FORWARD IS A PACE (EPISODE 71)

FORWARD IS A PACE (EPISODE 71)

In Episode 71 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with endurance athlete, coach, author, and founder of Team B*REAL, Adina O'Neill.Adina's story is one of perseverance, inclusion, and the unwavering belief that movement belongs to everyone. After beginning her journey unable to run a single mile, she went on to complete more than 100 endurance events, including marathons, Ironman triathlons, marathon swims, and epic endurance challenges that pushed the limits of what she once believed possible.As the founder and Head Joy Coach of Team B*REAL, Adina has dedicated her life to helping athletes of all sizes, identities, ages, and abilities discover confidence, belonging, and belief through movement. Team B*REAL stands for Realistic, Empowered, Attainable, and Lifestyle—four principles that serve as a roadmap for sustainable growth and success.Together, Sarah and Adina explore the powerful themes behind Adina's book, Forward Is a Pace, discussing how progress is not measured by speed, but by the courage to keep moving forward. They dive into the importance of finding your tribe, creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, overcoming self-limiting beliefs, and learning to embrace the journey rather than focusing solely on outcomes.The conversation also highlights Adina's historic Boston Light Swim attempt, scheduled for July 20, 2026. Adina will seek to become the first person to attempt the iconic eight-mile Boston Light Swim entirely on backstroke, reversing the traditional route by swimming from South Boston Harbor to Boston Lighthouse. More than an athletic challenge, the swim represents a powerful message of resilience, possibility, inclusion, and doing things her own way.If you've ever questioned whether you belong, struggled with self-doubt, or wondered if it's too late to pursue a goal, this conversation will remind you that progress comes in many forms—and that sometimes the most important step is simply continuing to move forward.Because forward is a pace.Topics discussed include:• Building confidence through movement• The mission and philosophy behind Team B*REAL• Inclusion and belonging in endurance sports• Finding your tribe and community• The power of self-belief• Lessons from open water swimming• Resilience, mindset, and personal growth• Adina's historic Boston Light Swim attempt• Why movement is for everyoneYou belong here. Movement is for everyone.To learn more about and support Adina O'Neill's historic Boston Light Swim challenge, visit:https://teambreal.com/the-boston-light-swim/To learn more about Team B*REAL and Adina's coaching platform, visit:https://teambreal.com/aboutDisclaimer: All information shared on The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.

THE TRIBE: ONE MAN'S LIFELONG SEARCH FOR HIS KIND OF WEIRD BY JERRY DUNN (EPISODE 70)

What if life isn't about finding one tribe—but about discovering the many communities that shape us along the way?In this special episode of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon shares a reading of The Tribe, a thoughtful and deeply personal essay written by Jerry Dunn.Through humor, wisdom, and stories spanning decades of life experience, Jerry reflects on the tribes that have influenced his journey—from the running community and ultrarunning culture to healing, sobriety, friendship, and the ongoing search for belonging.More than a story about running, The Tribe is a reflection on identity, growth, resilience, and the people who walk beside us through life's many seasons. Jerry challenges us to consider that perhaps life isn't about finding where we fit in forever, but about remaining open to growth, new experiences, and new communities that help shape who we become.At its heart, this piece is a reminder that flourishing is found through movement, connection, curiosity, and the courage to continue evolving.As Jerry writes:"Find your people. But don't be afraid to outgrow them."And perhaps most importantly:"The campfire is always somewhere else... waiting for you."Thank you to Jerry Dunn for allowing this piece to be shared with The PhD Journey Unplugged community.

WHO AM I BECOMING? THE IDENTITY SHIFT AND THE COURAGE TO BEGIN AGAIN (Episode 69)

What if the person you are becoming requires you to let go of who you once were?In Episode 69 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon welcomes fitness, performance, and wellness coach, entrepreneur, lifelong athlete, and founder of AE Fitness & Performance Coaching, Arwen Elaine, on the show.Together, Sarah and Arwen explore one of the most profound questions of personal growth:Who am I becoming?From childhood labels and family roles to career identities, athletic pursuits, and life transitions, we often carry stories about ourselves long after they no longer reflect who we truly are. In this thought-provoking conversation, Sarah and Arwen discuss how identity evolves across the lifespan, why some identities must be released to make room for new ones, and how growth often begins with giving ourselves permission to change.In this episode, we explore:• The identities we inherit from family, school, and society• How labels shape our beliefs about ourselves• The difference between assigned identity and authentic identity• Why self-compassion is essential during seasons of change• Kristin Neff's work on self-compassion• Carol Dweck's Growth Mindset and identity development• Imposter syndrome and why it may be evidence of growth rather than inadequacy • Identity theory and performance psychology• The concept of "nascence" — the process of beginning anew• How identity influences performance in sport, leadership, career, and life• The importance of authenticity, alignment, and personal evolution• The transformative question: What would change if I permitted myself?This conversation is for anyone navigating a life transition, redefining themselves after a major accomplishment, exploring a new chapter, or wondering whether the identity they've carried for years still fits who they are becoming. Because sometimes growth is not about becoming someone new. Sometimes growth is about becoming more fully yourself.Subscribe to The PhD Journey Unplugged for conversations at the intersection of human performance, leadership, resilience, healthy aging, motivation, and personal growth.Disclaimer: All information shared on The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be deemed as professional advice.

