In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Prue Young, a remarkable triathlete and critical care flight paramedic who exemplifies resilience and determination. As a proud warrior living with multiple sclerosis (MS), Prue has not only faced personal challenges but has also triumphed in the world of endurance sports.

From her journey as an athlete to competing in the prestigious Ironman World Championships in Kona, Prue shares her inspiring story of perseverance. As a New Zealand representative, she has pushed through the barriers of her diagnosis to achieve incredible feats, including completing Ironman events and other endurance challenges. 

Join us as Prue discusses her experiences in triathlon, the intersection of her career and athletic pursuits, and how she continues to inspire others in the face of adversity. 

This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of chasing your dreams against all odds!

Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.

 Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.

Thank you for your amazing support!

Show notes

• Who is Prue
• Insights into her childhood in rural Dunedin, New Zealand
• Growing up with outdoor adventures like climbing trees, kayaking, skiing, and camping
• The influence of her parents in fostering her love for the outdoors
• Her involvement in sports during her school years, including water polo, hockey, and swimming
• Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh programme and how it introduced her to tramping and mountain biking
• Her early aspiration to become a doctor, inspired by a childhood incident
• Why she shifted her career focus from medicine to paramedicine
• How a suggestion to volunteer with St John Ambulance started her paramedic journey
• Prue’s path from volunteering to becoming a fully qualified paramedic
• The challenges of balancing work, study, and personal fitness while pursuing her paramedic degree
• How exercise became her outlet during busy and stressful periods
• Her initial exposure to triathlons during high school
• The role of a colleague in encouraging her to participate in a women’s triathlon
• Overcoming fears of road cycling and embracing triathlon training
• Completing her paramedics internship and rediscovering her love for sports
• Writing a bucket list and setting ambitious fitness goals
• Competing in New Zealand’s Coast to Coast multi-sport competition
• The components of the Coast to Coast event
• How Les Mills RPM classes rekindled her interest in biking
• Her journey from gym fitness to full Ironman triathlons
• Finding fulfilment in the outdoors through triathlons and endurance challenges
• How triathlons helped her manage stress and stay physically active
• The importance of community and support in her sporting and professional life
• The mental and physical challenges of transitioning to a high-intensity paramedic career
• Insights into balancing career demands with maintaining personal fitness
• Her reflections on resilience and adaptability through life’s challenges
• How her love for the outdoors continues to shape her lifestyle and career
• How she discovered her love for triathlons and embraced the joy of physical challenges
• Her first Ironman experience in March 2018
• The balance between overcoming challenges and enjoying the process of competing
• The influence of her postgraduate studies to her training routine
• Reflections on her second Ironman and how pressure impacted her enjoyment and performance
• Balancing work, study, and training while managing life changes
• How she shifted her focus from Ironman to the Coast to Coast multi-sport event
• The new challenges she faced learning to kayak
• The unique blend of skills and fitness required for both triathlons and multi-sport events
• How Prue attempted to take on both the Coast to Coast and Ironman in 2021
• The impact of COVID-19 restrictions on events and how they reshaped her plans
• How Prue’s journey took a major turn with the onset of symptoms leading to her MS (Multiple Sclerosis) diagnosis
• The early signs of MS that she experienced, including changes in sensation and strength
• Prue’s journey to understanding and managing her MS diagnosis
• The importance of finding joy in the process, even amid setbacks and challenges
• How Prue continues to approach life and sports with a positive and determined mindset
• Prue’s journey to the Ironman World Championships and overcoming challenges like injury and fatigue
• What it was like competing in Kona during COVID-19
• Highlights of being part of an inspiring athlete ambassador panel
• The joy and energy of the Ironman check-in process and race day atmosphere
• Her experiences with the swim, bike, and run segments, including battling heat and headwinds
• Supporting fellow athletes during the marathon with advice and encouragement
• The emotional and unforgettable moments
• Prue’s victory dance at the finish line and the camaraderie with volunteers
• How she showed that hope and determination lead to incredible achievements
• Final words of advice

Social Media

Instagram @ms_adventure_heli_medic 

Linda Blakely is a remarkable athlete and adventurer, known for her extraordinary accomplishments in the world of endurance sports. As an Ironman competitor, she has completed 25 full Ironman races, including three World Championships, achieving an impressive ranking of 19th in her age group worldwide. 

