In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Prue Young, a remarkable triathlete and critical care flight paramedic who exemplifies resilience and determination. As a proud warrior living with multiple sclerosis (MS), Prue has not only faced personal challenges but has also triumphed in the world of endurance sports.

From her journey as an athlete to competing in the prestigious Ironman World Championships in Kona, Prue shares her inspiring story of perseverance. As a New Zealand representative, she has pushed through the barriers of her diagnosis to achieve incredible feats, including completing Ironman events and other endurance challenges.

Join us as Prue discusses her experiences in triathlon, the intersection of her career and athletic pursuits, and how she continues to inspire others in the face of adversity.

This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of chasing your dreams against all odds!

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Show notes

Who is Prue
Insights into her childhood in rural Dunedin, New Zealand
Growing up with outdoor adventures like climbing trees, kayaking, skiing, and camping
The influence of her parents in fostering her love for the outdoors
Her involvement in sports during her school years, including water polo, hockey, and swimming
Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh programme and how it introduced her to tramping and mountain biking
Her early aspiration to become a doctor, inspired by a childhood incident
Why she shifted her career focus from medicine to paramedicine
How a suggestion to volunteer with St John Ambulance started her paramedic journey
Prue’s path from volunteering to becoming a fully qualified paramedic
The challenges of balancing work, study, and personal fitness while pursuing her paramedic degree
How exercise became her outlet during busy and stressful periods
Her initial exposure to triathlons during high school
The role of a colleague in encouraging her to participate in a women’s triathlon
Overcoming fears of road cycling and embracing triathlon training
Completing her paramedics internship and rediscovering her love for sports
Writing a bucket list and setting ambitious fitness goals
Competing in New Zealand’s Coast to Coast multi-sport competition
The components of the Coast to Coast event
How Les Mills RPM classes rekindled her interest in biking
Her journey from gym fitness to full Ironman triathlons
Finding fulfilment in the outdoors through triathlons and endurance challenges
How triathlons helped her manage stress and stay physically active
The importance of community and support in her sporting and professional life
The mental and physical challenges of transitioning to a high-intensity paramedic career
Insights into balancing career demands with maintaining personal fitness
Her reflections on resilience and adaptability through life’s challenges
How her love for the outdoors continues to shape her lifestyle and career
How she discovered her love for triathlons and embraced the joy of physical challenges
Her first Ironman experience in March 2018
The balance between overcoming challenges and enjoying the process of competing
The influence of her postgraduate studies to her training routine
Reflections on her second Ironman and how pressure impacted her enjoyment and performance
Balancing work, study, and training while managing life changes
How she shifted her focus from Ironman to the Coast to Coast multi-sport event
The new challenges she faced learning to kayak
The unique blend of skills and fitness required for both triathlons and multi-sport events
How Prue attempted to take on both the Coast to Coast and Ironman in 2021
The impact of COVID-19 restrictions on events and how they reshaped her plans
How Prue’s journey took a major turn with the onset of symptoms leading to her MS (Multiple Sclerosis) diagnosis
The early signs of MS that she experienced, including changes in sensation and strength
Prue’s journey to understanding and managing her MS diagnosis
The importance of finding joy in the process, even amid setbacks and challenges
How Prue continues to approach life and sports with a positive and determined mindset
Prue’s journey to the Ironman World Championships and overcoming challenges like injury and fatigue
What it was like competing in Kona during COVID-19
Highlights of being part of an inspiring athlete ambassador panel
The joy and energy of the Ironman check-in process and race day atmosphere
Her experiences with the swim, bike, and run segments, including battling heat and headwinds
Supporting fellow athletes during the marathon with advice and encouragement
The emotional and unforgettable moments
Prue’s victory dance at the finish line and the camaraderie with volunteers
How she showed that hope and determination lead to incredible achievements
Final words of advice

Social Media

Instagram @ms_adventure_heli_medic

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