This week I’m joined on the podcast by Fermanagh Senior Footballer and online S&C coach, Brenda Bannon.

We begin with a conversation around her current hamstring tendinopathy and what she has been doing to address it and get back to full fitness! Brenda opens up about the challenges and triumphs of her rehabilitation so far. She shares the nitty-gritty of her current tailored rehab regimen, what she’s learned through the injury and the nuances of her hamstring rig sessions provided by the GPA.

We follow that by going into the intricate balance of maintaining her athletic performance while juggling her commitment to helping others as an online coach. We delve into the mental side of performance and leadership. With the wisdom of someone who has navigated the peaks and valleys of a long competitive career so far, she speaks to the power of maintaining a growth mindset. 

Her transition from radiography to strength and conditioning coaching illustrates a bold leap, guided by passion and a desire to impact the lives of athletes more profoundly. This is a particularly individual journey and one that Brenda is proud to speak about candidly.

Tackling personal challenges like social anxiety and professional pressures, Brenda offers an unflinchingly honest look at the hurdles of building a personal brand and the emotional toll of a public persona. This episode peels back the layers on how she manages these aspects and the importance of her use of therapy and sports psychology in the past. Brenda speaks about the ebbs and flows of personal development and finding gratitude amid adversity. 

We finish off with a discussion about her burgeoning career in S&C coaching, providing a beacon of inspiration for those navigating their paths in sports, leadership, or any field driven by a quest for excellence.

Time-Stamps

0:00 - Hamstring Rehab and Performance Strategies

9:57 - Growth Mindset in Sports and Leadership

15:39 - Transitioning to S&C & Career Pressures

27:48 - Social Anxiety and Personal Development

38:47 - Journey of Growth and Gratitude

45:42 - Passion for Strength and Conditioning Coaching

1:00:26 - Personal Growth and Coaching Journey