Tough Girl Podcast

From the jungles of India to the global stage of wildlife conservation, Dr Latika Nath has spent her life studying and protecting big cats, becoming the first woman in the world to study tigers in the wild. Known as Nat Geo's "Tiger Princess," she shares stories from deep in the forests where she observed tigers using tools, hunting porcupines, and navigating complex human-wildlife conflicts. In this episode, Latika takes us on her journey from a childhood spent exploring the outdoors to pursuing her dream in a male-dominated field, studying elephants and tigers in the wild. She shares the challenges of working in remote areas, the lessons learned from female tigers, and her tireless efforts to combat poaching. We also dive into her work as a conservation photographer, using images to tell stories that inspire action, and her advice for women and girls aiming to make their mark in conservation. Latika's story is one of courage, dedication, and the belief that one person's passion can make a world of difference. This episode is for you if: You love wildlife and big cats You're curious about conservation and sustainability You want inspiration from a trailblazing woman in a male-dominated field You're motivated by stories of courage, resilience, and following your passions ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Dr Latika Working as a Conservation Ecologist and conservation photographer  Being based out of Indian  Studying big cats all over the world  Using her photography to share stories about conservation  Working as an expert on Tourism and sustainability Working with the Indian Planning Commission as an in-house advisor  Being an only child and spending most of her time outdoors  Living close to a National Park Deciding at 6 years old that she wanted to be an ecologist  Being encouraged to pursue her dreams People in the 1970s not knowing what an ecologist was Not being able to study the subjects she wanted to Being a girl in a male dominated field Being the first woman in the world to study tigers Moving over to the UK to continue her education at Bangor University, Wales Doing her masters thesis on elephant and human conflict in Indian  How elephants follow the old memories Her passion and interest in tigers Wanting to study snow leopards initially Terrorism in Kashmir and how it changed the direction of her life Being inspired by Dr HS Pabla The tiger population in India currently  Project tiger - being responsible for the conservation of the tiger in the wild Being the only person in the park and being truly on her own in the wild with the animals  What it was like studying the tigers and the relationships that developed Discovering new knowledge about tigers Seeing tigers using tools How tigers eat porcupines  The expedition logistics Lessons learned from female tigers  The biggest danger to tigers going forward How to combat poaching  Getting the nickname - The Tiger Princess Being filmed by National Geographic for a 1hr documentary  Advice and tips for women and girls who want to enter the space of conservation  Advice for women around self belief and self confidence and why there work is important What's next for Dr Lakita Writing her next book Having a photography expedition in London in June 2026 How to connect with Dr Lakita Final words of advice around following your passions and interests Having good days and bad days - go one day, one step at a time and why it can make a big difference  Hang in there and take that one step everyday   Social Media Website: www.latikanath.com  Instagram: @latikanath Facebook: @nathlatika  

