Kristin is a thru-hiker, climber, and human rights activist from Norway currently living in London. Despite her outdoorsy upbringing in snowy Norway, it was only in her 20s that she discovered her own adventure journey.
After going through a very tough time at university, Kristin decided to hike the Te Araroa across New Zealand’s South Island as an existential journey to shed her depression when she was 22.
Her thru-hiking journey has taken her across the world on trails such as the John Muir Trail, the GR11 Spain, the GR20 Corsica, and The Haute Route in Switzerland.
She founded her blog, Let’s Trek It, to share her adventures, tips, and inspire others to undertake their own wilderness journeys.
***
Don't miss the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 AM UK time! 
Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. 
This episode of the Tough Girl Podcast is proudly sponsored by INOV8, pioneers in cutting-edge sportswear. 
Use code TOUGHGIRL15 to get your 15% discount. 
Click Here 
***
Show notes
- Who is Kristin
- Originally from Norway but living in London now
- Being a thru-hiker for the past 9 years
- Growing up in Norway and spending a lot of time outdoors in the mountains
- Discovering thru hiking
- The struggles during her undergrad years
- Dealing with bullying and feeling of being loneliness
- Struggling with depression
- Searching for purpose
- Being inspired by the book: Wild - By Cheryl Strayed
- Cheryl Strayed - Tough Girl Podcast May 2, 2017
- Knowing that the Te Araroa Trail was the key to making her life better
- Deciding to start with a smaller trail - The West Highland Way - for her first thru0hike
- The kindness of strangers on the trails
- Being 22 and ready to go
- The reasons for deciding to hike in New Zealand
- Concerns before thru-hiking
- Expecting thru-hiking to make everything better
- Walking into her life
- Why it’s the journey and not the destination
- Favourite sections on the South Island, New Zealand
- The Nelson Lakes and the Two Thumb Range
- Feeling so happy while being on the trail
- The challenging days on a thru-hike
- Struggling with a lack of sleep
- Thunderstorms on the GR20 (Corsica)
- Dealing with challenging situation on a thru-hike
- Balancing her love of hiking with her London lifestyle
- Post trail/adventure blues and dealing with them
- Filling your life with fun things
- Hiking the GR11(walking across the Pyrenees, on the Spanish side)
- Future walks/thruhikes
- Heading to America to section hike part of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
- Trail name - “white blaze”
- How to connect with Kristin
- Believing in the power of inspiration
- Final words of advice and wisdom for you - “ Dare to act on an idea because there is no reason why it can’t be you”
Social Media
Website: www.letstrekit.com
Instagram: @lets.trek.it
Facebook: @letstrekit
Sunny is a professional adventure athlete, guide service owner and story teller based in Kanab, Utah.
After obtaining an MBA from Harvard Business School and pursuing a career as a management consultant in her twenties, Sunny decided to leave behind the business world in order to focus full-time on mountains, climbing and VLDs (very long distances).
Today, she is a professional athlete and owner of two guiding businesses - AWExpeditions and Dreamland Safari Tours.
She is also the founder of the AWE Summit Scholarship Foundation that breaks down barriers for women+ to access mountaineering and the backcountry -- in the form of tens of thousands of dollars in expedition scholarships.
Sunny first came on the Tough Girl Podcast on Jun 23, 2020. Sharing her story about being the first woman to circumnavigate and summit Aconcagua in a single push.
You can listen to that episode Here
***
Don't miss the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 AM UK time!
Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.
This episode of the Tough Girl Podcast is proudly sponsored by INOV8, pioneers in cutting-edge sportswear.
Use code TOUGHGIRL15 to get your 15% discount. Click Here
***
Show notes
- Who is Sunny
- Working as a professional adventure athlete and running her own travel companies
- Sunny first came on the Tough Girl Podcast on Jun 23, 2020. First woman to circumnavigate and summit Aconcagua in a single push.
