Claire in her own words:
“I have always been a highly motivated person, but when I was younger, I was highly motivated to self destruct!
Over the last ten years, I have learnt how to use my drive, ambition and general craziness for a better purpose. I completed my first marathon, Ironman and then Double Ironman... Many more ultra triathlons followed and also, Brutal Events was born.
I will be honest and admit I have struggled with addiction (and the depression and self-esteem issues that come with it), but almost eight years ago, I finally turned my life around and have not looked back since. Of all my achievements, this is what I am most proud of, but it’s the one I don’t speak about. Well, until now…
I often get asked why I do the ultra endurance stuff, and I guess I love the fact that you can do anything if you train well and really want it.
In other news, I am a mum of two children (that aren’t kids anymore), a graphic/website designer, a writer, and I also run Brutal Events - brutalevents.co.uk"
Content Warning - I’ve marked the episode as explicit as we do talk about weight and disordered eating. We don’t go into specifics but it is mentioned.
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Show notes
Who Claire is in her own words
Setting up her business Brutal Events
Writing and publishing books
Moving back to Bournemouth from Hereford
Getting a bit more rebellious
Doing her own thing at school
Starting to run at 20
Challenges she faced as a single parent
Completing her first half marathon
Meeting her husband
Having no idea what Ironman is but wanting to participate
Not having a bike and being unable to swim
Splitting up with her husband
Getting a tattoo
Keeping friends with her ex-husband
Completing the Double Ironman
How important is it for her to complete the Ironman
Her Double Ironman finishing experience
Not working with coaches
How she balances training with two kids
Managing the pain from her ongoing injuries
Having Hyperlordosis
Focusing on her routines and plans
Things that help her manage her pain
Feeling like giving up
How and why did she keep going
Training for the Arch to Arc Triathlon
How she feels about the challenge
Being on the right track after 13 years
Struggling with panic attacks
Managing her stress and anxiety
What causes her panic attacks in the water and swimming through it
How much does it cost her to do this challenge
A big bag of crisps and Netflix
Being addicted to sugar
Having to eat more than she wants to gain weight
Needing to step away from junk food and eat better food
Struggling with an eating disorder and monitoring herself against it
Writing her book, Becoming Brutal
Getting into more detail about Brutal Events
Doing the Snowdonia marathon
Where does "brutal" come from
Final words of advice
Social Media
Website: www.brutalclaire.co.uk
Instagram: @brutalclaire
Facebook: @brutalclaire
Book: Becoming Brutal
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