Transformation has no expiration date. In this episode, we sit down with wellness educator and endurance athlete Heather Rickard (better known as Grannybelle), who didn’t even run her first Parkrun until age 58. By 65, she was conquering 100km ultramarathons.

Heather joins us to share the raw reality of her recent journey at the Tarawera 100K in New Zealand. From navigating muddy trails and physical pain to making the tough call to stop short of the 100-mile mark, she reveals how she is turning “DNF” into a badge of courage: Did Not Fear.

Inside the episode, Heather takes us through the meticulous physical and mental preparation required for the grueling Tarawera 100K, detailing how she managed hydration, nutrition, and the inevitable pain of the trail. She opens up about the difficult decision to stop short of the full 100-mile distance, reframing the traditional “Did Not Finish” into a powerful “Did Not Fear” mindset. By sharing her journey from the couch to the ultramarathon circuit, Heather offers actionable advice for any woman looking to break down daunting goals into manageable steps and find the courage to pursue her own extraordinary change.

Get ready to reset your habits, find your second wind, and embrace the extraordinary change that comes from consistent, small steps.

Show Note:

Preparing for the Tarawera 100K @ 0:00

Heather discusses what initially drew her to the Tarawera 100K ultramarathon in New Zealand – the beautiful scenery, her personal connection to the country, and the desire to push herself beyond her previous 50K ultramarathon. She describes the mental and physical preparation required, including detailed planning, hydration, nutrition, and strength training.

Overcoming Challenges During the Race @ 7:00

Heather recounts the various challenges she faced during the 100K race, including cramps, slipping on muddy trails, and persistent back pain. She describes how she tried to manage the pain and fatigue through mental strategies like focusing on loved ones, as well as the difficult decision to ultimately not finish the full 100 miles.

Reframing Failure as an Opportunity @ 22:04

Despite not completing the full 100-mile distance, Heather reframes her experience as a chance to grow and learn. She discusses how she has shifted her mindset from “did not finish” to “did not fear”, and her determination to return next year and conquer the full 100-mile Tarawera ultramarathon.

Inspiring Others to Pursue Their Own Challenges @ 36:40

Heather shares advice for other midlife women interested in taking on their own physical challenges, emphasizing the importance of starting small, breaking goals into manageable steps, and not being afraid of potential setbacks. She highlights the free ebook she offers to help guide people from the couch to their first 5K.

Reflections and Looking Ahead @ 39:42

Four weeks after her most recent 100K race, Heather expresses immense pride in her accomplishments and a strong desire to return to the Tarawera ultramarathon next year, determined to conquer the full 100-mile distance.

Watch on YouTube