Risk, Mindset, and Training for Life with Kate Courtney | EP23

In this episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca Rusch is joined by mountain biking phenom and SheSends founder Kate Courtney for an honest, high-vibration conversation about racing, reinvention, and rising to your own standard of success. From being the only girl on her high school team to becoming a world champion and Olympic athlete, Kate has reshaped what it means to lead with values—not just victories. Now, she’s charting a bold new course in her career: founding her own team, launching a foundation, and redefining what success means from the inside out.This conversation explores what happens when you bet on yourself—on and off the bike—and how the moments that test us can often be our greatest teachers.Show Notes: In this episode, Rebecca and Kate discuss:The founding and vision behind SheSends: a race team and a movementHer evolution from factory team rider to entrepreneur and team builderHow Leadville became her unexpected comeback after injuryCultivating intrinsic motivation in a results-driven worldThe changing landscape of women’s cycling and why it mattersLetting go of external validation to focus on values-based leadershipThe mental and physical shift that comes from playing the long gameTransformative Insights:Believing in yourself—not just the outcome—is the most powerful performance toolYou don’t have to wait to feel confident to take the leap—just “send it”Structure is the secret sauce, not sheer disciplineCuriosity is often the most powerful motivator we haveBuilding your own path can energize your performance in unexpected waysVulnerable Moments:Kate opens up about the injury that sidelined her season—and sparked a resetShe reflects on early years of being underestimated and overextendedRebecca and Kate share how they’ve both wrestled with shifting identities in sportKate talks about learning to rest, reframe, and rebuild—without losing momentumPractical Wisdom:Use values—not just metrics—to define successTreat injury or detours as data, not defeatRedefine goals through bronze/silver/gold tiers to keep perspectiveLet structure support joy, not stifle itCreate space for the “main thing”—and know when to let the rest goPersonal Growth:Kate’s shift from peak performance to purpose-driven impact through SheSendsHer approach to writing, reflection, and building mental clarity through Monday MantrasEmbracing uncertainty as a form of freedomExpanding her team from just staff and support to a mission-aligned communityHelpful Links:Kate’s Website SheSends Foundation Kate Courtney's Substack – Monday Mantras Kate on Instagram Kate’s Interview on Rich RollKate on the Second Nature PodcastSupport What’s the Rusch: 💬 Love the show? Share it with a friend, leave a review, or post your favorite moment on Instagram and tag @rebeccarusch. Every bit of support helps us continue these deep conversations.Connect with Rebecca RuschWebsite Instagram LinkedIn Substack Blood Road Brain Storm Podcast Be Good Foundation LINKSFollow our Guest:Instagram 549 FollowersFacebook 591K FollowersLinkedInhttps://katecourtney.com/She Sends - Foundation & Race Team