“With each pedal stroke, each bit of run, all the small training days that led towards the event, it was building my self-confidence, making me realize what I was capable of.”

In this episode of The Zen Den, Maggie Calder sits down with 18-time Ironman finisher, artist, and community builder Kat Calder for a heartfelt conversation about courage, mindfulness, and endurance, both on the racecourse and in everyday life. Kat shares how training and racing alongside her husband, Kevin, taught her to transform fear into focus and chaos into calm. She explains the practice of staying within her “one square meter,” a simple yet powerful reminder to control what’s within reach while letting go of everything else.

Their exchange goes beyond sport, touching on the universal lessons of resilience, balance, and the importance of finding stillness in motion. Kat also reflects on how the Ironman journey strengthened her relationships, deepened her gratitude, and inspired her to give back through coaching and community work.

Join us for an inspiring conversation on how to slow the mind, steady the breath, and discover peace even in the race of life.

Timestamps:

(00:00:00) Life is Ironman

(00:01:32) Introducing our guest, Katherine Calder-Becker

(00:02:19) The beginning of a shared dream

(00:04:38) The fear that came with every new challenge

(00:08:05) Turning fear into courage

(00:10:50) Finding calm through breath

(00:13:23) Mastering the “one square meter” mindset

(00:18:03) Bonding happens through shared challenges

(00:19:11) Ironman mirrors life’s rhythm

(00:20:46) Connect with Kat Calder-Becker 

(00:21:19) Breathing into stillness

Key Takeaways:

• Life is Iron Man. We're all living Iron Man in a way.
• When you accomplish a goal, it helps you train your mind and body to work together.

About Kat Calder-Becker: 

Katherine Calder-Becker is a world-class endurance athlete, adventurer, and Guinness World Record title holder who has redefined what’s possible through grit, courage, and joy. Alongside her husband, she has completed 18 Ironman races, multiple World Major Marathons, and two Grand Canyon double crossings. In 2011, the couple took their passion even further, competing in five Ultraman events and earning the Guinness World Record for the most Ultraman triathlons finished by a married couple.

Connect with Kat Calder-Becker: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtrippers/

About Maggie Calder:

Maggie Calder is a former Buddhist nun and spiritual guide who has traveled the world with Eckhart Tolle and led a healing retreat center in Chicago. She helps listeners find their Zen state, a place of calm and presence, by sharing her wisdom on mindfulness and inner peace.

Connect with me:

Email: maggiecalder.ca@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggiecalder 

The Zen Den is a welcoming space for everyone, no matter your background or beliefs, where real conversations happen about how to find peace in a chaotic world. Each episode will explore a challenge or difficulty and guide you toward your own natural Zen state: calm, centered, and clear. Join Maggie in this conscious movement to awaken higher consciousness, live in harmony, and let your authentic truth shine.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.