Why Now is the Time to Go Big with Paula Ralph (Episode 255)

As we wrap up 2025 and start dreaming about our goals for the New Year, this week’s guest, ultracyclist Paula Ralph, has one simple message: Just go for it. We often wait until we’re 100% ready—which usually means we never start. But whether you succeed or fall short, you’ll be better for having tried. Paula knows this firsthand. She set out to break a world record riding solo from Cape Town, South Africa to Nordkapp, Norway. Sponsors pulled out. Mechanical issues piled up. She got heat stroke…and hit by a truck. Safety concerns forced reroutes. The record slipped away. But she didn’t stop. She kept going—ultimately riding 12,290 km across 17 countries in 126 days. And what she gained was far bigger than a record: proof that she’s stronger than she ever imagined, and a reminder of what midlife women can do when we dare to go big.Paula Ralph is a solo endurance cyclist who rode unsupported from Cape Town to Nordkapp, Norway — a 12,290 km journey across 17 countries in just 126 days. What began as a world record attempt quickly turned into a raw test of resilience. Navigating relentless challenges, both on and off the bike, Paula had to let go of the record and hold on to something more powerful — the will to keep going. Her journey is one of survival, courage, and what it means to find freedom at the edge of your comfort zone. She was recently named a "sporting hero" as one of the top 100 female cyclists by CyclingUK. You can learn more about her and her mission @thelongrideglobal on Instagram. Join us at Feisty Fest September 18-20, 2026: https://livefeisty.com/events/feisty-fest/Courses and Coaching: https://livefeisty.com/courses/Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://livefeisty.com/newsletters/feisty-40/Follow Us on Instagram:Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopauseHit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099Support our Partners:Hettas: Shop Hettas at https://alnk.to/h6KsEBr Midi Health: You Deserve to Feel Great. Book your virtual visit today at https://www.joinmidi.com/Previnex: Get 15% off your order with code HITPLAY 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