Tough Girl Podcast
The Tough Girl Podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration from women who dare to dream big, push boundaries, and redefine what’s possible. Hosted by adventurer and speaker Sarah Williams, the podcast shares the raw, real, and remarkable stories of women from around the world who have taken on extraordinary challenges — from climbing mountains and crossing oceans to running ultramarathons and biking across continents. Each episode dives deep into the journeys behind the achievements: the grit, resilience, setbacks, and triumphs. These conversations aren't just about finish lines — they’re about courage, growth, and what it truly means to step outside your comfort zone. Whether you’re seeking motivation for your next adventure, training for your first race, or simply want to be uplifted by stories of women doing extraordinary things, the Tough Girl Podcast is here to show you that you are capable of so much more than you realise. Be inspired. Get motivated. Feel empowered.
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Sharon Jessop – Ultra-Endurance Runner & Conservationist: Running 3,500 Miles Across Africa for Rhino Conservation
11/18/2025
Sharon Jessop – Ultra-Endurance Runner & Conservationist: Running 3,500 Miles Across Africa for Rhino Conservation
This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, I’m joined by Sharon Jessop — an ultra-endurance athlete, conservationist, keynote speaker, and serial entrepreneur whose running adventures are driven by a mission to protect rhinos in Africa. From growing up barefoot in the South African bush to covering over 3,500 miles across some of Africa’s wildest landscapes, Sharon has used her extraordinary endurance to raise awareness and funds for rhino conservation. Her journey is as inspiring as it is challenging, blending adventure with purpose. In this episode, Sharon shares how she turned her love of running into a powerful tool for wildlife conservation, the highs and lows of multi-day expeditions, and the unforgettable encounters she’s had along the way — from navigating tough terrain to seeing Africa’s incredible wildlife up close. We also explore her personal story, the losses that have shaped her, and how she finds motivation and meaning in every mile. Whether you’re drawn to ultra-running, conservation, or simply pursuing your passions with purpose, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight. 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Sharon Living in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape of South Africa Her passion and obsession with rhinos Running for Rhinos Growing up barefoot in the brush Being 16 and her first experience seeing a rhino Deciding to study law…. Hosting a television show Going back to conservation Making changes to her life at 48 Always being a runner Discovering her ability to run long distances day after day Losing her dad and good friend to cancer in 2017 Running from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth How one running expedition led to the next The mental side of running and why its super important Doing the running expedient in her mind, before she even starts Her motto - Failure is not an option Running multiple half marathons (2020) for rhino conservation What have I committed to? Having a really big WHY And why it makes it easier Not wanting to let the rhinos down Planning and logistics for the expeditions Having the accommodation and food sponsored Travelling with a small team 2022 adventure Recovery each day Not being a big supplement taker Believing in real food Trying to stay away from processed food Taking electrolytes The importance of hydration and fuelling your body The importance of sleep and its impact on recovery The magical moments while out running Being scared of ostriches and baboons The 5 animals - Lions, Elephants, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard The adjustment back to ‘normal’ life Starting training for in 2026 Row for rhinos Ted X talk in San Diego - The Race for Green Spaces and Wild Places Where do the funds raised go Self funding her running expeditions Future projects for the Rhinos - 7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 7 Days How to connect with Sharon and her projects Final words of advice Using affirmations and why we need more women doing these adventures Be Brave, Be Fearless, Be Bold. Social Media Website: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube:
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Regine Goh – National Triathlete from Singapore, Endurance Athlete & Gen-Z Speaker on Consistency, Resilience, and Peak Performance
11/11/2025
Regine Goh – National Triathlete from Singapore, Endurance Athlete & Gen-Z Speaker on Consistency, Resilience, and Peak Performance
Meet Regine Goh, a national triathlete and endurance athlete from Singapore who has spent her life mastering the art of consistency, resilience, and performance. From starting competitive swimming at just four years old to transitioning into triathlon, Regine has learned firsthand the power of showing up, pushing through plateaus, and enjoying the process every step of the way. In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, Regine shares her journey of balancing elite-level training with a professional career, the mental and physical lessons she’s learned along the way, and how the principles of endurance sports can help anyone sustain productivity, build confidence, and achieve ambitious goals. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, a professional, or someone striving to be more consistent in your life, Regine’s insights are a masterclass in resilience, focus, and long-term growth. *** 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Regine Living in Singapore National athlete specialising in the sport of triathlon Starting off in the sport of swimming at 4 years old Really enjoying spending time in the water Knowing all the strokes at 8 years old and starting to do competitive swimming Being spotted by a swim coach Enjoying the grind of swimming and making new friends Doing a decade of hardcore competitive swimming Joining the (boarding school) Starting to plateau in swimming and making the transition to triathlon at 16 Trying open water swimming Dealing with the plateau of not improving in her sport Having understanding coaches Starting to ask herself, why she was doing the sport Figuring out what her motivations where Figuring out her goals did not align with her core values Reflecting back on why she got into sport in the first place Deciding to take running a bit more seriously Why her cycling journey was a bit scary Getting into road cycling at 19 Why it was a steep learning curve Wanting to prove everyone wrong and make it to the national team Making the national team for triathlon Getting burnt out in swimming chasing the goal of reaching the national team The importance of showing up every day and trying your best The mindset change when moving over to triathlon Getting some good mentors Enjoying the process at every step Gen Z perspective on mental health Zone 2 training, Periodisation, Progressive overload The importance of focusing on recovery Fuelling and eating the right foods Being here for the long game Sleep as a performance enhancing drug! Being a working professional and managing her training Doing morning and evening training sessions The importance of planning ahead to get your training sessions in Managing stress Control what you can control Working with a coach Empowering aspiring professionals to boost consistency and sustain productivity using the principles of endurance sports Consistency and it’s importance The compounding effect of training Communication expectations Favourite moments from swimming and triathlon Her short term and long term goals Thinking about doing an ironman and returning to open water swimming Wanting to complete the in swimming The importance of having big, ambitious goals How to connect with Regine Final words of advice for women and girls to follow their passion in endurance sports Have fun and enjoy the process Social Media Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn:
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Anna Humphries – Adventurer, Expedition Leader & Founder of The Mountain Girl: Inspiring Confidence, Connection & Courage in the Wild
11/04/2025
Anna Humphries – Adventurer, Expedition Leader & Founder of The Mountain Girl: Inspiring Confidence, Connection & Courage in the Wild
Anna Humphries is an adventurer, expedition leader, and founder of The Mountain Girl, whose life is dedicated to getting people outdoors and showing them what’s possible when you push past your comfort zone. A trained Mountain Leader, Scout Leader, and key member of the Bear Grylls Survival Academy team, Anna has designed and led survival programmes across the UK and around the world. Her work spans everything from logistics and programme development to standing on the frontlines with groups of young people, teaching them resilience and grit in the wild. Adventure runs through her veins. She has hiked to Everest Base Camp, raced through the National Three Peaks Challenge multiple times — her fastest in under 20 hours — and was part of the first female team to Stand Up Paddle Board across the English Channel. Whether it’s trail running, paddle boarding, or exploring high peaks, Anna thrives on testing her own limits while inspiring others to do the same. Through The Mountain Girl, Anna champions accessibility in the outdoors, especially for women and young people. She believes in the power of nature to build confidence, connection, and courage. Her mission is simple: to encourage more people to experience the wild, to discover their inner strength, and to prove to themselves that they are tougher than they think. 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Anna Founder of Mountain Girl Growing up close to the Malven Hills Being the role model that she needed when she was growing up Her early years Having an older sister and a twin sister Why the Malvens were an adventure playground for her Why her teenage years were tough Not being in love with herself Never feeling as though she fitted in Losing her way Role models Trying 27 jobs…. Dealing with the doubt in her brain The stories she was telling herself Describing yourself in different adjectives Wanting to be strong and adventurous Starting to follow people who inspired her on instagram Needing to lose weight and feeling unhealthy Tapping into her inner child Taking 2 years to lose weight, and getting rid of the hate in her head Adventure - Love - Happiness I am - I am - I am Developing Mountain Girl Duke of Edinburgh Award Receiving her gold award Volunteering in Scouts Badge motivation! Starting to head off on her own adventures Getting her qualifications and upping her skills Becoming a Mountain Leader and how it opened up future opportunities Future events happening in 2026 Visiting Mt. Everest Base Camp Setting herself big challenges Wanting to share her adventures Being adventure driven and not ego driven Paddle Boarding across the English Channel Becoming a SUP coach Overcoming her fear of heights Taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge The importance of rewards How you can connect with Anna Final words of advice Be the person you needed when you were growing up Start to explore social media see what it going on Find the inspiration and follow it BE IT!!! Social Media Website Instagram Facebook: X: Bear Grylls Survival Academy -
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Margie Goldsmith – Becoming a Badass: From Fearful to Fierce at 81 – Adventures, Confidence & Living Life Boldly
10/28/2025
Margie Goldsmith – Becoming a Badass: From Fearful to Fierce at 81 – Adventures, Confidence & Living Life Boldly
This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, I’m joined by Margie Goldsmith — an award-winning writer, journalist, and adventurer who proves that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself or chase new challenges. At 81 years old, Margie is still boxing, biking, climbing mountains, and living life with unstoppable energy. Her new book, Becoming a Badass: From Fearful to Fierce, shares her remarkable journey from a fearful young woman growing up in a dysfunctional family to a confident, adventurous storyteller who’s visited 150 countries and built a life full of courage and curiosity. In this episode, we talk about how Margie learned to turn fear into fuel, why Paris was the turning point in her life, how she’s stayed strong and active through the decades, and why movement, recovery, and mindset are key to living fully at any age. Tune in for a funny, fearless, and deeply inspiring conversation that celebrates the power of saying yes to life — no matter how old you are. 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Margie Living in New York City Writer, journalist, novelist, essayist Her new book: Visiting 150 countries Her early years Coming from a dysfunctional family Being told she was not good enough Escaping by going into the woods Moving all the time and having to make new friends Getting into sports to make friends Proving that she was good enough, and not less than Being on her own from a young age Graduating from college and seeing a flyer to go to Europe for the summer Wanting to escape her mother Heading to Paris for the summer in 1965 Deciding to stay in Paris and beginning her grown up life Her transition to Margie the Adventurer 81 years old - boxing, riding her bike, moving, Climbing Mt Etna at 80 Moving from feeling fearful to fierce Why Paris was the turning point Not wanting children Meeting an older man, (27 years older…) Smoking back in the day Travelling in the 1960s Deciding where to go and what to do Starting her first novel (Screw Up) Working as an extra in films Meeting husband number 1! Pressure from family/society to get married? Learning to hold her own Meeting husband number 2! Living the high life and getting bored How going rafting on the Colorado river changed things Trying things that scared her Gaining new confidence Going to advance base camp at Mt. Everest Getting into marathon running! Trying a triathlon in Cuba Being diagnosed with a tumour in her pancreas Becoming a type 1 diabetic Getting through the operations Still feeling the feelings of fear Writing her book and why she loved it Deciding to give her body to science Being in her 80s and moving towards the end stages Doing everything she wants to do Living life day by day Keep doing the little adventures Talk yourself into things, not out of things Why you don’t need to travel to find the fun and the adventure Keeping her goals inside her Doing everything she can to stay healthy and why it means physical movement The trends of fitness and how they have changed Move it or lose it Getting weekly massages The importance of recovery How to connect with Margie Going on to TikTok! Advice for people who do feel/have felt less than Find a mentor who you trust Listen to yourself and your gut Go find something to make you feel good Social Media Website: Facebook: Book:
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Veronica White – PhD Student, Cycling 2,000 Miles Across England: Exploring the Future of Farming Through Women’s Perspectives
10/21/2025
Veronica White – PhD Student, Cycling 2,000 Miles Across England: Exploring the Future of Farming Through Women’s Perspectives
