Melissa Harlow - Embracing Life's Adventures at 62: From Sailing the Pacific Ocean to Hiking the John Muir Trail
Release Date: 02/20/2024
Carol Devine: Researcher, writer, artist, climate activist and humanitarian professional. From Antarctica's Ice to Scotland's Seas, A Journey of Activism and Adventure.
Tough Girl Podcast
Carol Devine embodies a diverse array of roles, seamlessly intertwining her work as a researcher, writer, artist, climate activist, humanitarian professional, and explorer. Her pursuits range from spearheading groundbreaking ecological expeditions to championing causes such as combating plastic pollution and empowering women in adventure sports. She spearheaded the first civilian volunteer ecological expedition in Antarctica, collaborating with the Russian Antarctic Expedition. Additionally, Carol has actively participated in and documented environmental initiatives, such as Clean Up...
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Gráinne Moss: Navigating Open Waters - Expert Advice from arguably Irelands most accomplished female open water swimmer. First Irish woman to swim Cook Strait (2001) Foveaux (2022), Lake Taupō (2021) and the Channel of Bones in Hawaii (2023).
Tough Girl Podcast
Gráinne Moss is arguably Irelands most accomplished female open water swimmer. At 16 she was the first female to represent Ireland in open water swimming at the World Championships. At 17 she became the first Irish woman to swim the English Channel. She has continued to achieve many firsts including the first Irish woman to swim Cook Strait (2001) Foveaux (2022), Lake Taupō (2021) and the Channel of Bones in Hawaii (2023). Gráinne holds three Triple Crowns of Open Water Swimming (awarded when a swimmer has completed three of the toughest swims in any nation) - including...
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Fatima Haidari: Shattering Stereotypes, Embracing Opportunities, and Pursuing Dreams as Afghanistan's First Female Tour Guide.
Tough Girl Podcast
In this episode of Tough Girl Podcast, we explore the incredible journey of Fatima, from her early years in Afghanistan to her pursuit of education, independence, and empowerment in Italy. Fatima's childhood was marked by challenges, but her curiosity and determination to learn led her to secretly educate herself. As Afghanistan's first female tour guide, she defied expectations and empowered herself economically. Threatened by the Taliban, Fatima made the courageous decision to flee to Italy, where she faced new obstacles but persisted in pursuing higher education. Now, as a refugee with a...
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Dr. Kaz Williams - Performance Psychologist, Certified Running Coach and Ultra Runner. Striving to help people discover their mettle.
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Listen to Kaz on the Tough Girl Podcast as she shares her passion for running and helping individuals discover their inner strength. Kaz founded Mettle—a platform dedicated to empowering runners to conquer personal challenges, chase personal records, and train for specific distances. Mettle isn't just about running; it's about equipping runners with coaching plans, mental strategies, and unwavering support to thrive both on the track and in life. Drawing from her extensive academic background—holding a PhD in human behaviour and an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology—Kaz delves into...
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Emma Hull - Unleashing Confidence, Embracing Change, and Fearlessly Pursuing Adventure and Dreams with Life Untethered
Tough Girl Podcast
In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Emma Hull, a confidence coach who discovered her true potential in her 40s and embarked on a transformative path towards self-empowerment. From grappling with anxiety and self-doubt to embracing a life of purpose and fulfilment, Emma's story is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering determination. Emma's journey to confidence began with a desire for change, fuelled by a reluctance to rely on medication for anxiety and depression indefinitely. With a commitment to self-improvement, she gradually introduced yoga into her routine,...
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Dr. Meera Velankar - Scientist turned tandem cyclist. Exploring India since 2015. First woman to complete India’s Golden Quadrilateral, which connects Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata, on a tandem bike (6,000km in 41 days).
Tough Girl Podcast
Dr. Meera Velankar, a mother of two with a doctorate in life sciences, embarked on a transformative journey over a decade ago. Feeling unfit and discontent, she turned to cycling, becoming a seasoned endurance athlete since. Her achievements include completing numerous running and cycling events, earning the title of an Ironman 70.3 finisher, and conquering the Super Randonneur norm three times, with a podium finish at the Tour of Nilgiris. In 2022, Meera made history by setting a Guinness World Record for a self-supported cycling journey from Agra to Umlingla, covering a distance of...
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Arlette Laan aka “Apple Pie”. First woman to hike all 11 National Scenic Trails in USA. 35,000+ miles hiked!
Tough Girl Podcast
Join us for an exhilarating journey into the world of long-distance hiking with Arlette Laan, affectionately known as "Apple Pie." In this episode, Arlette shares her awe-inspiring tale of becoming the first woman to hike all 11 National Scenic Trails in the USA, covering over 35,000 miles on foot. From her childhood adventures in Holland to navigating the rugged terrains of America's most iconic trails, Arlette's story is one of perseverance, passion, and the sheer joy of exploration. Tune in as she delves into the essence of long-distance hiking, the challenges she faced along...
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Lauren Beihoffer: Biochemist, Ultra-runner, Coach, and Mom of Three. Passionate About Helping Women Over 40 Feel and Perform Their Best.
Tough Girl Podcast
In this episode, we embark on a journey with Lauren Beihoffer, a trail and ultra-running enthusiast residing in Tennessee, USA. As she prepares for a 100-mile race in the rugged mountains of Virginia, Lauren shares insights into the physical and mental challenges she faces and offers valuable advice for fellow runners, particularly women over the age of 40. Lauren's love for running runs deep, having discovered it in her 30s and gradually progressing into the world of trail running. Through trial and error, she has gained valuable knowledge, emphasising the importance of self-compassion and...
