Ageless Athlete - Longevity Insights From Adventure Sports Legends

• #80 Lexicon, Boldness, and the Long Game: Training Smarter, Climbing Harder, Peaking Late—Because Age Doesn’t Matter

  What does it take to climb your hardest route at 50—and then hold the rope while someone else pushes that same line even further?For Neil Gresham, that moment came on Lexicon, a bold and beautiful E11 route he developed and climbed later in life. In this conversation, Neil shares the full story—from discovering the line in the Lake District to the deep personal shift that allowed him to reach a new peak, years after he thought he’d already hit it.We also talk about what it was like to support a rare flash attempt by another world-class climber (whose recent film on Lexicon just dropped), and how that moment made Neil reflect on performance, legacy, and the long game.But this episode goes far beyond a single climb.We explore:Why Neil climbed his hardest routes after 45The nutrition and training strategies that helped him recover faster in his 50s than in his 20sWhat most athletes misunderstand about agingCoaching climbers into their 70s—including how he succeeded working with Rob MathesonThe mindset shift that helped him let go of pressure and finally enjoy the process againWhether you’re a climber or not, Neil’s story is about curiosity, adaptation, and staying sharp—mentally and physically—as the years go by.References & Resources:🎥 Lexicon: The Story of a Climb (Neil’s own film): https://vimeo.com/ondemand/e11lexicon📘 Learn more about Neil’s coaching and training programs: https://www.neilgreshamtraining.com/--- 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

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• From Olympian to Freeskiing Pioneer to DJ: How One Woman Rebuilt Her Identity—and What It Reveals About Inner Strength, Transformation, and Living with Wonder

  Wendy Fisher was once one of the fastest women on skis. A U.S. Ski Team racer and 1992 Olympian, she seemed destined for a long career in elite competition. But by her early 20s, she was burned out, struggling with identity and disordered eating, and quietly unraveling inside a system that prized performance over well-being.This could’ve been the end of her story. Instead, it became the beginning of a much more human one.In this episode, Wendy shares how she walked away from ski racing and found her way into big-mountain freeskiing—becoming one of the sport’s pioneering women and starring in iconic ski films like Ski Movie and Global Storming by Matchstick Productions. We talk about her second act in life, how she stayed connected to movement and self-expression, and what she’s learned about letting go, showing up, and staying curious in her 50s.Whether you’re a lifelong athlete or just trying to stay grounded and active as you age, this episode offers perspective, honesty, and a few good powder-day metaphors.🧩 Topics We CoverThe mental toll of elite sport and perfectionismWhy Wendy left ski racing at her peakDisordered eating, burnout, and identity loss in early adulthoodHow one freeskiing contest changed everythingBecoming one of the first women featured in major ski filmsFrom athlete to coach, DJ, and community builderWhat movement looks like now — and how it feels different in midlifeLetting go of guilt, chasing joy, and embracing new chaptersParenting young athletes with honesty and humilityWhat it means to be ageless in a results-obsessed cultureWant to see Wendy ski? Start with Skiing For MyselfMore on Wendy: https://www.wendyfisher.me--- 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

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• #78 When the Gear Might Not Hold: Cutting-Edge Rock Climbing at 74, Mentorship Across Generations, and Why Boldness and Growth Don’t Have an Age Limit

  What does it mean to stay bold — not in your 20s or 30s, but in your 70s? What does it take to trust your body, your judgment, and your preparation when the stakes are high — and there’s no one left to impress but yourself?In this episode of Ageless Athlete, we meet Rob Matheson, a climber who recently completed one of the UK’s most legendary and serious routes: The Bells, The Bells!, a bold sea cliff climb in North Wales known for its minimal protection and high consequence.But this episode isn’t just about climbing.It’s about what happens when we keep moving toward challenge — not recklessly, but intentionally. It’s about how our relationship to risk evolves with age. It’s about mastery, aging, and the subtle difference between quitting while you’re ahead… and knowing there’s more to uncover.We talk about: – How composure and clarity become more important than strength with age – What boldness actually looks like after 60 years of experience – The difference between perceived fear and actual danger — and why that matters – Mentorship — and how his father taught him to climb, and how he passed that on to his son – How media pressure affected his decision to try the route again, and what he learned from it – The quieter, more personal reasons we keep pushing ourselves long after we have toThis conversation begins with a difficult climb. But it expands into something much deeper — about growth, trust, identity, and what it means to stay fully alive as we age.Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or simply someone curious about what comes after midlife, there’s something here for you.Check out Rob's fantastic Youtube channel! --- Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 Every episode of Ageless Athlete is made with care—researching, recording, and editing each one solo to bring you stories that inspire.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

