Strength, Spirit, and Purpose - “You and me God, let’s go!”

In this episode of the Intentional Athlete Podcast, host Ross Leppala is joined by powerlifting legend Sioux-z Hartwig-Gary. Sioux-z shares her journey from her early days of training to becoming a decorated champion with multiple world records. The episode dives into the importance of training with intentionality, embracing life's ups and downs, and the spiritual aspect of strength training. Susie's anecdotes and pearls of wisdom offer invaluable insights on how to channel the pursuit of strength into something transformative and fulfilling. Tune in for an enriching conversation that explores the mental, emotional, and spiritual facets of an athlete's journey.00:00 Introduction to the Intentional Athlete Podcast00:51 Special Guest: Susie Hartwood's Influence02:25 Sioux-z's Journey in Powerlifting05:54 Overcoming Challenges and Injuries09:56 The Importance of Longevity in Powerlifting15:12 Adjusting Expectations and Finding Joy19:37 The Value of Strength Training Beyond the Gym24:33 The Mental and Emotional Benefits of Lifting37:04 Competing at the Highest Level38:21 Balancing Coaching and Competing38:49 Handling Post-Competition Emotions39:58 Setting Realistic Goals40:55 Accepting Limitations and Focusing on Personal Bests42:16 Managing Expectations and Mental Health43:14 The Importance of Realistic Coaching44:13 Finding Pride in Personal Achievements45:26 Overcoming Disappointments in Competitions56:23 The Role of Faith in Powerlifting01:08:02 Future Goals and Personal Growth01:11:38 Final Words of Wisdom