In this Tough Girl Podcast EXTRA episode we catch up with adventurer and outdoor writer Nicola Hardy—also known for becoming Munroist #6,765 after summiting all 282 of Scotland’s Munros.

Nicola left behind a decade-long career in IT to pursue a life filled with mountains, maps, and meaningful adventure. Since our first conversation in March 2022, Nicola has continued to embrace the outdoor life with passion—working part-time to support her adventures and dedicating the rest of her week to exploring the hills and trails she loves.

In this episode, Nicola shares what she’s been up to over the last few years, including writing her first guidebook: Peak Bagging Munros: Volume 1. We talk about the process of creating the book, linking routes efficiently across the Highlands, and her experiences hiking internationally—from Switzerland's Alpine Passes Trail to her first solo trip abroad on the Coronallacs route in Andorra.

Nicola is honest about the practicalities of outdoor life—from parking anxiety and budget travel to the importance of finding community in the outdoors. With future dreams like hiking New Zealand’s Te Araroa Trail, her journey is far from over.

If you’re passionate about mountains, guidebooks, or building a life around what you love—this episode is for you.

TGP March 31st 2022 -  Nicola Hardy - Adventurer and outdoor writer -Climbing all 282 of Scotland's Munros 

 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 Nicola 
• Living in Cockermouth, Cumbria
• Being a peak bagger and long distance walker
• Preferring land over the water
• Writing a peak bagging guidebook 
• Previously speaking with Nicola in March 31st 2022 
• What we chatting about on the first Tough Girl Podcast episode 
• Catching up with what’s been happening since 2022
• Ending up here after doing the things that filled her life with joy
• Trying to fill her time with as much adventure as possible 
• Finding the balance of adventuring while also bringing in money as well
• Working 2 days a week part time (flipping the standard working week, upside down) and having 5 days off
• Getting to the start of challenges using public transport
• Parking anxiety and how it can introduce negative thinking before an adventure 
• Peak Bagging Munro’s - the book and how it came about 
• Sir Hugh Munro
• Munro Bagging and what it is 
• 64 routes which are designed to link up these iconic mountains 
• Adventure Books by Vertebrate Publishing 
• What makes this guide book different 
• Including good maps, and efficient routes linking Munros together 
• Separating into 10 highland hubs
• A walker, a trekker, a fast packer and a runner 
• Rest day suggestions 
• The gathering of the information 
• Building spreadsheets
• Following your passion and working on the guidebook 
• Volume 1 of 2
• Who the book is for
• Heading to Switzerland and hiking the Alpine Passes Trail 
• Camping 20 nights out of 31
• Being mountain fit
• Park runs 
• Doing her first solo trip abroad
• Hiking The Coronallacs 
• Being able to switch off and spend time in nature
• Wanting to go on more solo walks
• The South West Coast Path 
• Future plans and dreams to hike the Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand 
• Zoleo 
• How to connect with Nic
• Trying to keep the website updated
• Final words of advice 
• Getting out there and finding your community 
• Try lots of things in the outdoor space
• Find what you love and dive in headfirst, you never know where it might lead

Social Media

Link for listeners to purchase the book - https://bit.ly/3REAjVU

Website - adventurernic.com

Facebook - @adventurer.nic.official 

Instagram - @adventurer.nic 

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Ebaide Joy Udoh, a bold Nigerian adventurer and storyteller on a mission to make history. Ebaide is currently undertaking a solo motorcycle journey across Africa, aiming to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Journey by Motorcycle in Africa (Female). The current record to beat is 30,000 kilometers (19,000 miles)—and by the time she completes the final leg of her trip, Ebaide expects to reach an incredible 35,000 km (22,000 miles).

But Ebaide’s story isn’t just about distance—it’s about determination, vision, and fearlessly carving a new path. From learning how to ride a motorcycle from scratch, to building a DIY camper van, to navigating complex visa issues with a Nigerian passport, her journey is anything but ordinary.

In this episode, Ebaide shares the realities of solo travel across Africa—the beauty, the bureaucracy, the culture, and the challenges—and what fuels her unstoppable spirit. We dive into her creative approach to funding her travels, her charity work empowering girls in Nigeria, and her passion for storytelling through content creation.

Get ready to be inspired by this fiercely independent woman who reminds us all:

“You own your life. Don’t let fear cripple you—go for it.”

 New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.

 Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.

 Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x

***

Show notes

• Who is Ebaide Joy
• Adventure cyclist who has been riding around Africa 
• Being in Lagos, Nigeria 
• Currently in-between trips
• Not growing up around motorcycles
• Having a desire to travel
• Building a camper van in 2022/2023 to go travelling 
• Moving to a tuk - tuk 
• Building a camper van from scratch in 3 months 
• Travelling for 7 years - initially via backpacking 
• Heading back to East Africa after the pandemic
• Funding her travelling adventures 
• Having 2,000 followers on IG last year 
• Working at midnight for a company in the Netherlands 
• Being able to make funds from content creation, brand deals and gifted goods. 
• Learning how to ride a bike
• Going to bike school to learn how to ride
• Building up her skills and becoming a fantastic rider
• What her adventure travels look like 
• Moving from hotel to hotel 
• Living a nocturnal lifestyle 
• Travelling with a Nigerian passport and how it works with visas’s
• Languages and being able to communicate on her travels
• Speaking/getting by in Swahili, French and English 
• Applying for a Guinness World Record and what happened initially 
• Longest Solo Motorcycle Ride Across Africa by a Woman.
• Needing to break 30,000 km and go through 7 countries at least 
• Planning or going with the flow
• Connecting with the locals
• Sharing the journey, the road, the food, the people, the police, the issues and the highlights
• Exploring as a road bike traveller
• The issues with visa’s, borders and money 
• Not playing the game
• Fighting and having nothing to lose
• Magical countries 
• Never going back to Cameroon 
• Solo traveller
• Having a full life
• Being busy at all the time
• Introverted but present as an extrovert
• Not having the time 
• Being bored by people easily 
• Raising money for charity - Ebaide Foundation 
• Giving the girls training in tailoring, hair making, and catering
• 3-month residential program focused on training, support, and purpose
• Planning the next adventure 
• Naming her bike Aurora - light in darkness
• How to connect with Ebaide online
• Follow your dreams, life is short, life does’t wait for you, time doesn’t wait for you. 
• You own your life, you should control it, you should define it, you should make the most of it. 
• Don’t let fear cripple you. 
• You should go for it. 

