When I first started working in elite sport I believed that not only did the best athletes have natural talent and a good work ethic, but that they also had a life which was completely under control. From the outside looking in, many armchair fans think that elite athletes, in any sport, have it all.
Nothing could be further from the truth, as you'll hear in this week's podcast. It's a very open and honest conversation with elite female fell runner, Emily Cowper-Coles. During the chat we explore:

Whether a person's ability to push themselves to their physical and mental limit is nature or nurture
The domino effects of a sudden traumatic family death when she was 13
Dealing with chronic stress fatigue, and why it's a mental and physical illness
How and why to seek help early, and be kind to yourself
Learning through mistakes and experience
The benefits of yoga for relaxation
Competing at a national level as a fell runner, and setting records
Why the athletes who can perform to their potential are the ones balancing everything sustainably



I hope that you find this conversation as inspiring as I did. If you or anyone you know is affected by any of the issues we discuss, please check out the links below to seek help or guidance.
Red Cross - If you are lonely or want to be kind to yourself
Young Minds - Fighting for young peoples mental health
Assist Trauma Care - If you are the victim of a traumatic bereavement
 
If you want to find out more about Emily and her adventures, please check out these links:
Facebook - 3 wheeling cycle
3 women, 3 peaks, 1 world record
Emily’s 3 peaks solo record attempt
If you’d like to help with Emily’s fundraising this is her JustGiving page.
 
Favourite Motivational Songs
Coldplay - Sky full of stars
Self esteem boost: 
The Greatest Showman - This is Me! 
 
Favourite Book - Make Your Bed - Admiral William McRaven
 

To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please email her at Info@BethanyWardLifeCoaching.uk.
 
To leave a review of the podcast on Apple podcasts CLICK HERE.
 




Sports Nutrition questions - if you have a sports nutrition question that you would like answered on the podcast, please email it to me via Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.
 

Join our SWAT/High Performance Human tribe using this link, with a happiness guarantee! You can watch a brief video about the group by going to our website here, and join our SWAT High Performance Human tribe here.
Purchase a copy of my High Performance Human e-book featuring more than 30 top tips on how to upgrade your life.
If you would like to help offset the cost of our podcast production, we would be so grateful. Please click here to support the HPH podcast. Thank you!
Visit Simon's website for more information about his coaching programmes. Links to all of Simon's social media channels can be found here.  For any questions please email Beth@TheTriathlonCoach.com.