Skills Coaching for More Fun, Confidence, and Next Level Menopause Performance with Karen Brooks (Episode 188)

Midlife and menopause can be the perfect time to try something new (like as we talk about this week, mountain biking!...but also surfing, skiing, you name it). It frees you from the endless self comparison that can come after years (even decades) in the same sport and infuses you with the confidence that comes with tackling new challenges. And it’s never too late and you are never too old. With skills training, you can learn from the ground up at whatever pace is comfortable for you. You also don’t have to be a newbie to benefit. Brushing up on the fundamentals of sports like mountain biking can help ease the anxiety that many of us experience as our hormones swing during this time of life. This week’s guest, mountain bike coach Karen Brooks knows all about all of it, as she helps women of all ages and abilities (as well as her perimenopausal self) learn, grow, and conquer physical as well as mental obstacles.Karen Brooks has had a varied career in the bike world: mechanic and manager of bike shops, editor of Dirt Rag and Bicycle Times magazines, bike consultant for Carnegie Mellon University, and professional mountain bike skills coach. She has been helping people find confidence and have fun on two wheels for ten years with PMBIA Level 2 and BICP mountain bike certifications, and teaches street biking skills through the League of American Bicyclists. Karen is also on the board of Bike Pittsburgh and advocates for safer walking and biking conditions. Her bike racing history is not all that distinguished, but she did finish the Trans-Sylvania Epic mountain bike stage race on a singlespeed, didn’t hate it, and went back to do it again the next year. She currently coaches locally through Full Psych Adventure Team and nationally with Ladies AllRide and other organizations. You can learn more about her and her work at Full Psych Adventure Team. Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://feisty.co/events/feisty-fest/Join the Feisty Strong STRONG Club: https://feisty.co/training/strong-club/ and use code:  HITPLAY15 to save 15%Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feisty.co/feisty-40/Learn More about our 2026 Feisty Events, including Bike Camps and Cycling Trips: https://feisty.co/events/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 20% off your order with code FEISTYBRAIN at https://www.previnex.com/ Wahoo: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr