Shannon Hogan: Ultra Endurance Athlete & Author of The Unforgiving Hours: The Grit, Resilience, and Perseverance at the Heart of Endurance Sports
Release Date: 04/08/2025
Ann Whatmore: A Fearless Adventurer Who Proves Severe Asthma Doesn’t Set Limits – Cycling 3000km Across the UK on a Recumbent E-Trike
Tough Girl Podcast
In this episode, we’re joined by the fearless Ann Whatmore, an adventurer who proves that asthma doesn’t have to set limits on what you can achieve. Ann has faced numerous health challenges, but rather than letting them hold her back, she’s embraced adventure in a big way. In May 2024, she cycled over 3,000km across the UK on her recumbent e-trike, “Bob,” completing a solo journey from Land’s End to Orkney before speaking at Yestival. This was no easy feat – Ann had only a sixth of her lung function available and had to rely on determination, resourcefulness, and a...
info_outline
Aisling Byrne: International Showjumper and Businesswoman on Surviving a Devastating Riding Accident and Defying the Odds to Walk and Compete Again
Tough Girl Podcast
In this powerful episode, we meet Aisling Byrne — an international showjumper, successful businesswoman, and an extraordinary example of resilience in the face of life-altering adversity. After a devastating horse riding accident left her with multiple broken bones, internal injuries, and the prognosis that she would never walk again, Aisling refused to accept defeat. Over the course of a gruelling three-year recovery, she not only walked again — she returned to the international showjumping circuit, proving that mindset, grit, and determination can overcome even the most impossible...
info_outline
Pamela Lee: Irish Offshore Sailor, World Record Holder, Empowering Women Through Sailing, Training for Route du Rhum 2026.
Tough Girl Podcast
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Pamela Lee, a professional offshore sailor from Ireland who’s breaking records and barriers in one of the most extreme, male-dominated sports on the planet. Now based in Brittany, France—the heart of short-handed offshore racing—Pamela has carved out her path with grit, determination, and a clear vision for empowering women through sailing. Pam shares her journey from growing up beside the sea in Ireland to becoming the first Irish woman to skipper the Transat Jacques Vabre Race, setting three world records...
info_outline
Bianca Fernandez-Clark: 7x Ironman Finisher and Founder of Women in Tri UK, Making Triathlon More Inclusive for Women.
Tough Girl Podcast
Bianca Fernandez-Clark is a 7x Ironman finisher, Chair, and co-founder of Women in Tri UK, a charity on a mission to bring more women into triathlon and break down barriers in the sport. With no background in sport, Bianca laced up her trainers at age 29 to tackle a 10km as a way to manage her mental health. From there, she progressed to marathons and, in 2016, took on the challenge of learning to swim and cycle to complete her first triathlon. As a Black/mixed-race woman, Bianca has been vocal about the lack of diversity in triathlon, especially at long-distance events, and has worked to...
info_outline
Harriet Frost: 2x Arc of Attrition 100 mile finisher, Race Director, Business Owner of Grit Culture, Co-parent of Sea+Flo supporting people to upgrade their periods.
Tough Girl Podcast
Harriet Frost is a force of energy, endurance, and entrepreneurial grit. From completing the notorious Arc of Attrition 100-mile ultra twice, to directing multiple trail races, to co-founding a menstrual cup company focused on sustainable period care for athletes — Harriet is redefining what it means to pursue hard things, in business and on the trail. In this episode, Harriet shares her journey from growing up in Cornwall to discovering a love of endurance sport later in life — despite hating running at first. With no formal coaching, she’s built her own training strategy...
info_outline
Celebrating Junko Tabei and 50 Years of Women on Everest – with Tori James, Jo Bradshaw & Rosemary J Brown
Tough Girl Podcast
This special episode of the Tough Girl Podcast brings together three incredible women—Tori James, Jo Bradshaw, and Rosemary J Brown—for an inspiring conversation about legacy, mountains, and the enduring spirit of women in adventure. We’re diving deep into the story of Junko Tabei, the first woman to summit Mount Everest in 1975, and celebrating the 50th anniversary of her historic climb. Despite her groundbreaking achievement, Junko’s name is still unfamiliar to many. Tori, Jo, and Rosemary are determined to change that. In this episode, we talk about how...
info_outline
Angela Maxwell: Walking 20,000 Miles Around the World — Choosing Courage Every Step of the Way
Tough Girl Podcast
Angela Maxwell spent nearly seven years walking around the world — solo. Covering over 20,000 miles across four continents and 16 countries, she braved the Australian outback, battled dengue fever in Vietnam, and faced the daily challenge of finding safe places to sleep, often in a tent. A self-described introvert and novice adventurer when she began, Angela’s journey was as much an inner transformation as a physical one — fuelled by fear, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to explore what it means to live with courage. Angela walked with purpose, raising funds to support...
info_outline
Alexandra Garcia: Why Difficult Pursuits Matter — Resilience, Running & the Mountains
Tough Girl Podcast
Alexandra Garcia’s journey into the outdoors began in adulthood, after relocating from Puerto Rico to Virginia, USA. What started as a personal reconnection with nature quickly turned into a deep passion for endurance challenges that test both body and mind. Since climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2017 and completing the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim in 2018, Alex has pursued adventures that push her limits — including backpacking rugged trails in Puerto Rico and continuously seeking what she calls “difficult pursuits.” Now based in Western North Carolina near Pisgah National...