This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, I’m joined by Veronica White — a PhD student, photographer, and outdoor adventurer who is combining academic research with exploration in a truly unique way. For her final year at the University of Exeter, Veronica set out on an extraordinary journey: cycling more than 2,000 miles across England to explore how women envision the future of farming. Her Farming Futures Tour— meeting and interviewing 50 women along the way who are shaping the future of food and agriculture. Born in the US and raised in the Netherlands, Veronica’s path into farming wasn’t traditional. With a background in environmental science and food security, she’s found her passion in connecting people, place, and purpose — and using adventure as both a research method and a personal challenge. In our conversation, we talk about how she planned and trained for the project, what it was like to balance the mental and physical demands of fieldwork on the move, and why she believes surrounding yourself with people who say “yes” can make all the difference. Tune in to hear how Veronica turned her PhD into a pedal-powered exploration of England’s rural landscapes — and how adventure can open new ways of seeing, learning, and connecting. 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Veronica? Final year PhD student at the Cycling over 2,000 miles across England for her PhD fieldwork Being born in the US and raised in the Netherlands Her interest in food and farming Studying environmental science for her undergraduate degree at the Reading up more on food waste Deciding to do a Masters in Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture Not having a background in farming, but doing volunteer work on farms Doing cycling as a social activity Starting her blog during the pandemic in 2020 Spending time exploring the Naming her blog - Using the blog to get away from social media Not getting sucked into the world of SEO and affiliate marketing Wanting the blog to be a collection of memories and stories and not just another marketing tool What is Speaking to 50 women on the tour The reasons for cycling Being supported and encouraged by her supervisors Spending a year planning and training for the project Finding the women to speak with What the fieldwork looked like The futures triangle Autoethnography method - reflecting on your own personal experiences - while cycling through the landscapes Planning and logistics for such a long trip Receiving funding from the Royal Geographical Society and a charity organisation, Setting off on the journey Balancing the mental and physical sides of the challenge Dealing with fatigue Finding new strategies to cope with the work load Doing voice notes instead of writing field notes The bike and gear set up The highlights from the trip Still having to write the PhD! Food and farming Finding lunch in rural areas Cycling hunger How to Planning the next adventure? Final words of advice Surround yourself with people who say yes Social Media Blog Instagram Youtube:
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Captain Preet Chandi MBE – Breaking Boundaries: World Record-Breaking Polar Explorer Inspiring the Next Generation
10/16/2025
Captain Preet Chandi MBE – Breaking Boundaries: World Record-Breaking Polar Explorer Inspiring the Next Generation
Captain Preet Chandi MBE is a world record breaking explorer, former British Army officer, and physiotherapist. She served in the Royal Army Medical Corps for 16 years before embarking on groundbreaking polar expeditions. In 2022, Preet became the ninth woman in history to ski solo to the South Pole, and the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition on the continent. Less than a year later, she set out on her next adventure, breaking two Guinness World Records for the longest solo unsupported one-way ski expedition, both for a woman and overall, covering 922 miles in 70 days. She returned to Antarctica in December 2023 to set her fourth world record: the female speed record to the South Pole, completed in 31 days, 13 hours, and 19 minutes. Preet’s expeditions are driven by her mission to inspire others to push boundaries. She champions the message that everyone starts somewhere, and that no matter your background or starting point in life, you are capable of breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible. In 2025, she established her Community Interest Company, Adventure is Ours CIC, which supports expeditions that promote education, inspiration, climate awareness, and diversity in exploration. Through the CIC, she also delivers outreach, mentorship, and school visits to empower people of all ages. In 2022, Preet started delivered her school talks across the UK, reaching more than 18,000 students. That same year, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Her achievements have been widely recognised: she received the ‘Inspirational’ and ‘Woman of the Year’ awards at the inaugural Women in Defence event in 2022, was named ‘Explorer of the Year’ in 2023, and in 2025 was awarded the prestigious Geographical Award by the Royal Geographical Society. Past TGP episodes July 8th 2021 - Feb 15th 2022 - 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Preet Originally from Darby, but basically living everywhere Spending 16 years in the Army Chatting to Preet previously on the Tough Girl Podcast Making the decision to leave the Army Coming back in debt Getting straight back into work Starting the next fundraising cycle Trying to get unpaid leave Doing her 3rd expedition without telling anyone Trying to cross the landmass on Antarctica on her 2nd trip Not making it The voice in her head, telling her she had failed Feeling the relief when she finished Getting 2 records from the trip Why it’s ok to fail Being slated by an article Feeling worried about what people in the adventure community would think of her Wondering if she could get the female speed record? (Needing to break 33 days) Why you don’t need to be the best to succeed Learning as she goes on Why 2023 was a tough year and struggling The impact on weight loss on your brain Burnout Starting to feel recovered Wanting to train for the North Pole Having time off Losing her granddad and hearing the news after the trip Building momentum Getting to sleep 8 hrs per night Talking about failure Making mistakes and being able to pinpoint them Being nervous to get started Needing to get going and hitting some storms at the start The voice in her head - being scared to fail, and being called a failure Using her pain relief before she though she would need to Getting a polar thigh industry Starting to move more slowly towards the end Focusing on the next 2hrs Getting home Traumatic growth? The daily pain cave… Being made to slow down The costs of doing these trips Getting help and support Trip 3 - the women’s speed record Dealing with the hunger The next big challenge - the north pole Why there is a high chance of failure You can not fail, unless you try Preparing for the misery and suffering The privilege of being on the start line of adventures Lying to herself Why not Preet! Needing luck on the next adventure Wanting to show show much than you can do anything You go and you try Why her trips are bigger than her Why adventure is for anyone Being very driven and being an encourager How to connect with Preet MBE and what it means What’s been achieved in 4 years Why you do belong in every single room The importance of the first step Social Media Website: Instagram: Facebook:
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Robyn Godfrey: Running the World: A Runner's Odyssey of Struggle and Triumph in the World Marathon Majors
10/14/2025
Robyn Godfrey: Running the World: A Runner's Odyssey of Struggle and Triumph in the World Marathon Majors
Robyn Godfrey is an accomplished runner, pacer, RRCA Certified Level 1 coach, and motivational speaker who began her running journey at the age of 47. What started as a personal quest to improve her health and overcome her relationship with alcohol soon evolved into a remarkable achievement: completing seven marathons, including the prestigious World Marathon Majors — London, Chicago, Berlin, Boston, New York, and Tokyo. A dedicated member of the Wilmington Road Runners Club since 2013, Robyn has made a significant impact by coaching and pacing runners, helping them unlock their potential and reach their goals. In addition to her coaching, she has volunteered with organisations like Girls on the Run, empowering young girls to grow both physically and personally through running. 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Robyn Making a change in her life at 47 Starting running for 30 seconds on a treadmill Facing serious life hurdles over the years Reinventing herself Chasing after her dream Her early years and not being sporty The why before making the change Not being able to stop over indulging Continuing the journey Starting to run outside and why it was such a different experience Run the Training for a year to run a 10K Getting hooked on running Why motivation isn’t enough Starting to think about taking on a marathon Running the for her 50th Birthday Getting a place through a lottery ticket How the structure of marathon training fitted in well with her mentality Breaking down big challenges into smaller more manageable goals Not being a fast runner, but enjoying the process of marathon training Fitting in training around life and work Carrying a fork Being a party girl and drinking Being social and not needing to drink a lot of wine to do that Following strict cutoff times 27.8 miles…. Recovering after running Core work and conditioning Strength training for women The mental side of running Being a goal orientated person Run the mile you are in Keep going - things will turn around The lessons learned from running which can be applied to challenging situations Why running can’t save you from everything Feelings of guilt Completing her goal of running all of the World Marathon Majors Training on trails and running a 50k at elevation Turning 60 next year Planning to run Writing her book How to connect with Robyn Wanting to inspire people to go after their dreams Final words of advice - on how to take the first step Why you can’t just rely on motivation The power of community Social Media Website - Instagram LinkedIn - Facebook Book:
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Julie Weiss – The Marathon Goddess: 52 Marathons in 52 Weeks for Pancreatic Cancer & a Legacy of Hope
10/09/2025
Julie Weiss – The Marathon Goddess: 52 Marathons in 52 Weeks for Pancreatic Cancer & a Legacy of Hope
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Julie Weiss — also known as The Marathon Goddess. Julie’s story is one of resilience, healing, and purpose. After losing her father to pancreatic cancer, she set out on an extraordinary mission: to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks, raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research along the way. Her journey captured hearts around the world — from the Today Show and O Magazine to countless finish lines across the US. But behind the medals and media attention is a woman who found strength, joy, and hope through running. Now in her fifties, Julie has completed over 118 marathons, raised more than $1 million for research, and continues to inspire others with her message that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, honour your loved ones, and find purpose in every step. In this conversation, Julie opens up about: How running helped her heal from grief and depression The challenges and triumphs of running 52 marathons in 52 weeks What it takes to stay motivated and injury-free through massive goals Her empowering “7 C’s to Defy Your Limits” — Create, Certainty, Connect, Commit, Consistent, Cause, and Courage Julie’s story is a beautiful reminder that transformation begins with one small step — and that every mile can make a difference. 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Julie Living in Santa Monica, California, USA Being known as the Marathon Goddess - Running 52 marathon in 52 weeks Raising over $1 million for charity Being excited to share the wisdom she has leaned from running marathons Her childhood and early years Being tall with long legs Starting running at 37 years Not being at athlete at school Taking a different path Becoming a mother at 18 Not doing a lot of exercise in her younger years Feeling at a very low point in her life Going for that first run on the beach Wanting to feel good Keeping on running Coming off anti-depressants Fitting running into her life and making it work for her Joining a running group Connecting with other people Training for a triathlon first Running her first marathon in March 2008 How running makes her feel Her relationship with her dad Raising funds for Taking 10 years to raise the funds Deciding to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks Being determined Feeling overwhelmed at the start of the goal The start and the different steps involved Reaching out to charities, speaking to her boss The power of having purpose The physicality of the challenge Protein, stretching, foam rolling, strength training, rest, compression tights, physio The standout marathons from the challenge and the challenges of running at altitude in 2012 - being cancelled Marathon proposal! Being coached by her husband Qualifying for the Losing her dad 19th attempt of getting into Boston Marathon Making the decision to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks Not giving up The mental side of the challenge The importance of creating a goal that is important to you The 7Cs - Create, Certainty, Connect, Commit, Consistent, Cause, Courage Enjoying what you’ve accomplished Writing her book BOOK: Advice for deciding what to do? The importance of fun Chasing speed and wanting to quality for Boston again Running during peri-menopause and menopause Struggling with the lack of sleep and dealing with a lack of iron Compassion Reaching her 100th Marathon at the LA Marathon Needing to keep on going Being supported by her friends The importance of enjoying the journey and finding the joy How to connect with Julie Words by ― CS Lewis “You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream.” Social Media Website: Instagram: Facebook:
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Susan Norman – A Life Saved by the River: Risk, Adventure, and the Power of Trusting Yourself
10/07/2025
Susan Norman – A Life Saved by the River: Risk, Adventure, and the Power of Trusting Yourself
