Ageless Athlete - Fireside Chats with Adventure Sports Icons Kush Khandelwal

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"Oh those early days. We started with a clothesline and carabiners, venturing onto cliffs with no adult supervision. Looking back, it's a miracle we survived" 🧗🏾😅


Today, we travel to India 🇮🇳 to meet Mohit Oberoi, a man who turned his passion for adventure into a way of life. Ditch what you think you know about India! Mohit shows a side of that country that may surprise you. 

Growing up in the 80s, Mo and his friends were climbing pioneers, questing up cliffs outside Delhi with homemade gear because the sport simply wasn't established. But Mo didn't stop there! Ironman triathlons? Check. 💪 Swim the English Channel? Done. 🏊‍♂️ Ultra-runs across the Himalayas? You bet. 🏃‍♂️ With the spirit of a new learner, Mo learns new sports, and goes on to take them to their apex. 


His story isn't all smooth sailing – there have been injuries and setbacks. 🤕 Mo gets right back up, learns from his mistakes, and keeps going. 


Welcome to the world of Mo.
 
Today's episode is sponsored by RecPak! RecPak is a nutritionally complete instant meal for outdoor adventurers.
Click this link for a 25% discount . Use 'AGELESS25' at checkout. 

References:
Indian Mountaineering Foundation: https://indmount.org/
The Nose, El Capitan, Yosemite National Park: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/climbing_elcap.htm
Climbing Gyms in Delhi: https://www.google.com/search?q=climbing+gyms+delhi
Channel Swimming Association: https://www.channelswimmingassociation.com/
Swimming to Antarctica by Lynne Cox: https://www.lynnecox.com/books/swimming-to-antarctica


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🌊"The biggest thing that impacts you when you first go out there, before I even surfed it, I just went out on a on a jet ski  and sat there and watched, is the sound it makes when it breaks...its terrifying" 🏄🏽‍♀️

At the age of 59 years and 8 months, Conacher became the oldest person in the world to surf Maverick's 🌊, the "Mount Everest of surfing" 🏔️ one of the most challenging and dangerous surf breaks in the world, located near Half Moon Bay, California. 

What makes Conacher's feat truly astonishing is the fact that he didn't start surfing until his 50s, wow! 🤯 Most accomplished big wave surfers start from a very young age, honing their skills over decades of experience. For Conacher to achieve this milestone at an age when most people are contemplating retirement is nothing short of extraordinary. 💪
Tune in for:


Scene by scene account of what it takes to paddle into 30-40 foot waves 🌊🌊🌊, from an 'ordinary' surfer's point of viewTraining to survive hold-downs 20 feet under cold water 😫Finding balance with a grueling career as a Wall Street banker "plan your vacations first…"? 🏦💰Strategies on finding the perfect mentor / coach and community to fuel the journey 🧑‍🏫🧑‍🤝‍🧑Setting audacious goals, and the dedication and joy that follows 🎯😁Finally, my favorite, wear the 'Vulnerable Adult Learner' label with pride 👴🏄References:

The Inertia: "How I Became the Oldest Person in the World to Surf Maverick’s for the First Time" by Lionel Conacher (March 29, 2023). Link to Article.

Bianca Valenti - Reknowned big wave surfer and Lionel's coach who prepared him for Mavericks Link to Website

Barbarian Days by William Finnegan: This Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir explores the author's lifelong passion for surfing and his experiences at various surf breaks around the world. Link to Book

BWRAG (Big Wave Risk Assessment Group): This organization provides safety training and education for big wave surfers. Link to Website

Patagonia PSI Vest: This inflatable vest is a crucial safety tool for big wave surfers, providing buoyancy in case of wipeouts and hold-downs. Link to Product

Surfline: This website provides surf forecasts, live cams, and other resources for surfers. Link to Website

Rob Case Paddle Surf: Rob Case is a renowned surf coach who offers instruction on paddling technique and pop-up mechanics. Link to Website

DMC Fins: Lionel mentioned this brand of surf helmets, which he wears for safety during his sessions.
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"It's not selfish to honor your ability 💪. While I can, I have an obligation to use my gifts and make my mark 🏆. Someday I won't be able to, so I'll make the most of the time I have ⏳."


Matt Eggleton, a former US Air Force veteran and accomplished endurance athlete, challenges age stereotypes by dominating the world of mountain biking. Despite discovering the sport in his 40s, Matt's dedication and discipline have propelled him to achieve impressive results in competitive races across the country. He's a 2x winner of the Stokesville Stoopid 50 (Smart 40, Master Men 50+) category, a 4th place finisher in the 2019 National Ultra Endurance (NUE) MTB Series Masters Division, and the Overall Winner of the 2019 Tour de Gravelly Masters Division. 


