From Ironman to Cancer Survivor: Why Mental Toughness Matters Beyond the Game

What does it really mean to be tough when life throws something your training could never prepare you for? In this episode, Coach Bre sits down with Kelly Vo, Co-Founder of The Pink Ribbon Army and Ironman athlete turned cancer survivor, to talk about how the mental strength built in sport can transform how we face life’s hardest battles. Kelly shares her powerful story of moving from competition to recovery and how mindset tools like visualization, self-talk, and focus helped her navigate chemotherapy and healing. Together, she and Coach Bre explore the deeper side of resilience, the kind that’s rooted in vulnerability, community, and purpose. You’ll learn: 💪 What true mental toughness looks like beyond the game 🧠 How to use mindset strategies to stay grounded through uncertainty 🎀 Why vulnerability and connection are key to lasting resilience 🌸 The inspiration behind The Pink Ribbon Army and its mission of hope Whether you’re an athlete, a mom, or someone walking through your own challenge, Kelly’s story will remind you that your strength isn’t measured by medals or times, it’s measured by how you rise, again and again. Come hang out with Kelly and join her movement on Instagram @thepinkribbonarmy, or learn more at www.pinkribbonarmy.com. Episode Highlights:  [00:02:41] Kelly joins the conversation, sharing how her diagnosis at age 40 led her to create the Pink Ribbon Army. As a lifelong athlete and “super aunt,” she reflects on how community and purpose helped her turn a difficult experience into a movement for good. [00:11:27] Kelly emphasizes that breast cancer doesn’t discriminate. She shares how many friends admitted they hadn’t yet scheduled mammograms—and encourages every listener to get checked. Early detection, she stresses, can make the difference between a manageable journey and a life-threatening one. [00:15:08] Kelly debunks the myths around mammograms, assuring listeners they’re quick, manageable, and nothing to fear. She shares that healthcare providers perform them every day and encourages women to prioritize their peace of mind. [00:24:04] She shares how she reframed her cancer journey as her most important “Ironman.” Each stage—surgery, chemotherapy, recovery—became her version of the swim, bike, and run. Her mindset: stay steady, stay focused, finish strong. [00:23:25] Kelly discusses how the mental tools she developed through sport helped her handle uncertainty, fear of recurrence, and moments of exhaustion. “It’s the same muscle,” she says—training the mind to stay calm and keep moving forward. [00:30:40] Kelly dives into her daily practices for positivity, including using a five-minute gratitude journal, reframing tough moments, and staying thankful for even the smallest blessings. [00:36:00] Kelly gives an update on The Pink Ribbon Army’s annual October event featuring a golf tournament, 5K, and after-party that raises funds for women undergoing treatment. [00:40:23] Kelly closes with a heartfelt reminder for listeners to get their screenings, trust their intuition, and face fears early—because early detection saves lives. Next Steps:Join our FREE Training for Sports Moms - How to Strengthen Your Athlete Daughter"s Mental Game so She Believes in Herself as Much as You DoVisit our podcast website for more great episodes Thank you in advance for joining us on our mission and leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.