What does it take to return to the top of the ultra running world after major life changes and a "career-ending" surgery? Kaytlyn Gerbin knows. In this episode, Kaytlyn shares her journey from a scientist with a love for the outdoors to a world-class trail and ultra runner. Growing up active but without formal running experience, she discovered her talent in her mid-twenties and quickly fell in love with the 100-mile distance. Since then, she's set course records, tackled some of the most technical alpine trails in the Pacific Northwest, and stood on podiums at legendary races like UTMB, Western States 100, and Transgrancanaria. But Kaytlyn's story isn't just about running. It's about resilience, reinvention, and balance. After the birth of her daughter Era in 2024 and undergoing surgery to correct hip dysplasia—a procedure many thought would end her running career—Kaytlyn came back stronger than ever, winning the Cascade Crest 100 and taking on the epic 330km Tor des Geants race in Italy. In this episode, you'll hear about: How she discovered her running talent and found her passion for ultra distances Overcoming setbacks, starting over, and learning to meet herself where she is The mental strategies that help her tackle 100-mile races and multi-day alpine challenges Balancing motherhood with elite-level running Her plans and goals for 2026, including Hardrock 100 and UTMB Whether you're an aspiring ultra runner, a parent chasing big goals, or someone who loves stories of grit, perseverance, and adventure, Kaytlyn's story will inspire you to push your limits—on the trails and in life. Tune in to hear how Kaytlyn combines mountains, motherhood, and science-backed training to redefine what's possible, one long run 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: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Kaytln Ultra runner and trail runner for the North Face Living in the foothills outside of Seattle, US Having a degree in Bioengineering and previously working as a scientist  Having her first daughter, 14 months ago Reflecting back on her childhood and early years Growing up in rural US Being the oldest of four and being very active as a kid How her running journey progressed Playing soccer in high school Being good at running on the field, but not enjoying the running for training Making friends with other students at college who ran Discovering her running talent in her mid-twenties Entering her first small, local race and finishing 2nd female Having fun and feeling strong while running  Finding her distance  Loving the 100 mile distance  Figuring out training for races The longer she ran, the stronger she felt  Feeling overwhelmed by the running distances  Having to start over with her running Remembering how hard it is to start running again after set backs Having a hard time with running  Never having a running coach and getting to make all the rules Tracking her training  Meeting yourself where your at ie being ok with walking  Bringing in science to her running? Lessons on failure and how it applies to running Staying humble with her running Why the hardest part of the race, is just before it starts The anxiety before a race, struggling to sleep and eat before Staying relaxed while running and settling into the run after 50k Running through the night Taking some time before doing the hard thing, and thinking about the mental challenges which may come up and how to handle it Running a 220 mile race over 4 days Dealing with the guilt of being away from her baby while running  Anticipate what some of the mental challenges might be during a race and how best to approach it Taking a step back from the running during pregnancy  Not feeling the pressure to go back to running Her 'A' race in 2025 Tor des Geants 330km race in Italy   Winning the Cascade Crest 100 mile race  Seeing the 2nd placed woman - starting to race Wanting to run hand and push herself Plans for 2026 Applying for Hardrock 100 mile race Wanting to go back and race at UTMB  Having a pregnancy deferral for UTMB   How to connect with Kaytlyn Advice for women wanting to take on a 100 mile race   Social Media Instagram @kaytlyn_g  

Sheryl Ramstad's story is nothing short of extraordinary. After surviving a catastrophic plane crash with less than a 1% chance of survival, Sheryl's life was forever changed. What began as her first solo flight at age 29 became a harrowing journey through life-threatening burns, multiple surgeries, overwhelming grief, and two years of excruciating rehabilitation. But this isn't just a survival story—it's a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the unbreakable human spirit. In this powerful conversation, Sheryl shares how she transformed unimaginable trauma into a life of purpose, service, and adventure. From shifting her mindset from "Why me?" to "What's next?" to supporting burn survivors in Peru, going back to school at 62, raising three children, becoming a grandmother, and even climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro—Sheryl embodies what it means to live fully, bravely, and without regrets. With her first book "Living Life Full Throttle: Surviving, Serving, and Summiting" published in January 2025, Sheryl reflects on a decades-long journey of healing, reinvention, and choosing courage over fear. Her story will inspire you to embrace challenges, pursue new beginnings at any age, and live life full throttle. If you're looking for a reminder of what's possible—even in your darkest moments—this episode will stay with you long after you've listened. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Sheryl  Being based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US Being retired and writing her first book  Surviving her first solo plane flight at 29 years old How this impacted how she lived the rest of her life Leaving work and no longer having an excuse not to write her story Having 3 adult children and 6 grandchildren  Having the book published in late January of 2025 The key moment when life changed Changed her focus from survival to service Being grateful for everyday and wanting to make her life meaningful for herself and for others Supporting burn survivors in Lima, Peru Being given a 1% chance of survival The importance of her faith, friends and family  Applying for nursing school at 62 Learning new skills  Instead of asking why me - I ask - what's next Looking towards the future Having a strong family support system Having her faith to fall back on Reflecting back on writing her book Why it's been a life long process Serving  Books for Africa  Deciding to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa Deciding what to do with life Following a few simple principles Living life with no regrets  Better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all  Do nothing in moderation - give your whole heart to everything that you want to try Going back to school at 62 and being a student again Don't be afraid to ask others for help Getting back on a plane  Mental health and support for people going through traumatic experiences  Raising her children  What's next Being a life long learner Maybe writing another book Wanting to encourage people to live their life full throttle Why it's a matter of perspective  How to connect with Sheryl How to buy her book Being happy to connect with people Final words of advice for women listening Don't be guided by your fear, be guided by the facts and the evidence - do what you feel led to do, so you don't go to your grave with any regrets.    Social Media Website: www.sherylramstadauthor.com  Book: Living Life Full Throttle: Surviving, Serving and Summiting A Memoir  