Social Media

Instagram: @go_ebaide 

Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/GoEbaide 

TikTok: @go__ebaide

Twitter: twitter.com/official_ebaide

Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/goebaide

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Christine Reed—an American long-distance backpacker and award-winning author—whose life changed when she took her first steps on the Appalachian Trail in 2015. With no prior backpacking experience, Christine dove headfirst into the unknown, seeking healing, purpose, and a sense of identity.

Since then, Christine has hiked thousands of miles, lived out of a van, and carved a creative path through storytelling. Her debut memoir, Alone in Wonderland, captured her raw and powerful journey of self-discovery, while her latest anthology Blood Sweat Tears amplifies the voices of women+ on trail—sharing unfiltered stories about periods, pain, perseverance, and everything in between.

We talk about grief, growth, writing through discomfort, and the courage it takes to follow your passions even when they feel far outside your comfort zone. Christine’s story reminds us that you don’t have to be outdoorsy, athletic, or fearless to start—you just have to begin.

***

 New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.

 Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.

 Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x

Show notes

• Who is Christine
• Thru-hike and trail runners
• Being based in New Mexico, America
• Her early years and not growing up outdoorsy 
• Reading blogs about the Appalachian Trail in the fall of 2013
• Graduating from college and working in health insurance 
• Being pretty unhappy and not knowing what to do with her life
• Why the Appalachian Trail (AT) was so appealing 
• Taking the first step and commitment to the hike
• Everyone on the trail being in a phase of transition 
• Being possible for her to leave her life
• Taking a year to plan and research the trail 
• Planning to hike the AT  in 2015 
• The importance of finding something that you are excited about 
• Never backpacking before and just going on a few day hikes
• Not being a fit or athletic person
• Doing her research - whiteblaze.net - an old school pin board forum 
• Doing zero physical preparation 
• The feelings at the start of the Appalachian Trail
• Riding greyhound buses to the start (16+ hours)
• The steps up to  Amicalola Falls
• First night camping at a shelter
• Personal goals - find herself?
• 24 and turning 25 on the trail
• Doing hard things
• HIking pre social media
• Lessons and learning from thru-hiking
• Losing her mum just after starting the trail 
• Spending time at home and deciding to get back on the trail
• Grieving while on the trail
• Feeling her feeling and talking about them
• Having wonderful encounters with other hikers and being able to share 
• 650 miles feeling ready to leave the trail
• Having a closer relationship with her dad
• Moving to Denver, Colorado
• Struggling to reengage with the capitalist system
• Living in a van, travelling around and living a more adventurous lifestyle
• Thru-hikers making great van lifers 
• Feeling lonely while on the road
• The community aspect of the trail experience 
• Finding her way
• Being in a new phase of transition
• Moving into a little house in New Mexico
• Being an author from 2018 - mostly as a full time worker
• 1st book came out in 2021 - Alone in Wonderland 
• Trying to write a 2nd memoir, but struggling to write and feeling frustrated
• Wanting to write a collection of stories about women
• Putting out a call for pitches/submissions - women’s relationships to our bodies, using the trail as a link
• Wanting to put out 15 stories
• Receiving over 200 submissions
• Book: Blood, Sweat Tears
• The importance of sharing women’s stories that haven’t been shared
• Narrowing down the selection of stories 
• The editing process 
• Can I work with this writer to get this story where it needs to be?
• Talking about blood, periods and menstruation 
• Being in women only spaces 
• Speaking about periods 
• Jolly Gear Hiking Dress
• Anna McNuff
• Hygiene and menstral cups 
• Tampons and pads - everything has it’s plus and minus 
• Everybody is different 
• Taking the pill?
• Wanting to celebrate our bodies and not be manipulating it
• Allowing our bodies to go through natural cycles 
• What’s next for Christine 
• Publishing a memoir with Bethany Adams 
• FKT 
• Gardening, art and being more creative 
• How to connect with Christine online 
• Final words of advice 
• Advice for following your creative passions which are outside your comfort zone 
• Don’t get stuck in the ideas of who we are and what we are suppose to be doing

Social Media

Instagram: @ruggedoutdoorswoman 

Book: Blood Sweat Tears 

Blood Sweat Tears is a short story collection from 26 women+ hikers and runners about the experience of being in a female body on trail. This group of intrepid and vulnerable athletes/writers talk periods, boob sweat, and ugly crying. The trail is a place for healing, and can show us what we are made of---but it's always us doing the hard work.

Book: Alone in Wonderland

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, I’m joined by Beth, a 22-year-old veterinary student and elite dragon boat paddler based in Nottingham. Beth shares how a simple home workout routine during the COVID lockdown sparked a journey into endurance sport—from running the Robin Hood Half Marathon to discovering dragon boating at university.

