S1 Ep 10 Lucy Gossage - endurance athlete and oncologist "You're braver than you think you are"

Today's guest is Lucy Gossage - an oncology consultant, who's also an extreme athlete and co-founder of 5K Your Way which promotes exercise for cancer patients to build back confidence in their bodies.She has 14 ironman wins to her credit. Along with achievements at some of the most brutal endurance events.Lucy starts by talking to Annie and Josie about The Winter Spine - an ultramarathon held in winter from the Peak District in Scotland, a distance of 431km.This was the second time Lucy has competed in this. And she tells the podcast about the reason she returned to the challenge. When she made her debut the cancer doctor did it alongside her partner. But days after finishing her world came crashing down. She discovered he'd been cheating on her and living a life of lies from a social media message sent to a friend.Her return in 2025 saw her inspired to win the race.Lucy speaks openly about her struggle with confidence despite her success as an athlete and getting to Cambridge University to study medicine. She went on to start running triathlons and ironmans, leaving her job to compete as a professional all over the world. Her mantra is 'choosing to suffer is a privilege' and she believes her time out from medicine to compete has made her a better doctor. And being a doctor has made her a better athlete and appreciate that life is short.She's most proud of finishing every race, rather than winning. She believes in competing with a smile and celebrates victories with a laugh and a dance. The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?Thanks for listening!The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal. Insta: @bebraverpod