Linda proudly represented Great Britain as an age group athlete at long-distance triathlon events, earning a silver medal at the European Championships in 2015.

In 2018, Linda achieved an incredible feat by summiting both Everest and Lhotse, the fourth highest mountain in the world, within 24 hours of each other. This made her only the fourth female to accomplish this remarkable challenge and the first British woman to do so. 

But her adventures don’t stop there; Linda also became the first woman to row the Atlantic Ocean solo and unassisted, completing a gruelling 3,000-mile journey from Gran Canaria to Barbados.

Currently, Linda is preparing for her next formidable challenge: the Marathon des Sables, a 250km race across the Sahara Desert, where she will carry all her supplies on her back over seven days. 

Join us as we delve into Linda's awe-inspiring journey of perseverance, resilience, and her relentless pursuit of adventure!

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking motivation to pursue their dreams and conquer their own challenges.

***

Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.

 By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. 

Thank you for your invaluable support!

***

Show notes

• Who is Linda
• Running three children's care homes in London and Essex
• Care homes focused on children with trauma and learning disabilities
• Linda’s journey into care homes began with a chance meeting in Thailand
• Being active in many sports as a child, including gymnastics and swimming
• Her love for mountains grew from completing the Duke of Edinburgh
• Moving to London in her 20s and working various jobs
• Rediscovering sport in her 30s after a 10-year break.
• Doing first Ironman at age 34, starting with a super sprint event
• Quickly getting hooked on Ironman and aiming for the toughest races
• Completing 25 full Ironmans and three Kona World Championships
• She used to race 3 Ironmans per year but now focuses on qualifying for Kona
• Protein shakes and recovery boots being used for training
• Not believing in full rest days but take easy days for recovery
• Ranking swimming as her least favorite discipline but works hard at it
• Improving her bike leg with strength training
• Being strong in all three disciplines: swimming, cycling, and running.
• Her overall approach to racing is consistency across all three sports
• Linda’s next challenge, including mountain adventures and solo expeditions
• Linda's summit experience on Mount Everest
• The hardship of living conditions on Everest
• The striking sight of red head torches climbing Everest
• Her feelings on the summit ridge
• How she approached the challenge of summiting Everest
• Her decision to attempt both Everest and Lhotse
• Linda's reflections on the summit ridge of Everest
• Her emotional reaction to encountering a deceased climber on Lhotse
• The somber realities of high-altitude climbing
• The importance of respect for fallen climbers
• Linda’s successful summit of Everest in 2018
• The use of supplemental oxygen during the climb
• Becoming the first British female to traverse Everest and Lhotse.
• The desolation of Camp Four on Everest
• The logistical challenges after summiting Everest
• Walking down from base camp instead of taking a helicopter
• Dealing with adventure blues after completing major challenges
• Linda’s love for planning future adventures
• The reality and beauty of climbing Everest versus rowing the Atlantic
• Experiencing menopause at 47
• Feeling stressed, tired, and angry without knowing why
• Seeking treatment after the GP suggested antidepressants.
• Starting HRT, feeling more like herself again
• Struggling with exhaustion during training before HRT
• Turning 50 while rowing solo across the Atlantic
• Rowing alone for 54 days on the Atlantic Ocean
• Rowing for 16 hours a day, taking short breaks for food
• Planning meals daily to save time and energy.
• Managing sleep by setting an alarm every 45 minutes
• Listening to music and audiobooks for mental stimulation
• Starting a dress rental business after the row
• Dealing with painful skin sores from sitting too long
• Experimenting with different seats to ease discomfort
• Rowing in minimal clothing to avoid saltwater irritation
• Never considering quitting during the challenge
• Sharing her birthday experience while rowing the Atlantic
• Describing the emotional journey of overcoming bad weather
• Talking about accepting the change in goals from a record to enjoying the journey
• Highlighting the support received through social media on her birthday
• Mentioning her admiration for Victoria Evans' rowing record
• Discussing the changes in boat design affecting the record challenge
• Explaining her achievement as the first woman to summit Everest and row solo across the Atlantic
• Preparing for an Ironman race and training for the Marathon des Sables
• Planning ultra-marathon training with back-to-back races in February
• Fundraising for Action Medical Research to help sick babies and children
• Final words of advice

Social Media

Website: www.lindablakelysboutique.com 

Instagram: @blakely.linda 

Charity: www.action.org.uk

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Xian, an accomplished climber, climbing coach, and writer. 

