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Karen Darke

EPISODE 013

ON FINDING YOUR QUEST AND STRIVING FOR INNER GOLD

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Karen Darke is a Paralympic Gold medal winner and World Paratriathlon Champion who has overcome unimaginable challenges and pushed herself to extraordinary lengths.

When Karen Darke was 10 years old, she decided she would climb all 3000ft of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. She did so nearly 25 decades years later, even though she has been in a wheelchair since a rock climbing accident at the age of 21. She spent five days hoisting herself up the rockface and spent the nights on ledges in the cliff.

This is just one example of extraordinary bravery and perseverance by Karen, who became Paralympic Champion in hand-cycling at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. She says “Life has taught me the importance of holding tight to belief, and never, ever giving up.” I invited her onto the show to share more about her amazing attitude to life, and what we can all learn from her about resilience, perseverance and possibility.

Karen continues to train with the British Cycling Team whilst working on her current project, Quest 79, riding the 7 continents and linked with the Spinal Injuries Association. “What is life if it isn’t an adventure? I’m constantly amazed by what can be achieved if we set our heart and mind to it. It’s all about finding belief, confidence, motivation and commitment. And of course, friends. Then there are no limits.”

I am thrilled to have Karen on the show today where we talk about her endless will for challenge and adventure. Expect to be moved by her infectious willpower…

Key Moments:

[2m 18s] Karen tells us where she gets her endless will for challenge and adventure

[4m 40s] Beth asks about the turning point for Karen, at 21 when she was left paralysed after an accident, how did she face up to her future? Her response is powerful.

[7m 30s] Karen tells us about the small incremental goals she set herself mentally and physically which ultimately lead her to climb El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, confronting her fears all over again

[10m 25s] Karen explains what it was like to be part of two world Olympics, London and Rio. Her determination is inspiring

[13m 50s] We talk about the pressure Karen faced in the build up to major events like the Olympics, and the strategies she uses to decompress after major events

[15m 50s] Karen shares her need to protect her energy and recovery time when she is invited to events, celebrations and gatherings following major achievements like becoming an Olympic medallist

[19m 00s] Hear about the next challenge Karen is training for – her Quest79 project, and how you can be a part of it

[22m 00s] Overcoming the fears and worries each adventure brings, and how Karen prepares practically for each trip

[25m 25s] Beth asks Karen to share how she brings the feeling of freedom to her every day…

[27m 00s] What’s next for Karen? Her outlook on life as she looks back on the highs and lows.

 

People / sources mentioned:

Karen’s Quest79 project: https://www.karendarke.com/your-quest/

Beth and Karen on Twitter (tag us to let us know you listened!) @dowhatyoulovexx / @kdarke

Beth’s book Freedom Seeker: Live more. Worry less. Do what you love.

Beth’s book Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life

 

Where to find Karen:

www.karendarke.com
www.twitter.com/kdarke
www.facebook.com/karenquest79

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