Hillary Allen, famously known as the "Hillygoat," is a world-class ultrarunner celebrated for her fearless climbs on steep, technical terrain. But in 2017, at the peak of her career as the #1 ultrarunner in the world, Hillary faced a life-changing setback: during a race in Norway, she fell 150 feet off a ridge, breaking 14 bones. Doctors told her she'd never run again. Yet Hillary didn't just defy the odds—she redefined them. Today, she's back competing at the elite level and inspiring others to rewrite their own stories of resilience.  With a background in neuroscience and a master's in physiology and structural biology, Hillary combines science, grit, and empathy in her work as an author, coach, and speaker.  Her book, Out and Back: A Runner's Story of Survival Against All Odds, chronicles her incredible comeback. In this episode, Hillary shares: How her lifelong love of running and science shaped her journey The mental and physical challenges of recovering from a life-threatening fall Practical tips on mindset, self-belief, and self-compassion Why she believes your best athletic days can be ahead of you Whether you're an athlete, adventurer, or someone looking to overcome setbacks in life, Hillary's story is a powerful reminder that resilience, courage, and persistence can take you farther than you ever imagined. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes Who is Hillary Growing up in Boulder Colorado, USA Being an athlete all her life Coming from an outdoorsy, academic family Describing herself as a science nerd Currently in a Masters Program for Applied Sports Psychology Having an older sister Growing up camping with her family Her parents both being professors  Studying chemistry and neuroscience Not finishing her Phd Getting her first running sponsorship  Her running journey to get to being a sponsored athlete Starting running in graduate school  Needing an outlet to reset  Starting to run with a running group  Discovering the trail running scene  When things clicked after running a road marathon  Wondering if she could do it… Being drawn to running and feeling satisfaction in the challenge Working hard on her weaknesses  Working on her ability to run on technical trails and push herself when feeling tired Getting into skyruning  Being named the Hilly Goat! Why its a skill you need to practice The challenges of 2017 Heading over to Europe to race Tromsø Skyrace  Thinking she was dying Falling 150ft, breaking 14 bones, damaging ligaments and being lucky to be alive Book: Out and Back: A Runner's Story of Survival Against All Odds  Being depressed  Starting to think about running again Believe that your best athletic days are ahead of you  Helping her mindset and the mental side of the challenge Working with a counsellor Working past fear Breaking her ankle and dealing with another injury Going back to do the race again Getting her nervous energy out  Closing the chapter off Practical tips around mindset The power of self compassion and self belief The next plan/goals Signing up for a road marathon in January  Working on building up some speed Podcast - Trail Society  How to connect with Hillary  Final words of advice for other women  The importance of daily practices  Journalling  Mantra - believe your best athletic days are ahead of you Affirmations - I am statements "I am a runner" Start small, and start with self belief     Social Media Website www.hillaryallen.com  Instagram @hillygoat_climbs  Facebook @hillaryallenrunner  Podcast - Trail Society  