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Susan Norman — a former National and World Champion in whitewater kayaking and rafting, hydrologist, coach, and now author of RISK: A Life Saved by the River. Susan’s story is one of courage, flow, and resilience. From the roaring rapids of international whitewater competition to the quiet, uncertain waters of parenting her young nephew, she’s navigated life’s toughest challenges with the same instinct, grit, and grace that made her a world-class paddler. Now retired from her career with the U.S. Forest Service and living in Lake Tahoe, California, Susan reflects on how rivers shaped her identity — not just as an athlete, but as a woman learning to make her own risk assessments, trust her judgement, and face fear head-on. In this conversation, Susan opens up about: Finding belonging and strength in the early days of women’s paddling The lessons whitewater taught her about resilience and decision-making Her journey into writing and how storytelling became an extension of adventure What it really means to take good risks — on the river and in life Get ready for a deeply thoughtful episode about flow, fear, and finding freedom through the wild power of water. *** 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Susan Norman Living in Lake Tahoe, California Working for the US Forest Service Being retired for 7 years Starting her journey and learning new creative writing skills Book: Her childhood (with her twin brother) and early years Her interest in rivers and how her father inspired her Her transition from teenager to adult White water paddling as an amateur sport Competing as a teenager Wanting to increase her skill set Going to high school in the early 1970s Not having many older female role models Dads and daughters on the river Forming a tribe and connecting with the other girls during her teenage years The relationship with her mum who was diagnosed with MS Being raised by a single father Replacing family with the paddling community Being part of the first wave of women getting into a high level of paddling Paddling amongst the best paddlers in the world Analysing and making decisions based on her own risk assessments Learning to trust her own judgement A life saved by the river Working with a writing coach Telling her story, while raising her nephew Taking her nephew on river trips Taking 6 years to write the book Trying to figure out how to raise a child Facing hard things and not being able to see a path through Not knowing how things will turn out and taking it one day at a time Taking challenging in small steps Giving an ultimatum to her partner Going through the teenage years Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) Adventuring with children and why you should go as soon as you can The power of outdoor adventure sports Managing fear while on adventure and parenting River boarding and learning about the flow of the river water How to connect with Susan Final words of advice with regards to risk and making tough decisions Find the good risk Social Media Website Facebook:
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Vedangi Kulkarni - Round the World (Again): Records, Setbacks & Resilience on Two Wheels
09/30/2025
Vedangi Kulkarni - Round the World (Again): Records, Setbacks & Resilience on Two Wheels
In this candid and raw Tough Girl Podcast EXTRA episode, we reconnect with the unstoppable Vedangi Kulkarni — the youngest woman to have cycled around the world, who’s recently returned from doing it again. Now based in Inverness, Scotland, Vedangi opens up about her second attempt at cycling around the globe — this time not just for the journey, but in pursuit of a Guinness World Record. From racing Lael Wilcox to navigating border delays, funding pressures, and the relentless physical and mental toll of riding across five continents, Vedangi doesn’t hold back. This conversation is about pushing limits, embracing failures, and finding strength when things don’t go to plan. Highlights from the episode include: Breaking a record in the Himalayas (Manali–Leh Highway) in 2023 Preparing to cycle the world again in 2024 — and finding sponsorship, gear, and coaching Struggles of travelling on an Indian passport and the challenge of visa logistics Being delayed at borders, detained, and ultimately forced to return to the UK mid-ride due to visa expiry Restarting in 2025, finishing the ride under the blazing Indian summer sun Dealing with the post-expedition blues and finding her footing again Vedangi’s story is one of resilience, honesty, and fierce determination. Despite knowing she wouldn’t get the world record, she kept going — driven by passion, grit, and the belief that stories worth telling are born from adversity. Now, she’s looking ahead to her next expedition, ramping up her YouTube and Substack presence, and continuing to speak openly about the realities of life as a woman of colour in adventure sport. Heads-up: This episode includes some strong language. 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Vedangi From India but currently based in Inverness, Scotland Coming back from her 2nd ride around the world Speaking to Vedangi in Sep 22, 2020 - Tough Girl Extra Oct 27, 2022 - The focus of this episode - what Vedangi has been up to over the past couple of years Deciding to cycle around the world again 2023 - visiting the Himalayas and going after a point to point record. GWR for being the fastest women to cycle the Manali-leh Highway Getting her win June 2023 - starting to be vocal about her goals in 2024 Getting the sponsorship and funding in place Needing £20k Working with Speaking to the bike experts Getting a gravel bike and specking it like a road bike Being an Working with - and having custom build gear 3D printed mounts Struggling to get sponsorship from Indian companies Getting only 1 Indian Sponsor at the last moment Training and working with Jon Fearne from E3 Coaching Following a training plan and putting in the best effort with it Applying for visas and planning the route with an Indian passport The challenges of getting to the start line Racing against (who was attempting the same record at the same time) “Why do I think I can do this? I don’t stand a chance” Mental blocks and challenges The challenges of travelling on a weaker passport Having no room for errors - everything needs to go to plan Why it wasn’t a level playing field Speaking with Lael before heading off - women supporting women Knowing that she wasn’t going to get the record and keeping on going Having a good story to tell Dealing with setbacks and failures and keeping on going The route and how it was slightly different to the first time Starting on the East Coast of India Riding across Mongolia and then on to Australia Challenges with border crossings and getting detained and delayed Needing to fly back to the UK on Christmas Eve due to UK visa regulations Needing to stay in the UK for 2 months Getting back to India in March 2025 to finish the ride The challenges of the heat - going from Scottish winter to an Indian Summer Feeling satisfied once the ride was finally done. Adventure blues after the ride Planning her next record attempt and expedition. Wanting to push her limits further Why health isn’t guaranteed One precious life and you’ve got to get out there and live it Balancing everything that’s going on How to connect with Vedangi on social media Kickstarting again Getting more active on Final words of advice for women who want to push on through their barriers Embracing failure and not letting it dim your light - it’s not always going to go to plan Be motivated to try your best The journalling process and how it can help mentally with self-esteem Social Media Website: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube: Link to donate me a small amount: []
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Tiphaine Muller – Alps to Himalayas: Cycling Across Continents & Trekking the Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal
09/23/2025
Tiphaine Muller – Alps to Himalayas: Cycling Across Continents & Trekking the Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal
In this Tough Girl EXTRA episode, we catch up with Tiphaine Muller, the intrepid French adventurer who continues to push her boundaries through long-distance cycling and remote, high-altitude trekking. Now 31 and based in Chamonix, France, Tiphaine has spent the last decade traveling the world by bike, exploring five continents. Her latest journey saw her pedaling from the Alps to the Himalayas before tackling one of the toughest and most remote treks on earth: The Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) in Nepal. This conversation picks up from where we left off in her first Tough Girl Podcast interview (November 2021) — where she shared her early adventures and passion for slow travel. This time, we dive deep into her 2024 journey: Cycling from France to Nepal through the Balkans, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and the Himalayas — all while managing extreme heat, border crossings, and a strict budget of €10/day. Hiking the Great Himalaya Trail solo (West to East), over 80 days, through towering 5,000m+ passes, remote villages, and ever-changing terrain — while battling physical exhaustion, route-finding issues, and high-altitude nutrition struggles. Tiphaine candidly shares: The logistics and challenges of arranging permits for restricted zones without a guide Her coping strategies for trekking alone in high mountains Cultural highlights from cycling through Turkey and Iran How she funds her travels and balances life back home as a social worker Her future goals — including film-making and another epic cycle across South America This episode is a deep, honest reflection on the highs and lows of big adventures and what it takes — mentally, physically, and emotionally — to keep moving forward when things don’t go to plan. Don’t miss this inspiring update from a woman who truly lives the spirit of adventure, one pedal stroke and step at a time. 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Tiphaine 31 years old Living in Chamonix, France Travelling on and off for the past 10 years Going on 3 big bicycle trips 2nd Big Cycle Trip - Cycling from Mexico to Alaska This episode focusing on cycling from France to Nepal and hiking the Thinking about the next challenge Hiking the solo Joking about the Figuring out the visa and trying to plan for the trail Planning for 6 months and working out how to make it work with the seasons Starting in March 2024 The Route - Cycling Europe really fast in 1 month Going through the Balkan Countries, Greece then the ferry over to Turkey Across Georgia, Armenia, Iran and the Stan countries Highlights and magical moments from the cycle ride Why Turkey is one of her favourite countries Why Iran was really demanding The bike and gear setup for 6 months Dealing with extreme heat and needing to ride during the night to escape the heat Funding the trip and living off savings Living off a daily budget of 10 euro per person per day (while cycling) Earning money working as a social worker Day to day rhythm while riding on the bike Having a rest day every 10 days The Great Himalaya Trail and wanting to walk West to East Needing to go to Katmandu first to sort out all the permits Taking a rest in Katmandu for 10 days Busing to the start of the trail Having 80 days to walk the trail Why the first 2 weeks were super hard Getting lost of the trail; no signs, no gps on the phone, incorrect maps, not knowing which track was the correct one Struggling to stick to the schedule, due to the permits Not having a guide Dealing with problem after problem Walking in the high mountains Needing to have guides while walking in Nepal…. Going through a trekking agency - who will allow you to get the trekking permits without a guide The restricted areas close to the borders Mixing the high routes and the low routes Finding resupply and food on the trail The challenges of cooking at altitude Struggling to get the calories in and needing to focus more on food Needing to eat, even when not hungry Paying for food - and taking cash for 80 days… Coping with the altitude and the high passes over 5,000m Hiking without a guide Connecting with other hikers and Nepalese people What’s app group for GHT preparation! Hiking or cycling?! Reaching the end of the hike in December Deciding to continue cycling for another 2 months and visiting China and Malaysia Writing another book? Focusing on film and making 2 videos - a bike film and a hike film! Plans for the future? Wanting to visit South America on the next big bike and cycle trip How to connect with Tiphaine on social media Final words of advice To do something big you need to start with something little Trust yourself Social Media Instagram
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Jenn Phillips - From Medical Menopause to Trail Leader: One Woman’s Journey to Outdoor Empowerment
09/18/2025
Jenn Phillips - From Medical Menopause to Trail Leader: One Woman’s Journey to Outdoor Empowerment
Jenn is a long-distance walker, community leader, and passionate advocate for women’s wellbeing in the outdoors — especially during menopause. From battling endometriosis, PCOS, and the trauma of an early medical menopause in her 20s, she was once told she couldn’t live the active, adventurous life she craved. She’s spent the last few years since proving otherwise — one footstep at a time. What began as a personal outlet for healing has evolved into something much bigger: being able to connect women to their strength through hiking, movement, and community. Whether she’s leading local walks, multi-day hikes, backpacking or pushing her own limits, she walks with the intention that creating space for people to feel heard, safe and be around nature is of the upmost importance. A qualified lowland leader, speaker, and founder of a thriving women’s walking community in Kent, she brings insight, humour, and unflinching honesty to conversations about menopause, mental health, leadership, and what it means to feel powerful in your body again — especially when the world told you not to try. Through her trail stories — from ultra hikes to quiet woodland days — she shows that adventure isn’t about speed or summits. It’s simply about showing up. 🎙️ 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: . 🙏 Your support makes a difference. 💖 Thank you x Show notes Who is Jenn and running Her aim to get everyone outdoors, regardless of what stage of life people are at Her early years and not being sporty or outdoorsy Getting into fitness in her mid to late 20s Going through an early menopause in her early 20s Gaining weight very quickly Feeling very uncomfortable in her own body Starting walking and moving into swimming and yoga Getting into hiking and how her passion came alive Currently 39 years old Talking about perimenopause and menopause Reflecting back on what happened 20 years ago Only hearing from doctors, not hearing other voices or having other support available. Not having a clue what was happening Discovering hiking and her hiking journey Shifting the weight and starting to get more energy once she started walking Signing up for ultra challenges Adapting gear to make it work for her Taking a leap of faith and quitting her day job 3 months into the adventure Working in retail and making the transition Setting up her first walking group The power of women sharing their stories Peri-menopause - and how it’s starting earlier and earlier 51 symptoms of menopause… Vitamin D and bone density loss What can women do, to manage the symptoms of peri-menopause Strong not skinny and the importance of keeping mobile Mental health and balancing hormones How the outdoors have helped Solo hiking and the power of spending time alone in the Highlands of Scotland - 100km Wanting to prove to everyone that she could do it Achieving 75km and not hitting the 100km Having to shift her mindset Learning grace for herself Practicing mindfulness on the trail The power of nature Walking as part of a group Community and friendships Learning how to be in the outdoors How it helps to build confidence Meeting Mike! (Feb 2026) Working as an The challenges of wailing in February in the UK Fast packing and going from hotel to hotel, or from B&B to B&B Doing what works for you The stats from the Being a woman in the outdoors industry How to connect with Jenn and sign up for her walks Final words of advice for other women who want to get outside more Finding your tribe and the right footwear!! Social Media Website: Instagram:
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Hilde Dosogne – Marathon Woman 366: Running 366 Marathons in a Year at Age 55 to Break a Guinness World Record
09/16/2025
Hilde Dosogne – Marathon Woman 366: Running 366 Marathons in a Year at Age 55 to Break a Guinness World Record
