We love to celebrate Olympians as superheroes. It’s important to remember they are human beings.

In today’s episode of the podcast, Adam Skolnick and I trade thoughts on Tokyo 2020, great white shark sightings, kaatsu training and more.

For those new to the show, Adam Skolnick is a waterman, writer, activist, and veteran journalist best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author. Adam writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently using the ‘new dad’ excuse to avoid working on his novel.

Topics covered in this episode  include:

• Adam’s close encounter with a great white shark;
• endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh and the massive melting event in Greenland;
• Robbie Balenger’s Colorado Crush challenge;
• Timothy Olson’s recent FKT on the Pacific Crest Trail;
• Simone Biles’ choice to scratch Olympic events & the ensuing conversation around mental health and elite athleticism’
• was Russia ‘actually’ banned from the Olympics?; and
• a look at blood flow restriction & ultra-short race-pace training; 

In addition, we answer the following listener questions:

• What does it mean to ‘do the work’?
• What are Rich & Adam’s top five bands and albums?
• How do you set realistic physical goals as you age?

Thank you to Justin from Minnesota, Jess from Illinois, and Bev from Denver for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626.

To read more click here. You can also watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Peace + Plants,

Rich