Lani Woods is a passionate cyclist, adventurer, and creative force behind a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts. Known for blending her love of cycling with a flair for design, Lani leads initiatives like Triple Crown Adventures to inspire others to explore the world on two wheels. Whether organizing group adventures in Hawaii or crafting unique cycling gear, she's dedicated to building an inclusive, adventure-loving community. * Marked as explicit — just one F bomb! ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Lani Being based in Hawaii  Being a full time adventurer Loving to travel and explore Being a curious soul Growing up in Southern California Not being athletic when she was younger  Getting into athletics in her 30s What happened in her 30s  Having kids at a young age and being in a long term relationship  Deciding to leave an abusive relationship  Wanting to feel stronger and release the relationship stress Getting back into running and how it made her feel better  Getting back into the gym and how it helped her mental health  Deciding to try an obstacle course race  Dealing with injury and needing to rehab after 3 surgeries  Getting into bike riding Deciding to ride 20 miles to the beach and back Feeling the rewards after doing something hard Deciding to ride a 100 miles Being inspired by the Race Across America  The self confidence piece  Being attracted to challenge Gaining new knowledge about cycling Hosting 2 podcasts :-  Podcast - Unrelenting Humans  Podcast - Black with Endurance  Joining Major Taylor Cycling Club, Los Angles  Riding from San Francisco to Los Angles  Wanting to do more business with women  Tripe Crown Adventures - where the name came from (the California triple crown, riding 3 double centuries in a year) Adventure Femmes  Hosting her first event in Hawaii Honolulu Century Ride Lanikai Pillbox Hike  New event happening in 2026 Training…. Working with different mentors How many bikes… Making the decision to move to Hawaii Dealing with the heat in Hawaii Bucket list races Being in a place where she knows what she's capable of and want she can accomplish  Wanting to create her own challenges  Wanting to create more than be apart of other people races and challenges Her love for road cycling  Travelling in Europe Bike packing adventures? Lael Wilcox  Jenny Graham  Lael Rallies  How to connect with Lani Final words of advice for women who want to get into cycling and go on more adventures Stay curious, fail big and don't wait for anyone else Don't be afraid to make your own way—do what you feel is right for you.   Social Media Instagram @lanitheadventurer @triplecrownadventures @adventurefemmes   