At age 55, Belgian runner Hilde Dosogne set out to break boundaries — and did just that. In 2024, she ran 366 marathons in 366 days, earning her the title of Guinness World Record holder for most consecutive marathons in a year. What makes Hilde’s journey so extraordinary is not just the distance she covered, but the relentless dedication she showed while working part-time and managing her daily life with laser-focused discipline. Known as Marathon Woman 366, Hilde didn’t grow up in a sporty family. In fact, she didn’t seriously take up running until her 40s. But once she did, she never looked back — moving from her first marathon with her husband in 2013 to ultra events like the Marathon des Sables and the legendary Spartathlon in Greece. Inspired by endurance runner Candice Burt, who ran an ultra a day, Hilde set a goal that was bold yet (just) manageable alongside her career — a marathon every single day for an entire year. From battling injuries and illness, to running through Belgian storms and even dislocating a finger mid-run, Hilde’s story is one of mental toughness, resilience, and unwavering self-belief. In this episode, Hilde shares: Why she decided to take on this incredible challenge How she structured her days and managed recovery The highs and lows of running every single day The mental strategies that helped her keep going Her thoughts on aging, performance, and redefining what's possible at 55 The deep sense of joy and freedom she finds in running Hilde’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to start something extraordinary — and that the only limits are the ones we place on ourselves. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM UK time. Subscribe and be inspired by stories of women pushing their physical and mental limits across adventure, endurance, and exploration. Support the mission to increase the visibility of female role models in adventure and sport: Show notes Who is Hilde Living in Belgium 55 years old Married with 4 children aged between 18 and 26 years old Working in a chemical company and being passionate about running Being known as Marathon Woman 366 Not growing up in a sporty family and not being encouraged to do sports when she was younger Getting into running after her children were growing up Being focused on building up her career and raising her children Reaching 40 years old and wanting to lose some weight and deciding to run a marathon with her husband in 2013 How her running progressed and wanting to run more marathons and then wanting to run faster and then further Getting a lot of satisfaction from achieving her goals and pushing her limits Deciding to run the coastline of Belgium - 74km Wanting to know what else she could do Deciding to run the in Morocco Struggling with sleep in the open tent, and dealing with the sandstorm and the noisy people in the tent Running Running from Athens to Sparta - having 36 hrs to complete the race Needing to qualify for the Spartathlon Running 170km in 24 hrs in 2022 Running the race again in 2023 and running 1 hr faster than the year before Being inspired by running an ultra marathon everyday Realising that running an ultra marathon a day would take up too much time everyday Deciding to run a marathon everyday and break a world record Feeling that running a marathon everyday would be achievable while working at the same time Starting to plan for the event in summer 2024 - wanting to run with other people Applying to Guinness World Records and figuring out the logistics for evidence The time commitment involved and trying to run with other people Being commitment to the hours she was running The hard days, especially when she was feeling sick Dealing with stomach pain and covid. Falling while running and dislocating her finger Dealing with bad weather especially at the start of the year Struggling with her sleep and feeling too excited from the running both physically and emotionally Sleeping during her lunch break Needing to have her days very strictly scheduled The time commitment of running, social media and the info for Guinness World Records The mindset of taking on a daily challenge like this Her resilience coming from having a strict childhood and being very disciplined Seeing her running as a job Feeling gratitude for while she was running Raising funds for breast cancer patients Being supported by the people who ran with her and also supported via social media Daily recovery strategies - having a recovery shake, baths, stretching and a massage 1x per week Being supported by her husband in the house Getting to the end of 366 marathons Running the last week in pain, due to a hamstring injury Preparing an event for the last day Her body was telling her to stop running Stopping running on the 1st January 2025 Feeling very happy that it was over! Getting back into running/walking 10 days later Wanting to do the Spartathlon for the 3rd time Becoming the 24hrs running Belgium Champion Listening to podcasts and music to pass the time Not experiencing many affects from perimenopause and menopause Nutrition and fuelling while running a marathon everyday Which is harder running a fast 5k or running a longer distance? Stretching, foam rolling, core stability exercises and bike riding The biggest lessons learned from taking on this challenge Why the human body can do much more than what we think Doing this challenge at 55 years old Running an average time of 4hrs 5 mins for each marathon Why you can start running at any age Training for the Spartathlon 2025 with a running coach Running coach How to connect with Hilde on line Words of advice for runners The mind is stronger than the body If you think you can’t anymore, you have to think you can do it. Even if you are at a low point in a race. You need to know that it can get better. Why the only reason to stop is if you have a serious injury. Believe that it can get better Think about how you will feel when you give up Think about the people that support you and they will be very happy that you finish and disappointed if you don’t Do it for a charity, so you know you are not only doing it for yourself. You have to be strong psychically and mentally Prepare yourself for the difficult moments in the race and think through all the different scenarios that could happen Social Media Website: Instagram: Facebook: Strava:
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Dr. Rosa Vasquez Espinoza – National Geographic Explorer, Amazon Scientist & Advocate for Indigenous Wisdom and Biodiversity
09/09/2025
Dr. Rosa Vasquez Espinoza – National Geographic Explorer, Amazon Scientist & Advocate for Indigenous Wisdom and Biodiversity
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we journey into the heart of the Amazon and the mind of a remarkable woman pushing the boundaries of science, culture, and conservation—Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza. Rosa is a Peruvian chemical biologist, National Geographic Explorer, UN Harmony with Nature Scientist, and the founder of Amazon Research Internacional. Splitting her time between Bath, England, and the Peruvian rainforest, Rosa blends cutting-edge research with ancestral knowledge to protect biodiversity and uplift indigenous communities. Her journey—from a curious child growing up in Peru to leading expeditions in the Amazon, researching the legendary Boiling River, studying stingless bees, and authoring The Spirit of the Rainforest—is nothing short of extraordinary. Rosa shares how she learned expedition skills later in life, why documenting indigenous science is crucial, and what it means to be a female scientist navigating international platforms like the UN and COP16. This conversation is packed with insight into climate resilience, overcoming self-doubt, and the healing power of nature, science, and community. Rosa’s message is a powerful call to action for women everywhere: follow the questions that stay in your head—you never know where they may lead. 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Dr Rosa Currently living in Bath Being based between England and Peru Working as a Peruvian scientistic Leading science and conservation efforts in the Amazon Rainforest Having a deep connection to her indigenous roots Her early years living in Peru and relationship with her grandmother Spending time in the city and the mountains Being fascinated by the things she couldn’t understand Loving space and wanted to know everything about the planet Having a fascination for science Wanting to dedicate her life to the Amazon Getting her PhD in Chemical Biology from Michigan University Taking a year off to get more work experience and reconsidering her whole life Being able to study traditional Chineses medicine in Beijing in her last year of undergrad The Amazon Boiling River Book: The Boiling River (TED) by Discovering new microbes in the river Boiling mud Book: What you can expect from the book Learning expeditions skills later on in life Leading her first expedition Chapter 4 - Stingless Bees - the oldest bees on the planet Capacity building Partnerships with different indigenous groups Climate challenges Climate Anxiety The importance of indigenous science and making sure that it is documented Being motivated to write the book in October 2024 in Colombia Dealing with self doubt and why the work is not easy Being a voice with the international press Creating space for female indigenous members Being a good team member The importance of community Current expeditions and plans for heading back to the field Funding expeditions Extreme climate explorers BBC - Documenting their work on stingless bees How to find stingless bees Smelling fish in the jungle…. Medicinial Honey?! Comparison to Manuka honey? Her Ayahuasca experience The ego death experience Chapter 11 - becoming a black jaguar How to connect with Dr Rosa Final word of advice for women who want to explore more and get into science and exploration Follow the questions that stay in your head You never know where they may lead. Social Media Website: Instagram: Facebook: TikTok: YouTube:
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Sophie Pierce - First person with Cystic Fibrosis to row an ocean
09/02/2025
Sophie Pierce - First person with Cystic Fibrosis to row an ocean
In this deeply moving and inspiring episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Sophie Pierce, a 32-year-old social worker from Pembrokeshire, West Wales, who made history in March 2025 as the first person with Cystic Fibrosis to row an ocean. Diagnosed at just 3 months old, Sophie has lived with the challenges of a genetic condition that affects her lungs and digestive system and once carried a life expectancy of under 30 years. But Sophie’s story is not defined by limitation—it's a bold testament to resilience, courage, and the power of hope. From working in fostering services to hiking the Welsh coast with her dogs, swimming in cold water, and sleeping in her campervan—Sophie has never shied away from living life on her terms. In this episode, she opens up about the life-changing impact of the Kaftrio drug trial, how she overcame mental health struggles, and what it truly meant to embrace life beyond the horizon by rowing across the Atlantic. She shares the highs and lows of the row: the months of preparation, team dynamics, magical moments at sea, and how it feels to return to "normal life" after an extraordinary adventure. Sophie's message is powerful and universal—you are capable of so much more than you think. If you're looking for inspiration, perspective, and an honest exploration of living—and thriving—with a life-limiting condition, this episode is not to be missed. 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Sophie 32 years old Living in Pembrokeshire, West Wales Working as a social worker in fostering service Living with a genetic health condition - Cystic Fibrosis (CF) March 2025 - becoming the first person with CF to row an ocean What is CF Being born with it and getting diagnosed at 3 months old Having a shorter lifespan How CF affects her lungs and digestive system Living with reduced lung function Her younger years and how she was treated Why exercise and being out in the fresh air is actively encouraged Not liking exercise as a child Growing up knowing she had CF and why it was normal Being empowered with CF and how her parents encouraged her Her mum reminding her to stay as well as she could for as long as she could, so she could benefit from treatments in the future. Learning about her shorter life expectancy and managing those feelings Adopting a positive attitude - being determined to live her life and not letting CF hold her back Wanting to make the most of her time Understanding that time is precious Not needing a pension, savings or need to put down roots The help and support available to help manage the mental and emotional challenges Experiencing panic attacks while her health was declining Working with a psychologist Using tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Feeling frightened of letting the big feelings of sadness in Feeling so sad about living with CF The drug trial - 5 years ago Taking the The challenges of winter for CF patients ‘The Purge’ - coughing for 24 hrs How her life and lungs has changed Trustee for Being asked to row an ocean Forming a crew of 4 Stumbling blocks and being told no - by the Securing the finances and managing the stress of getting to the start line Her biggest fear and worrying about staying well enough to do the row Getting out on to the ocean. Having electrical issues with the boat Name of the boat - The Spirit of Bluestone Magical moments on the Atlantic Ocean Day 46 coming to the end of the row Rowing schedule and needing to get extra sleep during the night The challenges of team dynamics Finding their roles within the group Being the social secretary and bringing fun to the boat The biggest lesson from rowing the ocean You can do so much more than you think you can Being supported by the right people around you Dealing with the adventure blues How life in weird after rowing an ocean Being in a really exciting place Future challenges?! Words of advice from the CF perspective Learning to life with CF How to connect with Sophie You are capable of so much more than you think you are Learn to reframe the negative voices in your head Social Media Instagram
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Emma Wilkinson – Freelance Health Journalist, Ultra Runner & Co-Author of Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport
08/26/2025
Emma Wilkinson – Freelance Health Journalist, Ultra Runner & Co-Author of Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport
