In this podcast on “The Outdoor Station,” host Bob Cartwright chats with adventure athlete Katy Parrott. Katy shares her thrilling experiences in the outdoors, her stint on the TV show “Special Forces: Ultimate Hell Week,” and her journey as an army reservist.
Growing up in Bristol, Katy’s love for adventure began early, leading her to study sport science and wildlife filmmaking. She recounts her intense training on the show, her deployment to Afghanistan, and balancing her adventurous lifestyle with financial realities. Katy’s story is a blend of resilience, passion, and a love for pushing boundaries, making for an inspiring listen.
Highlights
- Katy Parrott’s background and upbringing in Bristol.
- Her education in sport science and wildlife filmmaking.
- Experiences and challenges faced during “Special Forces: Ultimate Hell Week.”
- Journey and commitment as an army reservist, serving as a combat medic.
- The significance of mindset and mental resilience in extreme environments.
- Participation in ultramarathons, including the Montane Arctic Ultra.
- The impact of a supportive network on pursuing goals and recovery.
- Financial aspects of maintaining an adventurous lifestyle and sponsorship.
- Gear preferences and practical experiences during expeditions.
- The emotional impact of adventure, including loss and honoring teammates.
Timestamps and Topics from the Podcast Episode
Introduction to the Episode (00:00:22)
Bob Cartwright introduces the podcast and highlights the inspirational nature of Katy Parrott’s story.
Katy Parrott’s Background (00:01:34)
Katy’s achievements on “Special Forces: Ultimate Hell Week” and her journey into the army reservists are discussed.
Katy’s Self-Description (00:03:19)
Katy describes herself as a “slightly feral general lover of the outdoors” who enjoys long-distance running.
Katy’s Feral History (00:03:42)
Katy shares her experiences as a scout, which shaped her love for the outdoors and adventure.
Growing Up in Bristol (00:04:16)
Katy discusses her upbringing in Bristol and her unique experiences related to outdoor skills.
Education Journey (00:05:00)
Katy outlines her academic path from sport science to wildlife filmmaking, blending biology with creativity.
Filmmaking Experience (00:05:49)
Katy reflects on her love for filmmaking and her adventurous trek in Bulgaria for her master’s project.
Transition to Military (00:06:39)
Katy explains her decision to leave the TV industry for military service after her experience in Afghanistan.
Experience on Hell Week (00:07:35)
Katy describes the rigorous challenges faced during “Ultimate Hell Week” and her mindset throughout the experience.
Background and Education (00:08:59)
Discussion on the differences in background among contestants and their impact on their approach to challenges.
Mental Resilience During Challenges (00:10:52)
Katy emphasises her focus on personal resilience rather than comparing herself to others during Hell Week.
Cameras and Reality of Filming (00:11:01)
Katy shares insights about the constant filming and lack of downtime during the reality show.
Mental Challenges in Isolation (00:12:33)
Katy discusses her experience of being locked in a coffin for six hours and coping strategies.
Impact of Education on Attitude (00:13:05)
Katy reflects on how her all-girls school experience fostered a mindset of opportunity and resilience.
Joining the Army (00:14:02)
Katy recounts her decision to join the army and her desire to keep a low profile during training.
Fellow Trainees’ Support (00:15:18)
Katy shares her experiences with fellow trainees, who were supportive and curious about her TV background.
Role as Combat Medic (00:15:41)
Katy describes her role in the military as a combat medic and the support from her unit.
Reservist Commitment (00:16:38)
Katy explains the structure of her reservist duties and the flexibility of her commitment.
Deployment Experience (00:17:38)
Katy shares her valuable learning experiences during her seven-month deployment in Afghanistan.
Transitioning Back Home (00:18:44)
Katy discusses the challenges of readjusting to civilian life after her deployment, especially during COVID.
Katy’s Artistic Journey (00:18:58)
Katy shares her unexpected career as an artist during lockdown, revealing her passion for painting.
Zen of Painting and Running (00:20:31)
Discussion on the meditative similarities between painting and long-distance running.
Experiences in the Arctic Ultra (00:22:03)
Katy recounts her favourite ultramarathon, the Montane Arctic Ultra, and its significance for her recovery.
Preparing for the Arctic Challenge (00:24:04)
Katy explains her preparation and mindset for the Arctic Ultra after a knee reconstruction.
Bivvy Setup for Arctic Camping (00:28:03)
Katy describes her bivvy setup for sleeping in the Arctic, emphasising comfort and warmth.
Importance of Support Networks (00:30:12)
Katy highlights the role of a supportive network in pursuing challenging outdoor adventures.
Defining Personal Challenges (00:31:18)
Discussion on the relativity of challenges and the importance of personal goals over comparison.
Resilience from Hell Week (00:32:31)
Katy reflects on how “Hell Week” revealed her resilience and prepared her for future challenges.
Tragedy on Broad Peak (00:34:07)
Katy shares her experience climbing Broad Peak and the impact of losing a team member.
Inspiration for Young Women (00:37:46)
Katy discusses the messages she receives from young girls seeking inspiration in trail running and the reserves.
Financing Adventure (00:38:24)
Katy discusses how she balances her adventurous lifestyle with financial support from sponsors and various jobs.
Living on a Budget (00:39:32)
Katy shares how she funds her adventures and prioritises experiences over luxury holidays.
Gear Talk: Solar Panels (00:41:22)
Katy describes the usefulness of solar panels for charging devices during her expeditions in Pakistan.
Final Thoughts on Resilience (00:42:30)
Katy reflects on mental strategies for overcoming challenges in races, emphasising visualisation and emotional awareness.
Closing Remarks (00:43:21)
Bob thanks Katy and encourages listeners to explore her achievements and support the podcast.