The Stronger Stride Podcast

200. Bec Putna on Life After Elite Sport: Identity, Balance & Motivation

In our 200th episode (🎉), we’re joined by the thoughtful and multifaceted Bec Putna; a former elite lacrosse player turned triathlete, marathoner, writer and content creator. Bec shares her evolving relationship with sport, mental health, and identity through transitions across countries, disciplines, and stages of life.

We dive into:

• Moving from U.S. college lacrosse to life and training in Australia

• Identity shifts after leaving elite sport

• Navigating mental health and the pressure to constantly achieve

• Managing race-day nerves and growing through marathon experiences

• Journaling for reflection and aligning with your ‘why’

• Finding balance in training and using cross-training creatively

• Social media’s influence on how we view fitness

• Why it’s okay for not every training block to be about performance

This one’s for anyone figuring out how to train, race, and live with intention and joy.

Follow Us:Instagram: ⁠@strongerstride⁠ | ⁠@sophielane⁠ | ⁠@lydia_mckay⁠ | ⁠@becputna⁠YouTube: ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@strongerstride

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Celebrating Episode 200: Introduction to Bec Putna
01:11 Bec's Athletic Journey: From Lacrosse to Triathlons
06:40 Cultural Differences in Sports: Australia vs. America
12:52 Navigating Life Changes: Returning to Australia
15:58 Finding Balance: The Shift to Running and Triathlons
18:51 The Impact of Competitiveness on Mental Health
22:41 Social Media and Fitness Trends: A Double-Edged Sword
23:44 Finding Balance in Exercise
24:54 Understanding Your 'Why' in Sports
27:17 Daily Reflection and Journaling Practices
29:56 Managing Race Nerves and Expectations
35:09 Contrasting Marathon Experiences
42:11 The Importance of Cross Training
45:54 Advice for New Challenges in Sports

Discount Codes:
TAILWINDSTRONG: ⁠15% off Tailwind Nutrition⁠
STRONGERSTRIDE: ⁠15% off Vivobarefoot shoes⁠
STRONGER15: ⁠15% off Skorcha Sunscreen⁠

Thanks for tuning in!
TSSP x