BELIEVE BEFORE YOU ACHIEVE - BUILDING CONFIDENCE THROUGH TRAINING CAMPS (EPISDOE 68)

"There are no shortcuts in the endurance journey." Maria Simone, Founder & Head Coach, No Limits Endurance. What happens when athletes step outside their comfort zones and immerse themselves in an environment designed for growth, connection, and performance? In Episode 68 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with Maria Simone, Founder and Head Coach of No Limits Endurance Coaching, USA Triathlon Coach Educator of the Year, accomplished ultra-endurance athlete, and one of the most respected voices in endurance coaching today. Maria's remarkable athletic accomplishments include being a two-time Double Anvil Champion, Ironman World Championship finisher, multiple-time Ironman Gold All World Athlete, Western States 100 finisher, Boston Marathon qualifier, and award-winning coach who has helped athletes of all levels discover what they are truly capable of achieving. Together, Sarah and Maria explore one of the most powerful yet often overlooked tools for athlete development: training camps. In this conversation, they discuss:- Training Camp Wisdom- Lessons Learned- Overcoming the Fear of Showing Up- Why Community Matters- What you learn in the hard- Setting Big Dreams- Taking Steps to Move Forward- A No Limits MindsetWhether you're training for your first 5K, an Ironman, an ultramarathon, or simply striving to become a stronger version of yourself, this episode offers powerful insights into confidence, resilience, personal growth, and the limitless potential that emerges when we challenge ourselves alongside others. As Maria reminds us throughout this conversation, achievement often begins long before race day. It begins with belief. To learn more about Maria Simone's platform, training camps, and coaching philosophy or to contact her, visit the No Limits Endurance website at nolimitsendurance.com. Subscribe to The PhD Journey Unplugged for conversations at the intersection of human performance, leadership, resilience, healthy aging, endurance sports, and lifelong personal growth. Disclaimer: All information shared on The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast is for general information purposes only and should not be deemed as professional advice.

FINDING FAST AGAIN WITH WORLD CHAMPION TRIATHLETE JENNIFER HOBAN (EPISODE 67)

In Episode 67 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with World Champion endurance athlete, Team USA triathlete, and coach Jennifer Hoban, Founder of Finding Fast Again Coaching.Jennifer’s journey through sport spans more than three decades and reflects a life grounded in discipline, resilience, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Beginning as a competitive swimmer, cyclist, and multisport athlete, Jennifer first entered the world of triathlon in 1993. After stepping away from endurance sport for several years, she returned in 2012 with renewed purpose and determination.Since 2019, Jennifer has represented Team USA multiple times on the international stage at the World Triathlon Championship Series, establishing herself among the top endurance athletes in the world. She has earned All-American status, achieved multiple Top 10 USA rankings, won the Overall Women’s World Championship at Garmin Gravel Worlds in 2022 at age 51, and continues competing at the highest levels of triathlon and gravel cycling.Her performances on the world stage continued to elevate in recent years. In 2024, Jennifer earned 1st place for Team USA and became a World Champion in Aquabike competition. In 2025, she advanced even further, placing 8th overall in the world while once again finishing 1st for Team USA.Yet behind these extraordinary accomplishments lies a story far deeper than podium finishes and rankings.Jennifer openly shares her journey through significant medical setbacks, including injuries and health challenges that forced her to repeatedly rebuild herself physically, mentally, and emotionally. After doctors told her she would never run again, Jennifer chose not to accept limitation as the final chapter of her story. Instead, she forged forward with courage, determination, and belief — ultimately returning not only to running, but to competing successfully on the international stage.This episode moves far beyond sport. It becomes a conversation about resilience, identity, rebuilding confidence, and rediscovering momentum after life slows us down — physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually.Dr. Gordon and Jennifer explore what it truly means to “Find Fast Again,” not simply in athletic performance, but in life itself. Together, they discuss perseverance through adversity, sustainable excellence, a growth mindset, and the power of continuing forward even when progress feels invisible.Jennifer also shares her coaching philosophy through Finding Fast Again Coaching, where she works with athletes of all levels — from beginners discovering endurance sports for the first time to national qualifiers and elite-level competitors pursuing world-class performance.Whether you are an athlete, professional, student, leader, or someone navigating your own season of rebuilding, this conversation offers a powerful reminder:Sometimes finding “fast again” is not about becoming who we once were — it is about discovering a stronger, wiser, and more resilient version of ourselves.Episode 67 also marks a deeply meaningful milestone as Dr. Sarah Gordon celebrates the 1st Anniversary of The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast. Dr. Gordon shares her gratitude for the guests, listeners, and community that have supported the show throughout its first year. She reflects on how fitting it is to share this milestone episode with Jennifer Hoban — someone who fully embodies the mission of the podcast: living our best lives “from the inside out,” overcoming obstacles, pursuing growth, and embracing the lifelong journey of human performance and resilience.Disclaimer: All information shared on The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical, psychological, legal, or performance advice.