- What happened in 2020
- Deciding to buy a tour company/guide service business
- Using her MBA from Harvard
- Thriving with the challenge and the uncertainty
- Pursuing her own adventures and being her own boss
- Getting involved in running Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
- Starting to focus on adventuring in Alaska
- 350 mile race on cross country skis - Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI), held in Alaska during Winter (2021)
- Planning to head to the South Pole in the future
- More info about the ITI and how its structured, and what you can expect.
- The short version - 350 miles. The long version 1000 miles. You need to do the short version of the race before you can attempt to race the longer version.
- The different modes of travel: Fat bike, dogs, skies, walking
- The lessons learned from the recce before the bigger race
- No mandatory gear list
- Being able to connect with folks who had done the race before to get advice and tips
- Leaving her comfort zone behind and moving into the stretch zone
- Dealing with uncomfortable feelings
- Reflection back on her first ITI in 2021
- Dealing with overflow
- Not having a background in cross country skiing
- Knowing that she able to keep herself safe in these extreme conditions
- Dealing with broken bindings and having to hike the final 150 miles
- Having a 10 day deadline to cover the 350 miles
- Being pushed to her limits both physically and emotionally
- Going back in 2022 to ski the 350 mile distance again - gaining more experience and knowledge
- Fat biking the race in 2023 with her husband
- Feeling ready to commit to the 1000 miles race in 2024
- Race strategy and plan (both adhoc and thought through)
- Needing to complete the 1000 miles (approx 930 - 960 miles) in 30 days
- Dealing with a stress fracture on her shin in the December and only having 5 weeks to train
- Using both a backpack and a pulk/sled to transport gear.
- Dealing with the cold and trying to avoid getting wet in -30/-40 degrees
- Aiming to travel slowly, keeping her heart rate low in an aim to keep from sweating
- Dealing with wet and damp gloves and getting a little bit of frost bite on her fingers.
- Dealing with numb heels and maybe a little bit of nerve damage after the race
- Highlights and magical moment from life on the trail
- Being in her own thoughts for 14hrs or more a day
- Food and nutrition on the trail
- Feeling the pressure to reach the finish line before the cut off point
- Making it across the sea ice before it flooded or melted
- Being 200 miles from the finish on the North Shore
- Becoming the first women to ski the ITI 1000
- Recovery after the race (doughnuts & wine!)
- How to connect with Sunny and to follow along with her adventures
- Final words of advice and and wisdom to inspire and motivate women and girls
- Why you need to continually be pushing your comfort zone
Social Media
Websites:
Instagram:
Sarah Perry is an ultra-runner, dedicated educator, and INOV8 ambassador with a passion for the outdoors and pushing her limits. On this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, Sarah shares her journey from her Yorkshire roots to breaking records on the South West Coast Path (SWCP).
Living in Cumbria and working in adult education, Sarah balances her career with her love for long-distance running. Growing up with family holidays in the Lakes, Wales, and Scotland, she developed a love for the hills. After lockdown, Sarah sought a healthier balance, moving to a greener environment and embracing running for the joy it brings.
In March 2024, Sarah set a new British backyard running record, showcasing her mental resilience and strategic approach to ultra-running. Her most notable achievement came with her record-breaking, self-supported run of the SWCP, covering 630 miles in 13 days, 11 hours, and 31 minutes. Despite a failed attempt in 2023 due to injury, her meticulous planning and determination led to success.
As an INOV8 ambassador, Sarah discusses her favourite gear and the support she receives from the brand. She also talks about the importance of community and staying motivated, even when balancing a full-time job with intense training.
Looking ahead, Sarah is preparing for future challenges, including the 13 Valleys Ultra in September and the Winter Spine in January 2025. Her story highlights the power of dreaming big, learning from failures, and the importance of detailed planning.
Tune in to hear Sarah Perry's story, her adventures on the SWCP, and her advice for women looking to elevate their running: "Dream big and don’t forget the spreadsheet!" Connect with Sarah on social media to follow her journey and upcoming challenges.
***
Don't miss the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 AM UK time!
Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.
This episode of the Tough Girl Podcast is proudly sponsored by INOV8, pioneers in cutting-edge sportswear.
