Episode 113: The Healing Power of Faith and Determination with Anna Pavey

How does a devastating diagnosis become the fuel for a life marked by accomplishment, gratitude, and purpose? In Episode 113 of The Mental Mettle Podcast, host Coach Matt Thomann shares an unforgettable conversation with Anna Pavey—an amateur endurance athlete, nonprofit executive, and a living testament to the power of faith and determination.

From Bedridden to Ironman: Anna’s Extraordinary Health Journey

Anna’s story is rooted in adversity that few could imagine. Fifteen years ago, while living in France, Anna developed a rare and aggressive autoimmune disease called dermatomyositis—an illness in which the body’s immune system attacks its own muscles. The prognosis was grim: she lost the ability to walk, feed herself, or even clip her own nails. Her muscles wasted away. At her weakest, Anna faced the terrifying reality that she might not survive, let alone regain any semblance of her former active life.

Doctors administered heavy doses of immunosuppressants with little effect. Anna entered the hospital, prepared her family for the worst, and watched as her physical abilities rapidly vanished. Yet, even in the darkest moments, a sense of hope persisted.

The Miraculous Power of Faith

Amid grim medical reports and mounting despair, Anna turned to her faith. One evening in her hospital room, as friends prayed over her, Anna describes experiencing an overwhelming warmth and a deep sense of God’s presence. That night, she heard a voice say, “Do not fear. I will calm the storm.” Astonishingly, the next day marked the turning point—her test results improved for the first time. Over the weeks that followed, her physical strength steadily returned, defying the expectations of her medical team.

For Anna, this experience was nothing short of miraculous. It nurtured a deeper, unshakeable faith and gave her a renewed sense of purpose. She recounts how this spiritual turning point became the cornerstone of her recovery and the guiding force in the years that followed.

Turning Crisis Into Purpose: Endurance Sports and Community Service

Recovery from such a debilitating illness wasn’t fast—Anna’s journey back took intention, grit, and a steady embrace of incremental progress. As she regained her health, Anna craved challenge and movement, turning to endurance sports as a way to celebrate her body and her second chance at life. What started as cautious steps evolved into training for triathlons, cycling marathons, and, ultimately, completing a full Ironman at age 50 and qualifying for a world championship event by age 52.

She credits her sustained progress to the wisdom of good coaching, a commitment to daily habits, and the willingness to continue pushing her limits despite setbacks, injuries, and the inevitable doubts that come with any hard pursuit. In the process, Anna also found purpose in helping others, channeling her energy into nonprofit work with organizations like Revelation Wellness, raising scholarship funds, and becoming a mentor and an example for others seeking to overcome their own obstacles.

Key Insights and Practical Lessons

In this episode, Anna and Coach Thomann discuss takeaways that anyone can use—athlete or not—when facing adversity:

• Anticipate the Hardships: Expect that you will want to quit when things get hard. Prepare a plan and a response in advance so you’re ready when that moment arrives.
• Embrace Voluntary Hardship: Seek out challenges intentionally—whether it’s endurance sports, learning a new skill, or taking on a new professional challenge. Voluntary adversity rewires your brain and equips you to withstand life’s unavoidable, involuntary hardships.
• Prioritize Process Over Motivation: Build daily habits and routines that support your goals. Success comes from committing to the process, not relying solely on fleeting motivation.
• Practice Mindfulness and Self-Awareness: Whether cycling up a Colorado mountain or running long distances, learn to be present—notice your body, your breath, and your surroundings. This focus keeps you grounded when the mind starts to spiral.
• Cultivate Gratitude: Anna’s gratitude for everyday movement, developed through her illness, became her greatest mental asset. Even in pain, she finds joy in what her body can do, celebrating small victories, and practicing intentional thankfulness.
• Understand Resilience as a Choice: Resilience is grown, not gifted. Anna’s story shows that responding to challenges with faith, humility, and purposeful action gradually builds a reservoir of strength that can carry you through anything.

Why Anna’s Story Matters

Not everyone will face the same kind of acute health crisis Anna survived, but everyone will face their own adversities—loss, injury, disappointment, or moments when life’s path seems impossibly steep. Anna’s remarkable journey demonstrates that adversity, when paired with faith and determination, can become the catalyst for transformation, resilience, and a life of meaning that inspires others.

Whether you are an athlete pushing your physical limits, someone rebuilding after loss, or simply looking for hope in hard times, Anna’s testimony is a powerful reminder that your hardest battles can unlock your greatest strengths.

For more inspiration, strategies for personal growth, and free coaching opportunities, connect with Coach Matt Thomann:
coachthomann@gmail.com
www.mentalmettlelifecoaching.com

Schedule your free session today, and begin forging your mental mettle—one challenge at a time.