This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, we welcome Emma Wilkinson—a freelance health journalist, ultra runner, mother of three, and co-author of the empowering book Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport. Emma’s journey into ultra running didn’t begin until her 40s, but once she discovered the joy of going long and slow, there was no turning back. In this honest and motivating conversation, Emma shares how she went from half marathons and road running to self-created 100K adventures in the mountains of Snowdonia. Alongside fellow runner and friend Lily Canter, she set out to research and write Ultra Women, a book that celebrates female endurance athletes and dives into the science, stories, and social constructs around women in ultra sport. Emma talks openly about what inspired the book, how she balanced full-time work, parenting, and running while writing it, and what she learned about the unique strengths women bring to endurance challenges—especially around fatigue resistance, pain management, and mental toughness. If you’ve ever doubted your capabilities, struggled with self-identifying as a “runner,” or wondered if your body was made for ultras—this episode is for you. Emma’s message is simple and powerful: don’t put limits on yourself—just give it a go. 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Emma Journalist and runner Co-Author of a new book - Ultra Women Book: What Emma was like as little girl Growing up in Bradford and not being massively sporty when she was younger Getting into running in her later teens Being far more active now than she was as a child In her early 20s watching the and wanting to give it ago Getting into half marathons Running the and being sick at the end Starting to run faster and joining a running club to make new friends Doing her first marathon just before she had children, just before turning 30 Why she enjoyed running 2019 - meeting Lilly (co-author on the Ultra women book) Singing up for a 100k - 2 day event Falling in love with ultra running - the slower, longer, adventure Her friendship with Lilly, doing their journalism MA together, 20 years ago Teaching Journalism at How the book came about Walking the hills What do you need to do, to get to the end. Needing to be able to tune into your body Creating their own 100K 2 days event - on the Surprising herself with what she was capable of Writing the book at the same time of doing full time work as a journalist while also looking after children and running Why are women so good at ultra endurance distances Coming from a science background and why the research was so interesting How women have more fatigue resistant muscles Not feeling in competition with other women Book: The lack of research into sports science for women Hopefully the research is starting to turn a corner Why ultra running training plans are based on men Women have been deemed as to complicated to include in studies Fatigue resistant muscles research Wanting to learn more about recovery and how that applies to women specifically Training for ultras Women having to use a process of trial and error to figure out what works best for them Periods and cycle tracking and feeling different at different times of the month and why the data can be confusing Learning more about oestrogen and how it affects endurance How the book came about Getting the book published Are women faster the longer they go? Freelancing for Journalists going after the mens’s around the world bike record in 2026 The motherhood perspective on running Not running in pregnancy and chaining to walking Dealing with separated stomach muscles Needing to get back to running and needing time for herself Having a chapter on pregnancy in the book and why it’s not the same for everyone Pain and women, and pain management Sexism Creating a manifesto and calling for action Do you call yourself a runner? Confidence - women - running Say yes for signing up for that ultra How to connect with Emma Final words of advice Don’t put limits on yourself, if you want to do something, have ago. Women who just wanted to see if they could and they did Why not give it ago! Social Media Website: Instagram: BlueSky: Book:
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Lily Canter – Ultra Runner, Women’s Running Coach & Co-Author of Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport
08/19/2025
Lily Canter – Ultra Runner, Women’s Running Coach & Co-Author of Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport
This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Lily Canter—an ultra runner, women’s running coach, journalist, and passionate advocate for gender equality in sport. As co-author of the groundbreaking book Ultra Women, Lily is helping to challenge outdated narratives and spotlight the women redefining endurance running. Lily didn’t grow up considering herself sporty, but after joining a triathlon club in her 30s, she discovered a love for running that quickly evolved into a passion for ultras. What began as a spontaneous 30-mile run turned into a deeper journey into the ultra world—culminating in a 250km multi-day race across Tanzania and a growing commitment to empowering more women through education, coaching, and research. In this episode, Lily opens up about the gaps she saw in female-specific training information, how she and co-author Emma Wilkinson tackled the research for their book, and why visibility, representation, and equity matter—on the trails and in the media. From coaching to kit, sports bras to science, Lily shares what still needs to change and how she’s pushing those boundaries herself. Whether you’re curious about tackling your first ultra or passionate about equity in endurance sports, this episode offers practical insight and powerful inspiration. 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Lilly Journalist who specialises in running and fitness A female running coach Ultra runner Lecturer at university Running an organisation with Emma called; Her early years… Not coming from a sporty family Growing up in Guilford, Surrey Playing netball consistently for most of her life Moving to Liverpool as a teenager Getting into running in her 30s Joining a triathlon club in her mid to late 30s Being inspired by an amazing running coach Running consistently for the past 7/8 years Being busy… and how her career has changed a lot Getting bored very easily Going freelance 8 years ago and it giving her the freedom to do more things and pursue her different passions Getting better at running and starting to enjoy it more Varying the types of runs and where she ran Building her running confidence Trying different races Starting to really enjoy running Her first ultra which was an accident! Running 30 miles on a looped course The relaxed, chilled, approach to ultra running Speaking with Emma about doing an ultra together The lack of information and resources especially women centric information Signing up to a multi-stage Having to figure out her training plan for herself Thinking about writing a book about running How the book came about and getting the book published Being inspired by the women winning races outright Wanting to understand why so few women were participating in ultra races Dividing up the research and why it was quite straightforward Being surprised by the records held by women in the swimming world. The mental side and the lessons that could be applied to her running What does the scientific evidence say with regards to men and women The social construct of difference between men and women The importance of being prepared and having confidence in what you know works for you Running 2023 Why it was her favourite race Being more aware of the setup of races and how female friendly they are Images of women in marketing material, website etc The manifesto - call to action - wanting to drive change Focused on 6 key areas The importance of female specific sports research What are women capable of? The importance of female specific training guides Kit which has been designed for women Sports bra testing Media coverage and commentary of women Equal prize money and sponsorship Why races should use the - Training for 2025/2026 Wanting to test their limits Signing up for - wanting to run further than they have run before (goals 65 miles +) - August 2025 Heading oversees to race a 5 day race in the heat… depending on recovery Training programs and making running work for you Having a coach for the past 18 months and the difference it has made Being more competitive in races How to connect with Lily on social media Final words of advice for other women who want to be a trail blazer Why you need to believe in yourself Push your boundaries and try hard things Don’t be scared of challenging yourself Social Media Website Instagram: Linkedin: X: Book:
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Tania Carmona – First Mexican Athlete to Complete the 5 Deserts Grand Slam: Ultrarunner, Coach, and Podcaster
08/12/2025
Tania Carmona – First Mexican Athlete to Complete the 5 Deserts Grand Slam: Ultrarunner, Coach, and Podcaster
This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Tania Carmona—a trailblazing ultrarunner, endurance coach, entrepreneur, and the first Mexican athlete to complete the 5 Deserts Grand Slam. From swimming as a national-level athlete in Mexico to conquering some of the toughest environments on Earth, Tania’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless curiosity. Based in Dubai and previously living in Scotland and the U.S., Tania shares her path into ultrarunning—from a reluctant marathon finisher to tackling self-supported races across the Gobi, Atacama, Namib, and Antarctica. We dive into her experience navigating extreme heat, physical stress, and the emotional highs and lows of ultra-endurance. Tania also opens up about the physiological toll of training, dealing with cortisol imbalances, the decision to undergo back surgery, and why she and her husband launched the Ultra Happy Podcast to bring more real, relatable stories to the running world. Whether you're chasing your own desert dreams or looking for inspiration to keep putting one foot in front of the other, this episode is packed with heart, humour, and hard-earned wisdom. 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Tania Ultrarunner, coach and podcast host Being based in Dubai, born in Mexico and previously living in Glasgow, Scotland Growing up in Mexico City in a small family Being into swimming when she was little Being a national swimmer Deciding to stop swimming at 15 Moving to Chicago to do her Masters Getting into running in Chicago after being inspired by the Starting running with a free group 3x a week Finishing her first marathon and deciding to never run again at 20 Needing to make new friends after moving back to Mexico Deciding to give running another go A spartan race…. 2016 Finding trail running! Hiring a coach Signing up for a 50k Meeting her Scottish husband, Andy Moving from Mexico City to Scotland! Deciding to sign up for longer, harder races and how her lifestyle started to change Wanting to do The 5 different, self supported races Dealing with the heat Gobi Desert in Mongolia - more trails and more hard packed terrain - very similar to Scotland Running with really old shoes Running in Antartica over 5 days - living on an expedition boat Atacama Desert in Chile and why it was one of her most favourite races Reducing those feelings of overwhelm Focusing on the first step first Taking a year off to focus on running Working with a running coach Recovery runs and resting Dealing with gut issues and periods problems The impact on her body with spikes of cortisol Developing a cortisol hump on her back Not sleeping well The evening routines and life admin after a race Having surgery on her cortisol hump (7 cm by 1.5 cm deep) on her back Dealing with more stress, by moving to Dubai Co-hosting with her husband Andy Documenting the journey How to connect with Tania Mini films from each dessert available to watch on Final words of advice Live your life with curiosity Don’t do it for the likes Think about what else you could do Social Media Website: Instagram: TikTok: Youtube:
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Dr. Sarah Ruggins – Record-Breaking Endurance Cyclist on Pushing Limits, Managing Pain, and the Power of Aggressive Patience
08/05/2025
Dr. Sarah Ruggins – Record-Breaking Endurance Cyclist on Pushing Limits, Managing Pain, and the Power of Aggressive Patience
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Sarah Ruggins—a high-achieving investment professional, academic powerhouse, and now a record-breaking ultra-endurance cyclist. From her early days as a national-level track athlete in Canada to surviving complex PTSD and rebuilding her life, Sarah’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and radical self-belief. In 2023, Sarah competed in the Transcontinental Bike Race, and in 2025, she took on her most audacious challenge yet: cycling from John O’Groats to Land’s End and back again—2,715 km in just 5 days, 11 hours, and 14 minutes, setting a new outright record. This conversation dives deep into the planning, training, and mindset behind the ride—from strength work and 3:30 AM mornings to battling hallucinations, sleep deprivation, and pain barriers. Sarah shares her three-part mantra—Focus, Discipline, Gratitude—and unpacks how elite performance is built in the margins: with structure, strategy, and sacrifice. Whether you're chasing a personal goal or looking for motivation to push your own limits, this is an episode that will fuel your fire. 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Dr Sarah Ruggins Working as an investment professional for the past 10 years Growing up in Canada Being part of a very active family Doing a lot of running and focusing on track and field Working with the best coaches Holding national records in middle distances Preparing for junior olympics at 14/15 Wanting to represent her country at the highest level Her teenage years Needing a routine surgery on her feet Developing a disease of her nervous system The impact on her life Developing complex PTSD Getting back to a ‘normal life’ Starting to focus more on academics Getting 4 degrees in 4 different subjects Competing in the in 2023 Wanting to understand what her limits were John O’Groats to Lands End and back again Being supported by a crew Working with What training looked like from Sept/October 2024 to May 2025 What a typical week looked like Working with a strength coach to compliment what she was doing on the bike Increasing the volume of training on both the bike and in the gym Squats increasing from 45kg to - 4 sets of 5 reps at 110kg While working a full time job in finance Having her whole life scheduled from 3.30am - 10pm Figuring out life admin Setting big goals in your life - you need to be prepared to make sacrifices in pursuit of those goals Planning, schedules and logistics Coming back to the WHY was integral Building the team and pulling everyone together Reaching out to sponsors Wanting to make a history making ride Probability, chance and luck Going to maximise our probabilities of success Being on the start line being 100% confident Being forced to be brave and tough - but coming from a place of power Wanting to demonstrate to herself her own resilience and wanting to inspire others Starting the challenge and wanting to ride to her capabilities Working in blocks of 4 hours and focusing on the power. Managing her process and focusing on what’s on the road ahead Riding 4 hours and then off the bike for 10 mins - the ‘Pitt stops’ What goes on in those 10 mins Eating and nutrition and eating constantly while on the bike How her body responded to the challenge 3 phases while doing endurance work: phase 1, the first 36 hours - feeling great, phase 2 hitting a pain wall which you need to push through, phase 3 - where you feel like you can go forever, your body has accepted this is just what you do now Going though the pain wall and pain gate The mind body connection and what was happening mentally Developing a 3 part mantra: focus, discipline and gratitude The biggest challenge while on the bike Not being able to tolerate solid foods on day 3 Moving to liquid food - Supported by Dealing with the sleep deprivation - confusion and falling asleep while on her bike Crashing into a nettle bush and going into hyperglycemic shock Using blue light to wake her up Being ahead of the record by about 7 hours and 175km - stick to the process Reaching the end The feelings of relief Keeping your emotions locked in for 5 days Being able to relax! 2715 km in 5 days 11 hours 14 minutes. NEW OUTRIGHT RECORD HOLDER Her limits…. Taking the learning and applying it to new projects Recovery after the challenge Getting back on the bike and back in the gym Raising funds for 2 charities How you can connect with Sarah Working on a feature documentary about the challenge - due in early 2026 Final words of advice from Sarah Understand what is most important to you, and curate an objective around that Demonstrate aggressive patience in pursuit of your goals Focus on the small wins everyday. Social Media Instagram
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Sarah Williams - 800th Episode Special – 10 Years of the Tough Girl Podcast, 7,400 Miles of Adventure & What’s Coming Next!
