Joy is...The Things We Hate.
In November 2019, Claire Smith became the first British athlete ever to complete a continuous Double Deca Iron Distance triathlon: 48 miles of swimming, 2,240 miles of cycling and 524 miles of running, in 28 days. The numbers are almost too much to process and, as impressive as they are, the woman behind them is even more so, and for reasons that the numbers don't tell.
Over the last ten years, 'Brutal Claire' has been learning how to use her innate drive, ambition and healthy dose of craziness for a better purpose. Her first marathon was quickly followed by an Ironman, then Double Ironman...all this from a woman to whom athleticism, by her own admission, did not come naturally, and who struggled for much of her young adult life with an eating disorder, abusive relationships, and the downward spiral of alcohol addiction. Oh and she was also bringing up her two children and pursuing a career as a graphic designer and, later, events organiser. Through ultra-distance racing, Claire pulled herself from rock bottom to compete at the highest levels of the sport and found a successful company that helps others to realise their potential.
Claire and I share a 'brutally' honest and open conversation about overcoming mental health struggles, abusive relationships and addiction by doing things that push the limits of endurance. We consider what the word 'addiction' means to us and how it can be channeled in a positive manner.
Claire is a sensitive, warm soul and I was so grateful for the connection that this interview provided: we literally laughed and cried together as we shared about a mutual early loathing of netball (sorry listeners); seeing what you 'can't do' as inspiration to work out what you 'can'; the additional challenges that being a woman in the endurance and adventure world poses, and our issues with the notion of being 'women who beat the men'. This, alongside narrating Claire's incredible journey as an athlete and business person; considering what being a student of the sport means; being prepared to fail without glamorising it; the power of a good schedule and a little cry; self-sufficiency; building communities; fear and, of course, that small matter of taking a baby-jogger for a very very long outing down the A9.
Thank you, Claire, truly; your emotional generosity, modesty and strength are something I will carry with me for a long time.
Follow: @brutalclaire @brutaleventsuk
Challenge: www.brutalevents.co.uk
Read: Becoming Brutal and No Easy Day
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.