#75 The Thinking Climber: What a Philosopher’s Double Life Reveals About Curiosity, Reinvention, and the Long Arc of Mastery

What does it take to climb your hardest route at 50—and then hold the rope while someone else pushes that same line even further?For Neil Gresham, that moment came on Lexicon, a bold and beautiful E11 route he developed and climbed later in life. In this conversation, Neil shares the full story—from discovering the line in the Lake District to the deep personal shift that allowed him to reach a new peak, years after he thought he’d already hit it.We also talk about what it was like to support a rare flash attempt by another world-class climber (whose recent film on Lexicon just dropped), and how that moment made Neil reflect on performance, legacy, and the long game.But this episode goes far beyond a single climb.We explore:Why Neil climbed his hardest routes after 45The nutrition and training strategies that helped him recover faster in his 50s than in his 20sWhat most athletes misunderstand about agingCoaching climbers into their 70s—including how he succeeded working with Rob MathesonThe mindset shift that helped him let go of pressure and finally enjoy the process againWhether you’re a climber or not, Neil’s story is about curiosity, adaptation, and staying sharp—mentally and physically—as the years go by.References & Resources:🎥 Lexicon: The Story of a Climb (Neil’s own film): https://vimeo.com/ondemand/e11lexicon📘 Learn more about Neil’s coaching and training programs: https://www.neilgreshamtraining.com/--- Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show.  👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show

Wendy Fisher was once one of the fastest women on skis. A U.S. Ski Team racer and 1992 Olympian, she seemed destined for a long career in elite competition. But by her early 20s, she was burned out, struggling with identity and disordered eating, and quietly unraveling inside a system that prized performance over well-being.This could’ve been the end of her story. Instead, it became the beginning of a much more human one.In this episode, Wendy shares how she walked away from ski racing and found her way into big-mountain freeskiing—becoming one of the sport’s pioneering women and starring in iconic ski films like Ski Movie and Global Storming by Matchstick Productions. We talk about her second act in life, how she stayed connected to movement and self-expression, and what she’s learned about letting go, showing up, and staying curious in her 50s.Whether you’re a lifelong athlete or just trying to stay grounded and active as you age, this episode offers perspective, honesty, and a few good powder-day metaphors.🧩 Topics We CoverThe mental toll of elite sport and perfectionismWhy Wendy left ski racing at her peakDisordered eating, burnout, and identity loss in early adulthoodHow one freeskiing contest changed everythingBecoming one of the first women featured in major ski filmsFrom athlete to coach, DJ, and community builderWhat movement looks like now — and how it feels different in midlifeLetting go of guilt, chasing joy, and embracing new chaptersParenting young athletes with honesty and humilityWhat it means to be ageless in a results-obsessed cultureWant to see Wendy ski? Start with Skiing For MyselfMore on Wendy: https://www.wendyfisher.me--- Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show.  👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show

What does it mean to stay bold — not in your 20s or 30s, but in your 70s? What does it take to trust your body, your judgment, and your preparation when the stakes are high — and there’s no one left to impress but yourself?In this episode of Ageless Athlete, we meet Rob Matheson, a climber who recently completed one of the UK’s most legendary and serious routes: The Bells, The Bells!, a bold sea cliff climb in North Wales known for its minimal protection and high consequence.But this episode isn’t just about climbing.It’s about what happens when we keep moving toward challenge — not recklessly, but intentionally. It’s about how our relationship to risk evolves with age. It’s about mastery, aging, and the subtle difference between quitting while you’re ahead… and knowing there’s more to uncover.We talk about: – How composure and clarity become more important than strength with age – What boldness actually looks like after 60 years of experience – The difference between perceived fear and actual danger — and why that matters – Mentorship — and how his father taught him to climb, and how he passed that on to his son – How media pressure affected his decision to try the route again, and what he learned from it – The quieter, more personal reasons we keep pushing ourselves long after we have toThis conversation begins with a difficult climb. But it expands into something much deeper — about growth, trust, identity, and what it means to stay fully alive as we age.Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or simply someone curious about what comes after midlife, there’s something here for you.Check out Rob's fantastic Youtube channel! --- Love the show? Here’s how to support it. 🚀 Every episode of Ageless Athlete is made with care—researching, recording, and editing each one solo to bring you stories that inspire.If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show.  👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathlete Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show

