In this episode of The Discomfort Zone Podcast, Buffy Burge, a pioneer in Class V river running, talks about returning to extreme racing at the age of 50, after a 23 year hiatus, to race the Green with her teenage son. She shares why she feels that it's important to be a strong role model for her sons in the realm of pursuing her own passions and facing her fears. Buffy asks Anna to remind her of a conversation they had back in 1998 on a river in Ecuador, where Buffy's advice in an eddy was clutch in helping Anna finish out that run, and build courage and confidence in her paddling. In this conversation we touch on: <ul> <li aria-level="1">How learning from mistakes and focusing on the positive aspects of performance is important for upleveling your paddling, and your personal growth.</li> <li aria-level="1">Strategies for getting out of your own head when facing a challenge.</li> <li aria-level="1">Why surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people is crucial for pursuing your passion.</li> <li aria-level="1">How to prioritize for your passion as a busy Mom.</li> </ul> Learn more: <a href="https://annalevesque.com/podcast/">The Discomfort Zone Podcast</a>

In this episode of The Discomfort Zone Podcast, Buffy Burge, a pioneer in Class V river running, talks about returning to extreme racing at the age of 50, after a 23 year hiatus, to race the Green with her teenage son. She shares why she feels that it's important to be a strong role model for her sons in the realm of pursuing her own passions and facing her fears. Buffy asks Anna to remind her of a conversation they had back in 1998 on a river in Ecuador, where Buffy's advice in an eddy was clutch in helping Anna finish out that run, and build courage and confidence in her paddling. In this conversation we touch on: How learning from mistakes and focusing on the positive aspects of performance is important for upleveling your paddling, and your personal growth. Strategies for getting out of your own head when facing a challenge. Why surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people is crucial for pursuing your passion. How to prioritize for your passion as a busy Mom. Learn more: The Discomfort Zone Podcast

In this episode of The Discomfort Zone Podcast, Buffy Burge, a pioneer in Class V river running, talks about returning to extreme racing at the age of 50, after a 23 year hiatus, to race the Green with her teenage son. She shares why she feels that it's important to be a strong role model for her sons in the realm of pursuing her own passions and facing her fears. Buffy asks Anna to remind her of a conversation they had back in 1998 on a river in Ecuador, where Buffy's advice in an eddy was clutch in helping Anna finish out that run, and build courage and confidence in her paddling. In this conversation we touch on: <ul> <li>How learning from mistakes and focusing on the positive aspects of performance is important for upleveling your paddling, and your personal growth.</li> <li>Strategies for getting out of your own head when facing a challenge.</li> <li>Why surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people is crucial for pursuing your passion.</li> <li>How to prioritize for your passion as a busy Mom.</li> </ul> Learn more: <a href="https://annalevesque.com/podcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Discomfort Zone Podcast</a>

Ep #4 Returning to Extreme Racing as a 50 yro Mom with Buffy Burge

Do you feel called toward something bigger — a dream, adventure, or purpose — but fear keeps holding you back?

Welcome to The Discomfort Zone — the outdoor, mindset, and leadership podcast where courage meets the edge.

Every Tuesday, host Anna Levesque — world-class whitewater kayaker, World Championship medalist, author, and mental agility coach — dives into raw, real conversations with paddlers, athletes, leaders, adventurers, and purpose-driven humans who choose growth over comfort.

From powerful stories on wild rivers and mountain trails to navigating major life transitions, these conversations explore what it truly takes to face fear, build confidence, and find your flow — on and off the water.

You'll hear:

Stories from whitewater kayakers + outdoor athletes pushing their edge

Insights from guides, coaches, and leaders creating impact in their fields

Practical mental-agility + leadership tools you can use right away

Lessons from expeditions, competition, and personal transformation

How to navigate the discomfort that fuels growth, courage, and purpose

Whether you're a paddler, outdoor enthusiast, emerging leader, or someone seeking more courage in everyday life, you'll walk away with practical tools to strengthen resilience, show up with confidence, and embrace the adventure of being alive.

If you're ready to stop playing small and start living boldly, you're in the right zone.

Sports

Education

Self-Improvement

Wilderness

Do you feel called toward something bigger — a dream, adventure, or purpose — but fear keeps holding you back? Welcome to The Discomfort Zone — the outdoor, mindset, and leadership podcast where courage meets the edge. Every Tuesday, host Anna Levesque — world-class whitewater kayaker, World Championship medalist, author, and mental agility coach — dives into raw, real conversations with paddlers, athletes, leaders, adventurers, and purpose-driven humans who choose growth over comfort. From powerful stories on wild rivers and mountain trails to navigating major life transitions, these conversations explore what it truly takes to face fear, build confidence, and find your flow — on and off the water. You'll hear: Stories from whitewater kayakers + outdoor athletes pushing their edge Insights from guides, coaches, and leaders creating impact in their fields Practical mental-agility + leadership tools you can use right away Lessons from expeditions, competition, and personal transformation How to navigate the discomfort that fuels growth, courage, and purpose Whether you're a paddler, outdoor enthusiast, emerging leader, or someone seeking more courage in everyday life, you'll walk away with practical tools to strengthen resilience, show up with confidence, and embrace the adventure of being alive. If you're ready to stop playing small and start living boldly, you're in the right zone.

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Ep #4 Returning to Extreme Racing as a 50 yro Mom with Buffy Burge

Ep #4 Returning to Extreme Racing as a 50 yro Mom with Buffy Burge

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