Episode 8: Discerning Discomfort from Danger, with Courtney Paulk, 1st to Complete Double Triple Crown

Episode 8: Discerning Discomfort from Danger, with Courtney Paulk, First to Complete Double Triple Crown

How can you tell if the discomfort you are feeling is something to ignore and push through, versus important information signaling danger? When is the right time to end a swim, even if you haven’t yet achieved your goal? And how do you cope with the disappointment that goes with emotionally investing in a dream that isn’t realized on the first attempt?

In this episode, we discuss how Courtney Moates Paulk has cultivated the ability to discern discomfort from danger over the course of the many outstanding swims that culminated in her becoming the first person to achieve the “Double Triple Crown” and ultimately being inducted as an honor swimmer into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame. We discuss attempts that didn’t go as she had hoped, rescuing a man from the English Channel, handling disappointment, what it feels like to achieve something you’ve been working toward for years, hallucinations, how listening to her body has saved her life, and the meaning that comes from setting goals, and persevering through all obstacles to bring them to fruition.

Music is 'Wanderlust' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au