“I call my age group the 70 to death—and we show up early, because we still can. If you want to feel young, hang out with people chasing PRs, not prescriptions.”Bob Babbitt has raced more than 300 triathlons, co-founded Competitor magazine, helped popularize the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon Series, and has spent decades spotlighting athletes of all abilities through storytelling.At 73, he’s still training, still racing, and still waking up at 5:30 a.m. for his morning cold plunge.But this episode isn’t just about endurance sports. It’s about how movement, community, and a willingness to reinvent yourself can keep you young—physically, mentally, and emotionally.We dive into:The chaotic, hilarious origins of Ironman (including Big Macs and boomboxes)How triathlon went from fringe to global by aligning with city economicsDaily habits Bob swears by for recovery, clarity, and energyWhat the “70 to death” age group can teach us about aging wellThe work of the Challenged Athletes Foundation and how sport empowers identityWhether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or just someone thinking about how to age on your own terms—this one will stay with you.🔑 Key TakeawaysLongevity is built through reinvention. Bob’s career spans media, sport, and philanthropy—and each chapter began with curiosity, not certainty.Movement fuels mindset. His fitness routine isn’t performance-driven—it’s how he stays clear, focused, and in motion.Community is everything. Surrounding yourself with people who “refuse to act old” is one of his core longevity strategies.Sport = transformation. Whether you’re a first-time triathlete or a challenged athlete rebuilding after injury, crossing that finish line changes everything.🗣️ Notable Quotes“I call my age group the 70 to death. And we show up early—because we still can.” “Sport is what makes us whole. As long as there’s air in your lungs, you should be moving.” “If you want to feel young, hang out with people chasing PRs, not prescriptions.”🙏 Enjoying Ageless Athlete? Help keep the show going and Buy Me A Coffee! Every contribution helps keep the mic, and the inspiration flowing. Thanks for being here ❤️--- Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show

At midnight, Sarah Thomas stepped off the coast of England into darkness—swimming into history as the first person to complete a four-way crossing of the English Channel, nonstop. That alone would be astonishing. But what makes her story unforgettable is what came before: a breast cancer diagnosis, grueling treatment, and the slow, painful journey of rebuilding trust in a body that no longer felt like hers.In this powerful episode, Sarah opens up about more than just world-record swims. She reflects on how to start over after loss, how movement can become a form of healing, and what it really means to “still float”—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Whether you're an athlete, a survivor, or simply navigating your own midlife turning point, her story is a quiet masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and grace.🔑 Key Themes & TakeawaysRebuilding After Crisis: Why Sarah’s swim wasn’t about proving strength—it was about rediscovering identity in a different body.Grit ≠ Perfection: How embracing her limits post-cancer helped her redefine success, and why being “less than 100%” doesn’t mean giving up.Movement as Healing: The power of returning to the water—emotionally and physically—as a space of control, anonymity, and joy.Longevity Lessons: What Sarah’s approach to endurance can teach us about aging well, training smart, and honoring the long arc of performance.The English Channel as a Metaphor: How a swim so steeped in history became her proving ground for something deeper: presence, surrender, and quiet strength.Start Small, Stay Present: Why big goals demand micro-focus—and how thinking one stroke at a time can carry you through life’s hardest miles.🔗 References & Resources🌐 Sarah Thomas’s Website: sarahthomasswims.com📺 TEDx Talk – “Go Big”: Watch on YouTube📚 Ocean’s Seven Challenge (Wikipedia): Learn More📰 TIME Magazine – “Sarah Thomas Swims English Channel Four Times Nonstop After Surviving Cancer”: Read Article🎖️ WOWSA Hall of Fame Inductee: World Open Water Swimming Association Profile📍 Lake Champlain 104-Mile Record Swim: Coverage by Marathon Swimmers Federation🙏 Enjoying Ageless Athlete? Help keep the show going and Buy Me A Coffee! Every contribution helps keep the mic, and the inspiration flowing. Thanks for being here ❤️--- Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show