Since then, Beth has gone from novice paddler to competing on the world stage, representing Great Britain at the 2023 Dragon Boat World Championships in Thailand. 

Now a coach, helm, and passionate advocate for women in sport, she talks about training, teamwork, and the power of inclusive communities. 

Beth’s story is one of grit, growth, and finding joy in pushing physical and mental limits.

 New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.

 Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.

 Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x

Show notes

• Who is Beth
• 22 year old Vet Student 
• Final year of vet school, working on a placement year
• Working with small animals and horses
• Having a passion and love for animals 
• Deciding to be a vet
• Studying; Biology, chemistry and maths at A’Level
• Hating sports at school 
• Starting university in 2021
• Soaring Dragons, based in Loughborough 
• Starting to train with the team
• What Dragon Boat racing is
• The set up of the boat
• Getting started in Dragon Boat Racing 
• The impact of covid on the Dragon Boat Club
• Learning the skills needed 
• Being put into the boat straight away
• Training as much as she can
• The challenges of training while being on work placements and rotations 
• Why its a good sport for involving everyone 
• The stroke pair - being in charge of setting the rate
• Getting qualified as a helm 
• Getting into race helming 
• Competing at Nationals
• Great Britain Premier Squad 
• The different categories
• BNTS Sessions - taster sessions where anyone from any club can try out the trainers and see what improvements can be made to their paddling 
• Being a new paddler in 2021
• Going away and doing her own training in 2022 
• Wanting to take it more seriously and getting into the squad in 2023
• Committing to training weekend across the country 
• Doing paddling and strength training 
• Being part of the what’s app group and sharing training plans and sessions 
• Team Dynamics of the crew
• Being very competitive with herself 
• Wanting to be the best she could be 
• Heading to the World Championships in Thailand in 2023
• Racing in the 2k event
• Race strategy and how the race unfolded 
• Taking a peek at the other boat!
• Dealing with an injury and not being able to paddle
• Drumming for another team - Three River Serpents
• Racing plans for 2025
• Transporting the boat to different competitions
• Enjoying the 500m distance 
• How to connect on social media
• Contact your local club and give it a go 
• Racing as part of the women’s crew 
• Commit to it - what you want

Social Media

Notts Anaconda - www.nottsanaconda.co.uk 

Instagram - @nottsanaconda 

THE BDA - the national governing body for Dragon Boat Racing throughout Great Britain. www.dragonboat.org.uk 

Facebook - www.facebook.com/britishdragonboatracing 

@gbpremierdragonboatteam 

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Kristy and Annette—two inspiring women who completely transformed their lives after retirement. In 2015, they sold everything they owned, bought an RV, and set out to live life on their own terms. What began as a “retirement gift” hike on the Colorado Trail quickly evolved into a bold new chapter of full-time adventure.

Since then, Kristy and Annette have completed the Triple Crown of Hiking—the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail—and spend each year splitting their time between life on the road and life on foot.

Together, they share their journey of choosing freedom, rejecting fear, and expanding the limits of what life after 50 can look like. This episode is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to chase your dreams, explore the unknown, and live life unapologetically.

If you’ve ever felt the urge to change direction, embrace the outdoors, or reclaim your time and energy for what truly lights you up—this conversation is for you.

 New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.

 Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.

 Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x

Show notes

• Annette - working as a teacher and school Librarian 
• Deciding to retire in 2015 
• Doing a lot of backpacking trips before retirement 
• Giving themselves the trip to do the Colorado Trail as a retirement present
• Getting hooked on long hikes
• Travelling and hiking full time since them
• Growing up in California and being outdoorsy, but not getting into travelling and hiking until moving to Colorado as a senior in high school 
• Loving the South West of America
• Hiking the Appalachian Trail and having a blast!
• Meeting Kristy, born in Washington, USA before moving to Colorado at 8 years old
• Growing up adventuring and spending time in the mountains and woods
• Going to college on a basketball scholarship
• Always being active 
• Really enjoying the backpacking and spending long periods of time in nature as she’s gotten older
• Working as a mental health therapist and working with children who had early trauma
• Making a change in 2015 and deciding to end that chapter 
• Thinking that life is a gift and it goes by really fast and wanting to live it up while they can
• Wanting to do all of the hard things
• Wanting to write a new chapter and try new things
• Selling everything they owned and buying an RV
• Deciding to walk more long distance trails
• Wanting to hike the triple crown 
• How Kristy and Annette met at a sweat lodge (sauna) in 2003
• Meeting for a coffee and saying ‘wanting to walk the earth’
• Starting to go on weekend trips 
• Wanting to stay out in nature for longer
• Seeing a financial planner 
• Starting to think differently 
• Figuring out how to live the cheapest way and to do the things they love
• Starting adventuring 10 years ago full time at 51 and 57
• Having a 5 year plan
• Completing the plan in 4 years
• Not caring about stuff and not being materialistic 
• Loving this lifestyle 
• Hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2019
• How demanding it was (aged 62)
• Starting slow and building and seeing how their bodies held up for the long haul
• Having to change plans due to covid
• Starting the continental divide trail 
• The amazing people met along the way
• The simplicity of life on the trail
• Sharing their dreams with family and friends
• Other people’s fears
• The dream verses the reality of this life
• Wanting to create her life how she wants it
• Planning for the year ahead
• Wanting to expand the confines of their life until they die 
• Claiming space in the world and making it exactly how you want it
• Handling disagreements 
• How plans evolve overtime
• Having low expectations and why it can be a key for happiness
• Planning a trip to South America 
• Booking the hiking part of the trip and keeping the rest free
• Working within a framework 
• Annettee doing the researching 
• Creating the grand plans!
• Training and doing a marathon while selling the house!
• Getting into pack rafts 
• Leaving the RV while hiking 
• Making this life work
• The triple hike and the differences between the big three hikes
• Water carries, desert, hiking at elevation, sun levels, resupply
• Why the Appalachian Trail is a good beginner trail for newbies 
• Watch the videos on YouTube 
• Wanting to inspire people to get outside especially older people
• Words of advice for women listening 
• Starting small and find what you love
• Building success into it 
• Figure out what works for you
• Setting yourself up for big success 
• Why life is a huge gift
• Don’t let it (life) go to waste
• Be in your power