Use code TOUGHGIRL15 to get your 15% discount. Click Here.
***
Show notes
- Who is Sarah - Teacher, dog mum & ultra-runner.
- Living in Cumbria and working in adult education
- Doing a little bit of longer distance running!
- Running the South West Coast Path (SWCP)
- Breaking the record (self supported) 630 miles in 13 days, 11 hours and 31 mins
- Growing up in Yorkshire
- Making a change after lockdown and deciding to move somewhere greener
- Having an older brother and being quite competitive
- Having family holiday in the Lakes, Wales and Scotland and doing lots of walking in the hills
- Not having the healthiest balance with running when she first started in her early 20s
- Trying to gain control in her life
- Why your 20s can be so stressful
- Using running as an escape and a tool for finding herself
- Running for the love of it and not doing super structured training programs
- Setting a new British backyard running record in March 2024
- What is a backyard ultra?
- 4.2 miles per lap, going out on the hour, every hour until 1 person is left.
- The mental side of a back yard ultra - and the tactics involved?
- Getting her head down and doing her own thing.
- 52 mins for each lap - approx 8/10 mins to recover
- What goes on during the rest break
- Not wanting to run until she dropped
- The reality of running while having a job and living
- Staying in the zone and thinking of the small things
- Becoming an INOV8 ambassador
- Favourite INOV8 Trainers - Trailfly
- Fell shoe - INOV8 Mudtalon Speed
- Attempting to run the SWCP last year in 2023 and needing to stop on day 3 due to an injury
- The reason for going self supported
- Planning for the SWCP
- Trying to figure out how far to run each day….
- Working out ferry crossings, food and water stops
- Living out the adventure via the spreadsheet, before even stepping on the path
- Needing to fail the first time, in order to understand what it would take to go again
- Training and getting mentally ready
- Hill sessions, back to back running and a few structured sessions
- Being worried about safety
- Needing to embrace all the things that you can’t control
- Being able to zone out while on the trail and visualising the end goal
- Facing challenges everyday while out on the SWCP
- The weather and the mud…
- Highlights from the run
- Why there were more positive moments, than negative
- The final 20 miles…
- Having to dig so deep
- How to connect with Sarah on social media
- Future challenges and goals
- 13 Valleys Ultra in September
- The Winter Spine - January 2025
- Final words of advice for women who want to take their running to the next level
- Why you should dream big
- Don’t forget the spreadsheet!
Social Media
Instagram: @sarahperry19917
Kelly Smith is a trailblazer in the UK triathlon community, known for her pioneering work as the founder of The Black Tri Tribe (BTT), the first triathlon club specifically for Black people in the UK. On this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, Kelly shares her inspiring journey from a private triathlon enthusiast to a public advocate for inclusivity in sports.
Kelly's initial foray into triathlons was a personal endeavour, but her passion for the sport soon evolved into a mission to break down barriers and create a supportive community for Black athletes. She first spoke about her experiences on the Tough Girl Podcast on February 24th, 2022, detailing the challenges she faced and the pivotal moments that led to the creation of BTT.
In September 2022, Kelly officially launched The Black Tri Tribe, starting with a survey to understand the needs and barriers within the triathlon community. The feedback highlighted a recurring theme: the need for greater inclusion. BTT was born as a community organisation dedicated to addressing these issues, organising events, and fostering a welcoming environment for its members.
Throughout the episode, Kelly discusses the highs and lows of running BTT while working a full-time job, including the expansion of the club from Brighton and London to Birmingham. She shares insights from hosting panel discussions on diversifying triathlon, and the importance of community support in maintaining motivation when things get tough.
Kelly's commitment to BTT goes beyond organising events; it's about creating a space where Black people and People of Colour feel welcomed and supported in the outdoors. Despite the challenges and the risk of burnout, her dedication remains unwavering, driven by the belief in the power of community and the importance of inclusivity in sports.
Tune in to hear Kelly Smith's story, her vision for BTT, and her advice for anyone considering taking up triathlons: "Why you should ‘Try a Ting’.”
