78. Simon Willis on the Adventure Audio Podcast

Runners and cyclists know that, as we age, we should do more strength training to protect our bones, ligaments and balance.  But what sort of training is best, and how to do it safely?  Those questions led me to Emma at Wolfhouse Gym near Fort William in the Scottish highlands.  As well as having a British record and world championship win, Emma has developed a specialism in coaching over 50s who want to handle the inevitable changes of ageing.  There's a video version of this podcast and a shorter video in the Older Athlete Series which includes Emma's demonstrations of many of the things we talk about here.Strength for older athletes: Video: https://youtu.be/tkQgbtrxEb8Video podcast: https://youtu.be/Ojli8D5WhPIWolfhouse gym: https://www.wolfhousegym.com/

World Bicycle Relief empowers people and communities through life-changing bicycles.  The latest version of their robust Buffalo Bike has two chains, two chain rings and a unique two-gear system to help people cope with heavy loads and rough roads of Africa.  WBR is a very special cycling-focused charity and one I’m happy to support.  On the banks of the River Thames, I speak to Ben Sadler, the Managing Director of World Bicycle Relief UK.  I get to ride their new buffalo, and make a sharp exit when the Thames decides our interview is over.World Bicycle Relief  https://worldbicyclerelief.orgInsight study https://worldbicyclerelief.org/idinsight/

'The Midlife Cyclist' is a book which reshaped the thinking of many cyclists.  Published in 2021, it is in part a scientific analysis of the inevitable changes associated with ageing.  It also offers gentle encouragement on how to cope and manage these changes, to keep fit and healthy into older age.  In this podcast, the author Phil Cavell talks about the lessons he learnt through researching the book, and goes into detail about his new book The Cycling Addiction' which is due in 2025.  You can watch this whole interview on YouTube or a cut-down video of our chat.  Buy The Midlife Cyclist here and I receive a tiny affiliate payment.

Founder of boutique bike brand Vielo, Ian was the man who brought Scott to the UK.  Not bad for a former DJ. Vielo website https://www.vielo.cc/

Laval St Germain is a Canadian who has climbed the highest mountain on every continent, the seven summits, including  Everest, from the north side, without supplemental oxygen.  He was the first Canadian to do so.  When he visits a new country, he always tries to summit its highest peak: And he visits a lot of countries because he’s a commercial airline pilot.  Laval's website    Instagram     The Adventure Audio Podcast

Duncan McCallum has been a big part of the Scottish climbing scene for years, designing walls, presenting TV programmes and climbing hard.  He’s the founder of The Ledge climbing gym in Inverness which is where we recorded this.  Now aged sixty two, we sat down to talk motivation, training regime and some of the big injuries he has had to cope with, including a heart attack.  This interview forms part of a video I made with Duncan for The Older Athlete Series and you can also find this full episode on YouTube

This month I'm sharing an episode of different podcast, the Adventure Audio Podcast, in which I am the guest.  I was surprised when I was asked to contribute, given the two hosts, are extremely accomplished outdoors people.  But since I ask others to share their stories, I felt I ought to accept.  Peter Hockenhull and Laval St. Germain were  probing in their questions, and I probably shared a lot more about myself than I normally would on my own podcast.  I hope you enjoy it.  Normal service will resume soon.

Glen Van Peski is well known in the United States as a leading member of the ultra-light hiking community and founder of https://www.gossamergear.com/ His new book extends the 'take less do more' philosophy, from backpacking to life as he and his wife Francie live it. We met in 2002 when Glen helped Liz and I on our PCT thru-hike, and it was great to reconnect with him. Book on Amazon ▶︎ https://amzn.to/3IvRFQj (affiliate link) My PCT Podcast ▶︎ https://PCTpodcast.com

Dr Peter Clarkson, is an NHS Cardiologist based in the Scottish highlands, and a very keen and talented rock climber.   He has also competed in triathlons.I’ve been trying to answer a question; 'how hard is too hard' when it comes to exercise for an older athlete?   How close to maximum heart rate should we be hiking, running and cycling?  What are the warning signs we're going too hard, too often?Dr Clarkson agreed to shoot a video with me for The Older Athlete Series and we met at The Ledge climbing gym in Inverness.  You can see the video I made from this chat on YouTube.  This podcast is our whole interview with only minor edits to tidy the conversation, and it's also available to watch in video.

There’s more adventure in this podcast than most.  Ed Ley-Wilson talks us through Running the great Wall of China; kayaking Patagonia; and the kayak journey along Scotland’s west coast that promoted his most recent book.  Along the way we’ll take a dive into the ethics of fish farming.  Ed’s first book about running the Himalaya is called ‘The Himalayan Shuffle’ and you can find old copies on various websites.Ed’s new book Kayaking the Sea Roads is out now: https://amzn.to/3HAOiHjIf you want to hear more about kayaking in Patagonia check out Episode 8 with Will Copestake > https://www.buzzsprout.com/954676/3255151