Social Media

Instagram @wanderwomen_kristy_annette 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RVsters/ 

Youtube: @wanderwomenkristyannette5021 

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by the incredible Rebecca Devereux — a dedicated mum, a vet, and a passionate trail and ultra runner. Rebecca shares her journey into endurance running, her training highs and lows, and what it took to place third in one of Britain’s most brutal races — the Montane Winter Spine Sprint, a 46-mile challenge across the rugged Pennine Way in the depths of winter.

We dive into Rebecca’s approach to training and mindset, how she balances family life with her love for the trails, and her growing involvement with Black Trail Runners, a community breaking down barriers in the outdoors. 

From road marathons to alpine trails, Rebecca’s story is one of resilience, preparation, and quiet determination — whether she’s running through snowstorms in spikes, racing in the Swiss Alps, or supporting others in their running journeys.

If you’re looking for inspiration to start your own trail running adventure — or just want to hear how someone juggles it all and still finds joy in the challenge — this episode is for you.

 Tune in now and get ready to be inspired by Rebecca’s grit, humour, and heart.

We first spoke with Rebecca December 28th 2023 - Listen to this episode here - Rebecca Devereux - Active member of Black Trail Runners (BTR)

 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 Rebecca
• Mum, vet, and an ultra runner
• 3rd place in the Montane Spine Race (Winter Race) 
• Speaking with Rebecca on the TGP - December 28th 2023 
• The beginning of 2024
• Training for the London Marathon 
• Her first road race
• UTMB Eiger  
• The difference between training for a road race compared to a trail race
• Black Trail Runners (BTR) 
• What race day like
• Running to Heart Rate
• Craving salt 30k in
• Wearing a running vest?
• Magical moments and the stand out bits
• Recovery after the marathon 
• Racing in Switzerland and wanting to be back in the mountains again
• Race strategy for UTMB Eiger and dealing with the killer climbs
• Taking a nasty fall and hurting her ankle   
• Losing her confidence on the downhill sections
• Heart rate and effort
• Wanting to involve her family in the racing
• Being a beacon runner
• BTR and having a 35% increase in members
• Hosting taste days and working with different partners 
• The Spine Race….
• Could I do this?
• Getting on the waiting list…
• Being encouraged by Sabrina Pace-Humpreys 
• Winter Spine Sprint - 46 miles along the Pennine Way
• Peak Divide ONEr - 75 miles - during the day, a social run. 
• Running in the bad weather
• Running better in the wet and cold compared to running in the heat
• Planning race strategy and training with her coach - Sam Village 
• Living on the course and being able to do recce runs
• Planning and preparing for all eventualities 
• Being a prepper to help deal with anxiousness 
• Hill sprints and hill repeats 
• Snow….
• Haworth Hobble Race 
• Anything else that could have been done to prepare for the race
• Shorts in winter….
• Needing to believe in herself and her choices 
• Silence the noise - silence anything that is going to affect you in a negative way 
• Wearing spikes for running in the snow
• Yaktrax 
• Kahtoola Spikes 
• Having a goal of finishing the race
• Having the right mindset for when the racing is going slow due to the slow
• Having the aim of keeping moving forward and not getting frustrated with the speed of the race
• Being confidence on navigation 
• Catching up with the main group
• Getting into flow and everything feeling right
• Ambassador for TORQ Fitness UK 
• Having a caffeine hour 
• How the conditions helped her
• Making the right decisions and grinding it out
• The full Montane Spine Race (268 miles) 
• Challenger South - 110 Miles… 
• Having a massive respect for the race and not feeling ready to take on the full spine race
• Plans for racing in 2025
• UTMB - OCC
• Running with 7 women from Black Trail Runners 
• How to connect with Rebecca and Black Trail Runners
• Final words of advice for other women who are on their trail running journey 
• “Turn up, do the sessions, and if you are consistent you will make progress”
• The importance of preparation. 

Social Media

Instagram: @rebecca_runs_wild

Black Trail Runners - Campaigning charity promoting inclusion, participation & representation of people of Black heritage and people of colour in trail running

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/273210547440261 

Instagram: @blacktrailrunners

What began as a way to cope with grief became a world record-breaking journey that’s taken Helen Ryvar across the globe — from sunrise runs in North Wales to volcanic trails in Fuerteventura and the ancient deserts of Petra. 

A single mum of three and a self-described non-athlete in her youth, Helen’s transformation into a Guinness World Record holder for running consecutive half marathons is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

In this deeply personal episode, Helen opens up about the heartbreak that sparked her first streak, how running became her therapy, and the mental and physical resilience required to complete 1,000 consecutive half marathons — often starting at 4am. With races lined up from the Chester Ultra to international marathons in Malta and Brighton.

If you’ve ever questioned what you’re capable of, or needed a reminder of the strength that comes from simply showing up — this is the episode for you.

 Tune in to hear Helen’s story of grit, growth, and running with purpose.

 New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.

 Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.

 Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x

Show notes

• Who is Helen
• 44 years old
• Single mum to 3 children 
• Living in Wrexham in North Wales
• Getting into fitness before covid
• Starting running and running 111 consecutive half marathons and becoming the GWR holder for the achievement
• Running 1000 half marathons on her 2nd run streak
• Her early years and not being particularly sports and a little overweight
• Being more into languages and art
• Being punished and made to run
• Joining the cross country running team
• Receiving bad news
• Finding out her ex-husband had died
• Telling her children that they would no longer be able to see their daddy
• Being able to exercise and starting to run
• Finding her peace at 2 hrs - 2.15 mins running 
• How the connection with nature saved her
• Finding a new rhythm and a way to clear her head
• Breaking the previous record of 75 half marathons
• Sharon Jesspo - South Africa (101 - half marathons) 
• Submitting data to Guinness World Record for the 1000 half marathons
• Staring her 2nd running streak on the 1st May 2022
• Being challenged to do a 2nd run streak by Mika Shevit 
• Running for MIND Charity and raising £8,000 
• Running routes 
• Running from 4am - 6am most mornings
• Believing in green running and not leaving a carbon footprint
• Getting everything ready the night before
• On and out in 15 mins
• The 4am run club
• How her body has adapted to the daily millage over 3 years
• Knee issues 
• Enjoying the routines and being grateful for getting up every morning
• Losing her dad and father in law
• 50 mile Chester Ultra 
• 50km London Ultra 
• Running with Sean Conway 
• Breaking down the running goals into mini milestones
• Running with other people
• Mental tips and tricks for running
• Sleep, nutrition and routine
• What a typical day looks like 
• Going to bed at 9pm
• The importance of quality sleep
• What happens when the data gets corrupted
• Garmin watch 
• GWR not accepting Strava
• Finishing the running streak on the 24th January 2024
• Missing the running and the adjustment period
• 555 Challenge - Free challenge via Facebook
• Come down from big events
• The adventure blues
• Dealing with the grief through running and feeling much stronger as a person
• Not being treated well by her ex-husband
• Being in an anxious, depressive state
• Having conflicted thoughts and feelings 
• Being left in financial debt 
• Identifying as a mother and not a runner
• Weighting 17 stones and having low self esteem
• Running all over the world and the logistic challenges involved
• Running in the heat and the dark
• Running with @marathonwoman366 
• How to connect with Helen online
• Final words of advice

Social Media

Instagram @helenryvar 

Facebook www.facebook.com/hmryvar53 

Just Giving www.justgiving.com/page/streakwithhelen

Caroline Livesey is an adventurer, extreme triathlete, ultracyclist, elite gravel cyclist and triathlon and life coach. 

Caroline started her journey into triathlon while serving with the Royal Engineers in the British Army. After 10 years service she left as a Major in 2013 and pursued a career as a professional triathlete (while working full time as a geotechnical design consultant), originally in Ironman events. 

In 2019 circumstances conspired to throw her into her first extreme triathlon, Canadaman XTRI. Winning this event was the catalyst for her to work on her mindset and physical adaptations to take on the gruelling climate conditions which are typical for the Extreme Triathlons such as Norseman and Celtman. She has since won numerous extreme events, and has just returned from winning Patagonman in Chile for the second time. 

Caroline is also an elite gravel cyclist, competing for Team GB at the last two World Championships (where she thinks she was the oldest on the start line by some 20 years). She loves single day UCI gravel races but also ultra distance, and has competed at Badlands (3rd), finished Transcordilleras (Colombia), and completed coast-to-coast across Costa Rica in less than two days. She completed the 1000km Transcordilleras, an 8-day stage race, in February this year.

Caroline's husband Mark is a documentary / film maker and they make films about their adventures (YouTube, Amazon Prime - The Brick Session). Their purpose is to provide information and inspiration to others so that they might break down their own false beliefs to take on their own challenges. 

Caroline and Mark have founded Peak Education Nepal - a charity bringing education to the children of poor families in Nepal who cannot afford to go to school. They became involved in this while in Nepal for an event in 2022, and plan to go back this year to develop the charity and do another mountain trail running adventure. 

 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 Caroline 
• Scottish but now currently living in Majorca 
• Having a background in endurance sports
• Professional Ironman athlete and now doing extreme triathlons 
• Gravel cycling and endurance cycling 
• Growing up in a sporty family and spending time outside 
• Starting triathlon in her late 20s
• Being a fit person overall 
• Climbing (indoor and outdoor)
• Doing crazy things outdoors 
• Going to Sandhurst and doing her army training 
• Getting into triathlons 
• Meeting her husband while in the army
• The changes in professional triathletes
• Doing her first pro year in 2015
• How the industry has change in the past 10 years 
• Having a full time job and fitting in the training 
• Not being able to make a living from it in
• Canadaman /woman 
• Norseman 
• Patagonman 
• 2017 - having her breakthrough race in Texas 
• Getting attacked while on her bike 
• Breaking her pelvis and dealing with multiple stress fractures
• Not being able to get back to the same level of performance 
• Having her professional career cut short
• Having an opportunity to try other things 
• Having a bad experience with the cold during a race 
• Back to fitness in 2015 and looking at doing Ironman Ireland 
• Deciding to go to Canada and do a warmer race in July
• Winning Canadaman Race and automatically qualifying for Norseman
• Cold weather and cold experiences 
• Just because you are cold adapted doesn’t mean you don’t feel the cold
• Learning different ways to manage the cold
• There has to be a way for me to physically adapt to the cold and getting onboard mentally
• Starting to have cold showers 
• Learning to breathe out as the cold hits you
• Thinking about physically relaxing 
• Learning that it’s ok to be cold 
• Feeling invigorating after cold water swimming 
• Experiencing Norseman (2022) and what it was like
• Film - Norseman - A day of extremes - available on Youtube 
• The logistical challenges of the Norseman Race
• Britta Sorensen (PHD) - research on pain and suffering in female endurance athletes.  
• Race strategy and being self coached 
• Being coached by her husband at the very start
• Not being very coachable 
• Listening to her body and making decisions based on how she feels 
• Taking it to the next level during a race and needing to push harder
• Racing against herself 
• Extreme triathlon - being out front on the swim and the bike
• Winning Canadaman by 12 seconds
• Lyne Bessette 
• Getting to the finish line and knowing she gave it everything she had
• The mental side of racing and why you need to practice it
• The benefits of experience and being able to draw knowledge from it
• How you can watch the films / Documentaries 
• Doing what she loves 
• How to connect with Caroline on social media
• Visiting Nepal in 2022 to do a race (but not being able to race)
• Cost of education in Nepal - USD $350 to educate a child for a year (fees, uniform, books)
• Creating a charity - Peak Education Nepal 
• How the listeners can support the charity and donate 
• Final words of advice for other women who want to take it to the next level 
• Setting your mind to the challenge. What would be the process of getting there if you were going to do it. 
• Build your self-belief and push yourself forward