Join us as we celebrate the journey of a remarkable woman making a significant impact in the world of triathlon.
***
Don't miss the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 AM UK time!
Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.
This episode of the Tough Girl Podcast is proudly sponsored by INOV8, pioneers in cutting-edge sportswear.
Use code TOUGHGIRL15 to get your 15% discount. Click Here.
***
Show notes
- Who is Kelly Smith
- Being the founder of The Black Tri Tribe (BTT)
- First speaking to Kelly on the Tough Girl Podcast - Feb 24th 2022 - Kelly Smith - On the Go - Being passionate about the outdoors.
- Keep her triathlons private
- Spending a year doing different things, from swimming to SUPs
- Being asked about her triathlons
- Signing up for a local triathlon event
- Starting the BTT in September 2022
- Starting with a survey to find out what was missing
- Living in an echo chamber via social media
- Figuring out what were the barriers were
- Having - inclusion come up over and over again
- Why the BTT is a community organisation
- Putting on events
- The next steps in building the BTT
- Starting with the social media
- Being receptive to feedback
- Finding out the distances that people want to do
- What is realistic?
- Is a sprint triathlon entry level?
- The BTT special
- Not enjoying running
- Why can’t tri including walking
- Spending a year figuring out her life
- Not being very good at admin
- Not asking for help
- Getting a committee together - June 2023
- Getting admin help November 2023
- Expanding from Brighton and London to Birmingham
- People didn’t know where to get gear from
- People needing support from their community
- Hosting panel discussion - on how to diversify the sport of triathlon
- Working a full time job and running BTT
- Not sleeping and feeling close to burn out
- Making thing happen - takes hard work and consistency
- Not being able to train
- Not having life - BTT has become her life
- Having bills to pay and funding the BTT
- The opportunity cost
- How long can Kelly do this for
- Getting burnout by social interaction and not by the work
- The quiet year
- Why don’t Black people go into the outdoors?
- Gaining a variety of new qualifications
- Not expecting it to be so difficult
- Maintaining motivation levels when things aren’t going to plan
- Being supported by her community
- Women supporting women
- The power of having other people believing in you
- Why things can just take time
- Sue - member of the BTT - her story and doing a BTT Special Triathlon
- Future plans for the next 6 months
- Ebony Hikers Walks
- Triathlon 7th June 2025 - tickets are available now
- Why the triathlon is for everyone
- Why the training session are for Black people and People of Colour only
- Aiming to be as inclusive as possible
- The minority within the minority
- Why the day of the triathlon is a celebration
- Why we are the most connected and most disconnected we’ve ever been
- How to connect with Kelly
- How the events have grown over the years
- Final words of advice
- Why you should ‘Try a Ting’
Social Media
The Black Tri Tribe - Community organisation. The first triathlon club for Black People in the UK.
Website: https://the-black-tri-tribe.
Instagram:
Facebook: @blacktritribe
Erin Leider-Pariser is a trailblazer in the realm of wellness and adventure travel. Beginning her career as a fitness instructor in Los Angeles and later becoming a trainer to the stars in New York City, Erin's journey has been defined by a passion for adventure and a commitment to empowering women.
After earning a master’s degree in exercise physiology at Columbia University, Erin founded Sports Travel Adventure Therapy (STAT), leading women on transformative journeys around the world for over 30 years. In 2023, she authored "Get Lost," a memoir and manifesto articulating her Seven Principles for Trekking Life with Grace.
Growing up in Miami as the "tomboy" of the family, Erin's adventurous spirit led her to explore the world, spending time abroad in London and hitchhiking 45 years ago. Her experiences have shaped her belief in the transformative power of nature and the importance of embracing life's journey.
Join us as we delve into Erin's remarkable story, reflect on her insights shared in "Get Lost," and discover why it's not where you are, but where you've been that truly matters.
***
Don't miss the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 AM UK time!
Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.
This episode of the Tough Girl Podcast is proudly sponsored by INOV8, pioneers in cutting-edge sportswear.