With over 20 years of experience in the climbing world, Xian's journey has transformed from an enthusiastic gym rat to an international competitor, and now she focuses on outdoor performance, coaching, and writing.

Climbing has been a powerful force in Xian's life, helping her uncover her true self and shape her aspirations. Her passion for the sport culminated in her recently published book, Smooth: Movement Principles and Techniques for Climbing, where she shares valuable insights on the art of climbing. 

Join us as Xian discusses her evolution in the climbing community, the principles behind effective movement, and how climbing continues to influence her life.

***

Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.

 Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.

Thank you for your amazing support!

***

Show notes

Social Media

Website www.xiangoh.com 

Instagram @xiangoh_ 

Facebook @xiangohcoach 

Book: ‘Smooth: Movement Principles and Techniques for Climbing’ 

In this episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Heidi Beierle—author, slow traveler, and artist—who shares her incredible journey across America by bicycle. Back in 2010, Heidi pedaled solo across the U.S., studying bicycle tourism and rural economic development. 

That life-changing journey became the foundation for her memoir, Heidi Across America – One Woman’s Journey on a Bicycle Through the Heartland.

With over 15 years working at the crossroads of transportation, tourism, and recreation, and 17 years without owning a car, Heidi brings a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of exploring the outdoors without relying on a vehicle. 

Her mission? To make transformative outdoor experiences accessible for everyone, regardless of their abilities or circumstances.

Beyond her passion for sustainable travel, Heidi’s creativity shines through her art, from upcycled collage puzzles to award-winning costumes. Her work has been published in National Geographic Traveler, High Desert Journal, and more. 

Tune in to hear Heidi’s insights on slow travel, her creative inspirations, and how she’s making the outdoors open to all. 

Get ready for a journey that redefines what it means to explore and connect with the world around us.

***

Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.

 Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.

Thank you for your amazing support!

***

Show notes

• Who is Heidi
• Her early experiences with slow travel and the outdoors
• Growing up in Wyoming and exploring open spaces as a child
• The influence of bicycling during her childhood and independence it provided
• Her father’s mythic 100-mile bike ride and its lasting impact
• Transitioning from mountain climbing to bicycling for local exploration
• How financial challenges and the 2008 recession influenced her journey
• The decision to pursue a degree in active transportation planning
• Her struggle with the demands of postgraduate studies
• The email from her mother that inspired her cross-country bike ride
• The birth of the idea to cycle solo across the US
• Using the bike tour as research for her master’s project
• Heidi’s first long-distance bike tour from Oregon to San Francisco, California
• Her prior experience with solo adventures, including mountain climbing
• Heidi’s approach to planning: a balance of structure and flexibility
• Lessons learned from her cross-country trip, including managing expectations
• The challenges of balancing blogging, research, and daily cycling
• How pressure and over-scheduling affected her trip enjoyment
• An example of spontaneous travel in Europe with her partner
• Adapting travel plans due to weather and high tourist seasons
• The importance of balancing spontaneity with logistical planning
• Insights into flexible planning during high travel seasons
• Heidi’s reflections on prioritising experiences over rigid schedules
• Her evolving perspective on enjoying side trips and unplanned opportunities
• The empowering feeling of covering long distances under her own power
• The joy and challenge of balancing adventure with responsibilities
• How slow travel fosters deeper connections with people and places
• Heidi’s philosophy on blending structure with adaptability in travel
• Heidi’s decision to navigate her bike tour using paper maps instead of GPS
• The challenges of navigating with traditional maps during her journey
• Magical moments with locals who offered kindness and hospitality
• Facing the challenges of cycling in extreme heat and the miraculous help from strangers
• Heidi’s reflections on authentic connections made during her journey
• The evolving concept of slow travel and how it differs from traditional tourism
• Heidi’s early work in bicycle tourism and equitable car-free travel access
• Efforts to create sustainable tourism options in the Columbia River Gorge
• The impact of slow travel on climate-friendly and accessible tourism
• How limitations and barriers affect access to travel for different people
• Heidi’s definition of slow travel and its significance in modern tourism
• Her thoughts on how slow travel fosters deeper connections and mindfulness
• The cultural emergence of slow travel and its growing recognition
• The inspiration behind Heidi’s book and the role of slow travel in its themes
• Insights into Heidi’s process of promoting her book through a slow travel approach
• Heidi’s upcoming travel plans for her book tour in 2025
• Heidi’s milestone birthday plans and embracing turning 50
• The personal growth and self-awareness Heidi gained through her travels
• Final words of advice

