EPISODE 53
NOTE: This episode was originally recorded in September 2024
Imo Boddy pushed her body to the absolute brink, conquering 682km on mere hours of sleep. But the true test of her resilience only began when the running stopped.
This week, Imo joins Ty to detail the physical toll of her Three Peaks record attempt in May 2024 - a milestone that demanded physical recovery, even while her mind was set on the next challenge.
We also trace the drive behind her endurance career, from a self-designed challenge at 17 to running the length of the UK and taking on the Three Peaks.
This is a story about breaking boundaries, and learning that your greatest battles are the ones you define for yourself - no matter the scale of your challenges…
Dr Mike joins Ty Temel on episode 52 of the Off Script podcast to share:
How Imo and her crew tackled the Three Peaks route from sea level, and what the effort demanded.
The impact of heat, sleep deprivation, and recovery on an ultra-endurance challenge
How Imo’s athletic path began, and why she keeps setting new goals
Why she’s shifting focus towards performance and a potential Great Britain 24-hour running qualification
How to think about challenge and progress without measuring your journey against someone else’s
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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
“When I finished, I couldn't get out of bed for like 10 days. I think physically I had a crash, but mentally I kind of know what I want to do next, and feeling quite focused. So in that sense, not really a crash, but physically I was pretty broken.”
– Imo Boddy - 2:10
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“Yes, it makes you feel proud, but I don't feel satisfied. I feel like I talk about it quite a lot. I am proud of myself, obviously, but I don't feel satisfied, which I think is fine.” - Imo Boddy - 7:55
“I went to a boarding school in Cumbria, and in my final year at school, someone came and gave a motivational speech. She had done the Arch to Arc… At the time I was 17, I was like, ‘Oh my god, that's what I'm gonna do.’” - Imo Boddy - 11:55
“I guess I had a lot of what ifs. I always was in the England programme or county programme or regional programme, but never pursued it to go for full representation of GB. And then when I left school, I had an opportunity to go for some Olympic trials…and didn't pursue it.” - Imo Boddy - 13:05
“I just wanted to see what I can achieve. That's it… I just want to be the best version, the best athlete I can be.” - Imo Boddy - 31:05
“I really like the concept of living the life of a professional athlete, and there's been so many what ifs that I just want to get to that point that I'll be there.” - Imo Boddy - 46:55
“Someone's challenge might not even be physical. It might just be a work goal or a performance goal… I feel like everyone gets very wrapped up in what a challenge might be, when it might be waking up early and going to the gym and then going to do their nine to five.” - Imo Boddy - 55:30
“I think there's also an element of satisfaction that will come through when my performance can make me enough money… I think we need to live. We're not a charity.” - Imo Boddy 57:35