08/04/2025
Sarah Williams - 800th Episode Special – 10 Years of the Tough Girl Podcast, 7,400 Miles of Adventure & What’s Coming Next!
I can’t quite believe it, but here we are — the 800th episode of the Tough Girl Podcast! In this special solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes for a personal catch-up and reflection on everything that’s happened so far in 2025 — from January through to August. I talk about what life has looked like lately (yes, still living at home with my parents!), working part-time at AIM Health, the adventures I’ve been on, the challenges I’ve faced, and the exciting things coming up next. This episode is a bit of everything: gear chat (flat-lay photos and a new Atom Pack!), health updates (peri-menopause, gut health, strength training, and more), financial planning (Patreon, pensions, broken laptops!), plus reflections on my time walking the English Camino, Snowdonia Slate Trail, and tackling the GR20 in Corsica — which was honestly tougher than the Marathon des Sables. I’m also talking about my motivations for taking on the GR10, what I’ve learned in 10 years of podcasting, and why the mission — to increase the amount of female role models in the media especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges— is stronger than ever. Thank you for being here with me on this journey. Whether you’ve listened from the start or are just finding the show now, I’m so incredibly grateful. This is a celebration of us — of consistency, resilience, growth, and dreaming big. 🎧 Tune in to hear what I’ve learned over 10 years, what’s changed (and what hasn’t), and where I see the podcast — and my adventures — heading next. Let’s go! 🎙️ 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: . 🙏 Your support makes a difference. 💖 Thank you x Show notes Intro to the podcast - solo reflections episode with me - Sarah Williams 800th episode! Reflecting back from January 2025 - to August 2025 Setting the scene - chaos in my room - kit and gear everywhere Taking photos for the flat lay gear post New backpack - atom pack - needing to go on a test hike Agenda and plans for this episode Behind the scenes and what’s been going on Living at home with my parents since 2014 Working at - structure, regular hours, income, access to therapies - Cryotherapy, compression trousers, red light, HBOT, rebalance bed Impact on my wellness and recovery Saving money, emergency funds, breaking my laptop, spending money… Saving money for my pension Funds from patreon - paying for the website, music, search function, auphonic, Zoom costs Root canal - and teeth looking good Health - consistent with training, mobility and strength with Franco Not trusting my ankles - needing to strap them up Adult ballet Yin yoga - not being as consistent as I would like () Reflecting back - longevity - turning 44 - big jump in aging Peri-menopause and menopause Bioresonance, Feeling slightly fatigued - anaemic again? Blood test coming back normal Too much cryotherapy? And stopping for the summer so as not to loose my heat adaption Feeling everything is coming together and feeling strong and well Gut health issues; belches, bacteria overgrowth, wheat free October focus will be gut health and working with a nutritionist and Home based for 7 months. Adventures April - Walking The English Camino with Gemma Smith - stats and filming and not having time to share online Snowdonia Slate Trail - 5 day practice hike - getting back into the mountains again Watch the Snowdonia Slate Trail - vlogs on YouTube Why I recommend the Public transport back from the trail Wanting to get mountain fit Hiking the GR20 with Alex Mason end of June, beginning of July Abbie Barns Vlogs on the GR20 Meeting at Gatwick for a super early flight to Corsica Watch the Tough Girl GR20 Vlogs on Youtube Harder than Mentally wanting to quit the challenge every day Starting to doubt myself Why I didn’t quit Never quit on a bad day The challenges of the first 3/4 days The early starts - 5am starts Not eating and feeling rough Double stages…. Having the same goal to finish on the Friday Needing more recovery at the start of the challenge Always being able to push it on the final day Change the plan, not the goal. Why I’m taking on the The incredible trails in Europe, UK Wanting to walk trails and spend time in the mountains for GR10 - ‘Make a Difference Award’ Get involved in the film! Send in your clips! Has the tough girl podcast inspired you to take on your own adventure? (Filmed Horizontal) YouTube Channel- update - slow growth Being behind with editing the South West Coast Path Vlogs - 40 days of footage - 40 mins per day Needing to get into flow with film/vlog editing Are you an editor?! E-mail me! Podcast update and next recording date in October Tough Girl Tribe - 1,600 strong Shout out to Patrons - thank you so much for your support. What I have learned in 10 years of podcasting Why you need to start Showing up and being consistent Being a learning and continuing to learn and getting better How quickly has the past 10 years gone How has the mission changed? - It hasn’t! Still the same mission Being more motivated than ever before Feeling more pressure in relation to getting older Being proud of the women who listen to the podcast, being proud of the guests and the women who are going through tough times. Website changes and updates! Thank you to for creating the new artwork The next 10 years - the Purple Decade Over 7,400 miles of hiking and cycling, 13 countries and doing 31 challenges - Pink Decade Putting all my goals out there What’s going to happen?! Would you want to go mega viral Founder Marketing and why it’s good for your business Goal - 10 Million Downloads Goal - 100k followers on Youtube? Awards? Film Festivals? What’s going to happen?! Loving my life and wanting to continue to travelling and going on adventures Questions from listeners How easy was it wild camping on the Wild Camping Principles Bucket List Goal or challenge? Group/Team Challenge Responsibility and stress Repeating any hikes?! Appalachian Trail in 100 days now? Easier or Harder? Favourite country for camping and free hiking Safety and managing the fear on trails. Things you can control in advance Things you can do while on the trail GR10 - I’ll be sharing daily updates Thank you for everything you are doing 10 years!!! Time for you to think about what you want to achieve over the next 10 years Have you created your list of goals, your vision board? What excites you? There is no right or wrong. I believe in you! Previous Reflections/Solo Episodes Jan 2nd 2025 - Aug 1, 2024 - Mar 14, 2024 - Nov 2, 2023 - Sep 10, 2023 - Aug 4th 2022 - Aug 4th 2021 - Aug 7th 2020 - Aug 4th, 2019 - Dec 25, 2018 - Sep 4, 2018 - Sep 19, 2017 - Apr 26, 2016 - Social Media Instagram Facebook: Youtube: Patrons:
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Tia Banks – From Pro Athlete to Mountaineer: Climbing the 7 Volcanic Summits and Teaching Resilience Through Adventure
08/04/2025
Tia Banks – From Pro Athlete to Mountaineer: Climbing the 7 Volcanic Summits and Teaching Resilience Through Adventure
In this powerful episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Tia Banks—a former professional basketball player turned mountaineer and certified resilience expert. Based in Texas, Tia is on a bold mission to climb all seven volcanic summits, one on each continent, using her journey as a platform to inspire strength, courage, and mental resilience. Her love for adventure began with Mount Kilimanjaro in 2021, where she faced illness, doubt, and the ultimate test of her mindset on summit night. But for Tia, mountaineering is more than reaching the top—it’s about how we speak to ourselves in tough moments, how we dig deep when we want to give up, and how we “climb our own mountains” in life. In this episode, Tia opens up about her early years in sport, the “suck it up” mentality, the importance of positive self-talk, and her commitment to empowering young people through adventure therapy and her non-profit initiative, Summit Saturday. If you're looking for a dose of motivation to keep pushing through your own challenges—or to finally try something you've never dared before—Tia’s story will light the fire. 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Tia Banks Former professional basketball player Certified in resilience Based in Texas Her early years and having a sporty childhood The suck it up muscle SUCK IT UP at 6 years old…. Becoming more aware of mental health on her personal journey Getting into mountaineering Climbing Kilimanjaro in 2021 Go big or go home Writing her goal in her journal Starting to prepare and research Working with a breathing coach Committing to the training Focusing on endurance Preparing her body and her mind Positive self talk Optimism Book: Digging into the mindset while on the mountain Being sick when she first got to Africa Being challenged to do hard things, even when you don’t feel like it Needing to dig deep and why it wasn’t just a one time thing Holding on to hope Summit night on Kilimanjaro Stella Point Managing self talk and comparisons to other people Pole Pole - Pronounced “po-lay po-lay,” it's Swahili for “slowly, slowly.” The technique of reframing Going into schools and talking about mental health with children and young adults Needing to ask for help Why motivation style changes and different motivation is needed at different times Working towards a biggest challenge Wanting to summit all 7 volcanic summits on each continent Mount Giluwe in Papua New Guinea Adventure Therapy Non Profit - ‘Summit Saturday’ - taking at risk youth out into nature Managing herself to ensure not to burnout Wanting to build a better self care regiment Self Care Sunday and doing a series on tick Tok Holding herself accountable Talking about resilience and motivation with younger children How to connect with Tia on social media Final words of advice for people who are climbing their own mountain What’s going to help you have the mindset to overcome your challenge Try something new, try something you’ve never tried before Social Media Website: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: TikTok:
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Sharon Evans – Walking New Zealand’s 3,000km Te Araroa Trail at 58 and Inspiring Women to Embrace Outdoor Adventure
08/04/2025
Sharon Evans – Walking New Zealand’s 3,000km Te Araroa Trail at 58 and Inspiring Women to Embrace Outdoor Adventure
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Sharon Evans, also known as the Free Wheeling Kiwi—a 58-year-old adventurer, storyteller, and passionate advocate for women embracing the outdoors, especially later in life. Sharon shares the incredible story of walking the full Te Araroa Trail, a 3,000km thru-hike stretching the length of New Zealand. Alongside her partner, she tackled harsh weather, blisters, foot pain, and relentless terrain—proving that age is no barrier to adventure. Five years ago, Sharon made the bold decision to walk away from her rural real estate career and pursue a life filled with purpose, exploration, and connection to nature. In this conversation, we explore her motivations, the magical (and muddy) moments on the trail, and her mission to empower women over 50 to step into the wild with confidence. Sharon also shares practical tips for low-cost adventuring, content creation on the go, and how she’s continuing her journey by heading to Australia’s rugged Larapinta Trail next. If you're looking for inspiration to follow your passion—no matter your age—this episode is for you. *** 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Sharon Evans aka Free Wheeling Kiwi Based in New Zealand Going on adventures and telling stories Spending time in the outdoors - often being uncomfortable and wet Spending time at the beach Gen X, 58 years old Having a huge amount of freedom and spending time outdoors Her passion for travel Living in the jungle in Borneo, Malaysia Growing up without social media How technology has advanced Her first camera (film camera) at 15 years old Deciding what to do with her life Being shy and introverted Where did the name/brand freewheeling kiwi come from Working as a rural estate agent Riding bikes Deciding to make a change 5 years ago Planning to go to How plans got derailed because of Covid Making the transition and changing your career to follow your passions Planning….. Lowering her cost of living, being a careful spender Wanting to encourage more women to spend more time in the outdoors in nature Especially women over the age of 50 Focusing on her why , 3,000 km, the long walk in New Zealand Being concerned about the cold Starting on the 2nd October Walking with Andrew - as a couple Having their 1st anniversary on the trail in the Richmond Rangers Keeping the pack weight down The highlights, challenges and magical moments from the trail Not wanting to quit Advice for new hikers Keeping costs down and sending resupply boxes Big food carries The extreme conditions and the impact on gear River crossings and being cautious Gusting winds and being blown off her feet Wet feet…. Sand walking, mud walking, road walking Blisters…. Losing toe nails Getting off her feet and dealing with unbearable foot pain Palette fatigue with food Coming to the end of the journey and what it was like Creating content and stories during the journey Creating a 1 min reel/tiktok every day How to connect with Sharon Final words of advice Believing in yourself and your abilities The next challenge and heading to Australia to walk the (230km trail through the outback) Social Media Website Instagram Facebook: Threads: TikTok: YouTube:
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Ioana Barbu – Ultra Runner - Winning the Ice & Highland Ultra and Tackling the Beyond the Ultimate Series in One Year.
08/04/2025
Ioana Barbu – Ultra Runner - Winning the Ice & Highland Ultra and Tackling the Beyond the Ultimate Series in One Year.
