Embracing Obstacles: Gwendolyn Bounds' Midlife Transformation to Spartan Racer

Extraordinary Strides

In this episode of Extraordinary Strides, we sit down with Gwendolyn Bounds, an award-winning journalist and author of Not Too Late: The Power of Pushing Limits At Any Age. Gwendolyn shares her inspiring journey from a successful career and fulfilling life to taking on the unexpected challenge of obstacle course racing in her mid-40s. We dive into the pivotal moments that led her to this path, the life lessons she’s learned along the way, and how she continues to push her own limits.

Key Discussion Points:

• Catalyst for Change: How a simple question at a dinner party set Gwendolyn on a path to explore the hardest physical challenges she could take on.
• Overcoming Impostor Syndrome: Gwendolyn's strategies for overcoming self-doubt and impostor syndrome as she began training and competing in Spartan Races.
• The Role of Age in Pushing Limits: The advantages that come with age, including patience, wisdom, and the concept of being "Seasoned, Savvy, and Unstoppable."
• Obstacles as Life Lessons: Gwendolyn shares how the physical challenges of obstacle course racing mirror the obstacles we face in life and how they can teach us resilience and commitment.
• Body Image and Athleticism: A candid discussion about how Gwendolyn's perception of her own body evolved as she pushed her physical limits and what she learned about overcoming body image issues.
• Learning from All Ages: The importance of staying open to learning from those younger than us and how that has shaped Gwendolyn's journey.
• Coping with Mortality: Gwendolyn reflects on how facing her own mortality after a melanoma diagnosis reshaped her perspective on life, aging, and the role of physical activity.

Links Mentioned:

• Get Gwendolyn Bounds' Book: Not Too Late: The Power of Pushing Limits At Any Age
• Sign Up for Gwendolyn’s Newsletter: Stay updated on her latest adventures, writing, and insights by signing up here.

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Capitole

1. Embracing Obstacles: Gwendolyn Bounds' Midlife Transformation to Spartan Racer (00:00:00)

2. Pushing Limits at Any Age (00:00:01)

3. Overcoming Life's Obstacles Through Mindset (00:12:48)

4. Finding Control and Community Through Challenges (00:20:28)

5. Embracing Reverse Mentorship for Growth (00:30:52)

6. Rest and Recovery for Type A (00:37:28)

7. Listening to Your Inner Voice (00:48:32)

8. Join the Stride Collective Community (00:52:28)