Social Media

Instagram @caroline.livesey 

Facebook @carolineliveseytriathlete 

Youtube @thebricksession 

Nepal fundraiser - Fundraiser by Mark Livesey : Help fund education for two children in Nepal

Peak Education Nepal 

OSCR registered charity SC054049

Funding education in poor communities in Nepal. Education changes lives.

Charity - https://peakeducationnepal.com/

Instagram - @peakeducationnepal 

In this inspiring episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we set sail with Dr. Sheridan Lathe, aka Dr. Sheddy — a wildlife veterinarian, sailor, YouTuber, and passionate advocate for both animal and human wellness.

After years of working with domestic and exotic animals in Australia and rescuing bears in China, Dr. Sheddy took her expertise to the seas. Now based on her 37ft sailboat Chuffed, she delivers free veterinary care to animals in remote coastal communities across Central America and Mexico — reaching places where traditional care simply doesn’t exist.

She funds her work independently through Patreon and YouTube while living full-time on the water with her partner Jim. In 2024 alone, Vet Tails helped over 450 animals across 13 communities, offering everything from vaccinations to life-saving surgeries.

From sailing storms to working on polar bear rescues, dealing with typhoid, and building a life outside of convention — Dr. Sheddy is redefining what it means to live a life of purpose and impact. If you’ve ever dreamed of combining adventure, service, and personal freedom — this episode is for you.

 Tune in to hear her story, the lessons she’s learned, and how you can support her mission — or maybe even start your own.

 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

• Dr Sheddy
• Veterinarian and living on her sailboat in Mexico
• Delivery veterinary care to remote communities 
• Growing up in a small beach town in rural Australia 
• Having an affinity for animals
• Wanting to be a vet from a young age 
• Vet school in Australia 
• Graduating high school at 17
• Becoming a vet at 23
• Being interested in birds
• Wanting to specialist in the animals that no one else is seeing
• Wanting to focus on exotic animals
• Getting into sailing later on 
• ‘Chuffed’ the boat
• 37ft mono hull, only 8 boats, made in 1990
• Paying for everything
• Patreon and YouTube 
• Funding via social media 
• Animals on the boat
• Working with local veterinarians
• Sailing over the past few years
• Sailing for 8 months of the year
• Doing a major refit of the boat which took 2 years
• Buying the boat in Panama 
• Meeting her partner - Jim
• The covid years
• Working on a Polar Bear! (Mixed with a bit of grizzly - a golden bear!)
• Living and working in China at a bear rescue centre
• Where to next?
• Working with local communities and setting up a longer term solution
• Work life balance 
• Working at a rural town in Australia 
• Starting off as a new vet and the hours worked….
• Superhero culture
• Moral injury
• Giving the best care available 
• Eating animals
• Getting typhoid fever in Mexico
• Not being able to gain the weight back
• Heading to small remote islands
• Wifi and keeping connected 
• VHF Radio for emergency
• Starlink on boats and in remote communities 
• How to support the work Dr Sheddy is doing
• Final words of advice for other women who want to follow their passions and interests
• Wanting to live life on your terms
• Using a Purpose Venn diagram
• The plan for the next few years
• Dreaming big
• Wanting to expand 

Social Media

Website www.vettails.com

Instagram @dr.sheddy_the.sailing.vet

Patreon - www.patreon.com/ChuffedAdventures  

In this episode, we’re joined by the fearless Ann Whatmore, an adventurer who proves that asthma doesn’t have to set limits on what you can achieve. Ann has faced numerous health challenges, but rather than letting them hold her back, she’s embraced adventure in a big way. 

In May 2024, she cycled over 3,000km across the UK on her recumbent e-trike, “Bob,” completing a solo journey from Land’s End to Orkney before speaking at Yestival.

This was no easy feat – Ann had only a sixth of her lung function available and had to rely on determination, resourcefulness, and a supportive community to make the journey possible. In this episode, Ann shares how she turned her dream into reality, navigating the ups and downs of planning such a massive adventure. She talks about the emotional and physical struggles of living with asthma, how she managed her condition on the road, and the lessons she learned along the way.

Whether you’re living with a chronic condition, longing for adventure, or simply looking for inspiration to push through your own barriers, Ann’s story is one you won’t want to miss. 

