challenging environments.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience in Ultra-Running: Lessons from their ultrarunning careers, nutrition strategies, training routines, periodization, including the importance of pushing through limits.
• The Power of Community: How the San Quentin running club offers support and belonging to inmates.
• Giving Back: The fulfillment Diana and Tim find in using running to make a difference.

References:

• San Quentin Running Club: Featured in 26.2 to Life. More info here: https://www.sanquentinmarathon.com/
• Western States 100: Where Diana and Tim have competed multiple times and where Diana is the President https://www.wser.org/
• The Dipsea Race: https://www.dipsea.org/

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🎯 Support this podcast and try Nutrisense

Personalized health data can help us age better and feel stronger. Track your glucose 24/7 and work 1:1 with a certified dietitian to build habits that last. 👉 Get 33% off your first month at Nutrisense! 

Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 

If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show. 

 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩

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"It's not about being the star that day or catching the biggest wave. It's just, that's the one you remember and you carry all your life." 🏄🏽‍♂️🌊

What does it take to live a life in pursuit of waves for over 6 decades? Today's guest, Gary Linden, has been doing just that - riding everything from 2-foot rollers to 50-foot behemoths around the globe since the age of 12.

Gary was one of the first true surfing nomads, traveling to remote regions and living amongst local cultures from Brazil to Japan in search of uncrowded breaks. You'll hear hilarious tales of getting hopelessly lost hiking through dense jungles, camping for months in tiny fishing villages near secluded waves, and the unbridled thrill of exploration in those wide-open days before surf forecasts.

But Gary's true legacy is as the pioneering face of modern big wave riding. Imagine swells the size of three-story buildings barreling across an oblivion of ocean - that's the canvas where Gary etched his name. Hear how an unwavering mindset of commitment allowed this slight 135-pound waterman to paddle into some of the heaviest slabs on the planet at bomboras like Todos Santos and the bone-crunching barrels of Puerto Escondido. His fearless vision led him to create the original Big Wave World Tour to crown the planet's best big wave chargers.

Now at 74 years young and still surfing frequently, Gary opens up with raw honesty about the habits, philosophies and convictions that have kept him ageless in pursuit of his one true passion - surfing. With humor and wisdom forged from decades in the lineup, he imparts insights about prioritizing what matters, overcoming setbacks, and leaving a legacy by doing what you love.

References:

Gary's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/garylinden/
Gary Linden Surfboards https://lindensurfboards.com/

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🎯 Support this podcast and try Nutrisense

Personalized health data can help us age better and feel stronger. Track your glucose 24/7 and work 1:1 with a certified dietitian to build habits that last. 👉 Get 33% off your first month at Nutrisense! 

Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 

If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show. 

 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩

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Nick Martinez has been quietly ticking the hardest and scariest big walls in Yosemite for the last two decades. 🧗‍♂️ From early climbing dreams in Brazil, Nick made his way to Yosemite, finding community with legends like Jim Bridwell, Dean Potter and the Huber brothers, and making a name for himself amongst the Valley titans. 💪 

Despite profound heartbreak of losing loved ones and his own near-fatal BASE jumping accident, Nick found a way to keep climbing, and finding purpose in the mountains he loves. ⛰️ 

Get ready for laughs too as Nick, a natural storyteller with a dry wit, recounts wild anecdotes from climbing alongside El Cap legends, epic climbs, close calls, and the unique dirtbag ethos.  🏕️

Nick's story is a powerful reminder that even amidst the darkest shadows, there is always a path forward. This rare and candid interview is not to be missed. 

Nick’s Instagram 

Nick extends huge thanks to:

Rigging International
BlueWater Ropes
PASOKIN
Greater Tahoe GripWorks

📸 credits to:

https://www.fredpompermayer.com
https://www.felipesh.com
https://www.edsonvandeira.com
Jenning Steger and Kyler Sparks of Patagonia. 

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🎯 Support this podcast and try Nutrisense

Personalized health data can help us age better and feel stronger. Track your glucose 24/7 and work 1:1 with a certified dietitian to build habits that last. 👉 Get 33% off your first month at Nutrisense! 

Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 

If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show. 

 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩

Support the show

 “ You know, you talk about my successes, I'll show you my thousand failures. ” 🚴🏼‍♂️

Nestled in the heart of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, we are joined by Jeremiah Bishop, who has earned the title of the ‘the most-winning US Mountain Bike Stage Racer,’ 🏆. He’s a 16-time member of the USA Cycling National Team, a Pan American Games Gold Medalist 🥇, a two-time US National Champion 🇺🇸, and winner of some of the world's most challenging stage races, including the TransAlp Challenge and the Simonsburg Contour 🌍. He's been racing at the highest level for decades.

Jeremiah has a knack for bringing his experiences to life with vivid detail and genuine passion. Whether he's describing the grueling climbs of a mountain race, the awe-inspiring landscapes he's encountered, or the mental struggles he's overcome, he draws you in and makes you feel like you're right there with him.

Announcing a great giveaway! Simple steps to win a gift bag from Good Detour, gourmet Indian backpacking meals! Vegan/Plant-based, and Woman-owned. To win, simply:

• Follow @gooddetour, @jeremiahbishop, @agelessathletepodcast
• Share this episode on your feed
• Finally just send me a DM with your trip where you’ll use this backpacking meal!

Send your entry by June 20th to win 🎁

Get a 20% discount via on Good Detour via this link https://thegooddetour.com/AGELESSATHLETE 

References:

• Jeremiah’s website: https://www.jeremiahbishop.com/
• "The Impossible Routes" Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W1Y7T8F2sQ&list=PL5C45E402B658114A
• PGAMM Cycling: https://pjammcycling.com/
• My Sports Science: https://www.instagram.com/scienceforsport/
• National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA): https://www.nationalmtb.org/

#mountainbiking #mountainbikelove #mtblife #agelessathlete #enduranceathlete #adventurelife #outdoors #traillife #bikelife #exploremore #getoutside #nevergiveup #inspiration #motivation #fitnessjourney #healthandwellness #mountainbikerace #cyclinglife #bikelover #activelifestyle

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🎯 Support this podcast and try Nutrisense

Personalized health data can help us age better and feel stronger. Track your glucose 24/7 and work 1:1 with a certified dietitian to build habits that last. 👉 Get 33% off your first month at Nutrisense! 

Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 

If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show. 

 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩

Support the show

“I'm not a 70-year-old woman on the trail, I'm a free spirit dancing with gravity.” - Henrietta Stern, mountain biking icon  🚵🏽‍♀️ 💜

This week, we’re breaking the mold with not one, but FIVE remarkable guests – all powerhouse women from the San Francisco Bay Area mountain biking scene.

Meet Jessica, Jenna, Henrietta, Lisa, and Alexis – a group of community entrepreneurs, passionate riders, certified instructors, and social leaders who are changing the face of mountain biking. I was enthralled with their stories of resilience and transformation, shared with wit, joy and candor, and so will you! 🙌🏽

We uncover how they -

- Navigated cultural expectations and overcame physical setbacks to pursue their passion
- Discovered the power of female camaraderie and built a supportive community on and off the trails
- Became advocates for inclusivity, expanding access to mountain biking for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Listen for:

-The importance of finding joy in movement and connecting with nature. ��
-How to overcome fear and build confidence through proper training and supportive community.
-Tips for staying physically and mentally strong to enjoy an active lifestyle at any age.

Resources & Organizations Mentioned:

Girls Rock MTB: https://www.girlsrock-mtb.com/

MORCA (Monterey Off-Road Cycling Association): https://morcamtb.org/

Ninja MTB: https://ridelikeaninja.com/

San Jose Composite NICA Team: https://www.sanjosemtb.org/

Silicon Valley Mountain Bikers: https://www.svmtb.org/

Sea Otter Classic: https://www.seaotterclassic.com/

National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA): https://nationalmtb.org/

Fort Ord Recreation Trails (FORT) Friends: http://www.fortordfriends.org/

Little Bellas: https://littlebellas.com/

Bike Instructor Certification Program (BICP): https://www.bicp.org/

City of Santa Cruz Parks & Rec: https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/parks-recreation

Connect with our guests:

Jessica Tseng: Instagram: @

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🎯 Support this podcast and try Nutrisense

Personalized health data can help us age better and feel stronger. Track your glucose 24/7 and work 1:1 with a certified dietitian to build habits that last. 👉 Get 33% off your first month at Nutrisense! 

Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 

If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show. 

 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩

Support the show

🚀"Yes, that was a catalyst. Yours doesn't have to be falling off a cliff, because you know, everyone's going to fall off their own cliff, whatever that is. "💪🏾⛰️

Craig DeMartino embodies the spirit of this podcast in every way. He's a climber, a teacher, a mentor, and an inspiration to anyone who's ever faced adversity. Climbing wasn't just a hobby; it became a way of life, a passion that shaped his world.

But life, as we know, throws curveballs. In Craig's case, it was a devastating accident that changed everything. He found himself at a crossroads, facing a future that seemed unimaginable. But Craig is not a man who backs down. He made a choice, a bold choice, to not let this event define him. And that choice led him on an incredible journey of adaptation, grit, and ultimately, triumph. 

Today, Craig stands as a champion adaptive climber He has five ascents of El Cap, two of them in less than 24 hours. He’s the two-time National Champ, two-time bronze medalist in Worlds, and five-time Extremity Games gold medalist.  What makes Craig’s story truly stand out 

Craig now dedicates his life to helping others discover the transformative power of climbing. He works tirelessly with veterans and individuals with disabilities, sharing his knowledge, experience, and unwavering belief in the human spirit's ability to overcome any challenge. 

Cover Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/bearcam/?hl=en

Ready to unlock your full potential? This episode is kindly brought to you by Maximum Performance Learning, you can transform your career and leadership journey! Arnold and his team were invaluable to me when I was starting this podcast. MPL provides expert coaching designed to elevate your skills and performance. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, their tailored coaching sessions will propel you to the next level. For a limited time, mention Ageless Athlete to receive 20% off your first four sessions. Don't wait – visit Maximum Performance Learning today and start your journey to peak performance!

References:

Craig DeMartino's Website: This website likely contains more information about Craig's climbing career, his work with adaptive athletes, and his speaking engagements. CraigDeMartino.com, Instagram

Adaptive Adventures: The non-profit organization Craig works with, providing outdoor sports opportunities for individuals with disabilities. http://www.adaptiveadventures.org/

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🎯 Support this podcast and try Nutrisense

Personalized health data can help us age better and feel stronger. Track your glucose 24/7 and work 1:1 with a certified dietitian to build habits that last. 👉 Get 33% off your first month at Nutrisense! 

Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 

If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show. 

 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩

Support the show

"Oh those early days. We started with a clothesline and carabiners, venturing onto cliffs with no adult supervision. Looking back, it's a miracle we survived" 🧗🏾😅

Today, we travel to India 🇮🇳 to meet Mohit Oberoi, a man who turned his passion for adventure into a way of life. Mohit shows a side of that country that may surprise you. 

Growing up in the 80s, Mo and his friends were climbing pioneers, questing up cliffs outside Delhi with homemade gear because the sport simply wasn't established. But Mo didn't stop there! Ironman triathlons? Check. 💪 Swim the English Channel? Done. 🏊‍♂️ Ultra-runs across the Himalayas? You bet. 🏃‍♂️ With the spirit of a new learner, Mo learns new sports, and goes on to take them to their apex. 

His story isn't all smooth sailing – there have been injuries and setbacks. 🤕 Mo gets right back up, learns from his mistakes, and keeps going. 

Welcome to the world of Mo.
 
Today's episode is sponsored by RecPak! RecPak is a nutritionally complete instant meal for outdoor adventurers.
Click this link for a 25% discount . Use 'AGELESS25' at checkout. 

References:

Indian Mountaineering Foundation: https://indmount.org/
The Nose, El Capitan, Yosemite National Park: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/climbing_elcap.htm
Climbing Gyms in Delhi: https://www.google.com/search?q=climbing+gyms+delhi
Channel Swimming Association: https://www.channelswimmingassociation.com/
Swimming to Antarctica by Lynne Cox: https://www.lynnecox.com/books/swimming-to-antarctica

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🎯 Support this podcast and try Nutrisense

Personalized health data can help us age better and feel stronger. Track your glucose 24/7 and work 1:1 with a certified dietitian to build habits that last. 👉 Get 33% off your first month at Nutrisense! 

Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 

If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show. 

 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩

Support the show

🌊"The biggest thing that impacts you when you first go out there, before I even surfed it, I just went out on a on a jet ski  and sat there and watched, is the sound it makes when it breaks...its terrifying" 🏄🏽‍♀️

At the age of 59 years and 8 months, Conacher became the oldest person in the world to surf Maverick's 🌊, the "Mount Everest of surfing" 🏔️ one of the most challenging and dangerous surf breaks in the world, located near Half Moon Bay, California. 

What makes Conacher's feat truly astonishing is the fact that he didn't start surfing until his 50s, wow! 🤯 Most accomplished big wave surfers start from a very young age, honing their skills over decades of experience. For Conacher to achieve this milestone at an age when most people are contemplating retirement is nothing short of extraordinary. 💪

Tune in for:

• Scene by scene account of what it takes to paddle into 30-40 foot waves 🌊🌊🌊, from an 'ordinary' surfer's point of view
• Training to survive hold-downs 20 feet under cold water 😫
• Finding balance with a grueling career as a Wall Street banker "plan your vacations first…"? 🏦💰
• Strategies on finding the perfect mentor / coach and community to fuel the journey 🧑‍🏫🧑‍🤝‍🧑
• Setting audacious goals, and the dedication and joy that follows 🎯😁
• Finally, my favorite, wear the 'Vulnerable Adult Learner' label with pride 👴🏄

References:

The Inertia: "How I Became the Oldest Person in the World to Surf Maverick’s for the First Time" by Lionel Conacher (March 29, 2023). Link to Article.

Bianca Valenti - Reknowned big wave surfer and Lionel's coach who prepared him for Mavericks Link to Website

Barbarian Days by William Finnegan: This Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir explores the author's lifelong passion for surfing and his experiences at various surf breaks around the world. Link to Book

BWRAG (Big Wave Risk Assessment Group): This organization provides safety training and education for big wave surfers. Link to Website

Patagonia PSI Vest: This inflatable vest is a crucial safety tool for big wave surfers, providing buoyancy in case of wipeouts and hold-downs. Link to Product

Surfline: This website provides surf forecasts, live cams, and other resources fo

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🎯 Support this podcast and try Nutrisense

Personalized health data can help us age better and feel stronger. Track your glucose 24/7 and work 1:1 with a certified dietitian to build habits that last. 👉 Get 33% off your first month at Nutrisense! 

Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 

If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show. 

 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩

Support the show

"It's not selfish to honor your ability 💪. While I can, I have an obligation to use my gifts and make my mark 🏆. Someday I won't be able to, so I'll make the most of the time I have ⏳."


Matt Eggleton, a former US Air Force veteran and accomplished endurance athlete, challenges age stereotypes by dominating the world of mountain biking. Despite discovering the sport in his 40s, Matt's dedication and discipline have propelled him to achieve impressive results in competitive races across the country. He's a 2x winner of the Stokesville Stoopid 50 (Smart 40, Master Men 50+) category, a 4th place finisher in the 2019 National Ultra Endurance (NUE) MTB Series Masters Division, and the Overall Winner of the 2019 Tour de Gravelly Masters Division. 


We cover:

1. Training regimens for mountain biking?
2. Power of habit stacking
3. Obligation to honor ones gifts
4. Safety….“Only spend on a helmet what your head’s worth” 🤩
5. Is yoga worthless for enduro sports? 🧘🏾 

References:


Matt’s website: https://www.eggleton.net/


Matt’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matt.eggleton/

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🎯 Support this podcast and try Nutrisense

Personalized health data can help us age better and feel stronger. Track your glucose 24/7 and work 1:1 with a certified dietitian to build habits that last. 👉 Get 33% off your first month at Nutrisense! 

Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 

If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show. 

 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete

Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩

Support the show