From a council estate on the Isle of Wight to conquering some of Europe's toughest mountain ultras, Charlotte Fisher's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Less than three years ago, she had never run competitively. Today, she's a full-time ultra runner chasing elite races like UTMB and Western States 100, proving that it's never too late to find your path. In this episode, Charlotte shares how a charity ultra challenge sparked her running journey, the lessons learned from 50km races to brutal 100-mile mountain ultras, and how running transformed her mindset, confidence, and life. She opens up about the highs, the lows, and the mental toughness required to push through physical limits — from hospitalised near-sepsis to standing on podiums in Europe's toughest races. Whether you're a seasoned runner, an aspiring adventurer, or someone searching for purpose, Charlotte's story is a powerful reminder that mountains, miles, and mindset can transform your life.  What you'll hear in this episode: How Charlotte went from zero running experience to winning her first ultra Lessons learned from extreme races and mountain ultras Mental toughness, mindset shifts, and life transformation through running Training, fueling, and recovery strategies for endurance athletes Why adventure, self-discovery, and community make ultra running so addictive  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes Who is Charlotte? From the Isle of Wight, UK – where she now lives, works, and trains Runs her own dog-walking business On a mission to become a full-time professional ultra runner Began running less than 3 years ago, starting with a charity ultra with no running experience Growing Up on the Isle of Wight Childhood on a council estate in a rural village Outdoor play, but no sporting background No sailing or traditional Isle of Wight coastal sports experience School pushed her toward law due to academic ability, despite being naturally creative Initially chased a law career for financial security, not passion Leaving Home & Early Adulthood Moved to London at 19 for university Pivoted from law to Geography degree after a crisis of direction Took a gap year to travel and try to "find her path" Felt lost through early 20s — unsure of what she should be doing with her life  How Running Entered Her Life Started running in Feb 2022, almost accidentally Signed up for a 106km Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge with zero running background Motivation: Raise money for the hospice that cared for her Aunt Jane, and raise awareness for bowel cancer First ever long run attempt: a 35km treadmill run to "qualify" for a guided 50km group run From First 50km to Winning 106km – All Within 12 Weeks Completed first 50km guided run with a coach – extremely tough but gave her belief Didn't run again for 6 months afterwards! Hired a coach and trained for 12 weeks for the Isle of Wight 106km race Won the race on her ultra debut — a shock to herself and everyone else Immediately hooked on ultras — discovered a talent for running "abnormally far"  Rapid Rise to 100 Miles & First Big Reality Check Next challenge: 100-mile North Downs Way (Centurion) just 6 months into running Won the race — but it was a harsh lesson in mental toughness and fuelling Ran through Storm Anthony — torrential rain, strong winds and brutal conditions Severe stomach issues, under-fuelled, no proper nutrition strategy Learned the importance of fuelling, hydration, and race strategy Becoming a Mountain Ultra Runner Stepped up to technical mountain ultras with Ultra Trail Snowdonia (UTS) Originally entered the 100-mile UTS (one of Europe's toughest races) with no mountain experience Only 50% finish rate – often as few as 8 female finishers Multiple recce weekends in Snowdonia to train – huge learning curve 10 days before UTS she became seriously ill & hospitalised with suspected sepsis Still ran the race, finished near the back — emotionally tough but transformative Returned the following year 13 hours faster, finishing 3rd and becoming the only woman to finish the UTS 100 twice  Mindset & Transformation Through Running Running gave her purpose, discipline, and identity Sober for almost 2 years — running helped her leave behind her old lifestyle Mental health, confidence, and self-belief have skyrocketed Found something where hard work = reward — a completely new feeling after years of feeling lost  Training, Fueling & Recovery – What's Changed? Then vs now: Early Ultras Now as an Elite Athlete No fuelling strategy Structured carb-based fuelling plan No gels, random aid-station food Precise nutrition to avoid GI issues Minimal recovery Dedicated recovery shakes & sports therapy Little mountain experience Regular training trips to European mountains Works with a sports therapist weekly during heavy blocks Body now adapts well to 100-mile training & recovery Enjoys the solitude, adventure, and freedom of trail running  Favourite Races & Future Goals Dream Races: UTMB – Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (secured elite entry for 2026) Western States 100 (USA) Confirmed Upcoming Races: UTMB Mallorca Arc of Attrition (January) Ultra Trail Snowdonia (May) UTMB Chamonix (August)  What Charlotte Loves About Ultra Running Adventure, exploration, and seeing the world on foot The community, the challenge, the self-discovery Prefers mountain ultras over flat/road or backyard ultras Loves the beauty, technicality, and grit of long-distance trail running  Where to Find Charlotte Instagram: @charlottefisher (shares training, races, and inspiration)  Key Takeaways from Charlotte's Story You don't need a background in sport to become an athlete It's never too late to discover what you're meant to do You can start from zero — and still reach elite level with dedication Mountains, miles, and mindset can transform your life   Social Media Instagram @charlottefisher  

