12-Nov-18
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This podcast features Ross Edgley, a former professional British water polo player, who is known for his incredible feats of endurance, especially his record-breaking swim around Great Britain. Joe Rogan and Ross delve into the challenges of this extraordinary undertaking, exploring themes of physical and mental fortitude, the unpredictable nature of the ocean, and the fascinating intersection of strength training, endurance, and human potential. The podcast also touches on intriguing topics like the history of British eccentric explorers, the evolution of sports and training methods, and the unique challenges of pushing the boundaries of human endurance.
Here are some of the major topics covered in the podcast:
Swimming Around Great Britain
1. **The Genesis of the Idea:** Ross Edgley, inspired by the historical feat of Captain Webb, the first person to swim across the English Channel, was dared to swim around Great Britain by a friend.
2. **The Unpredictability of the Ocean:** The swim presented immense challenges, including strong tides, giant whirlpools, and unpredictable weather conditions.
3. **Tide Prediction and Navigation:** Ross’s team meticulously planned his route, relying on tide prediction to ensure he was swimming with the currents, not against them.
4. **Mental and Physical Fortitude:** Swimming for 12 hours a day, for 157 days straight, demanded incredible mental and physical resilience, pushing Ross to his absolute limits.
The Intersection of Strength and Endurance
1. **The “Horsepower Programming” Approach:** Ross utilized a training philosophy that emphasized general physical preparedness and work capacity, building a strong foundation before specializing in specific skills.
2. **The Strength Deficit:** Ross discusses the concept of strength deficit, highlighting how individuals with significant muscle mass might not be fully utilizing their potential strength.
3. **Building Work Capacity:** Ross emphasizes the importance of developing adaptive energy and work capacity, allowing the body to tolerate both strength and endurance training.
4. **The Role of Muscle Mass in Endurance:** Ross argues that, contrary to conventional wisdom, muscle mass can actually be beneficial in endurance events, providing a readily available energy store and resilience against fatigue.
Mental Toughness and Adversity
1. **Central Governor Theory:** Ross delves into Tim Noakes’s central governor theory, suggesting that fatigue is often an emotionally driven state, not solely a physiological phenomenon.
2. **The Feral State:** Ross describes the “feral state,” a primal instinct that kicks in during extreme exhaustion, where basic survival instincts take over.
3. **The Power of Mindset:** The podcast highlights the profound impact of mindset on endurance, exploring how motivation, music, and even emotional stimulation can unlock hidden reserves of energy.
4. **Training Adversity:** The podcast examines the concept of adversity training, showcasing how pushing oneself beyond comfort zones can enhance pain tolerance and mental resilience.
The Unique Demands of Ultra-Endurance
1. **Sleep Deprivation and Fatigue:** Ross describes the relentless fatigue and sleep deprivation experienced during his swim, pushing him to a level of exhaustion he had never encountered before.
2. **Salt Tongue and Other Physical Challenges:** The podcast details the physical toll of prolonged exposure to salt water, highlighting the disintegration of Ross’s tongue and other bodily challenges.
3. **The Importance of Nutrition:** Ross emphasizes the critical role of calorie-dense, nutrient-rich foods in sustaining his body’s demands, highlighting the challenges of meeting these needs during the swim.
4. **Rehab and Recovery:** The podcast underscores the importance of rehabilitation and recovery, acknowledging that the body requires time to heal and adapt after extreme exertion.
The Evolution of Sports
1. **The “Get Fit in 5 Easy Steps” Fallacy:** Ross criticizes the oversimplification of fitness and training, emphasizing that real progress requires consistent effort and a willingness to push boundaries.
2. **The Power of Adaptability:** The podcast illustrates the remarkable adaptability of the human body, demonstrating how training can translate across different disciplines and improve overall performance.
3. **The Importance of Neuromuscular Efficiency:** Ross highlights the crucial role of neuromuscular efficiency, emphasizing how a strong base can enhance performance in diverse athletic endeavors.
4. **The Rise of Ultra-Endurance Events:** The podcast explores the growing popularity of ultra-endurance events, highlighting the allure of pushing the limits of human capability and the emergence of new forms of athletic competition.
Mental Fortitude in MMA
1. **The “Mind-Body Connection” in Combat Sports:** The podcast discusses the critical role of mental fortitude in combat sports, particularly MMA, where the ability to endure pain, pressure, and adversity is paramount.
2. **The Intangibles of Creativity and Technique:** The podcast examines the intangible aspects of combat sports, such as creativity, technique, and the ability to read and react to an opponent’s movements, highlighting how these factors can play a crucial role in determining success.
3. **The Importance of Wrestling:** Ross underscores the importance of wrestling in MMA, emphasizing how it fosters mental toughness, strategy, and the ability to handle difficult situations under pressure.
4. **The Role of Psychology in Combat:** The podcast delves into the psychological aspects of combat, exploring how fighters can utilize mental warfare, intimidation, and mind games to gain an advantage.
Weight Cutting in MMA
1. **The Dangers of Weight Cutting:** The podcast explores the controversial practice of weight cutting in MMA, highlighting its potential risks to health, performance, and even safety.
2. **The “Physiological Puppetry” of Weight Cutting:** Ross describes the intense physiological manipulation involved in weight cutting, acknowledging its power when done intelligently, but emphasizing the potential consequences.
3. **The Impact of Weight Cutting on Performance:** The podcast discusses how weight cutting can negatively affect performance, depleting energy reserves and hindering recovery.
4. **The Evolution of Weight Cutting Practices:** The podcast examines the ongoing evolution of weight cutting practices in MMA, highlighting the increasing awareness of its potential risks and the emergence of healthier approaches.
Memorable Quotes from the Podcast
1. “The sea just doesn’t care.” – Ross’s poignant observation about the ocean’s indifference to human needs and limitations emphasizes the raw and unforgiving nature of his swim.
2. “You just need to man up and swim around Great Britain.” – This daring challenge, issued by Ross’s friend, encapsulates the spirit of pushing boundaries and defying expectations that fueled his journey.
3. “It very quickly became apparent that the sea just doesn’t care that you need to rehab your shoulders. It doesn’t care that the ligaments and tendons in your shoulders are hurting.” – Ross’s realization underscores the importance of adaptation and resilience when facing extreme environmental challenges.
4. “You almost develop a split personality in the sense that there are times when you swim with a smile, and then there are times when you just gotta get feral.” – Ross’s description of the mental duality required during his swim highlights the emotional rollercoaster of ultra-endurance.
5. “You are the alchemist of your own body.” – Ross’s insightful perspective on the mind-body connection emphasizes the power of the human mind to influence physiological responses and unlock hidden potential.
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