Use code TOUGHGIRL15 to get your 15% discount. Click here
***
Show notes
- Who is Erin
- Being based in NYC and Aspen, Colorado
- Writing her book: Get Lost: Seven Principles for Trekking Life with Grace and Other Life Lessons from Kick-Ass Women’s Adventure Travel.
- Travelling and adventuring for over 30 years
- Growing up in Miami and being very active
- Being the 3rd girl in the family and growing up as the ‘tomboy’
- Playing all the sports
- Spending time in London and doing a semester abroad
- Hitching 45 years ago
- STATs - Sports Travel Adventure Therapy
- Making her way to NYC and working as a personal trainer
- Teaching fitness - the Jane Fonda Method
- Going back to get her Masters
- Getting married and having kids
- Being forced to reevaluate her career and needing to make some changes
- Looking for purpose in her own life
- Why it’s about the journey and not the destination
- The talking stick ceremony
- The transformation power of nature
- The power of vulnerability
- Dealing with a challenging moment and group dynamics
- Honouring and obeying your intuition
- Getting lost and feeling lost in her own life
- Walking with integrity
- No judgement
- Asking for grace
- Starting her morning with a mantra
- Love, honour and obey your intuition
- How the book came about
- Breaking her leg January 2020
- The power of embracing your community
- Getting travelling again after covid
- Planning a hiking trip/trek to Nepal
- Travel burnout ?
- Getting the balance right with travelling
- Travelling in Colombia and dealing with a flash flood while on the Lost City Trail
- Planning a future trip to Azores in November (the Hawaii of Europe)
- The Overland Track in Tasmania
- Dual Pilgrim Status. Hiking in Japan and Spain
- How to connect with Erin
- Advice from Erin for women who want to do more adventure travel
- Why it’s not where you are, buy where you’ve been
Social Media
Website: stattrip.com
In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Rachel Durchslag, an avid hiker and healing professional who has spent the last five years trekking some of the world’s most magnificent mountain ranges. Rachel shares her transformative experiences and the profound lessons she's learned along the way.
Rachel’s story begins in downtown Chicago, where she grew up and later founded the nonprofit Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation. As the executive director, she dedicated herself to ending the abuse of sex trafficking and sexual assault. However, after years of self-sacrifice and battling burnout and empathy fatigue, Rachel realised she needed a significant change.
In her 30s, Rachel decided to leave her career and the bustling life of Chicago behind, moving to the serene landscapes of Asheville, North Carolina. Here, she embraced a new life focused on healing, both for herself and others. Her healing work involves providing alternative therapies to help people recover from trauma and create more room for joy in their lives.
Rachel’s adventures in solo travel began with a life-changing trip to Iceland, where she learned to embrace loneliness, freedom, and self-fulfilment. From walking the Camino de Santiago to hiking in Nepal and reaching the base of Everest, Rachel's treks have taught her invaluable lessons about resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of a fulfilling relationship with oneself.
Throughout the episode, Rachel offers advice for solo female hikers and travellers, discusses the challenges and rewards of being vegan while hiking, and shares her daily hiking routines. She also reflects on the concept of RFS - Return Flight Syndrome - and how it affects her post-travel mindset.
Join us as we explore Rachel’s incredible adventures, her healing practices, and the wisdom she's gained from her journeys. Discover why Rachel believes we are all pilgrims on our own unique paths and the importance of creating time for yourself.
***
Don't miss the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 AM UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.
This episode of the Tough Girl Podcast is proudly sponsored by INOV8, pioneers in cutting-edge sportswear.
Use code TOUGHGIRL15 to get your 15% discount. Click here: https://www.