What happens when a dream is so big, so audacious, that you commit to it long before you have the skills, money, or confidence to make it happen? For Paula Ralph, that dream was to cycle from Cape Town, South Africa to Nordkapp, Norway— a 12,290 km journey across 17 countries. What began as a Guinness World Record attempt soon transformed into something far more powerful: a test of courage, resilience, and self-belief. Paula set off with one goal — to become the fastest woman to complete the route. But along the way, reality hit hard. Injuries, financial setbacks, fear, loneliness, and a traumatic collision with a truck in Zambia forced her to confront a heartbreaking truth: the record might no longer be possible. At this crossroads, Paula had a choice — stop, or redefine what success looked like. She chose to keep going. In this episode, Paula shares the raw truth behind the miles: the moments of doubt, the joy of human connection, the quiet sunrises that kept her pedalling, and the inner strength she discovered when everything else was stripped away. Her story is not just about endurance on a bike — it's about holding on to your "why" when the original plan falls apart. If you've ever had a dream that felt too big, or found yourself at the edge of giving up, Paula's journey will remind you that progress isn't always measured in records — sometimes it's measured in courage, growth, and the refusal to quit.  This episode is for you if: You're chasing a big goal or adventure You've experienced setbacks or self-doubt You want inspiration to keep going when life gets tough You love stories of resilience, solo travel, and human grit Ready to be inspired by what's possible when you simply refuse to stop? Hit play and let Paula take you on the road with her.  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Paula Doing the Long Ride - Cape Town to Nordkapp, Norway Being based in the UK  Growing up in South Africa in the middle of nowhere Not being very adventurous  Getting sporty in her adult years  Getting married and putting on weight Deciding to join a gym to lose weight in  Paying a Personal Trainer  How her outlook on fitness changed  Wanting to encourage other people to live a healthy life Getting into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Becoming a sports therapist in 2009  Going into retail after college  Getting her personal training qualifications  Advice and tips for women who aren't feeling comfortable in their body Encouraging women to find something they'd enjoy  Getting the idea for the ride in 2020 Being inspired by the longest walkable road in the world - from cape town to a tiny town in Russia Sharing her dream on Facebook  Giving herself 4 years to plan and train Deciding to do a cycling camp in Italy  Meeting her coach - Ian  Deciding it was now or never and starting the ride The challenges of getting to the start line Getting divorced in 2012 and not having children  The challenges of being self employed Struggling financially Creating a go fund me, to fund the challenge Wanting to start a foundation to help children in disadvantaged communities  Needing to take a little diversion to get back on track The start line of the long ride Being driven to the start line at 5am Dealing with the nerves at the start Wanting to beat the record and complete the challenge in 72 days Not having a support crew anymore due to the sponsorship falling through  Having an 8kg pack on her back while cycling  Crossing the border into Botswana Her cycle route through Africa The anxiety heading up to the Ethiopia border Border crossing  Heading through the Middle East and making it to Europe Mental resilience during the ride Reflecting on each day, how the day went and how she was feeling  Why the only way is forward Smiling through the pain Being on the bike and where her focus was Getting hit by a truck in Zambia  Needing to set the world record aside  Feeling overwhelmed and not wanting to continue the ride - being completely done  The end of the journey and knowing the end was insight Feeling proud of herself  Going live on Instagram to thank everyone  Adjusting back to life after the trip Leaving everything in the UAE Heading back to the UK after the ride Finding a contract job Trying to enjoy the downtime after the ride and struggling with not moving forward How to connect with Paula on social media Having her first account hacked on Instagram Fail to plan - plan to fail Why its all in the planning  Be prepared to be adaptable Forge forward    Social Media Instagram: @thelongridec2c.2   

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: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  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 Comrades Marathon 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  The Great World Race - 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: www.sharonjessop.com  Instagram: @runwildwithsharon  Facebook: @sharon.jessop1  YouTube: @sharonjessop1  

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: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  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 Singapore Sports School (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 English Channel Crossing  The Oceans Seven 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: @weezuine.tries  Facebook: Regine Goh  (吴宣萱) LinkedIn: Regine Goh  

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: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  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 www.themountaingirl.co.uk  Instagram @themountaingirluk  Facebook: @themountaingirluk X: Mountaingirl_UK  Bear Grylls Survival Academy - beargryllssurvivalacademy.com/team/anna-humphries  

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: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  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: Becoming a Badass: From Fearful to Fierce  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  Aim Health - Treatments  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: margiegoldsmith.com  Facebook: Masters Of The Harmonica  Book: Becoming a Badass: From Fearful to Fierce  