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Shirin Gerami - Trailblazing Triathlete & Advocate for Change who made history as Iran's first female triathlete to compete in a world championship.
Tough Girl Podcast
Shirin made history as Iran's first female triathlete to compete in a world championship. On 15 September 2013, Shirin represented Iran at the triathlon championship in London, wearing full Islamic dress. Growing up, Shirin discovered her love for movement through activities like yoga, swimming, and running. Her passion for sports blossomed further during her university years when she decided to pursue triathlon. Despite initial fears, she pushed through, embracing the challenge with determination. After graduating from Durham University, where she studied Philosophy,...
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Beth Whitman - completed the Grand Slam Plus with Racing the Planet. This included running 5 separate events, each 250K, across Georgia (the country), the Namib Desert in Namibia, the Atacama in Chile, the Gobi in Mongolia and Antarctica.
Tough Girl Podcast
Beth is a traveler first and foremost. With 35 years of travel experience, each year she spends three to four months abroad, combining her love of adventure with vacation and business. For 15 years she has been running WanderTours, focusing on women-only tours, where she encourages and inspires women to dive deep into cultures and to challenge themselves by getting out of their comfort zone. She recently discovered running and, at age 50, ran her first marathon. She then discovered ultra-running and has been using these as an excuse to explore remote destinations around the globe that...
info_outlineMelissa in her own words:
“After connecting with my now husband on match.com 20 years ago, we realized we had one key difference: he wanted a partner to ‘Sail around the world’. I, on the other hand, wasn't an adventurer. I was a professional woman with a degree in Psychology, dedicated to non-profit work and healthcare.
But my husband ignited a desire in me to embrace life's adventures while we were still healthy. The turning point came when he asked, ‘When are you going to quit your job and sail around the world with me?’
Despite my initial fears and attachments, I couldn't ignore the call to live life to the fullest. We set sail across the Pacific Ocean, and it changed me profoundly.
We continued our adventures by buying an RV and exploring the US, Canada, and Alaska, much to the surprise of our family.
These experiences made me resilient and fearless.
Returning from a sailing journey and hiking the John Muir Trail at age 62, I realized that the world was full of opportunities.
I see people looking at me differently now, sensing my quiet confidence. My adventure started late, but it's proof that life-changing decisions can happen at any age. The question remains: “Do it now or not?””
*Content Warning: This episode contains an instance of strong/abusive language that some listeners may find offensive.
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Show notes
- Who is Melissa
- Living is San Diego, California
- Not being born into an adventurous family
- Her early years and feeling connected to her dad (who died when she was 4)
- Meeting her husband on match.com about 18 years ago
- Blending 2 families together
- After 10 years of marriage starting to discuss the sailing adventure
- Being a career girl and not focused on adventure
- Not having passion in her life
- Doing little adventures but not committing to the big adventure of sailing around the world
- Waiting for the kids to go to college
- Making the commitment and putting a plan in place
- Getting the boat and needing to learn new skills
- Having a 5 year plan and changing everything about their life
- Not spending more that $25 unless speaking to another person
- Working as a team in a partnership
- Having garage sales, saving money and making it happen
- Starting to change and starting to get excited about the future adventure
- Being called ‘Captain B*tch Slap’
- Being a forgiving person
- Proving people wrong
- Noticing her confidence changing
- Dealing with tangled anchors while a storm is rolling in
- Stats from the trip - the boat (Island Packet 37)
- Starting in San Diego and sailing down to Mexico
- Stopping to take a 1,000 mile car tour throughout Mexico
- Pacific Puddle Jump from America’s to French Polynesia
- Feeling done with sailing after 11 months and wanting to go home
- The challenges of getting the boat back from Hawaii to San Diego
- The dream vs reality
- Magical moments while out sailing and the challenges while being out on the water
- Spending time on remote beautiful islands - the instagram moments
- When the autopilot stopped working and having to steer the boat in 2 hour shifts for 24/7.
- Deciding what to do next and wanting to sell the boat, take the money and buy an RV and travel around the US, up through Canada and head up to the wilds of Alaska
- The challenges of RV Life and wanting to do ‘Boondocking’
- Feeling numb after traveling and feeling lost
- Having therapy and starting to feel again
- Getting into voice overs and having a way to start earning an income again
- Learning to appreciate the little moments and the free moments
- Being done with the corporate world and being a different person
- Choosing to live a simple life and having more money than before, even though they’re earning less
- Renting out the RV
- Deciding to hike the John Muir Trail (211 miles)
- Planning and testing out all the gear
- Why it was one of the toughest things she’s ever done
- Climbing Mt Whitney and the challenges with the elevation gain and loss
- Trying to get equipment and gear to fit her height at 4′ 11″ / 150 cm
- Ending up with an Osprey EJA 58
- Trying to find trainers and shoes to fit
- Watch the videos from the Pacific Ocean on YouTube
- Final words of advice
- Why you need to take an honest look at yourself and where you are in your life
- Why you need to make a plan and get into the details
- Give yourself little mini milestones to work towards
- Start by putting your plan down on paper
Social Media
Websites:
Instagram: @theadventuretravelers
Youtube: @theadventuretravelers