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, meet Ioana Barbu—an unstoppable ultra runner with big goals, bold energy, and a fierce belief in betting on herself. After winning the Ice Ultra (230km at the Arctic Circle) and the Highland Ultra (125km in the Scottish Highlands) in 2025—each by hours and against stacked fields—Ioana is now going all-in to complete the entire Beyond the Ultimate series in one calendar year. That means racing across jungles, deserts, mountains, and ice—self-funded, self-motivated, and 100% committed. We dive into her mindset, training strategy, and what it takes to juggle full-time work while prepping for some of the toughest foot races on Earth. From selling her flat to afford the journey, to building her endurance and community from scratch, Ioana’s story is raw, real, and massively inspiring. Explicit language: This episode contains one F-bomb. If you’re chasing big goals or need a fire lit under you—this is the one to listen to. 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Ioana Based in London Working in post production of video production Being an ultra runner Growing up in Europe Moving to the UK at 18 Living in New Zealand and Canada Being into Snowboarding Getting into running Her younger years Growing up with her grandparents in the countryside Getting into swimming, ballet Starting snowboarding in her early 20s and how it changed her life Wanting to get good at the sport Book: Breathe work, breathing, posture Running on a treadmill for training Training with , in an altitude chamber Living in Wellington, New Zealand Working with a snowboarding coach Don’t think about it too much or you will catch fear Always end on a high Moving back to the UK and fast forward a few years Getting back into running during lockdown in 2020 Starting to sign up for races How her running journey progressed Running the for charity Giving a voice to small charities Working with Spencer Matthews on his Deciding to sign up for the - Being surrounded by people who encourage you and support you Being told she couldn’t do a 30 miler I’ll prove you wrong Is it a race or is it an event? - Running Coach Having a lovely time running the marathon - Running Coach Never quit at the end of the day Doing the right volume of training (6 days a week) but doing the wrong type of training Averaging about 30k - 50k a week max - which wasn’t enough Running 70k - 100k weeks More running and less hyrox/strength training Palate fatigue Needing to be her own hero Winning Races - 230km race Going out to race and win Getting her period in the jungle and ending up doing the short course Wanting to make ultra running a full time job Going into the ice-ultra with such a strong mindset Knowing what to expect with snow and ice 2025 - Racing the full series in one year (calendar year) Self funding the challenge How much will it cost?! Selling her flat and using the money to pay for the race series Needing to buy specialist kit Approx £30k so far… Wanting to quit her job and do this full time - London Southbank Uni Sports Department Heat acclimatisation in a heat chamber and why it was one of the best things to do before the desert race All female researchers How can people connect and follow along Final words of advice Find people who are like minded, don’t be afraid to join a community Inspiring other women to start running Social Media Website Instagram
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Nicola Hardy - Munro Bagger, Outdoor Writer & Author of Peak Bagging Munros
07/31/2025
Nicola Hardy - Munro Bagger, Outdoor Writer & Author of Peak Bagging Munros
In this Tough Girl Podcast EXTRA episode we catch up with adventurer and outdoor writer Nicola Hardy—also known for becoming Munroist #6,765 after summiting all 282 of Scotland’s Munros. Nicola left behind a decade-long career in IT to pursue a life filled with mountains, maps, and meaningful adventure. Since our first conversation in March 2022, Nicola has continued to embrace the outdoor life with passion—working part-time to support her adventures and dedicating the rest of her week to exploring the hills and trails she loves. In this episode, Nicola shares what she’s been up to over the last few years, including writing her first guidebook: Peak Bagging Munros: Volume 1. We talk about the process of creating the book, linking routes efficiently across the Highlands, and her experiences hiking internationally—from Switzerland's Alpine Passes Trail to her first solo trip abroad on the Coronallacs route in Andorra. Nicola is honest about the practicalities of outdoor life—from parking anxiety and budget travel to the importance of finding community in the outdoors. With future dreams like hiking New Zealand’s Te Araroa Trail, her journey is far from over. If you’re passionate about mountains, guidebooks, or building a life around what you love—this episode is for you. TGP March 31st 2022 - 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Nicola Living in Cockermouth, Cumbria Being a peak bagger and long distance walker Preferring land over the water Writing a peak bagging guidebook Previously What we chatting about on the first Tough Girl Podcast episode Catching up with what’s been happening since 2022 Ending up here after doing the things that filled her life with joy Trying to fill her time with as much adventure as possible Finding the balance of adventuring while also bringing in money as well Working 2 days a week part time (flipping the standard working week, upside down) and having 5 days off Getting to the start of challenges using public transport Parking anxiety and how it can introduce negative thinking before an adventure Peak Bagging Munro’s - the book and how it came about Munro Bagging and what it is 64 routes which are designed to link up these iconic mountains What makes this guide book different Including good maps, and efficient routes linking Munros together Separating into 10 highland hubs A walker, a trekker, a fast packer and a runner Rest day suggestions The gathering of the information Building spreadsheets Following your passion and working on the guidebook Volume 1 of 2 Who the book is for Heading to Switzerland and hiking the Camping 20 nights out of 31 Being mountain fit Doing her first solo trip abroad Being able to switch off and spend time in nature Wanting to go on more solo walks The Future plans and dreams to hike the How to connect with Nic Trying to keep the website updated Final words of advice Getting out there and finding your community Try lots of things in the outdoor space Find what you love and dive in headfirst, you never know where it might lead Social Media Link for listeners to purchase the book - Website - Facebook - Instagram -
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Ebaide Joy Udoh – Breaking Records on Two Wheels: A Solo Motorcycle Journey Across Africa
07/29/2025
Ebaide Joy Udoh – Breaking Records on Two Wheels: A Solo Motorcycle Journey Across Africa
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Ebaide Joy Udoh, a bold Nigerian adventurer and storyteller on a mission to make history. Ebaide is currently undertaking a solo motorcycle journey across Africa, aiming to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Journey by Motorcycle in Africa (Female). The current record to beat is 30,000 kilometers (19,000 miles)—and by the time she completes the final leg of her trip, Ebaide expects to reach an incredible 35,000 km (22,000 miles). But Ebaide’s story isn’t just about distance—it’s about determination, vision, and fearlessly carving a new path. From learning how to ride a motorcycle from scratch, to building a DIY camper van, to navigating complex visa issues with a Nigerian passport, her journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, Ebaide shares the realities of solo travel across Africa—the beauty, the bureaucracy, the culture, and the challenges—and what fuels her unstoppable spirit. We dive into her creative approach to funding her travels, her charity work empowering girls in Nigeria, and her passion for storytelling through content creation. Get ready to be inspired by this fiercely independent woman who reminds us all: “You own your life. Don’t let fear cripple you—go for it.” 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Ebaide Joy Adventure cyclist who has been riding around Africa Being in Lagos, Nigeria Currently in-between trips Not growing up around motorcycles Having a desire to travel Building a camper van in 2022/2023 to go travelling Moving to a tuk - tuk Building a camper van from scratch in 3 months Travelling for 7 years - initially via backpacking Heading back to East Africa after the pandemic Funding her travelling adventures Having 2,000 followers on IG last year Working at midnight for a company in the Netherlands Being able to make funds from content creation, brand deals and gifted goods. Learning how to ride a bike Going to bike school to learn how to ride Building up her skills and becoming a fantastic rider What her adventure travels look like Moving from hotel to hotel Living a nocturnal lifestyle Travelling with a Nigerian passport and how it works with visas’s Languages and being able to communicate on her travels Speaking/getting by in Swahili, French and English Applying for a Guinness World Record and what happened initially Longest Solo Motorcycle Ride Across Africa by a Woman. Needing to break 30,000 km and go through 7 countries at least Planning or going with the flow Connecting with the locals Sharing the journey, the road, the food, the people, the police, the issues and the highlights Exploring as a road bike traveller The issues with visa’s, borders and money Not playing the game Fighting and having nothing to lose Magical countries Never going back to Cameroon Solo traveller Having a full life Being busy at all the time Introverted but present as an extrovert Not having the time Being bored by people easily Raising money for charity - Giving the girls training in tailoring, hair making, and catering 3-month residential program focused on training, support, and purpose Planning the next adventure Naming her bike Aurora - light in darkness How to connect with Ebaide online Follow your dreams, life is short, life does’t wait for you, time doesn’t wait for you. You own your life, you should control it, you should define it, you should make the most of it. Don’t let fear cripple you. You should go for it. Social Media Instagram: Youtube: TikTok: Twitter: Buy Me a Coffee:
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Christine Reed – Long-Distance Backpacker & Author of Blood Sweat Tears | Stories of Healing, Womanhood & the Trail
07/22/2025
Christine Reed – Long-Distance Backpacker & Author of Blood Sweat Tears | Stories of Healing, Womanhood & the Trail
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Christine Reed—an American long-distance backpacker and award-winning author—whose life changed when she took her first steps on the Appalachian Trail in 2015. With no prior backpacking experience, Christine dove headfirst into the unknown, seeking healing, purpose, and a sense of identity. Since then, Christine has hiked thousands of miles, lived out of a van, and carved a creative path through storytelling. Her debut memoir, Alone in Wonderland, captured her raw and powerful journey of self-discovery, while her latest anthology Blood Sweat Tears amplifies the voices of women+ on trail—sharing unfiltered stories about periods, pain, perseverance, and everything in between. We talk about grief, growth, writing through discomfort, and the courage it takes to follow your passions even when they feel far outside your comfort zone. Christine’s story reminds us that you don’t have to be outdoorsy, athletic, or fearless to start—you just have to begin. *** 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Christine Thru-hike and trail runners Being based in New Mexico, America Her early years and not growing up outdoorsy Reading blogs about the Appalachian Trail in the fall of 2013 Graduating from college and working in health insurance Being pretty unhappy and not knowing what to do with her life Why the Appalachian Trail (AT) was so appealing Taking the first step and commitment to the hike Everyone on the trail being in a phase of transition Being possible for her to leave her life Taking a year to plan and research the trail Planning to hike the AT in 2015 The importance of finding something that you are excited about Never backpacking before and just going on a few day hikes Not being a fit or athletic person Doing her research - - an old school pin board forum Doing zero physical preparation The feelings at the start of the Appalachian Trail Riding greyhound buses to the start (16+ hours) The steps up to Amicalola Falls First night camping at a shelter Personal goals - find herself? 24 and turning 25 on the trail Doing hard things HIking pre social media Lessons and learning from thru-hiking Losing her mum just after starting the trail Spending time at home and deciding to get back on the trail Grieving while on the trail Feeling her feeling and talking about them Having wonderful encounters with other hikers and being able to share 650 miles feeling ready to leave the trail Having a closer relationship with her dad Moving to Denver, Colorado Struggling to reengage with the capitalist system Living in a van, travelling around and living a more adventurous lifestyle Thru-hikers making great van lifers Feeling lonely while on the road The community aspect of the trail experience Finding her way Being in a new phase of transition Moving into a little house in New Mexico Being an author from 2018 - mostly as a full time worker 1st book came out in 2021 - Alone in Wonderland Trying to write a 2nd memoir, but struggling to write and feeling frustrated Wanting to write a collection of stories about women Putting out a call for pitches/submissions - women’s relationships to our bodies, using the trail as a link Wanting to put out 15 stories Receiving over 200 submissions Book: Blood, Sweat Tears The importance of sharing women’s stories that haven’t been shared Narrowing down the selection of stories The editing process Can I work with this writer to get this story where it needs to be? Talking about blood, periods and menstruation Being in women only spaces Speaking about periods Hygiene and menstral cups Tampons and pads - everything has it’s plus and minus Everybody is different Taking the pill? Wanting to celebrate our bodies and not be manipulating it Allowing our bodies to go through natural cycles What’s next for Christine Publishing a memoir with Gardening, art and being more creative How to connect with Christine online Final words of advice Advice for following your creative passions which are outside your comfort zone Don’t get stuck in the ideas of who we are and what we are suppose to be doing Social Media Instagram: Book: Blood Sweat Tears is a short story collection from 26 women+ hikers and runners about the experience of being in a female body on trail. This group of intrepid and vulnerable athletes/writers talk periods, boob sweat, and ugly crying. The trail is a place for healing, and can show us what we are made of---but it's always us doing the hard work. Book:
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Beth Aldridge – 22-Year-Old Vet Student & GB Dragon Boater | From Lockdown Workouts to the World Championships
07/15/2025
Beth Aldridge – 22-Year-Old Vet Student & GB Dragon Boater | From Lockdown Workouts to the World Championships