Social Media

Website: HeidiAcrossAmerica.com

FB group: The Wonder of Slow Travel

FB personal profile: www.facebook.com/heidi.beierle.7

Instagram @heidibeierle

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-beierle-213b3314

In today’s episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Jessica Holmes—writer, author, and motivational speaker—who left a career as a major crimes investigator to pursue her passion for adventure and a more fulfilling, eco-friendly lifestyle. 

Jessica’s love for travel goes back years, from backpacking across continents to embracing van life. But along the way, she became mindful of the environmental toll of constant travel and decided to find a more sustainable approach. That’s when she discovered housesitting—a way to explore the world at a slower pace, caring for homes and pets as she goes.

Jessica now travels the globe as a digital nomad, sharing her experiences and insights with those dreaming of a life outside the ordinary. 

Tune in to hear about her fascinating career shift, her commitment to mindful travel, and her advice on creating a life of adventure on your own terms. 

This is an episode for anyone who dreams of living fully, sustainably, and on their own path!

Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.

 Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.

 Thank you for your amazing support!

Show notes

• Who is Jessica
• Jessica’s current lifestyle as a full-time house sitter and writer
• The inspiration behind her book, The Housesitter's Guide to the Galaxy
• How her childhood on a farm shaped her love for the outdoors and animals
• Meeting her husband in her teens, who had a strong wanderlust, which influenced her to start traveling
• The role her teenage friendship (and eventual relationship) with her husband played in igniting her wanderlust
• Jessica’s early belief in a conventional life path and how it shifted over time
• Her university experience and how it transitioned into two years of backpacking
• Highlights from her travels, including the Trans-Siberian Railway, Trans-Mongolian Railway, and volunteering in China
• The challenges and joys of long-term travel, including bouts of food poisoning and cultural immersion
• The adjustment period of returning home after extensive travel
• How Jessica and her husband initially settled into traditional jobs but later questioned their lifestyle
• The impact of the pandemic in reigniting their passion for adventure and reshaping their future plans
• How they used maps and guidebooks during the pandemic to dream and plan their next moves
• The practicalities and challenges of transitioning to a digital nomad lifestyle
• How house sitting has become a cornerstone of their sustainable, low-cost travel approach
• The financial strategies that make their nomadic life possible, including frugal living and house-sitting exchanges
• Jessica’s husband’s transition to a fully remote accounting job and its role in their journey
• The emotional and logistical difficulties Jessica faced in leaving her career in police investigations
• Her resourcefulness in exploring digital nomad job options despite not feeling qualified initially
• The sense of purpose and freedom that fuels Jessica and her husband’s adventures
• Encouragement for others to take the first step toward a lifestyle they’re passionate about
• How Jessica handles accidental damages while house sitting
• The importance of open communication with homeowners
• Jessica’s memorable experience with a dog chewing her laptop
• The balance between honesty and homeowners’ leniency in house-sitting mishaps
• Why Jessica doesn’t feel compelled to snoop while house sitting
• How Jessica and her partner have adjusted to working and living in other people’s homes
• The routines that help Jessica and her partner balance house sitting with their careers
• Jessica’s approach to selecting house sits and prioritising space and comfort
• How Jessica manages anxiety while pursuing an adventurous lifestyle
• Practical tips Jessica uses to identify and manage anxiety triggers
• How journaling and therapy have helped Jessica cope with anxiety
• The role of support from loved ones in managing mental health
• Jessica’s advice for embracing adventure despite anxiety
• An overview of Jessica’s blog and podcast, including their focus on house sitting and slow travel.
• How Jessica integrates themes from her book into her podcast series
• Insights into sustainable travel and reducing environmental impact as a digital nomad
• Jessica’s focus on minimising flights and using alternative travel methods
• Why slow travel and longer stays are key to Jessica’s sustainable lifestyle
• How Jessica evaluates the environmental impact of homeowners’ travel plans
• Final words of advice

Social Media

Instagram @hitchedhikingandhousesitting

Blog www.hitchedandhiking.com

Book: “The Housesitter's Guide to the Galaxy: A Guide to Housesittng and Achieving Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Travel” on Amazon/Waterstones online

Get ready for an episode that dives into the thrilling world of obstacle course racing with Dr. Becky Neal! 

