Will Duffin and Sonja Wieck- ‘What it takes, and what it takes out of you…’

‘After I got second in Kona, I looked over and… I felt really empty’.

In the latest episode of WEMCast, we’re joined by the Iron Cowboy Captain from the latest series of the World’s Toughest Race: Eco Challenge, elite ultra-marathon fanatic and Ironman veteran, Sonja Wieck.

Alongside WEM Education Lead Will Duffin, Sonja reflects candidly on her career as an elite triathlete, including her training regime, motivations and how this tied in with family life. They also discuss the dark period in her life following an incredible podium performance at Kona, in which Sonja suffered from panic attacks, depression and contemplated suicide. Sonja reflects on how she had to take time to re-centre, rediscover and rebuild – and how the Eco Challenge provided her with the comeback she dreamed of.

Will and Sonja explore the wellbeing strategies she has developed during her recovery, with specific focus on her ‘4 pillars’ of wellbeing.

Then, they get into the nitty-gritty of the World’s Toughest Race. Sonja details how she adapted from triathlon to adventure racing as course marshals were replaced with a map and compass, and how she learnt to navigate.

Sonja talks us through the highest highs of her participation in the race, the inevitable lows and some of the most ridiculous moments she’ll never forget – and expresses her gratitude to the medical team as the Fijian terrain took its toll on her team.

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Check out Sonja’s website for more information on her incredible career.

You can listen to Sonja’s podcast, ‘Tales of Toughness’ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

The World’s Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji, with medical support provided by World Extreme Medicine, is available to stream on Amazon Prime.