Tune in to hear how Ann turned her “limitations” into an opportunity for growth and exploration, proving that the only true limits are the ones we place on ourselves.

 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 Patron! 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 Ann 
• Having numerous health issues
• Being based near the Jurassic Coast, UK
• Living by the sea
• Not being able to explore the landscape as much as she would like
• Deciding to get a 3 wheeled e-trike (called Bob)
• Wanting to say yes to adventure 
• Getting asthma problems after the age of 18
• Being able to manage her condition at 19 
• Her early years growing up, being very sporty and outdoorsy 
• Having horses and enjoying riding 
• Getting covid on 21st march 2020 and how it impacted on her lung function
• Not being able to walk up stairs
• Being on high dose steroids and inhalers
• The mental challenges of dealing with health issues
• Grieving for the person she was
• Finding out her lungs have been damaged and developing breathing pattern disorders  
• Joining adventure book clubs and listening to podcasts
• Bringing the adventures to her 
• Finding positivity in other people adventures 
• Looking for glimmers of hope 
• Say Yes More Tribe
• Yestival - Dave Cornwaithe 
• Losing her balance and co-ordination ability 
• Finding out about trikes
• Free trike rehabilitation in Exeter 
• Finding ways to fund her trike
• The price to have independence outside
• Bike to Work Scheme (UK) 
• Having a bike fit check 
• Going for short, local rides on flat ground
• Finding a little route and going out with her partner to gain confidence 
• The plan for the adventure 
• Taking a year to plan and how the journey changed
• BOOK: Britain Best Bike Ride: The ultimate thousand-mile cycling adventure from Land’s End to John o’ Groats - Hannah Reynolds & John Walsh 
• Planning to cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats
• Wanting to see Skara Brae in the Orkneys 
• Making herself accountability and standing up on stage at Yestival to announce her challenge
• Deciding to finish the challenge at Yestival 
• Committing to the 2,000 mile adventure! 
• Figuring out how to charge her bike battery
• Not being able to wild camp and always needing to find a plug each day
• The reality of the challenge, compared to what she expected
• Having a supportive and encouraging partner 
• Being able to enjoy it more
• Loving the highlands 
• How her perception changed of what she could do 
• Dealing with the hills…
• The feelings of ‘awe’
• Focusing on the next goal, and breaking down the challenge
• The kindness of strangers when you were at your lowest
• Big Sky Hideaway 
• Adjusting back to normal life - after spending 50 days on the road
• Packing up her e-trike to go home and heading back to work
• Having 121 support 
• The next challenge….
• Chase the Sun - 205 miles in 1 day 
• The lessons learned from the experience 
• Being vulnerable and asking for help when needed
• Fundraising for Asthma + Lung UK 
• Sea Swimming 
• Ice mile swim…
• Social media…
• How to connect with Ann
• Find your community 
• Figure out what you can do 
• Learning how to ask for help
• Saying yes to adventure and finding that support
• Find your tribe, say yes more

Social Media

Website www.wanderingwhatmore.com

In this powerful episode, we meet Aisling Byrne — an international showjumper, successful businesswoman, and an extraordinary example of resilience in the face of life-altering adversity. After a devastating horse riding accident left her with multiple broken bones, internal injuries, and the prognosis that she would never walk again, Aisling refused to accept defeat.

Over the course of a gruelling three-year recovery, she not only walked again — she returned to the international showjumping circuit, proving that mindset, grit, and determination can overcome even the most impossible odds.

In our conversation, Aisling shares her journey from a small-town Irish girl discovering horses for the first time to the elite competitive showjumping stage, and the mindset strategies that carried her through her darkest moments. We also dive into her life as a business owner, how she balances her entrepreneurial ventures with her sporting goals, and her advice for women navigating setbacks of any kind.

Whether you’re facing a personal challenge, working toward a big goal, or simply in need of some serious inspiration, this episode will remind you of what’s possible when you choose to keep moving forward — no matter the obstacle.

 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 Aisling
• Born and raised in Ireland 
• Being passionate about showjumping 
• Running a funding company and a travel company 
• Growing up in Ireland
• Having 1 brother and supportive parents 
• Not growing up around horses
• Going to the local equestrian centre
• Riding the neighbours ponies
• Getting her own pony at 11
• Transitioning from riding ponies to horses
• Enjoying the partnership with the horse
• How showjumping works
• Competition time and doing a course walk 
• What does it take to make a great show jumper
• Needing determination and tenacity 
• The ability to work hard and learning from different people 
• Building a partnership with a horse
• Figuring out what makes your horse tick
• Making your horses as happy as possible 
• Having a near death experience 
• Breaking multiple bones and damaging internal organs
• Being in a Portuguese hospital and people not realising the severity of the injury
• Bleeding internally
• Being able to detach herself from the situation 
• Calmness during emergency situations
• Being very practical and level headed
• The recovery journey - 3 years
• Taking a long time to get off crutches
• Staying positive (even if you have to fake it)
• How mindset can speed up your physical recovery
• Practical tips to manage levels of positivity so not to go to a dark place
• Walking for the first time
• Going to a specialist sports physio
• Being told she would never be able to ride a horse again
• First time getting back on a pony after the accident in 2018
• Being lifted onto the pony with a forklift truck
• Getting back into showjumping and competing again
• Not sweating the small stuff
• Not looking for perfection and how everything goes a little bit smoother
• How the travel company works
• Lending money to law firms
• Advice for women who want to get into the world of showjumping 
• Wanting to get back to world ranking jumping 
• No age limit on showjumping
• How to connect on social media 
• Words of advice for women who are dealing with a setback 
• Staying positive for others
• Not having to do things - but getting to do things

Social Media

Instagram: @aislingbyrne1

TikTok: @asheyb1

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Pamela Lee, a professional offshore sailor from Ireland who’s breaking records and barriers in one of the most extreme, male-dominated sports on the planet. Now based in Brittany, France—the heart of short-handed offshore racing—Pamela has carved out her path with grit, determination, and a clear vision for empowering women through sailing.