Becky is an elite British obstacle course racer, a dedicated sports science lecturer, and the Head of OCR at British Obstacle Sports. She’s a Guinness World Record holder for completing the world’s highest OCR event on Mount Everest, and she’s competed in over 150 races across 10 countries since she first discovered the sport during her PhD in environmental physiology.

With a background in running and gymnastics, OCR was a natural fit for Becky, but it’s been her grit and resilience that have propelled her to captain the British national team and become a leader in this sport. 

In this episode, she shares her journey—from her early experiences and initial challenges to racing in extreme environments like the deserts of Saudi Arabia and the high altitudes of Nepal. She also offers invaluable tips on tackling difficult obstacles and staying motivated, no matter your skill level.

We’ll explore Becky’s groundbreaking research into wearable technology to monitor athlete health in extreme conditions, and discuss the future of OCR as it takes a spot in the 2028 Olympics as part of the modern pentathlon. 

This is an episode that celebrates the power of perseverance, and you won’t want to miss it. Tune in for some serious inspiration!

Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.

 By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. 

Thank you for your invaluable support!

Show notes

• Who is Becky
• Becky's active childhood involved gymnastics, athletics, cross-country, and camping
• Continuing her passion for sports through university
• Doing cheerleading before discovering obstacle course racing
• The history of Obstacle Course Racing (OCR)
• The Tough Guy races in the UK
• How races like Tough Mudder, and Spartan Race brought mainstream popularity to OCR
• Becky's first OCR experience
• Finding OCR to be both challenging and enjoyable
• Becky's competitive nature and desire to prove herself physically
• Enjoying the camaraderie of OCR teams
• Training centres and British Obstacle Sports
• Fostering a supportive community for women in OCR
• Struggling with strength for heavy carries
• How her background in gymnastics gave her a head start on techniques
• The growth of OCR, especially among women
• The excitement of seeing more teenage girls getting involved in OCR
• Her journey of self-improvement within OCR
• Being motivated by the sport’s evolving challenges and the supportive community
• Physical and psychological types of obstacles
• High obstacles like the cargo net
• Slides and confined spaces that can cause psychological challenges
• Personal anecdotes of fear and mental hurdles among friends
• Overcoming fears and mental blocks
• Participating with someone to ease the process
• Training at centres to practise certain obstacles
• Exposure to obstacles through videos and guides for familiarity
• Balancing physical condition with mental readiness
• Running 4-5 times a week to build endurance for the races
• Bouldering for grip strength, not necessarily for climbing technique
• Use of specialised obstacle centres and coaches, where available
• Becky's home training setup, including a bike ergo, monkey bars, campus board, and kettlebells
• Mount Everest Guinness World Record
• Becky’s long-standing interest in mountains and altitude
• Event titled “World’s Highest OCR,” set in Nepal (November 2022)
• Partnership with wearable device company OxyWear to monitor oxygen levels
• Study on cognitive function, oxygen saturation, and altitude sickness
• Three stages of the event, including the trek to Everest Base Camp
• Challenges like acclimatisation, extreme cold, and high altitude during the race
• Altitude, oxygen scarcity, and impact on the body
• Importance of respecting one's limits and listening to the body
• Observations of other trekkers struggling and determination to continue despite health risks
• Reflections on motivations and risks in high-stakes, challenging environments
• Personal experience of altitude sickness and emotional response
• Understanding individual responses to high-altitude training and sickness
• Current research - using short hypoxia exposures to predict altitude sickness risk
• Approaches in nutrition, training, and adaptation for individual physiology
• Use of wearable technology to monitor vital signs
• Desert Ultra OCR in Saudi Arabia
• Personal approach to training and racing
• Innovation in wearable tech testing
• Future plans and research direction
• Final words of advice

Social Media

Website: British Obstacle Course Racing 

Instagram: @therunnerbeanuk