September 20, 2023

Faith and a passion for the cold * How to keep racing at 67 years old with Pat Cooke-Rogers

1 hour 9 minutes

If you have raced at the Outlaw full or any UK Ironman in recent years, you may have heard of this week's podcast guest, Pat Cooke-Rogers. I’ve known Pat for several years, primarily because she holds the Outlaw prayer on the Saturday before the Outlaw Full, as well as the IronPrayer the day before UK Ironman events. Pat always reminds me when we promote the meeting that one doesn’t have to be religious to attend. There are folks who would value some kind words and empathy when they're feeling anxious, and Pat offers this opportunity. Whilst I’m not naturally given to prayer, I have to say that during dark moments in a long distance triathlon I recall wondering if anyone out there could help me get to the finish just a little quicker.

As well as being a chaplain, Pat is an accomplished endurance athlete in her own right having competed in Hawaii at the IM World Championships, qualified for the Ice Mile, and taken on huge challenges such as the Yukon Arctic Ultra on a fat bike. Oh, and by the way, Pat is in her late 60’s and still signing up for these challenges which makes our conversation even more interesting!

You know I love to find out about what makes older athletes tick, and today's conversation covers:

Opening up, embracing nature, and the power of vulnerability (15:45)

Embrace the cold - Pat’s love affair with ice mile swimming and the Yukon Arctic Ultra (21:15)

Why Pat has 4 coaches and how they become more important as we get older (34:20)

Gratitude (55:10)

Less endurance, more strength work, better nutrition - balancing the daily challenges of aging and continuing to train (58:30)

Pat isn’t big on social media so there are no links to follow her. Instead, she's shared the below resources.

Her favourite book is a mega tale of endurance!

‘8000 miles across Alaska: A Runners Journey on the Iditarod Trail’ by Jill Homer.

Pat talked about her passion for events in cold conditions. Please check out these videos:

The Yukon Arctic Ultra - you can get a brief insight to this event from the trailer. There are links to longer videos if you are interested.

The Lapland Arctic Ultra - Pat’s next challenge

Ice Mile swimming - Not a video about Pat but you’ll get the idea!

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By Simon Ward

4.5

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