What if you could shatter world records while excelling as a top pediatric surgeon? Join us for a compelling conversation with Ellen Reynolds, a master swimmer extraordinaire and recently retired pediatric surgeon, who has done just that. Ellen who hails from Boise, Idaho, opens up about her journey from learning to swim at age three to setting 20 national and/or world records this year alone. We explore her groundbreaking medical career, including her innovative work with pectus excavatum patients, and discuss how she managed to balance her intense professional life with her passion for swimming. And how these two have pursuits have been synergistic.

In this episode, we delve into Ellen's meticulous training regime that evolved after 20 years of consistency in the pool. Discover how she initially focused on fitness routines involving walking, elliptical workouts, and strength training before ramping up her swimming workouts. Ellen shares the strategic importance of balancing hard and easy sessions, and why the myth of endless long-distance training is just that—a myth. Her experience illustrates how adapting workouts to fit an unpredictable career can lead to outstanding athletic achievements.

As we wrap up, Ellen offers invaluable insights into the community aspect of master swimming and the impact of hormone replacement therapy on women's health. We discuss her plans post-retirement, her personal motto, and some fun facts that give a glimpse into the champion's life outside the pool. Listen in for an episode filled with inspiration, practical advice, and the powerful message that it’s never too late to pursue your passions and achieve greatness.

The Menopause Society mentioned in the interview can be found at https://menopause.org/

Ellen's current swimming achievements:

• Meet results for Ellen M Reynolds (389 swims)
• Top Ten achievements (255 individual, 3 relay)
• All-American Honors (14 years pool individual, 6 years long distance individual, 1 years long distance relay)
• All-Star Honors (1 years long distance, 9 years pool)
• USMS Records
  (pool individual: 53 currently held, 72 lifetime ,
  pool relay: 1 currently held, 1 lifetime,
  long distance individual: 4 currently held, 5 lifetime records)

Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Do you compete against your spouse, best friend, roommate, sibling? Ever wondered how to keep the competitive spirit alive without straining your closest relationships? Tune in to this week’s episode of Champions Mojo, where I, Kelly Palace, share five tips that will revolutionize how you compete against or alongside your loved ones. Drawing from my own experiences with my competitions with my husband Mark, who is also a competitive swimmer, I discuss how gratitude, focusing on personal milestones, and celebrating mutual victories can transform competition into a bond-strengthening activity.

Get inspired as I recount a thrilling race in the 400 IM where Mark and I finished within a hair’s breadth of each other. Plus, hear about the motivating stories of the Olympic swimming siblings sets, the Shackells and the Walshes, who embody the perfect blend of healthy rivalry and supportive encouragement. Whether you're into sports, board games, or any competitive endeavor, these insights will help foster a nurturing and positive competitive environment. Don’t miss out on these game-changing tips!

1. Be grateful you have a shared activity that you are both passionate about
2. Focus on your own goals and personal bests
3. Allow the other person to teach you something new
4. Celebrate their successes, when they win, and give them space when you win
5. Enjoy the positive impact that competing with someone you love has on your performance. It raises you to a higher level!

Podcast mentions:
Host Kelly Palace's Husband Mark Palace
Olympians:
Alex and Aaron Shackell
Alex and Gretchen Walsh
Erika Connelly
Olympic Trials Finalist Catie Deloof

Imagine sharing the excitement of the 2024 Olympic Games with a loved one in their final days. That's what I'm doing with my 94-year-old father, and it's a journey filled with tears, laughter, and endless inspiration. That's why we've been on a break for a few weeks. Join me, Kelly Palace, as I celebrate these unforgettable moments and explore the insights from some of the most exceptional athletes and coaches we've had the privilege of hosting on Champion's Mojo. From Rowdy Gaines' boundless enthusiasm to Emma Wyatt's profound hard reset, and Paige Madden's unique breathing technique, our featured Olympians provide invaluable lessons that motivate us to push beyond our limits.

I'll mention the fascinating story of Bob Bowman, the legendary five-time US Olympic coach who is now championing the French team and his prodigy, Leon Marchand. Bob’s strategic decision to support Leon while staying true to his US roots is a testament to the complexity and beauty of competitive sports. Plus, we'll highlight how master swimmers can elevate their own game by observing the elite techniques showcased at the Olympics—everything from starts to dolphin kicks. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the athletes who inspire us and a celebration of the life lessons they impart through their dedication and passion.