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, I’m joined by Beth, a 22-year-old veterinary student and elite dragon boat paddler based in Nottingham. Beth shares how a simple home workout routine during the COVID lockdown sparked a journey into endurance sport—from running the Robin Hood Half Marathon to discovering dragon boating at university. Since then, Beth has gone from novice paddler to competing on the world stage, representing Great Britain at the 2023 Dragon Boat World Championships in Thailand. Now a coach, helm, and passionate advocate for women in sport, she talks about training, teamwork, and the power of inclusive communities. Beth’s story is one of grit, growth, and finding joy in pushing physical and mental limits. 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Beth 22 year old Vet Student Final year of vet school, working on a placement year Working with small animals and horses Having a passion and love for animals Deciding to be a vet Studying; Biology, chemistry and maths at A’Level Hating sports at school Starting university in 2021 , based in Loughborough Starting to train with the team What Dragon Boat racing is The set up of the boat Getting started in Dragon Boat Racing The impact of covid on the Dragon Boat Club Learning the skills needed Being put into the boat straight away Training as much as she can The challenges of training while being on work placements and rotations Why its a good sport for involving everyone The stroke pair - being in charge of setting the rate Getting qualified as a helm Getting into race helming Competing at Nationals The different categories BNTS Sessions - taster sessions where anyone from any club can try out the trainers and see what improvements can be made to their paddling Being a new paddler in 2021 Going away and doing her own training in 2022 Wanting to take it more seriously and getting into the squad in 2023 Committing to training weekend across the country Doing paddling and strength training Being part of the what’s app group and sharing training plans and sessions Team Dynamics of the crew Being very competitive with herself Wanting to be the best she could be Heading to the World Championships in Thailand in 2023 Racing in the 2k event Race strategy and how the race unfolded Taking a peek at the other boat! Dealing with an injury and not being able to paddle Drumming for another team - Racing plans for 2025 Transporting the boat to different competitions Enjoying the 500m distance How to connect on social media Contact your local club and give it a go Racing as part of the women’s crew Commit to it - what you want Social Media Notts Anaconda - Instagram - THE BDA - the national governing body for Dragon Boat Racing throughout Great Britain. Facebook -
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Wander Women: Kristy & Annette — From Retirement to the Triple Crown of Hiking & a Life of Bold Adventure
07/08/2025
Wander Women: Kristy & Annette — From Retirement to the Triple Crown of Hiking & a Life of Bold Adventure
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Kristy and Annette—two inspiring women who completely transformed their lives after retirement. In 2015, they sold everything they owned, bought an RV, and set out to live life on their own terms. What began as a “retirement gift” hike on the Colorado Trail quickly evolved into a bold new chapter of full-time adventure. Since then, Kristy and Annette have completed the Triple Crown of Hiking—the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail—and spend each year splitting their time between life on the road and life on foot. Together, they share their journey of choosing freedom, rejecting fear, and expanding the limits of what life after 50 can look like. This episode is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to chase your dreams, explore the unknown, and live life unapologetically. If you’ve ever felt the urge to change direction, embrace the outdoors, or reclaim your time and energy for what truly lights you up—this conversation is for you. 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Annette - working as a teacher and school Librarian Deciding to retire in 2015 Doing a lot of backpacking trips before retirement Giving themselves the trip to do the Colorado Trail as a retirement present Getting hooked on long hikes Travelling and hiking full time since them Growing up in California and being outdoorsy, but not getting into travelling and hiking until moving to Colorado as a senior in high school Loving the South West of America Hiking the Appalachian Trail and having a blast! Meeting Kristy, born in Washington, USA before moving to Colorado at 8 years old Growing up adventuring and spending time in the mountains and woods Going to college on a basketball scholarship Always being active Really enjoying the backpacking and spending long periods of time in nature as she’s gotten older Working as a mental health therapist and working with children who had early trauma Making a change in 2015 and deciding to end that chapter Thinking that life is a gift and it goes by really fast and wanting to live it up while they can Wanting to do all of the hard things Wanting to write a new chapter and try new things Selling everything they owned and buying an RV Deciding to walk more long distance trails Wanting to hike the triple crown How Kristy and Annette met at a sweat lodge (sauna) in 2003 Meeting for a coffee and saying ‘wanting to walk the earth’ Starting to go on weekend trips Wanting to stay out in nature for longer Seeing a financial planner Starting to think differently Figuring out how to live the cheapest way and to do the things they love Starting adventuring 10 years ago full time at 51 and 57 Having a 5 year plan Completing the plan in 4 years Not caring about stuff and not being materialistic Loving this lifestyle Hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2019 How demanding it was (aged 62) Starting slow and building and seeing how their bodies held up for the long haul Having to change plans due to covid Starting the continental divide trail The amazing people met along the way The simplicity of life on the trail Sharing their dreams with family and friends Other people’s fears The dream verses the reality of this life Wanting to create her life how she wants it Planning for the year ahead Wanting to expand the confines of their life until they die Claiming space in the world and making it exactly how you want it Handling disagreements How plans evolve overtime Having low expectations and why it can be a key for happiness Planning a trip to South America Booking the hiking part of the trip and keeping the rest free Working within a framework Annettee doing the researching Creating the grand plans! Training and doing a marathon while selling the house! Getting into pack rafts Leaving the RV while hiking Making this life work The triple hike and the differences between the big three hikes Water carries, desert, hiking at elevation, sun levels, resupply Why the Appalachian Trail is a good beginner trail for newbies Watch the videos on YouTube Wanting to inspire people to get outside especially older people Words of advice for women listening Starting small and find what you love Building success into it Figure out what works for you Setting yourself up for big success Why life is a huge gift Don’t let it (life) go to waste Be in your power Social Media Instagram Facebook Youtube:
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Rebecca Devereux – Mum, Vet, Trail Runner, and 3rd Place Finisher at the Montane Winter Spine Sprint
07/01/2025
Rebecca Devereux – Mum, Vet, Trail Runner, and 3rd Place Finisher at the Montane Winter Spine Sprint
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by the incredible Rebecca Devereux — a dedicated mum, a vet, and a passionate trail and ultra runner. Rebecca shares her journey into endurance running, her training highs and lows, and what it took to place third in one of Britain’s most brutal races — the Montane Winter Spine Sprint, a 46-mile challenge across the rugged Pennine Way in the depths of winter. We dive into Rebecca’s approach to training and mindset, how she balances family life with her love for the trails, and her growing involvement with Black Trail Runners, a community breaking down barriers in the outdoors. From road marathons to alpine trails, Rebecca’s story is one of resilience, preparation, and quiet determination — whether she’s running through snowstorms in spikes, racing in the Swiss Alps, or supporting others in their running journeys. If you’re looking for inspiration to start your own trail running adventure — or just want to hear how someone juggles it all and still finds joy in the challenge — this episode is for you. Tune in now and get ready to be inspired by Rebecca’s grit, humour, and heart. We first spoke with Rebecca December 28th 2023 - Listen to this episode here - 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Rebecca Mum, vet, and an ultra runner 3rd place in the Speaking with The beginning of 2024 Training for the Her first road race The difference between training for a road race compared to a trail race What race day like Running to Heart Rate Craving salt 30k in Wearing a running vest? Magical moments and the stand out bits Recovery after the marathon Racing in Switzerland and wanting to be back in the mountains again Race strategy for UTMB Eiger and dealing with the killer climbs Taking a nasty fall and hurting her ankle Losing her confidence on the downhill sections Heart rate and effort Wanting to involve her family in the racing Being a beacon runner BTR and having a 35% increase in members Hosting taste days and working with different partners The Spine Race…. Could I do this? Getting on the waiting list… Being encouraged by Winter Spine Sprint - 46 miles along the Pennine Way - 75 miles - during the day, a social run. Running in the bad weather Running better in the wet and cold compared to running in the heat Planning race strategy and training with her coach - Living on the course and being able to do recce runs Planning and preparing for all eventualities Being a prepper to help deal with anxiousness Hill sprints and hill repeats Snow…. Anything else that could have been done to prepare for the race Shorts in winter…. Needing to believe in herself and her choices Silence the noise - silence anything that is going to affect you in a negative way Wearing spikes for running in the snow Having a goal of finishing the race Having the right mindset for when the racing is going slow due to the slow Having the aim of keeping moving forward and not getting frustrated with the speed of the race Being confidence on navigation Catching up with the main group Getting into flow and everything feeling right Ambassador for Having a caffeine hour How the conditions helped her Making the right decisions and grinding it out The full (268 miles) h - 110 Miles… Having a massive respect for the race and not feeling ready to take on the full spine race Plans for racing in 2025 Running with 7 women from Black Trail Runners How to connect with Rebecca and Black Trail Runners Final words of advice for other women who are on their trail running journey “Turn up, do the sessions, and if you are consistent you will make progress” The importance of preparation. Social Media Instagram: Black Trail Runners - Campaigning charity promoting inclusion, participation & representation of people of Black heritage and people of colour in trail running Facebook: Instagram:
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Helen Ryvar – Running Through Grief, Finding Strength & Breaking Records | 1,000 Consecutive Half Marathons (May 2022 – Jan 2025) 🙌 Inspiring Others to Be Their Best ❤️
06/24/2025
Helen Ryvar – Running Through Grief, Finding Strength & Breaking Records | 1,000 Consecutive Half Marathons (May 2022 – Jan 2025) 🙌 Inspiring Others to Be Their Best ❤️
What began as a way to cope with grief became a world record-breaking journey that’s taken Helen Ryvar across the globe — from sunrise runs in North Wales to volcanic trails in Fuerteventura and the ancient deserts of Petra. A single mum of three and a self-described non-athlete in her youth, Helen’s transformation into a Guinness World Record holder for running consecutive half marathons is nothing short of awe-inspiring. In this deeply personal episode, Helen opens up about the heartbreak that sparked her first streak, how running became her therapy, and the mental and physical resilience required to complete 1,000 consecutive half marathons — often starting at 4am. With races lined up from the Chester Ultra to international marathons in Malta and Brighton. If you’ve ever questioned what you’re capable of, or needed a reminder of the strength that comes from simply showing up — this is the episode for you. Tune in to hear Helen’s story of grit, growth, and running with purpose. 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: . Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Helen 44 years old Single mum to 3 children Living in Wrexham in North Wales Getting into fitness before covid Starting running and running 111 consecutive half marathons and becoming the GWR holder for the achievement Running 1000 half marathons on her 2nd run streak Her early years and not being particularly sports and a little overweight Being more into languages and art Being punished and made to run Joining the cross country running team Receiving bad news Finding out her ex-husband had died Telling her children that they would no longer be able to see their daddy Being able to exercise and starting to run Finding her peace at 2 hrs - 2.15 mins running How the connection with nature saved her Finding a new rhythm and a way to clear her head Breaking the previous record of 75 half marathons - South Africa (101 - half marathons) Submitting data to Guinness World Record for the 1000 half marathons Staring her 2nd running streak on the 1st May 2022 Being challenged to do a 2nd run streak by Running for and raising £8,000 Running routes Running from 4am - 6am most mornings Believing in green running and not leaving a carbon footprint Getting everything ready the night before On and out in 15 mins The 4am run club How her body has adapted to the daily millage over 3 years Knee issues Enjoying the routines and being grateful for getting up every morning Losing her dad and father in law Running with Breaking down the running goals into mini milestones Running with other people Mental tips and tricks for running Sleep, nutrition and routine What a typical day looks like Going to bed at 9pm The importance of quality sleep What happens when the data gets corrupted GWR not accepting Strava Finishing the running streak on the 24th January 2024 Missing the running and the adjustment period 555 Challenge - Free challenge via Facebook Come down from big events The adventure blues Dealing with the grief through running and feeling much stronger as a person Not being treated well by her ex-husband Being in an anxious, depressive state Having conflicted thoughts and feelings Being left in financial debt Identifying as a mother and not a runner Weighting 17 stones and having low self esteem Running all over the world and the logistic challenges involved Running in the heat and the dark Running with How to connect with Helen online Final words of advice Social Media Instagram Facebook Just Giving
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