Only the 10th person in history (the 4th woman and first swimmer from the Czech Republic), Abhejali Bernardová has completed the coveted ‘Oceans Seven’ - a physically gruelling and mentally demanding open-water swim across seven channels around the world. Zoe talks with Abhejali about her more recent challenge; an Extreme Ultra-Triathlon, crossing 1111kms from Dover to Prague.

This conversation is definitely not just about swimming, running and cycling, however, as the deep and powerful methods of self-talk and managing the mind during endurance challenges are shared. With such a positive, thought-provoking and calm approach to this episode, it is an ideal opportunity to consider the condition of your own headspace prior to event preparation.

SHOW LINKS:

https://www.instagram.com/abhejali/

https://www.facebook.com/AbhejaliB

https://twitter.com/abhejali?lang=en-GB

https://abhejali.cz/ (Czech website - English site being built)

SHOW NOTES:

*Please note error in the introduction - the date of editing the show is 2nd January 2022, not 2021 as stated.

• Zoe's introduction to the guest - Abhejali Bernardová [01:39 ]
• Abhejali's bio: from Czech Republic, 44yrs old, runner, open-water swimmer, extreme ultra-triathlete, member of Sri Chinmoy marathon team. She is the 10th person in history, 4th woman and first swimmer from Czech Republic to complete Oceans Seven. She has completed a 6-day run and is a multiple national champion at 100kms and 24 hours. She was nominated for both 2018 and 2019 world Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year. [02:15 ]
• Why 1111kms? [04:33 ]
• What is the Oceans Seven? [05:55 ]
• Self-transcendence and meditation to assist the mental side of physical challenges. [08.31]
• A choice of choosing challenge in order to learn more about self. [11:05 ]
• Meditation techniques used. [12:17 ]
• Dealing with the difficult mind stuff with meditation, mantras and music. [14:20 ]
• The Oceans Seven criteria. [17:56 ]
• The support crew on boat and land. [19:14 ]
• Characterising an ocean - describing its personality. [21:41 ]
• Witnessing the bioluminescence. [24:42 ]
• About the training and commitment. [25:48 ]
• Logistics of organising the Extreme Ultra-Triathlon. [30:17 ]
• Funding challenges. [32:10 ]
• What's next? [33:03 ]
• Abhejali's HeadRightOut Moment. [35:08 ]
• How Abhejali's life has been changed. [38:17 ]
• Wrapping up the conversation and her book (to come). [40:41 ]
• Zoe's reflection on her conversation with Abhejali. [43:56 ]
• A HeadRightOut Moment from Iain. [45:12 ]
• Gained weight - up to 16st. Lost weight through walking, running and then cycling- specifically, time-trialling.
• In two years, gained a certificate in the Best British All-Rounder Competition in cycling for averaging 23mph.
• How this moment has changed Iain's life.
• Brief introduction to next week's guest - Siobhan Daniels. Motorhome living, retired, positive and pro-aging campaigner.
• Request for listeners to follow, rate and review HeadRightOut. Ratings can also be left on Spotify now.
• Thanks, good wishes for 2022 and HeadRightOut Hugs.

PHOTOS OF ABHEJALI:

PHOTOS OF IAIN - THIS WEEK'S LISTENER HEADRIGHTOUT MOMENT: