Ageless Athlete - Longevity Insights From Adventure Sports Legends - #58 Beyond Limits: Steve McClure’s Unorthodox Methods, Peak Performance at 54, What Causes Decline, (and, the Best Fixes for Long-Term Success)

#58 Beyond Limits: Steve McClure’s Unorthodox Methods, Peak Performance at 54, What Causes Decline, (and, the Best Fixes for Long-Term Success)

01/28/25 • 109 min

Ageless Athlete - Longevity Insights From Adventure Sports Legends

Steve McClure is one of Britain’s most accomplished rock climbers, and at 54, still continuing to climb at an elite level, defying the notion that performance inevitably drops with age. We dive into his unconventional training philosophy, how he balances pushing his physical limits with enjoying family life (and even the occasional late-night party), and why he believes that loving the process of climbing is the best key to long-term success.

About Steve McClure

British Climbing Icon: Known for first ascents of some of the UK’s hardest sport routes, including “Rainman” (Malham Cove).
Lifetime of Experience: Began climbing at age two or three with his parents, leading to an all-round approach—sport, trad, bouldering, and big walls.
Author of Beyond Limits: Details his philosophies, early expeditions, and the mindset shifts that helped him exceed every boundary he believed he had. This is one of my all time favorite books! Buy it here!
Family Man & Mentor: Balances fatherhood, route-setting, and coaching, all while still climbing at the highest levels.

What You’ll Learn

Why “Failing” Can Be a Good Thing
Steve explains how falling off a project is a chance to “get more attempts,” keeping the process fun rather than frustrating.
Unstructured Training for Older Climbers
While he’s never stuck to rigid periodized programs, Steve’s focus on real-world climbing, targeted strength work, and plenty of active recovery has kept him sending hard.
Embracing the Three Pillars
Steve breaks down how technique, mental game, and strength are equally crucial. Older athletes often excel in technique and mindset, so bridging minor strength gaps can keep performance levels high.
The Power of Good Habits (Even Quirky Ones!)
From his no-milk, chocolate-in-granola breakfast to dancing past midnight, Steve’s lifestyle reflects a balance between discipline and enjoyment—he does what keeps him energized without sacrificing fun.
Balancing Family and Epic Goals
Steve shares how climbing with his kids or taking on smaller outdoor adventures keeps the spark alive. He believes maintaining varied styles and intensities of climbing can help avoid burnout.
What Really Causes Performance Drop-Offs
Tune in for Steve’s insights on why many climbers plateau—often due to too much focus on one aspect of training (e. g., pure strength) and neglect of mental or technical skills.
Practical Fixes for Staying on Your Game
Discover actionable tips—like identifying your weakest lin

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About Steve McClure

British Climbing Icon: Known for first ascents of some of the UK’s hardest sport routes, including “Rainman” (Malham Cove).
Lifetime of Experience: Began climbing at age two or three with his parents, leading to an all-round approach—sport, trad, bouldering, and big walls.
Author of Beyond Limits: Details his philosophies, early expeditions, and the mindset shifts that helped him exceed every boundary he believed he had. This is one of my all time favorite books! Buy it here!
Family Man & Mentor: Balances fatherhood, route-setting, and coaching, all while still climbing at the highest levels.

What You’ll Learn

Why “Failing” Can Be a Good Thing
Steve explains how falling off a project is a chance to “get more attempts,” keeping the process fun rather than frustrating.
Unstructured Training for Older Climbers
While he’s never stuck to rigid periodized programs, Steve’s focus on real-world climbing, targeted strength work, and plenty of active recovery has kept him sending hard.
Embracing the Three Pillars
Steve breaks down how technique, mental game, and strength are equally crucial. Older athletes often excel in technique and mindset, so bridging minor strength gaps can keep performance levels high.
The Power of Good Habits (Even Quirky Ones!)
From his no-milk, chocolate-in-granola breakfast to dancing past midnight, Steve’s lifestyle reflects a balance between discipline and enjoyment—he does what keeps him energized without sacrificing fun.
Balancing Family and Epic Goals
Steve shares how climbing with his kids or taking on smaller outdoor adventures keeps the spark alive. He believes maintaining varied styles and intensities of climbing can help avoid burnout.
What Really Causes Performance Drop-Offs
Tune in for Steve’s insights on why many climbers plateau—often due to too much focus on one aspect of training (e. g., pure strength) and neglect of mental or technical skills.
Practical Fixes for Staying on Your Game
Discover actionable tips—like identifying your weakest lin

Previous Episode

#57 Best Of 2024 - Part I

Excited for this special look back at the most inspiring moments of 2024! Host Kush Khandelwal revisits powerful conversations with athletes and adventurers who’ve challenged limits, overcome adversity, and redefined resilience.

This episode highlights some of the most moving stories and actionable lessons from climbers, surfers, runners, cyclists, and coaches. Whether you’re an athlete or simply curious about pushing boundaries and thriving in life, this episode offers something for everyone.