***
Show notes
- Who is Rachel
- Working in the healing profession
- Supporting people in the non-profit world
- Moving away from self sacrifice and harm
- Growing up in downtown Chicago
- Travelling and being inspired by her dad
- What changed in her 30s
- Dealing with burnout and empathy fatigue
- Realising that she needed to leave her career and Chicago
- Moving to North Carolina
- Wanting to explore travelling by herself
- Her first solo trip to Iceland
- Having a date with loneliness
- Feeling freedom and opportunity
- Having a fulfilling relationship with yourself
- Walking the Camino de Santiago - the way of St James
- The lessons learned from her first experience
- Arriving into Santiago de Compostela
- Suffering from RFS - Return Flight Syndrome
- Reflection on the return
- Why we are always pilgrims on journeys
- Getting a tattoo on her wrist
- 21 dots…
- Choosing the next adventure
- Hiking in Nepal and to the base of Everest
- Advice for solo female hikers and travellers
- Anticipate that there will be lonely times
- How other people can put their fear narrative on you
- Being vegan while hiking
- Walking to Petra in Jordan
- Daily hiking routines
- Tour de Mount Blanc (TMB)
- How fitness helps with mental health
- Healing practices
- Hiking in Romania
- Hiking in Wales
- How to connect with Rachel
- Words of advice
- The importance of creating time for yourself
Social Media
Website: www.whileiwalk.com
Instagram: @whileiwalkbook
Facebook: @whileiwalkbook
In this episode, we sit down with Audrey Payne, a long-distance backpacker, acclaimed writer, and nature enthusiast who calls Boulder, Colorado, her home. Audrey's incredible journey from overcoming a debilitating back injury to thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT) forms the heart of our conversation. Raised in Upstate New York and inspired by her transformative experiences abroad in New Zealand and Madagascar, Audrey has always had a deep love for the outdoors. Her passion led her to pursue environmental science and journalism, but the pressures of her studies and early career eventually led to burnout and a severe back injury. Undeterred, she found inspiration in Bill Bryson’s "A Walk in the Woods" and set her sights on the AT, a journey she chronicles in her newly published memoir.
Throughout our chat, Audrey shares the highs and lows of her trail life, from the supportive community she found to the physical and mental challenges she faced. We explore her trail name ‘Glowstick,’ her trail family dynamics, and the lessons learned from her trek. Audrey also opens up about the post-trail depression she experienced and how writing her memoir helped her process the journey. As she plans future hikes, including the possibility of tackling the Pacific Crest Trail, Audrey’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience and the joy of embracing life’s adventures. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and gain insights into the life of a dedicated thru-hiker and nature lover.
***
Don't miss the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 AM UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.
This episode of the Tough Girl Podcast is proudly sponsored by INOV8, pioneers in cutting-edge sportswear.
Use code TOUGHGIRL15 to get your 15% discount. Click here: https://www.
***
Show notes
- Who is Audrey
- Being a hiking and backpacking enthusiast
- Living in Boulder Colorado, USA
- Growing up in Upstate New York
- Her early years and her passion for the outdoors
- Spending a summer abroad in New Zealand at 16
- How it changed her life
- Spending time in Madagascar for a semester abroad during college
- Staying environmental science and journalist with a minor in anthropology
- Dealing with burnout and how it happened.
- Moving to Washing DC to study for a Masters Degree in Public Relations.
- Working for an entertainment communications firm
- Dealing with a back injury while having to work all the time
- Starting to think about the Appalachian Trail (AT)
- Getting inspired by Bill Bryson and his book; Walk in the Woods
- Making the decision to start taking the first steps towards achieving her goal of walking the AT
- Getting to the start line
- Landing her dream job at World Wildlife Fund
- Connecting with an old friend from college who also wanted to hike the trail
- Having a good boss
- 1 month before the start!
- On the start line of the Appalachian Trail in 2018
- Loving every moment and feeling so happy and grateful
- Getting her trail name, ‘Glowstick’
- Day to day life on the trail and being part of a trail family
- Food and nutrition on the trail and eating on a budget
- Craving and what it’s telling your body
- The ice cream challenge…
- Key lessons learned from taking on this challenge
- Dealing with conflict on the trail and the break up of the trail family
- Being anaemic
- Wear and tear on your body on a thru-hike
- Writing her book 5 years after the hike
- Post Trail Depression/Post Trail Blues
- Getting the urge to write and writing non stop
- Hiking on a regular basis and making it apart of her life
- Future hiking dreams and planning to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in the future
- Hiking the John Muir Trail and why the PCT might be the wrong trail for her
- Taking the time to figure out which trail to walk in the future
- How you can connect with Audrey and follow along with her future journeys
- Why you should keep an open mind
- Grab the opportunities when they arrive
Social Media
Website: sunstrucksite.