We cover:


Training regimens for mountain biking?Power of habit stackingObligation to honor ones giftsSafety….“Only spend on a helmet what your head’s worth” 🤩Is yoga worthless for enduro sports? 🧘🏾 References:


Matt’s website: https://www.eggleton.net/


Matt’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matt.eggleton/


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"What nature asks of us when we go outside is to be strong, is to use our cognitive faculties, to be nimble, to be exhilarated, and to be brave. All of that flies in the face of what we're told about our aging ." ⛰️ 💪🏾

Caroline Paul, a true renaissance woman, has spent her life shattering stereotypes and embracing adventure. 


In this episode, we journey alongside Caroline as she shares her remarkable experiences, from the remote landscapes of Siberia to the exhilarating waves of the Pacific Ocean. We discuss her latest book, "Tough Broad," and explore the transformative power of outdoor adventures for women (and men) as they age. 


Takeaways:


Embrace awe 🧘‍♀️ It can lower inflammation, boost positivity.Assess real risks 🤷‍♂️ We often blow them out of proportion.Find accountability buddies 🫂 They add fun, community, motivation!Expand your comfort zone 💪 Small steps upend expectations.Seek novelty 🏔 It's key for health, happiness and longevity.Time to ditch narratives about "frailty" and get rad! 🚀

Resources:


Caroline Paul's Website: https://carolinepaul.com/

Caroline Paul on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinembpaul/

Tough Broad: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking, How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age: [online or your favorite bookstore!]

The Gutsy Girl:  [online or your favorite bookstore!]

Dacher Keltner's Book on Awe: [Link to purchase book]


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⛰️"It's the struggle on those 3,000 feet that matters, the journey IS the climb."🧗‍♀️

Hans Florine has a lifelong love affair with Yosemite's El Capitan, setting and breaking speed records on its iconic face, having climbed it almost 200 times. We talked about his climbing philosophy, staying safe on big walls, and what makes an ideal climbing partner.  Hans opened up about why he loves partnering with new people up El Cap and his passion for making climbing more accessible to everyone. 🧗‍♂️🧗‍♀️


We’ve great giveaways from Coros, Physivantage, and Hans Florine himself. Tune into the podcast for deets! 🎙️


⛰️Power of visualization🧗 Do Hard Things (DHT) and TNT…what the heck??🤝 Hans’ tips for lifelong safety on the walls 🤪 Hans’ favorite and worst climbing partners LOL🥶Cryotherapy for Outdoor AthletesReferences:


Hans’ Instagram @hansflorineHans’ website https://www.hansflorine.com/DHT Challenge https://www.dhtchallenge.com/ Hans Florine 100 ascents: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHktkAx9SFE&ab_channel=OutsideWatchOn The Nose (co-authored with Jayme Moye @jaymemoye) https://www.hansflorine.com/?page_id=252Coros Smartwatches https://us.coros.com/watchesPhysivantage Nutrition https://physivantage.com▶️ YouTube
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"Anything worth doing, is worth doing well"

Meet Wayne Willoughby- an adaptive rock climber who defied incredible odds and has climbed El Cap, not once, or twice, but a mind-boggling 26 times. 🧗‍♂️🏔️ From battling polio and disabilities since infancy, to suffering terrible injuries, Wayne overcame obstacle after obstacle. 99% of us will never climb El Cap. Wayne has done it not once, or twice, but a record 26 times. 💪

He also became the first adaptive climber to reach the summits of famous, grueling climbs like El Capitan and The Diamond in under 24 hours. ⚡

In this wondrous conversation, and with his infectious yet humble demeanor, Wayne opens up about how he developed the grit, creative problem-solving, and deep gratitude for life's simple gifts that empowered him to defy limitations. 💎

His stoke for the outdoors and sheer refusal to be held back, despite the punishing toll on his body, is straight-up inspiring. 🔥 Whether you're a crusty trad dad or just someone looking for an awesome story of perseverance to get pumped on, buckle up!

 🚀 This convo with a real-life superhero still defying the odds well into his 70s will challenge your perspective on what it means to be an elite athlete. 


More about Wayne:


   The Indomitable Spirit of Wayne Willoughby    Wayne Willoughby, Adaptive Climber, Continues to Defy Odds   The Humble Badass: Wayne Willoughby
Credits extended to:

1. Paradox Sports: https://paradoxsports.org/
2. Blue Water Ropes: https://www.bluewaterropes.com/




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Comments, questions, who do you want to invite to the show?! Write to me kush@agelessathlete.co