As endurance athletes, we are good at goals. We know what it takes to prepare for a race, building a step-by-step plan to achieve a certain result. But what happens if you fall short? Do you see the experience as a failure? Or can you make the mindset shift to treat life like an adventure and truly enjoy the journey—whether or not the execution was perfect?
Monika is a speaker, author and entrepreneur. She runs RAD Potential Coaching, a practice that focuses on authenticity and natural strengths. Monika combines the lessons learned from her unique experience as an IT management consultant and successful cyclist to empower her audience to reach their potential. She is also a multiple academic and athletic scholarship recipient, former Division I Volleyball player, and professional cyclist and adventure racer. Perhaps most notably, Monika set a world record in cycling, becoming the first female in history to complete the Vuelta a España.
Today, Monika joins us to share her experience as the first woman to ride the Vuelta a España, explaining how she trained for the event and what motivated her to take on the challenge. She discusses the women’s empowerment workshops she offers, sharing her top 5 strategies for gaining respect and excelling in any environment. Listen in for Monika’s insight on viewing life as an adventure and learn why life is about the journey—not perfect execution.
Topics Covered [0:58] Monika’s fitness journey
Played college volleyball in US on scholarship
Started adventure racing, excelled at cycling
[2:11] Monika’s experience riding the Vuelta a España
Rode every stage hours before male professionals
3,300 km ride, first woman in history to complete
Inspire others to go after big challenges
[4:31] Why Grand Tour races are not open to women
Media concerns re: interest in televised event
Men faster while women excel in endurance
[6:44] How Monika trained for the Vuelta a España
No structured training (keep it fun)
Ate local food, drank water during ride
[9:44] Monika’s view of competitive races
UCI in Philadelphia, Netherlands
Prefers mental aspect of ultra-endurance races
[10:47] Monika’s next big challenge
330 km ride, 12K-meter climb in Andorra
Goal to finish in 24 hours (fastest male 18 hours)
[12:06] The theme of Monika’s book
Okay to fail, doubt and make mistakes
See life as adventure to appreciate experience
[14:10] Monika’s focus on women’s empowerment
Experience in male-dominated fields (IT, cycling)
Able to gain respect and be seen as equal
Share lessons with women who want to excel
[16:10] Monika’s top 5 strategies for gaining respect
Be real, authentic
Focus on self (vs. comparison)
Work hard to achieve best version of self
Don’t make self inferior
Stay true to morals
[18:33] The audience for Monika’s empowerment workshops
Corporations interested in workplace equality
Individuals aspire to excel in any environment
[20:55] Monika’s take on the fitness and health of pro cyclists
All must be very fit
Health very individual
[21:51] Monika’s systems of training and recovery
No coach, believes in listening to body
5 rides/week (with male pros on Saturday)
8 hours of sleep every night
[24:49] Monika’s strength training routine
Leg day on Mondays
Upper body on Wednesdays
[27:08] Monika’s thoughts on competitive cycling
Prefers to create own challenges
Compete against self
[29:10] Monika’s advice for Ali Fitness listeners
Goals important to give sense of focus
Individual journey MOST important
Make life adventure (not about perfect execution)
Learn More About Monika Sattler RAD Potential Coaching
Monika on Instagram
Resources Unleashing the Devil in You: A Raw, Unfiltered Story About Adventure, Failure and the Pursuit of a Seemingly Impossible Dream by Monika Sattler
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