Episode 169: Amelia Boone - How The Best Obstacle Racer In The World Embraces Pain

Amelia Boone is a full-time corporate attorney and probably the world's most decorated obstacle racer. Since the sport's inception five years ago, she's amassed more than 30 victories and 50 podiums. Career highlights include:

• 3x winner of the World's Toughest Mudder (2012, 2014, 2015)
• Spartan Race World Champion 2013
• Spartan Race Points Series Champion (2013 & 2015)
• 3x Death Race Finisher (Winter 2012, Summer 2012, Summer 2013)

When Amelia's not out on an obstacle course, you'll find her nurturing a budding ultra running obsession, working as a full-time attorney, or watching wrestling pay-per-views. Most likely with a box of Pop-Tarts or a bag of ketchup chips in hand. (Bio from AmeliaBooneRacing.com)

Episode 169: Amelia Boone - How The Best Obstacle Racer In The World Embraces Pain

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“For me, pain is something we shouldn't be afraid of. I feel most alive doing that."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

High level performers have an innate drive, self-motivated, constantly striving to get better
Can it be learned? Yes. Need to find what it is inside of you that drives you. Cultivate it. Create routines and schedules to sustain excellence
How Amelia is able to be a full time attorney working for Apple AND the best obstacle racer in the world
The importance of prioritizing and eliminating what doesn't matter. Set your life up to eliminate time wasters -- (ie. She moved very close to her office at Apple in order to avoid wasting time with a long commute)
Her morning routine - Wake up at 4:00 am and train: "If I don't train, then nothing feels right."
How has racing impacted life as an attorney: Why having a full schedule helps her. Creates the need for focus and forces Amelia to do it
How Amelia creates the best version of herself
The difference between competing with yourself vs competing with others
What her relationship is like with other racers? She is friendly but knows she is the target that everyone wants to beat
How she's able to regularly beat everyone in a race (men and women)
Dealing with an injury from over-training (broken femur)
How the injury has changed her --
- Creating her ability to be happy for the success of others
- Dealing with Identity issues
- Prior to the injury, she found herself caught in the cycle of "What happens if I don't win?"
- She's learned there is more to life than winning and losing
How does Amelia deal with the immense pain during a 24 hour race? Compartmentalize ("Make it to the next obstacle... then the next"). If "you're really in the pain cave, then focus on others. Talk to other racers, volunteers. Get your mind off of it."
People who have sustained excellence have a remarkable ability to pivot. They always find a way to be successful regardless of what they are doing. "What can you be the best at right now?"
What is success? What is happiness? What's the best?
The Barkley Marathons - Why Amelia will be the first female to finish the race
Why you should not avoid pain. "For me, pain is something we shouldn't be afraid of. I feel most alive doing that." We've created a world we there is no pain. That's not healthy."
Her pre race process - Night before there are nerves. The day of: logical and methodical approach to planning everything for the race. Then zone out, be by herself and think. Be thankful, humble, and fortunate to be there.
How to enjoy the process and not just focus on the results
"There has never been a better time to start something than right now."
- Adding something new can make you more efficient. Amelia became a racer at age 28.
"The key to life is being a lifelong learner"

"I've always wanted to be the best version of myself. If I don't train, nothing seems right."

Continue Learning:

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Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 055: Joe DeSena - Spartan Race CEO, Delayed Gratification, & Helping 1 Million People

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

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If you enjoyed hearing Amelia Boone on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

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169: Amelia Boone - How The Best Obstacle Racer In The World Embraces Pain

The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

169: Amelia Boone - How The Best Obstacle Racer In The World Embraces Pain