What if your best climbing wasn’t behind you—even at 65?This episode is a masterclass in longevity, discipline, and duality. Our guest is a rare figure who has spent decades pushing hard at the edge of two very different worlds: as a tenured philosophy professor and a lifelong climber still sending 5.14s.Bill Ramsey started climbing before sport climbing existed. He trained on treadwalls before they were popular. And today, he still maps out meticulous 8-hour training days—designed not to get stronger, but to stay sharp, adaptive, and resilient.This isn’t about avoiding aging. It’s about rewriting the rules.🧗‍♂️ In This Episode, We Cover:Balancing the cerebral and the physical: how philosophy and climbing feed each other—and why he believes doing both makes him better at eachThe “Pain Box”: his metaphor for rethinking discipline, suffering, and the tradeoffs behind fulfillmentWhat changes (and what doesn’t): honest insight into how the body, mind, and motivation evolve from your 30s to your 60sHow to train in your 60s: → self-coached 8-hour training days → projecting with purpose → the importance of fingerboarding on send days → ice-cold hand tricks to climb harder in the cold → why he avoids certain types of dynamic board problems to prevent injuryRedefining success: why mastery isn’t about grades or PRs—but about curiosity, adaptability, and the joy of still tryingThe inner life of a veteran athlete: what 50 years of climbing has taught him about loss, community, and legacyBeing a mentor, not a martyr: how he shares wisdom without needing the spotlightAging without apology: why aches and recovery delays are just part of the deal—and how to climb through them with grace and fire🧠 Why It Matters:Whether you're a dedicated athlete, a desk-bound dreamer, or someone wondering how to keep chasing meaning as the years stack up—this episode offers more than inspiration. It offers a roadmap.You’ll walk away with:A mindset for long-term performanceTools to stay physically and mentally engagedA fresh way to think about identity, reinvention, and the decades ahead🙏 Enjoying Ageless Athlete? Help keep the show going and Buy Me A Coffee! Every contribution helps keep the mic, and the inspiration flowing. Thanks for being here ❤️--- Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show

In this episode of Ageless Athlete, we dive into the metabolic engine room with Dr. Brianna Stubbs—world-class endurance athlete and leading researcher at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Brianna bridges the worlds of elite performance and cutting-edge science, specializing in how ketones, fasting, and metabolic flexibility can shape our ability to recover, sustain energy, and age well.This isn’t about dieting fads or silver bullets—it’s about understanding how your body fuels itself, and how those energy pathways evolve over time. Whether you’re an endurance athlete or someone simply trying to stay strong into your 40s, 50s, and beyond, Brianna’s insights will give you a fresh way to think about performance and longevity.🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:What metabolic flexibility actually is—and why it matters more as we ageThe role of exogenous ketones vs. endogenous ketones (and how they’re used differently)Why elite athletes may be “canaries in the coal mine” for agingHow fasting can impact energy regulation, muscle retention, and cognitive performanceSurprising myths and truths about the ketogenic dietWhat separates “TOPe’s” (Top Older Performers) from “NOPe’s” in the Buck Institute’s MOVE StudyHow Brianna personally trains, fuels, and recovers today—backed by both experience and data🔬 References Mentioned:Buck Institute for Research on Aging: https://www.buckinstitute.orgMOVE Study (Molecular Optimization Via Exercise): Recruiting older athletes for metabolic and molecular profilingKetone Ester Research: Stubbs et al. (2017), Cell Metabolism – PMID: 28399454TOPe’s vs. NOPe’s framework: conceptual model comparing high-performing vs. low-performing older athletesHVMN Ketone Ester studies – Commercial application and early human performance trials👤 About Dr. Brianna Stubbs: Brianna is a former world champion rower for Team GB and currently serves as Director of Translational Science at the Buck Institute. She holds a PhD from Oxford in Metabolic Physiology and has spent the last decade studying how ketones and metabolic regulation affect performance and aging. She’s also competed in Ironman Kona and multi-day ultra-endurance events, making her both subject and scientist.🙏 Enjoying Ageless Athlete? Help keep the show going and Buy Me A Coffee! Every contribution helps keep the mic, and the inspiration flowing. Thanks for being here ❤️--- Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show

Bob Becker didn’t start running until his 50s.Today, at 80, he’s tackling some of the most brutal ultramarathons on the planet—100+ mile races across deserts, through mountains, and far beyond what most of us think is possible.But this isn’t just a story about age-defying endurance. It’s about meaning, resilience, and the unexpected ways we impact others. In one unforgettable moment, Bob recalls finishing a race just past the cutoff—only to learn his effort may have saved someone’s life.In this episode, we explore:Why Bob started running in his 50s—and never looked backThe mindset that gets him through the darkest milesWhat it’s like to attempt the Badwater Double and other extreme ultrasHis reflections on aging, purpose, and carrying the weight of others’ hopeHow he balances racing, community, and family over decadesWhy it’s never too late to begin something extraordinaryIf you've ever felt like it's too late to start, or wondered whether your efforts truly matter—Bob Becker’s story will change the way you think about aging, goals, and what’s still possible.🙏 Enjoying Ageless Athlete? Help keep the show going and Buy Me A Coffee! Every contribution helps keep the mic, and the inspiration flowing. Thanks for being here ❤️--- Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show