Featured Guests and Highlights

1.Craig DeMartino – Adaptive climber on reframing setbacks and choosing positivity after life-altering injuries.

2.Mark “Doc” Renneker – Big-wave surfer on humility in nature and transitioning to a pescatarian diet for better performance.

3.Lee Sheftel– Climber on the reality of testosterone, HGH, and finding balance in supplements.

4.Meghan Canfield – Ultramarathoner on fueling, mental strategies, and tackling races that last over 24 hours.

5.Natasha Barnes – Powerlifter and coach on how strength training transforms rehab and performance.

6.Eric Hörst – Renowned climbing coach on using cold plunges, saunas, and intermittent fasting for longevity.

7.Hans Florine – Speed-climbing legend on how humor and partnerships make big-wall climbing fun.

8.Mohit Oberoi – Cross-training enthusiast on staying active by pivoting sports and managing injuries.

9.Jessica & Friends – Mountain biking group on overcoming injuries and heart conditions as a supportive community.

10.Juliet Starrett – Co-founder of The Ready State on foundational health habits for staying active and pain-free.

11.Jeremiah Bishop – Pro-level mountain biker on balancing intensity, recovery, and competing near age 50.

12.Wayne Willoughby– Adaptive climber on scaling El Cap and redefining “disability” in climbing.

13.David “Tinker” Juarez – Ultra-endurance mountain biker on the mental grit required to race 3,000 miles across America.

Why Listen?

•Learn practical tips on recovery, fueling, and injury management from top athletes and experts.

•Gain actionable insights into mental toughness, adaptability, and finding balance in training and life.

•Be inspired by stories of resilience, community, and redefining limits—regardless of your athletic level.

Next Episode

#59 Best of 2024 Part II

🎙️ Ageless Athlete Podcast is back with Part 2 of our Best of 2024 series! In this special episode, we revisit some of the most powerful, thought-provoking, and inspiring conversations from the past year.

If Part 1 was about pushing limits and redefining aging through adventure, Part 2 dives deeper into the mindset shifts, personal transformations, and philosophies that keep athletes and adventurers thriving. From harnessing awe and overcoming fear to resilience, longevity, and second chances, these stories are filled with lessons that go beyond sport.

🌌 Caroline Paul – The Power of Awe in Adventure and Aging

•Best-selling author and adventurer Caroline Paul shares how experiencing awe—whether through big adventures or everyday moments—can reset the brain, reduce stress, and improve physical health.

⛰️ Thomas Huber – Lessons from Near-Death Experiences and the Beauty of the Valley

•Legendary climber Thomas Huber (of the Huber Brothers) reflects on overcoming injuries, setbacks, and life-threatening falls—and why true resilience is about learning to appreciate the journey, not just the summit.

🏄 Gary Linden – Surfing as a Lifelong Practice for Health and Longevity

•Big wave surf legend and shaper Gary Linden talks about staying in the water well into his 60s and beyond, the mindset needed for longevity in sport, and why passion keeps you young.

🏃 Diana & Team – Running as Redemption: The San Quentin Marathon Program

•Inside the inspiring San Quentin Marathon Program, where incarcerated runners find purpose, discipline, and transformation through running—despite being behind bars.

🧗 Hazel Findlay – Overcoming Fear and Mental Blocks in Sport and Life

•Pro climber and mental performance coach Hazel Findlay shares how to manage fear, train the mind, and break through self-limiting beliefs—especially as we age.

🎸 Timmy O’Neill – Replacing a ‘Death Wish’ with a ‘Life Wish’

•Pro climber, slackliner, and humanitarian Timmy O’Neill explains why extreme athletes don’t have a death wish—they have a life wish. Learn how to bring that same mindset into everyday life.

🌊 Yuri Soledade – Balancing Big Wave Surfing, Entrepreneurship, and Family

•Big wave surfer and restaurant entrepreneur Yuri Soledade reveals how staying fully present—whether in the water, in business, or with family—has been his key to success.

🏔️ Katherine Hayes – Pioneering Adaptive Sports and Breaking Barriers

•A pioneer in adaptive sports, Katherine Hayes discusses the fight for accessibility, the early struggles of getting ski areas to accept disabled athletes, and ho

Ageless Athlete - Longevity Insights From Adventure Sports Legends - #58 Beyond Limits: Steve McClure’s Unorthodox Methods, Peak Performance at 54, What Causes Decline, (and, the Best Fixes for Long-Term Success)

Transcript

Steve McClure

INTRO:

Welcome back to the Ageless Athlete series! Today, we’re hearing from Steve McClure, one of the most iconic rock climbers to ever emerge from the UK. I’ve followed Steve’s climbing career with avid interest for years—long before I even picked up his memoir, Beyond Limits. But reading that book opened my eyes to an entirely different side of him: the homegrown training habits, the unorthodox breakfa