12. The Best is Yet to Come: Dougal Allan on Endurance, Transition & Self-Discovery

What happens when the race is over - but life keeps going?In this powerful and vulnerable conversation, elite endurance athlete Dougal Allan shares the truth behind his decade-long pursuit of Coast to Coast Longest Day victory, what it really took to become a two-time champion, and how his identity has been reshaped by setbacks, injury, and stepping back from professional sport.From navigating concussions that ended his rugby dreams, to pushing his physical and mental limits in Ironman, multisport and adventure racing, to finding himself in a surreal new chapter as part of Emirates Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup - Dougal brings raw honesty, wisdom, and humour to his story.But this episode isn’t just about sport. It’s about identity, uncertainty, growth, and what it means to pause after years of performance-driven living. Dougal opens up about working with a counsellor for the first time, leaning into vulnerability, and choosing integrity, loyalty, and humility as his compass for whatever comes next.Whether you're facing a transition, questioning who you are without the thing you've always done, or wondering how to begin again - you’ll find insight and inspiration in what Dougal shares in this episode.What We Talk About:* The long road to Coast to Coast victory - and what came after* Why process > outcome when it comes to motivation* His trial for Emirates Team New Zealand & becoming a cyclor in the America’s Cup * Working with a counsellor for the first time at 39 years old* Discovering more beyond the “athlete” identity* How to find your core values during times of uncertainty* The power of showing up vulnerably with your mates* Building a life beyond performanceConnect with Dougal:📸 Instagram: @dougalallan🌐 Website: dougalallan.comLike what you heard?Follow the Rewild You Podcast on your favourite platform and leave a review to help others discover these meaningful conversations.For more tools, updates, and free resources to support your own journey through change, visit hannahrae.nz or follow on Instagram @hannahraeoutdoors. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rewildyouhq.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wildheartnz.substack.com