If you’ve ever thought it’s too late for you to achieve something epic, Mimi Anderson will force you to reconsider. Mimi began running when she was 36; to assist in her recovery from anorexia, and to help her re-discover her purpose and identity.

Although, initially, only able to run on a treadmill for a few minutes without heaving for breath, Mimi is now one of the world’s most accomplished and decorated long-distance runners. To date, Mimi has run the entire length of Britain and Ireland – achieving two Guinness World Records for her efforts; she’s won several ultra-endurance races including the tortuous 6633 Arctic ultra-marathon, the Double Spartathlon (153 miles from Athens to Sparta AND back again) and the 135 mile Cyprus Ultra. Now 54, Mimi is preparing to run 3000 miles across America, hoping to snatch her third mind-blowing World Record. Off the Ropes? We’ll say!

Topics Discussed:

• How to begin running and overcome embarrassment.
• How to overcome the intimidation of exercise.
• The appeal of ultra-running.
• Mimi’s 15-year battle with anorexia & how running helped.
• Mimi’s first Marathon des Sables – what went wrong.
• Why Mimi felt running shaped her identity.
• Why we shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting to do things alone.
• Mimi’s favourite, and also her most challenging, race.
• The consequences of her father’s death during the gruelling 6633 Arctic Ultra.
• The power of visualising success.
• Who motivates Mimi.
• Preparing for her 3000-mile race across America.
• Mimi’s Off the Ropes Challenge!

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Episode resources:

Mimi Anderson official website
Marathon des Sables
Double Badwater
Arctic 6633
Spartathlon
Ray Zahab

Follow Mimi Anderson on Twitter

Enjoyed today’s episode? Introduce your lugs to these inspirational folk:

Extreme ultra-endurance adventurer, Sean Conway
Ocean rower, round-the-world cyclist & Everest climber, James Ketchell
Record breaking mountaineer, Colin O’Brady

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Happy adventuring!

Victoria xx