What's it like to.......?

What is it really like, to go from injured to completing an ironman, whilst juggling a busy job, family, and a social life. Thats what we discuss in the episode with my client Simon, who came to me frustrated with he was unable to compete due to old injuries. We discuss where he was going wrong, how we completely rebooted his training, hit a PB in the marathon in the lead up, and then completely outperformed expectations in his Ironman event. We cover training, nutrition, and how we changed his old beliefs about running volume, and how we bulletproofed him to smash these events. If you have ever considered competing in an Ironman, and you want to know what it takes, this is for you.

In this episode, host Andy Reay, former professional rugby player and strength & conditioning coach, reconnects with his old rugby mate Richard Boyle to explore what it’s really like to take on one of the world’s ultimate endurance challenges: swimming the English Channel. Richard shares the full story of his journey, from expectations vs reality—like unexpectedly completing the swim in the dark—to the meticulous planning and challenges involved. They cover everything from: Training & Nutrition: How Richard prepared his body and fueled himself for hours in the water. Costs & Equipment: The surprising financial and logistical details behind the challenge. Wildlife Encounters: The creatures he shared the water with along the way. Mental and Physical Highs & Lows: What it took to overcome fatigue, waves, and the mental grind. Packed with laughter, practical advice, and a few wild rugby stories, this episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by endurance challenges, big goals, or personal transformation. Dive in now to hear what it’s really like to swim the English Channel! 🚨 Don’t forget to follow for more incredible stories and insights!

What does it take to row across the Atlantic? In this episode, I sit down with Jake, a man who took on one of the toughest challenges on the planet—rowing 3,000 miles of open ocean. We dive into why he decided to do it, the intense physical and mental preparation it required, and what it was like to leave solid ground behind for weeks. Jake shares the highs and lows of life at sea, from battling storms and sleep deprivation to moments of awe under starlit skies. We’ll hear about the team dynamics, the unexpected problems that tested their limits, and how he felt when they finally reached land. As a podiatrist who’s worked with elite endurance athletes (including at the Marathon des Sables), Jake also offers fascinating insights into how physical resilience ties into extreme challenges. Whether you’re an adventurer, athlete, or just love a gripping story, this episode will leave you inspired to push your own boundaries. 🎧 Tune in to hear how Jake rowed the Atlantic, what he learned, and his advice for anyone daring to dream big.

**🎙️ Pushing Limits Podcast: Conquering the Sahara – Marathon des Sables & Charity with Ollie Shortt What does it take to run 250 km across the Sahara Desert? In this episode, I sit down with Ollie Shortt, an extraordinary endurance athlete who completed the legendary Marathon des Sables, often called the toughest footrace on Earth. 🏜️ Key Highlights: The Challenge: A 6-day, 250 km ultramarathon through scorching heat, endless dunes, and brutal conditions. What Happens to Your Feet?: Blisters, heat rash, and how runners survive the physical toll. What happens to your stomach, and the inability to eat. Preparation: How [Guest’s Name] trained mentally and physically for one of the hardest races in the world. Running for a Cause: The deeply personal reason behind his fundraising efforts for Sarcoma UK, plus the unique twist of running marathons in costume to bring awareness to this vital cause. Resilience in Action: Lessons on grit, determination, and why pushing your limits can transform your life. 💡 Whether you’re an endurance athlete, a casual runner, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode will leave you amazed by the power of human resilience and purpose-driven action. 🎧 Listen now and prepare to be inspired by this incredible story of grit, heart, and the desire to make a difference.

"What does it take to conquer the world's toughest endurance race? This episode dives into the extreme physical and mental challenge of the Yukon 1000—a brutal 1,000-mile paddle across unforgiving wilderness. I sit down with my former rugby teammate, Ian—an ex-army veteran who took on this epic adventure to raise funds for Mind Charity and the Royal British Legion. 👉 From rugby pitches to army deployments, Ian shares how his experiences shaped his resilience and prepared him for the longest paddle race on Earth. We unpack the grueling training, near-breakdowns, and mental strategies that kept him going through isolation, exhaustion, and the wild elements of the Yukon River. 💥 Key Highlights: What is the Yukon 1000? – Breaking down the world's toughest endurance race. Army mindset & mental toughness – How Ian's military background was key to survival. Paddling through pain – The physical toll and moments that almost made him quit. Why it matters – Ian’s personal mission for mental health awareness and veterans' support. If you're into extreme endurance races, personal stories of resilience, or supporting mental health and veteran charities, this episode is for you. Hit play and get ready to be inspired by grit, determination, and purpose." 🎧 Listen now and follow for more epic stories of physical challenges and mental resilience.🔗 Donate to Mind Charity & The Royal British Legion – Links in the description. https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-give/donate?seg=4PJPPC&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4fi7BhC5ARIsAEV1YiYZ_RscLV9UAlNAcPNOHJSSOZeR3ijdukEHh8UvSm18o4zVJ5f3G4MaAnEUEALw_wcB https://www.mind.org.uk/donate/acq-christmas-2024/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4fi7BhC5ARIsAEV1YiaAQkxr8enMVhMBShq_fl67Un-WTdvywbd7CuUlFWXFxSbKPB6GT9QaAnfoEALw_wcB

In this episode of “What is it Like to...”, I sit down with Mark Grey , who took on the insane challenge of rowing for 24 hours straight – all in the name of charity. 🚣‍♂️ We dive deep into: 👉 Why he decided to row for 24 hours 👉 The brutal training it took to get there (with a little help from yours truly) 👉 Nutrition strategies to fuel endurance events 👉 Mental and physical battles during the row 👉 Lessons learned and how the experience changed him If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to push your body and mind to the absolute limit, this one’s for you. Whether you're chasing big goals, training for endurance events, or just love a powerful story of grit and resilience, this podcast will give you insights, laughs, and maybe even a bit of inspiration to take on your own challenge. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that bell to stay updated on future episodes of “What is it Like to...”. 💬 Drop a comment – would you take on a 24-hour row?