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  1:52:21
• #77 Still Racing at 73: Triathlon’s Wild Origins, Daily Rituals For Recovery, Energy, Clarity, and Why Sport Is the Real Fountain of Youth

  “I call my age group the 70 to death—and we show up early, because we still can. If you want to feel young, hang out with people chasing PRs, not prescriptions.”Bob Babbitt has raced more than 300 triathlons, co-founded Competitor magazine, helped popularize the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon Series, and has spent decades spotlighting athletes of all abilities through storytelling.At 73, he’s still training, still racing, and still waking up at 5:30 a.m. for his morning cold plunge.But this episode isn’t just about endurance sports. It’s about how movement, community, and a willingness to reinvent yourself can keep you young—physically, mentally, and emotionally.We dive into:The chaotic, hilarious origins of Ironman (including Big Macs and boomboxes)How triathlon went from fringe to global by aligning with city economicsDaily habits Bob swears by for recovery, clarity, and energyWhat the “70 to death” age group can teach us about aging wellThe work of the Challenged Athletes Foundation and how sport empowers identityWhether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or just someone thinking about how to age on your own terms—this one will stay with you.🔑 Key TakeawaysLongevity is built through reinvention. Bob’s career spans media, sport, and philanthropy—and each chapter began with curiosity, not certainty.Movement fuels mindset. His fitness routine isn’t performance-driven—it’s how he stays clear, focused, and in motion.Community is everything. Surrounding yourself with people who “refuse to act old” is one of his core longevity strategies.Sport = transformation. Whether you’re a first-time triathlete or a challenged athlete rebuilding after injury, crossing that finish line changes everything.🗣️ Notable Quotes“I call my age group the 70 to death. And we show up early—because we still can.” “Sport is what makes us whole. As long as there’s air in your lungs, you should be moving.” “If you want to feel young, hang out with people chasing PRs, not prescriptions.”🙏 Enjoying Ageless Athlete? Help keep the show going and Buy Me A Coffee! Every contribution helps keep the mic, and the inspiration flowing. Thanks for being here ❤️--- 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

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• #76 Four Times Across the English Channel: What One Impossible Swim Can Teach You About Identity, Grit, and Starting Over

  At midnight, Sarah Thomas stepped off the coast of England into darkness—swimming into history as the first person to complete a four-way crossing of the English Channel, nonstop. That alone would be astonishing. But what makes her story unforgettable is what came before: a breast cancer diagnosis, grueling treatment, and the slow, painful journey of rebuilding trust in a body that no longer felt like hers.In this powerful episode, Sarah opens up about more than just world-record swims. She reflects on how to start over after loss, how movement can become a form of healing, and what it really means to “still float”—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Whether you're an athlete, a survivor, or simply navigating your own midlife turning point, her story is a quiet masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and grace.🔑 Key Themes & TakeawaysRebuilding After Crisis: Why Sarah’s swim wasn’t about proving strength—it was about rediscovering identity in a different body.Grit ≠ Perfection: How embracing her limits post-cancer helped her redefine success, and why being “less than 100%” doesn’t mean giving up.Movement as Healing: The power of returning to the water—emotionally and physically—as a space of control, anonymity, and joy.Longevity Lessons: What Sarah’s approach to endurance can teach us about aging well, training smart, and honoring the long arc of performance.The English Channel as a Metaphor: How a swim so steeped in history became her proving ground for something deeper: presence, surrender, and quiet strength.Start Small, Stay Present: Why big goals demand micro-focus—and how thinking one stroke at a time can carry you through life’s hardest miles.🔗 References & Resources🌐 Sarah Thomas’s Website: sarahthomasswims.com📺 TEDx Talk – “Go Big”: Watch on YouTube📚 Ocean’s Seven Challenge (Wikipedia): Learn More📰 TIME Magazine – “Sarah Thomas Swims English Channel Four Times Nonstop After Surviving Cancer”: Read Article🎖️ WOWSA Hall of Fame Inductee: World Open Water Swimming Association Profile📍 Lake Champlain 104-Mile Record Swim: Coverage by Marathon Swimmers Federation🙏 Enjoying Ageless Athlete? Help keep the show going and Buy Me A Coffee! Every contribution helps keep the mic, and the inspiration flowing. Thanks for being here ❤️--- 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

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  1:49:09

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