Turning Pain into Power: Harriet Watson’s Journey with Endometriosis & Endurance
Growing up in a family where adventure was the norm, Harriet was immersed in endurance sports from an early age. But being the youngest and the smallest often meant struggling to keep up. That early challenge, however, planted a seed: a realisation that effort and resilience could take her further than she imagined.
Harriet’s endurance journey has seen her tackle some of the world’s toughest events—from the legendary Coast to Coast race in New Zealand to multi-day ultra-marathons across continents. But one of her biggest battles isn’t visible from the outside: living with endometriosis, a chronic condition that brings intense pain, fatigue, and unpredictable cycles.
For years, Harriet, like many women, dismissed her pain as “just part of having a period.” It wasn’t until a conversation with her brother, a medical student, that she recognised her symptoms aligned with endometriosis. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it gave her the power to advocate for herself—and for others experiencing similar struggles.
Lessons from Harriet’s Journey
Resilience is Built Over Time – Harriet learned from an early age that discomfort doesn’t have to be a stop sign; sometimes, it’s just part of the path forward.
Pain Doesn’t Define You—But It Can Fuel You – Despite the challenges of endo, Harriet has found ways to push through, redefining what’s possible for her body.
Breaking the Silence on Women’s Health – The lack of awareness and support for endometriosis means many women suffer in silence. Harriet is using her platform to raise awareness, ensuring others don’t have to navigate the journey alone.
"I think I’ve learned that I’m probably never going to feel worse if I just get up and move. Even when the pain is brutal, doing something—anything—helps me feel like I still have control."
Through it all, Harriet has developed a mindset of persistence, learning to embrace the highs and lows of both sport and health. Her story is a testament to the power of self-advocacy, movement, and mental resilience.
🎧 Tune in to hear Harriet’s full story on the podcast or follow her adventures and endo journey on Instagram here.
