Comfortable Being Uncomfortable with Karen Rotondo | #38

In this episode of the Bolder Athlete Podcast, host Josh Boonstra sits down with Karen Rotondo—aka Fit Grandma—a 63-year-old athlete, registered nurse, and relentless competitor who’s redefining what it means to age strong.With over four decades in healthcare, Karen has seen firsthand the consequences of inactivity—and it’s fueled her commitment to living with discipline, strength, and purpose. From discovering CrossFit in her 50s to pushing the limits of competitive fitness, her journey is equal parts inspiring and cautionary.Karen opens up about the mindset that drives her—“get comfortable being uncomfortable”—and the double-edged sword of that mentality. She shares hard-earned lessons from injuries, including a devastating hamstring tear, shoulder surgery, and a life-threatening pulmonary embolism that she believes her fitness helped her survive.This conversation dives deep into:💪The reality of training hard as a masters athlete ⚖️The thin line between competitiveness and injury 🔥Why discipline in fitness reflects discipline in life 📋The importance of coaching, structure, and recovery 🧠 How to stay mentally sharp and physically capable as you age Karen’s story is raw, honest, and packed with wisdom. Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or just someone who wants to stay capable for life—this episode will challenge how you think about fitness, resilience, and what’s possible in every season of life.