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Simon Cockram presents...Author: Simon Cockram
Helping you become more. Human Growth, hosted by Simon Cockram explores what it truly means to evolve physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Through honest conversations about health, mindset, purpose, and transformation, the show helps you unlock your potential and grow into your best self. Language: en Genres: Music, Music Interviews, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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#89 Jack Harrison: The Ultra-Endurance Athlete Who Conquered 15 Sports & 80 Countries
Episode 87
Wednesday, 24 September, 2025
In this episode, Simon Cockram sits down with Jack Harrison, an ultra-endurance athlete from York, United Kingdom, who has tested his limits across an incredible 15 different disciplines. Unlike many athletes who specialise in one sport, Jack has competed in ultramarathons, Ironmans, marathon swims, long-distance cycling, sailing across seas, and even summiting some of the world’s highest peaks. His journey combines adventure, resilience, and an unstoppable drive to see how far the human body can really go. Jack shares powerful insights into the mindset required for ultra-endurance challenges—how to deal with pain, manage recovery, and harness curiosity as fuel to keep pushing forward. We dive into the lessons he’s learned from competing in some of the toughest events on the planet, including why understanding your muscles vs tendons matters, how to manage injuries, and the importance of balancing strength, endurance, and mental resilience. With over 80 countries travelled, Jack also reflects on the beauty of racing in extraordinary locations, from skiing in Lapland to running on the Great Wall of China. This conversation is packed with motivation, mindset tools, and practical advice for runners, triathletes, and anyone drawn to testing their limits. Chapters 00:00 – Why Endurance? Sport lessons that carry into life 04:00 – Type-2 Fun: discomfort now, reward later 08:00 – Raising Your Ceiling: unlocking new mental “levels” 12:00 – What the Finish Gives You: fulfillment vs immediate gratification 16:00 – Curiosity & Limits: why we seek the edge 20:00 – Multisport Approach: snow, water, land (and why) 24:00 – Training the Common Denominators: cardio + S&C + specific skill 28:00 – Running vs Cycling: impact, injuries, smart progression 32:00 – Load–Capacity Model: how to push without breaking 36:00 – Zone Training 101: using Zone 2 and avoiding the bonk 40:00 – Fueling in the Real World: supported vs unsupported 44:00 – Mind Games: breaking ultras into tiny wins 48:00 – Solitude & Headspace: 10 hours alone with your thoughts 52:00 – Expectation Setting: choosing hardship on purpose 56:00 – Pacing the Red Mist: managing the race-start adrenaline 01:00:00 – From Kid Racer to Adult Adventurer: shifting from perfection to enjoyment 01:04:00 – Niche endurance races: skiing, ice skating & Lapland 01:08:00 – Calf injuries, running setbacks & learning to adapt 01:12:00 – Muscles vs tendons: recovery, resilience & training age 01:16:00 – Next challenge: 24-hour solo swim (1 mile every hour) 01:20:00 – Why do this? Type-2 fun, curiosity & personal growth 01:24:00 – Writing the lessons: book ideas & stories from races 01:28:00 – Where to find more: World’s Hardest Endurance Races book & next steps