Instagram: @audipayne
Facebook: @audipayne
YouTube: @AudreyAdventures
Book: Where the Rhododendrons Bloom: A Thru-Hiking Adventure on the Appalachian Trail
Mirelle in her own words:
“My name is Mireille and I’m a certified run coach, autoimmune athlete, and podcast host based in Los Angeles, California.
I have been an athlete all my life but I found myself in distance running while in college.
As an exercise science major, I was immersed in the world of bio-mechanics, physical performance, and health.
However it was also in college where I was diagnosed with Lupus; an autoimmune disorder that left me sidelined from physical activity for 1.5 years.
Luckily after treatment, I was able to use running to gain back my health and then some!
Over the last ten years, I have experienced so much of what running can bring; determination, fun, discipline, adventure, and confidence."
Some accomplishments include:
- Completed 12 marathons (& counting)
- First Black women to run from Boston to NYC (200 miles in 11 days as part of the FALKE team)
- Completed a relay from Santa Monica to Las Vegas. (The Speed Project 2023 - with Unlimited Women)
***
This episode of the Tough Girl Podcast is proudly sponsored by INOV8, the pioneers in cutting-edge sportswear.
Learn more about INOV8 and get your 15% discount. Click Here.
***
Show notes
- Who is Mireille
- Living in LA, California, but originally from Cameroon, West Africa
- Growing up in Cameroon before moving over to America at 6 years old
- Wanting to finish school and to go on to college
- Being inspired by her dad who was active and loved to ride bikes
- Playing basketball, and enjoying being active
- Having ambitious dreams and a love for learning
- Wanting to have a safe profession
- Being interested in science and wanting to pursue college
- Studying exercise science for her undergraduate degree
- Running track in high school and being curious about distance running at college
- Wanting to pursue physical therapy and the challenges of trying to progress in the career
- Enjoying running and feeling healthier while doing it
- Dealing with stress while at college
- Being diagnosed with Lupus an auto immune disease and the impact it had on her life
- The impacts of Lupus on her body
- Making changes and how Lupus impacted on her life
- Needing to pivot and make a change in her life
- Having a year left in school and needing to make some key decisions about her future
- Doing what she thought was best
- Needing to take a semester off from school/college
- Working as a PT assistant and getting back into running
- Balancing health and fitness while having Lupus
- Turning to vegetarianism to help manage her Lupus
- Training for her first marathon
- Magical moments while running
- Running in the Speed Project (2023) - running from LA to Las Vegas over a weekend
- Unlimited women - a team of 10 women, bringing diversity and awareness into the running sphere
- Dealing with challenges on the Speed Project
- Mental tips and tricks for when it gets tough
- Race strategy and how the race worked
- Starting to eat meat again and dabbling in veganism
- Nutrition while running and racing and making it easy.
- Running from Boston to NYC and becoming the first Black woman to be involved in the project with FALKE
- Working with FALKE
- Running the Berlin Marathon
- Entering the lottery for the London Marathon
- The Los Angeles Marathon
- Working as a running coach and her coaching philosophy and values
- Coaching road, trail and autoimmune athletes
- Education, communication, commitment and joy.
- Why it’s more than just a training plan
- Making the training adaptable to your life
- Hosting the “Running in Public” Podcast - combining messages about running and public health.
- How to connect with Mireille on social media
- Final words of advice for other women who want to get into running
- Speaking up and the power of advocating for yourself
- The importance of making it fun!
Social Media
Website: www.coachedbymireille.
Instagram: @heycoachmireille
Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/