Show notes
Catherine Breed is an endurance athlete, ocean explorer, and visionary storyteller redefining what modern adventure can look like — where human performance, environmental connection, and community impact meet. Drawn to the water from an early age, Catherine's journey began in elite competitive swimming, representing UC Berkeley and the U.S. National Team. Years of disciplined training shaped her understanding of resilience and focus, but her true evolution began when she stepped beyond the structure of the pool and into the vast unpredictability of open water. In 2016, Catherine found her home within San Francisco's historic open-water swimming community at the Dolphin Club, where cold water, powerful tides, and a culture of bold exploration challenged her to redefine limits. Surrounded by legendary swimmers and lifelong adventurers, she began pursuing ambitious endurance swims that transformed swimming from competition into exploration — and ultimately into a platform for storytelling and impact. From this transition emerged a guiding philosophy: Beyond the Blackline — a mindset rooted in stepping beyond certainty, embracing discomfort, and forging new paths without predefined boundaries. What began as a personal journey evolved into a broader vision: using human-powered adventure as a catalyst for connection — between people, between communities, and between humanity and the ocean. Today, Catherine's work extends far beyond individual achievement. She is the founder of purpose-driven initiatives that combine endurance sport, storytelling, and ocean advocacy to inspire meaningful engagement with the natural world. Her projects invite audiences to rethink what is possible — not only physically, but emotionally and collectively — demonstrating how bold goals can spark curiosity, resilience, and environmental stewardship. At the heart of her mission is a belief that access to the ocean should be inclusive and transformative. Catherine advocates for greater equity and representation in ocean spaces, particularly for women and underrepresented communities, while championing the protection of marine ecosystems through experiential storytelling and community engagement. As a speaker, expedition leader, and storyteller, Catherine brings audiences into the raw realities of exploration — the uncertainty, the risk, and the profound clarity found when we step beyond familiar boundaries. Her work challenges conventional ideas of endurance, shifting the focus from records alone toward purpose-driven adventure that leaves lasting impact. Going beyond the black line was never just about swimming. It was about choosing a life guided by curiosity, courage, and connection — and creating pathways for others to do the same. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Catherine 'Cat' 33 years old living in California, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge Identifying as ultra endurance athlete Loving to push herself, especially doing big marathon swims Her early years growing up in the middle of nowhere, but next to a lake Starting to get into age group swimming at 4 years old Sailing and spending time in and around the Pacific Ocean Her love for the water The discipline and commitment to swimming and why it is such a gruelling sport The sacrifice and not seeing it as a sacrifice at that age Being surrounded by like minded people Body issues and dealing with periods Building self confidence Breaking records in the marathon swimming space and how that builds confidence in her ability Transitioning into longer swims The Dolphin Club, San Francisco Swimming the length of Lake Tahoe (21 miles) Moving from speed to endurance Having a great mentor Training from a place of failure Being dedicated to the process Fitting training into her schedule and work life Recovery - sleep and massage Advice for good sleep Night time and morning routine Nutrition and supplements for training and during races Oatmeal, eggs and olive oil! Having a strong stomach Feeling like death after 12 hour swims What Swim California is Story telling though sport Founding a non profit to get more girls and women into the ocean The logistics behind the challenge attempt and why it's a team effort The physical training and focusing on putting on muscle mass Wearing a wetsuit for the swim Having a director of logistics Getting the community involved Working with 10/13 non profit organisations The dangers of the swim Media Partner ALLEZ Sports How people can support Final words of wisdom to motivate and inspire women and girls to take on their own adventures and challenges Don't be afraid to start - Don't be afraid to be a beginner You are braver than you think - you are tougher than you think Surround yourself with people who will build you up Go after the scary thing! You can do it! Social Media Website: www.Catherinebreed.com Instagram: @catherine.breed Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-breed-966bb36b