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: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes Who is Veronica? Final year PhD student at the University of Exeter  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 University of East Anglia  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 South West Coast Path  Naming her blog - Coves to Cliffs  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 The Farming Futures Tour 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, Act Big Live Small  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  Off Cut Gear  The highlights from the trip Still having to write the PhD! Food and farming  Finding lunch in rural areas Cycling hunger How to connect with Veronica  Planning the next adventure? Final words of advice  Surround yourself with people who say yes   Social Media Blog www.covestocliffs.com  Instagram @farmingfutures_cycle Youtube: @veronicaa_white

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 - Preet Chandi - Army Physiotherapist, Ultra Runner, first solo unsupported expedition to South Pole! Feb 15th 2022 - Preet Chandi - aka Polar Preet - 1st woman of colour to reach the South Pole   New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes Who is 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: www.polarpreet.com  Instagram: @polarpreet  Facebook: @polarpreet

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: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  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 10K Cooper River Bridge Run 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 London Marathon 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  The Tokyo Marathon 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 Sydney Marathon 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 - www.worldmajormarathonfinisher.com   Instagram @beachy_runner  LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/robyngodfrey  Facebook www.facebook.com/robyn.godfrey.3   Book: Running the World: A Runner's Odyssey of Struggle and Triumph in the World Marathon Majors   

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: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  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 LA Road Runners 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 Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research Taking 10 years to raise the funds  Project Purple Deciding to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks The Marathon Guy 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  The Leadville Marathon and the challenges of running at altitude   The Lake Tahoe Marathon The New York Marathon in 2012 - being cancelled   Marathon proposal! Being coached by her husband Qualifying for the Boston Marathon 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: The Miles and Trials of a Marathon Goddess: 52 Weeks, 52 Marathons 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: www.julie-weiss.com  Instagram: @marathongoddess  Facebook: @Julie-WeissMarathonGoddess  

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: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  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: RISK: A Life Saved by the River  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  Jamie McEwan  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 www.susannormanauthor.com  Facebook: Susan Norman   

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: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes Who is Vedangi From India but currently based in Inverness, Scotland  The Adventure Shed  Coming back from her 2nd ride around the world  Speaking to Vedangi in Sep 22, 2020 - Vedangi Kulkarni - The youngest woman to have circumnavigated the world on bicycle.  Tough Girl Extra Oct 27, 2022 - Vedangi Kulkarni - Adventurer and endurance athlete moving into mountain biking and crossing Svalbard.  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 Canyon Bikes  Speaking to the bike experts  Getting a gravel bike and specking it like a road bike Being an Ambassador for RAB  Working with Tailfin - 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 Lael Wilcox (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 her YouTube again Getting more active on Substack  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: vedangi.info  Instagram: @thisisvedangi LinkedIn: Vedangi Kulkarni  Twitter: @thisisvedangi Facebook: @wheelsandwords  YouTube: @thisisvedangi Link to donate me a small amount: [Buy Me A Coffee]   

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: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  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 1st Tough Girl Podcast episode - November 18th 2021 2nd Big Cycle Trip - Cycling from Mexico to Alaska This episode focusing on cycling from France to Nepal and hiking the Great Himalaya Trail  Thinking about the next challenge Hiking the High Route of the Pyrenees solo  Joking about the Great Himalaya Trail  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 @littlemisspedals  

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: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. 🙏 Your support makes a difference. 💖 Thank you x Show notes Who is Jenn and running MJ Outdoor Adventures  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 Lowland Leaders  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 Women's Wellness Walks  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  Isle of Wright Ultra - 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  Saxon Shore Way, Kent 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! The W trail in Patagonia (Feb 2026)  The Greensand Way  Working as an Ordnance Survey Champion  North Down's Way Ambassadors  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 North Down's Way (National Trail UK)  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: www.mjoutdooradventures.co.uk Instagram: @mjoutdooradventures   

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: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast 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 Marathon des Sables in Morocco  Struggling with sleep in the open tent, and dealing with the sandstorm and the noisy people in the tent Running Spartathlon Ultra Race  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 Candice Burt 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 Benny Fisher   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: www.hildedosogne.be/en  Instagram: @marathonwoman366/  Facebook: @marathonwoman.2024  Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/51029211