Photo: Alexi Pappas

After reading American marathon record holder, Deena Kastor’s memoir, Let Your Mind Run: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory, which reveals how changing her mindset revolutionised her running performance, I knew I had to invite Deena on to Lessons in Badassery to find out more.

In this Q&A, the 45-year-old Olympic bronze medallist and multiple American record holder chats about positivity, gratitude and how adjusting her mindset unlocked the secret to her running success.

Photo: James MacKeddie/Inov-8.com

Who better to share her tips for conquering that hill climb and technical descent than inov-8 ambassador and champion fell runner Jasmin Paris? Along with holding the record for the fastest completion of some of the UK’s hardest mountain rounds, such as the Bob Graham and Charlie Ramsay round, the 34-year-old fell runner was also crowned Extreme Skyrunning World Champion in 2016. In other words, she’s tackled some of the steepest ascents and downhills going.

From cadence and pace to trusting your feet on the descent, here are Jasmin’s quick tips for negotiating the ups and downs on your next run.

Photo: Olly Harrison

What does a typical day look like for Team GB long jumper, Jazmin Sawyers? The Commonwealth Games silver medallist and former Youth Olympics bobsleigh silver medallist (yes, she also competed in the youth bobsleigh team) shares an insight into her busy schedule on the blog today.

Think double training sessions, freezing cold showers and, when she gets the chance, songwriting (the 24-year-old appeared on The Voice in 2017 under will.i.am’s mentorship.)

Thanks, Jazmin!

Ultra-running enthusiast Caoimhe Bamber was on maternity leave from a successful career in law when inspiration stuck and she dreamt up the idea to launch a cool spinning studio in the UK. The result was Digme Fitness.

Fast-forward a few years and Digme Fitness has four branches in Richmond, Oxford, Moorgate and Blackfriars. Here, mum of two Caoimhe, who is an endurance sport nut (she’s an Ironman finisher and has completed the epic Comrades Ultramarathon!) runs through a typical day in her life.

Photo: Stefan Andrews, Ocean Imaging

Kiki Bosch is a Dutch ice freediver who uses the Wim Hof method of cold water tolerance to dive in extreme temperatures. Kiki specialises in ice dives without a wetsuit and (incredibly) has freedived in sub-zero temperatures – including in the Arctic – wearing only a swimsuit.

Here, Kiki explains how the cold water brought her peace after a traumatic event, and how it feels to freedive in extremely low temperatures without a wetsuit. She also shares a fascinating insight into managing her body and its cold water response.

Do not try this at home!

Earlier this year, former duathlon AG world champion Claire Steels ditched running (and the UK) in favour of riding for cycling team Fusion Velo Performance, as she moved her personal training business to the Spanish cycling haven of Pollença in Mallorca.

Here, the 31-year-old chats through a typical day in her new life in Mallorca, from training clients to bagging some seriously impressive Strava QOMs.

Known for her running challenges (which include being the first woman to run the 1500-mile length of South Africa’s Freedom Trail), British endurance adventurer Emma Timmis switched to an Elliptigo for her big adventure last year. The goal – which she achieved in 74 days – was to ride her Elliptigo, self-supported and pulling a trailer, 7,951.9km across Australia. Oh, and she smashed a world record in the process.

Here, Emma chats about her Elliptigo experience and the highs and lows of her Aussie adventure. And if you’re wondering what an Elliptigo is, it’s kind of like a cross-trainer on wheels!

Photo: SWpix.com

From interviewing riders to recceing the course and swotting up on stage notes, cycling journalist and commentator Rebecca Charlton’s schedule is jam-packed this week as she covers one of the biggest and exciting women’s cycling events on the pro cycling circuit: the OVO Energy Women’s Tour, which runs from 13 – 17 June.

Despite her non-stop schedule, Rebecca somehow found time to squeeze in writing a guest post for me during Wednesday’s opening stage from Framlington to Southwold. Here, the avid cyclist and OVO Energy ambassador shares a behind-the-scenes look at her hectic day commentating, reporting, and interviewing the pro peloton’s leading female cyclists.

Photo: Dave Mackison

Downhill mountain bike racer Tahnée Seagrave grew up in Morzine watching the pro riders hang out at her parents’ chalet. Little did she know she’d end up joining the MTB scene professionally one day too. Fast-forward to last year, and the Red Bull rider took three World Cup wins, signing off 2017 as second in the overall rankings.

With the 2018 season underway, including a World Cup win at Fort William and a disappointing DQ last weekend, the almost-23-year-old (it’s her birthday on Friday) is fired up. Here, Tahnée answers my questions on everything from fear and training to her goals for this year.

Photo: Wooter Roosenboom

German-born Monika Sattler (aka RAD Monika) is on a mission to inspire more people, especially women, to take up cycling. Her plan: to be the first woman in history to ride the entire course of this summer’s professional road cycling race, the Vuelta a España – one of cycling’s toughest Grand Tours – just hours ahead of the pro cyclists. The brutal 3300km route is designed to test even the most seasoned of professional riders and includes 21 days on the bike, notoriously difficult climbs and the searing heat of a Spanish summer. Phew!

I caught up with Monika over the phone from her home in Mallorca, Spain, to chat about her cycling background, her brief stint as a pro cyclist, and how she’s preparing for her record-breaking Vuelta Ride challenge.