Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Beatrice Lessi, a remarkable woman whose journey is as inspiring as it is unique. At 60 years old, Beatrice lives in Zurich with her husband and three daughters. With a degree in humanities from the University of Pisa, she began her career as a financial broker before taking a long break to focus on her family. At the age of 40, with no prior athletic background, she laced up her running shoes for the first time—and hasn’t looked back since. Beatrice has since competed in numerous extreme events, proving that it’s never too late to embrace new challenges. She now works as a blogger and journalist for Swiss Deluxe Hotels, sharing her boundless energy and passion for life. Her new book, Extreme Adventures: Tackling the World’s Toughest Races with Grit and Humor, captures her incredible journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Beatrice’s story is one of resilience, joy, and the power of personal growth, and I’m thrilled to dive into it with her today.
Some Interview Questions
- Can you tell us what inspired you to write this book and what readers can expect from it?
- What was the most challenging part of writing Extreme Adventures, and what did you learn about yourself in the process?
- You started running at 40 with no athletic background. What motivated you to take that first step, and how did it evolve into competing in extreme events?
- You’ve inspired many people to pursue running and personal growth. What advice would you give to someone who feels like it’s “too late” to start something new?
- Can you share a moment during one of these events that tested you the most—and how you overcame it?
- Your book emphasizes spreading joy, appreciating beauty, and sharing a positive message. How do you incorporate these values into your daily life?
- What do you hope readers will take away from Extreme Adventures—both runners and non-runners alike?
- If you could go back and give your 40-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?
- Finally, what’s one message you’d like to leave with our audience today?
