Breaking a World Record at 59: Viv’s Atlantic Row and Menopause Mission

She Who Dares, Wins.

Viv is an inspiring adventurer attempting to be the oldest woman at 59 to row solo across the Atlantic, breaking a record held for over 25 years. A water enthusiast, Viv’s journey began after the extraordinary challenges she faced during menopause and personal family commitments. Her adventure is driven not only by personal achievement but also to raise awareness and funds for menopause charities. Her remarkable mission is not just about breaking records, but also about challenging societal norms regarding middle-aged women and highlighting their undiscovered potential.

Episode Summary:

In this exciting episode of "She Who Dares Wins," host Michelle welcomes guests Viv, an audacious adventurer, and Zoe East, her co-host for the day. Viv shares her journey of deciding to take on "The World's Toughest Row," a 3,000-mile solo rowing challenge across the Atlantic. Overcoming personal challenges such as menopause and family commitments, Viv aims to break a world record by becoming the oldest woman to accomplish this feat. Offering personal anecdotes and reflections, Viv discusses her motivations, the preparation involved, and the mixed reactions from family and friends.

This episode delves into the broader themes of resilience, perseverance, and societal expectations of middle-aged women. Viv discusses the challenges she faced in terms of both physical preparation and societal barriers, including gender biases that underscore her journey. Adding to the conversation, Michelle and Zoe discuss the psychological aspects of endurance and adventure, reflecting on Viv’s determination and vision to raise awareness for women’s health issues, particularly menopause. Listeners are invited to explore Viv’s mindset and the significant milestones in her preparation for this epic challenge. This episode serves to inspire women to pursue their dreams regardless of age and societal expectations, with Viv's journey symbolizing a beacon of empowerment and self-discovery.

Key Takeaways:

• Viv aims to break a world record and raise awareness for menopause issues by rowing solo across the Atlantic.
• Personal struggles during menopause and caring for her family fueled Viv's decision to take on this monumental challenge.
• The journey highlights broader societal themes, including gender biases and the overlooked potential of middle-aged women.
• The episode paints a vivid picture of the mental and physical preparation necessary for such a feat, emphasizing the theme of "She Who Dares Wins."
• Viv’s journey is both a personal and broader narrative of challenging societal norms and empowering women over the age of 50.

Notable Quotes:

• "There is so much misogyny out there. It's up to us to try and do something positive to change the narrative around who we are and what we're capable of."
• "Just keep rowing, just keep rowing, just keep rowing..."
• "What will you do with your one wild and precious life?"
• "I don't want to get to the end of my life and wonder what might have been because I didn't try."
• "This is what impossible looks like."

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