EPISODE · Jan 25, 2026 · 1H 1M
Imposter Syndrome, Endurance Sports, and the Myth of “Belonging”
from The Be Fierce & Tri Podcast · host Bib and Tiara, Jill Bartholomew, Be Fierce Multisport, Sharon Claire
Imposter syndrome doesn’t just show up in the boardroom — it shows up at the starting line, in training cycles, and anytime we try something bigger than what we’ve done before.In this episode, Jill is joined by Sharon from Bib and Tiara to talk candidly about imposter syndrome in endurance sports, careers, and life. They explore how comparison, gatekeeping, and external validation can undermine confidence, why women experience imposter syndrome differently, and how environments like runDisney and Ironman create very different feelings of “belonging.”Along the way, they dive into:Why imposter syndrome often appears when growth is happeningEndurance sports as identity, therapy, and personal challengeThe role of failure — and why it’s not the opposite of successHow community, mentorship, and encouragement change everythingWhether you’re training for a race, navigating a career move, or questioning your place in a new space, this episode is a reminder: belonging isn’t earned by perfection — it’s claimed by showing up. If you are training for a Triathlon or Run event of any distance from your first 10k to your first full IRONMAN and beyond, connect with Jill to talk about how to take your performance to the next level! Jill is the Head Coach and owner of Be Fierce Multisport is a full time, professional coach and works with athletes of all skill levels. We also specialize in training for runDisney race, as Jill is an avid runDisney fan with 7 Dopey finishes and nearly 100 Disney races under her legs - she knows the courses and how to train for them!Click here to schedule a consultation Tired of cycling in your basement alone? Peloton and Zwift has gotten old? Try live online group cycling with Be Fierce Multisport - now in Beta and accepting founding members!Join our virtual group cycling beta at 👉 https://fierce.li/cycling Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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What this episode covers
In this episode, Jill sits down with Sharon of Bib and Tiara to unpack imposter syndrome — where it shows up, why it’s so common, and how it impacts athletes, professionals, and especially women who are pushing into new spaces. From first triathlons and runDisney races to Ironman World Championships and corporate leadership roles, Jill and Sharon explore what it really means to “belong,” how external voices can fuel self-doubt, and why imposter syndrome often shows up exactly when we’re doing something meaningful. They discuss endurance sports as both challenge and therapy, the difference between goal-driven and process-driven athletes, how failure can reinforce or dismantle imposter syndrome, and why inclusive communities matter more than credentials or finish times. This episode is for anyone who has ever stood at a starting line — literal or figurative — and wondered, “Am I good enough to be here?”
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Imposter Syndrome, Endurance Sports, and the Myth of “Belonging”
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