What does it take to paddle into 50-foot waves — and to paddle back out again after life knocks you down?In this wide-ranging conversation, professional big wave surfer Bianca Valenti joins the Ageless Athlete podcast to talk about what it really means to face fear, rebuild after burnout, and commit to something bigger than yourself.Bianca is best known for:🌊 Being one of the world’s top female big wave surfers🏄‍♀️ Competing in the legendary Eddie Aikau Invitational in 2023⚖️ Leading the historic fight for equal pay in surfing as co-founder of CEWS (Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing)👊 Coaching a 59-year-old rookie to surf Mavericks for the first time🧠 Developing Surf Longevity — a course designed to help everyday athletes extend their physical and mental game💡 What You’ll LearnHow Bianca went from being a self-taught longboarder to a pioneer in big wave surfingThe near-death experience at Ocean Beach that changed the course of her lifeWhat really happened behind the scenes in the fight for equal payHow she prepares for huge swells — physically, mentally, and spirituallySimple but powerful breathwork and mindset tools that anyone can useWhy she believes age is an advantage — not a liabilityHow she helps older athletes push boundaries without burning outWhether you’re a surfer, a weekend warrior, or just someone navigating change — Bianca’s story will inspire you to rethink what’s possible, at any age.🔗 References & ResourcesBianca’s Website & Coaching Programs: https://www.bigwavebianca.com/Follow Bianca on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigwavebianca/New York Times Magazine Feature (2019): “The Fight for Gender Equality in One of the Most Dangerous Sports on Earth” https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/02/07/magazine/women-surf-big-wave.htmlUpcoming Documentary: She Change, directed by Sachi Cunningham🙏 Enjoying Ageless Athlete? Help keep the show going and Buy Me A Coffee! Every contribution helps keep the mic, and the inspiration flowing. Thanks for being here ❤️--- Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show

In this special highlight reel, we revisit the most unforgettable moments from the past few months of Ageless Athlete. These are stories that stuck with me—narratives that challenged how I think about fear, recovery, aging, and what the human body (and spirit) can do when fully committed.You’ll hear:A nurse in her 50s swimming 30 miles through 43-degree water toward the Farallon Islands—without a wetsuit.A son running beside his father through the fog of Alzheimer’s.An ultra-runner finding joy mid-chemo.A solo paddleboard crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.Affirmations taped to walls that became lifelines.And reminders that fear, suffering, and setbacks are often the path itself.If you're new here, this episode is a great introduction to what Ageless Athlete is all about. And if you're a regular, this is a chance to revisit the stories that deserve a second listen.🧭 Featured Guests & Episode Titles🎙️ Amy Gubser 🏊‍♀️ Into The Depths: No Wetsuit, 43 Degree Water, and 17 Hours Non-Stop to Make History With The First Swim to Shark Island🎙️ Travis Macy 🏃‍♂️ One Mile at a Time: The Healing Power of Movement and How Adventure Can Fight Alzheimer’s🎙️ Jamie Justice 🧬 The $101M Global Race to Redefine Aging: Jamie Justice on the Science of Longevity, and Why Aging Is an Opportunity, Not a Decline🎙️ Ray Zahab 🏜️ Impossible To Possible: How Ray Zahab’s Adventure Mindset Helped Him Overcome Cancer and Redefine Resilience🎙️ Chris Bertish 🌊🏄‍♂️ Chris Bertish Is All In: Paddling the Atlantic Solo, and Fear, Failure & Finding Strength in the Unknown🎙️ Steve McClure 🧗‍♂️ Beyond Limits: Steve McClure’s Unorthodox Methods, Peak Performance at 54, What Causes Decline, and the Best Fixes for Long-Term Success🎙️ Shawn Dollar 🌊 Beyond Two Guinness Records: How Shawn Dollar Overcame Traumatic Brain Injury—and Why You Must Advocate for Your Own Health🎙️ Lisa Smith-Batchen 👣💧 The Peaceful Warrior: How to Break Through Self-Imposed Limits, Use Aging to Your Advantage, and How Purpose Can Transform You🎙️ Tara Tulley 🔥🏃‍♀️ The Ultimate Comeback: At 46, Tara Tulley Transformed Her Life, Lost 130 lbs, Overcame Illness, and Conquered a 140 Mile Ultra Run🙏 Enjoying Ageless Athlete? Help keep the show going and Buy Me A Coffee! Every contribution helps keep the mic, and the inspiration flowing. Thanks for being here ❤️--- Subscribe to the Ageless Athlete newsletter — 2× a month, no spam. We share behind-the-scenes reflections, longevity tips, and athlete wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up at https://www.agelessathlete.co/newsletter/ 📩 Support the show