))
#66 Mastering Momentum: How Ned Overend Still Wins at 70, Avoids Injury, and Trains Like a Student of the Sport
Manage episode 473265244 series 3549231
Content provided by Kush Khandelwal. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Kush Khandelwal or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
What does it take to stay at the top of your sport for over four decades—and still be competitive at 70?
In this episode, we sit down with Ned Overend, the first-ever UCI Mountain Bike World Champion and six-time national champion, who’s still toeing the line with athletes half his age. But this isn’t just a story about biking—it’s about reinvention, smart training, and building a body and mindset that lasts.
Ned takes us back to the early, chaotic days of mountain biking, shares what it was like to battle doping at the height of his career, and explains why he pivoted to triathlon—and found even more success. We dive into his uncoached training philosophy, his morning olive oil ritual, how he uses Strava (yes, he pays for it), and what recovery really means when you're trying to defy the typical aging curve.
If you're an everyday athlete, a recreational rider, or just someone who’s tired of the “slow decline” narrative—this episode is a masterclass in staying curious, adapting with age, and competing on your own terms.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Why Ned left mountain biking at his peak to compete in XTERRA triathlons
- How he trained without a coach and still dominated the world’s best
- The difference between training hard and training smart—especially after 50
- Why most people underestimate the importance of recovery, hydration, and fueling
- Simple mobility and balance drills that improve performance and prevent injury
- How growing up in Ethiopia, Iran, and Taiwan shaped his mindset and adaptability
- Why aging doesn’t mean decline—and the mindset shift to prove it
🧰 Resources Mentioned:
- Joe Friel’s Fast After 50
- Strava (yes, Ned pays for it)
- XTERRA World Championships in Maui
- Specialized Bicycles
Physivantage offers supplements designed by outdoor athletes for recovery, hydration, and peak performance. If you're serious about reaching your goals, use code AGELESS15 at checkout for a special discount!
https://physivantage.com/?ref=AGELESS15
If you've enjoyed the show, please hit 5 🌟 on Spotify or Apple or wherever you can leave a rating. It helps keep the show coming to you for free! 💜
🟢 Spotify
🎵Apple Music
▶️ YouTube
📸Instagram
💧Substack Blog
71 episodes
Share