info_outline
Lis van Lynden: Cycling 5,000 Miles with MS – A Story of Grit, Kindness & Adventure
Tough Girl Podcast
Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2013, Lis van Lynden has refused to let the condition define her limits. With no prior cycling experience or training, Lis set off in 2022 on a solo, unsupported ride around the entire coastline of Great Britain—covering 5,000 miles over seven months and raising over £13,000 for MS charities. Her journey didn’t stop there. Lis went on to cycle the Irish coastline and most recently visited 12 of the UK’s national parks by bike, with plans to complete the final 3 in 2025. Along the way, she’s faced physical challenges, experienced...
info_outline
Rahema Mamodo: Mum of 3, Finding Running Later in Life – From Couch to Ultra, Inspiring Women to Break Barriers.
Tough Girl Podcast
Rahema Mamodo is a mum of three, a passionate runner, and a trailblazer for women in sport. Growing up in Portugal and now based in Birmingham, Rahema discovered running later in life, starting with a simple couch-to-5k program. What began as a personal challenge has blossomed into a mission to inspire women—especially those who look like her—to break barriers, embrace fitness, and find joy in movement. Since her first hesitant steps on a treadmill, Rahema has run over 180 Park Runs in more than 50 locations, completed marathons, and even tackled ultramarathons like Race to the Stones....
info_outlineShannon Hogan is no stranger to pushing physical and mental limits. A seasoned ultra runner, mountain biker, and open-water swimmer, she has conquered some of the toughest endurance events on the planet. From setting records at the Pigtails Challenge 100K to tackling the gruelling Leadville Trail 100 and the Javelina Jundred, Shannon thrives in the world of extreme endurance sports. She’s even braved the icy waters of the Escape from Alcatraz swim and finished ten consecutive Boston Marathons—proving time and again that she’s built for the long haul.
In this episode, we dive into Shannon’s journey—from her early days in San Diego to competing in elite endurance events around the world. She shares her insights on grit, resilience, and the mental strategies that help athletes endure the toughest races. We also talk about her new book, The Unforgiving Hours: The Grit, Resilience, and Perseverance at the Heart of Endurance Sports, which explores the deep mental and emotional strength required to push through extreme challenges.
Shannon’s passion for endurance sports goes beyond personal achievement. She’s spent years supporting fellow athletes—whether it’s crewing ultra races, kayaking alongside swimmers in open water crossings, or inspiring the next generation of female endurance athletes. She believes in the power of women designing blueprints for each other in sport and life, breaking down barriers, and finding strength in shared experiences.
This is an episode packed with wisdom, motivation, and a firsthand look at what it takes to embrace the toughest challenges. Whether you’re an endurance athlete or just looking for inspiration to tackle your own goals, you won’t want to miss this conversation!
Tune in now and get ready to be inspired.
***
Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.
Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/
Thank you for your amazing support!
***
Show notes
- Who is Shannon
- Being a long time athlete of many different sports (trail running, mountain biking, cold water swimming
- Living in the Pacific North West of America
- Growing up in San Diego
- Starting to race mountain bikes in New England
- Getting into running in Northern California
- Connecting with other runners
- The trail running community
- Being surrounded by role models
- The women who have inspired Shannon in her life
- Being excited to talk about women designing blueprints for other women
- Having the opportunity to participate in a meaningful way in the outdoors
- Bicycles becoming popular and the impact on women’s lives
- The barriers to women to play sports and get involved in the outdoors
- Bigfoot 200 Race
- The Arizona Monster - 300 mile race 170hr cut off
- The growth of long distance running over the past few decades
- MOAB 240
- Courtney Daulwalter - winning the MOAB 240 outright!
- Speaking to women to learn their stories
- Grit, resilience, perseverance in ultra endurance sports
- Exceptional athletes and how they adapt as they go
- Being exceptional at remaining calm
- Being able to suppress the flight or fight instinct (the para-sympathic nervous system)
- Being calm and able to perform at a higher level
- Keeping your head in the game.
- Falling into flow
- Remaining calm when things get difficult
- Going on course while running and the mental impact on your race
- Leadville 100
- Racing at elevation and the impact on your body
- Western States Endurance Run (100 miler)
- Race to Alaska
- Not letting setbacks impact you too much
- Every event is a stepping stone to the next bigger thing because you learn so much
- Never worry alone and why it applies to long distance challenges
- Share the burden with your crew, a pacer or even a stranger
- Connections made during races
- Find a battle buddy, find your partner for the day
- What happens when things go wrong
- Being sidelined by injury
- Being a volunteer and the benefits it can bring
- Book: The Unforgiving Hours: The Grit, Resilience, and Perseverance at the Heart of Endurance Sports
- The time commitment while training for big events
- The pressure on women
- Being careful with their free time
- How to connect with Shannon
- Final words of advice for women who want to take their adventures and challenges to the next level
- Taking a long time to be an overnight success
- Be patient with yourself and not compare yourself with anyone
Social Media
Instagram @the_unforgiving_hours
Bluesky - @unforgivinghours.bsky.social
Book: The Unforgiving Hours: The Grit, Resilience, and Perseverance at the Heart of Endurance Sports