Mid Life Athlete

S5E8: Riding Through the Fog: Grief, Agency, and the 321 Mont Blanc Challenge

Jason Smith & Greg Ryan Season 5 Episode 8

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0:00 | 59:06

In this deeply personal and moving episode of the Midlife Athlete Podcast, host Greg Ryan sits down with his regular co-host, Jason Smith, who steps into the guest seat to share the motivation behind his upcoming endurance challenge. They are joined by Dr Rupali Kulshreshtha, lead clinical psychologist at the London Clinic, to explore the intersection of physical health, trauma, and the psychological landscape of grief.

The conversation centers on Jason’s "321 Challenge"—a grueling road bike journey spanning three countries in two days around one mountain (Mont Blanc)—undertaken in memory of his close friend, Dave, who recently passed away from cancer. Together, they discuss why we turn to extreme physical feats in the wake of loss and how athletes can navigate their own mortality.

The Challenge: https://ride321.cc/

You can donate here: https://www.thelondonclinic.co.uk/321-cycle-challenge?utm_source=referrer-website

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