Pam shares her journey from growing up beside the sea in Ireland to becoming the first Irish woman to skipper the Transat Jacques Vabre Race, setting three world records sailing around Ireland, and now training for the 2026 Route du Rhum, one of the toughest solo ocean races in the world.

We dive deep into her early influences, the realities of offshore racing, learning French to break into the French sailing scene, and the financial, emotional, and physical challenges of pursuing elite-level sailing. From boat borrowing to breaking glass ceilings, Pamela opens up about the power of visibility, representation, and believing in your own potential—no matter how big the dream.

Whether you're interested in sailing, women in sport, or chasing bold goals, this is an empowering and eye-opening conversation not to miss.

***

 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 Pamela
• Living and working in Brittany, France
• Professional Off-shore Sailor 
• Living in the mecca of off-shore sailing 
• What short-handed sailing is
• Speaking French and sailing in French 
• Studying French at school and doing a French exchange 
• The challenge of learning French 
• The power of emersion when learning a language 
• Growing up in Ireland (south of Dublin, on the South East Coast) beside the sea 
• Having a dad who is a sailing fanatic 
• Family holidays camping and sailing 
• Opportunities to become a professional sailor?
• Adapting her mentality on how she wanted to live her life
• Knowing that a 9-5 job was not for her
• Living in Sydney, Australia and wanting to sail
• Sydney Hobart offshore sailing race 
• Finding a boat to sail on 
• Wanting to travel and to sail more 
• Wanting to make a change
• Considering the possibility of becoming a professional sailor 
• Getting her Yacht Master Qualification 
• Getting the opportunity to move to France
• Wanting to learn more skills and not getting to do those positions 
• Reaching a glass ceiling and not seeing how to get to the next level
• Looking for the next opportunity and heading back to Ireland to figure it out
• Discussion around the Olympics and sailing (double handed offshore racing) 
• Being part of a mixed sex duo 
• Being invited to train for the Irish team for this potential event
• Heading to France to trail for this type of racing 
• Being exposed to the French offshore racing world 
• Deciding to stay in France 2019 - 2020
• Setting 3 world records by sailing around Ireland and how the goal came about 
• Fastest sailing around Ireland in a boat of 40ft or under
• Setting the record for double handed and the women’s record for racing around Ireland 
• The covid years and going back and forth between France and Ireland 
• Personal inner ambition and wanting to know what  she could do 
• Needing to get a boat
• Borrowing a boat and starting to train with it for racing around Ireland
• Spending several days at seas and racing 700 nautical miles in approx 3-4 days
• Funding for sailing
• Making a big media splash and getting your name out there with the record 
• Getting women’s stories in main stream press
• Women’s voices and the progress being made in women’s sports and how they are represented 
• The push towards progress
• The Route du Rhum a transatlantic single-handed yacht race, which takes place every four years in November. 
• Racing from France to the Caribbean solo - the longest and toughest trans-atlantic race 
• Being the first Irish female to do the race
• Needing to qualify for the race (based on miles raced)
• Needed to race and train before
• Starting the project and finding their founding sponsor - DFDS 
• Funding costs via sponsorship 
• The dream budget and costs involved 
• The stress of getting sponsorship and maintaining the relationship 
• Filming a documentary with Musto (Sailing clothing brand) 
• The importance of visibility and representation 
• Being inspired by the sporting women in the Olympics 
• The importance of PERSONAL challenges 
• How to connect with Pam 
• Words of advice for other women who want to go after their own goals 
• Encouraging women to go after big goals and building a step by step progression plan
• Lisa - Life & Business Mindset Coach
• Building your confidence along the way
• Giving yourself credit and the belief to tackle big things 

Social Media

Website www.pamelaleesailing.com 

Instagram @pamybefree 

Bianca Fernandez-Clark is a 7x Ironman finisher, Chair, and co-founder of Women in Tri UK, a charity on a mission to bring more women into triathlon and break down barriers in the sport. With no background in sport, Bianca laced up her trainers at age 29 to tackle a 10km as a way to manage her mental health. From there, she progressed to marathons and, in 2016, took on the challenge of learning to swim and cycle to complete her first triathlon.

As a Black/mixed-race woman, Bianca has been vocal about the lack of diversity in triathlon, especially at long-distance events, and has worked to highlight the barriers faced by the Black community in accessing swimming. 

In 2022, she co-founded Women in Tri UK, and the organisation has been growing ever since, working hard to make triathlon more inclusive and accessible for women everywhere.

By day, Bianca works full-time in the financial sector, but every spare moment is dedicated to continuing her own triathlon journey and supporting the work of Women in Tri UK.

***

 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 Bianca
• Being based in London
• Being serious about the sport of triathlon
• Staring running at 29 and then moving into triathlon  in 2016 
• Working full time in the financial services
• Founding Women in Tri UK - which aims to break down barriers and make the sport more accessible for women
• Being at advocate for women, especially women of colour 
• Building a community to support women in the sport 
• Growing up in the Dominican Republic 
• Not being encouraged in sports from a young age
• Dealing with curly, afro hair 
• Having zero background in sports
• Not being naturally good at sports
• What changed at 29 
• Living in Spain to study for her Masters
• How running gave her a life line
• Going from the couch to 5k 
• Crossing the finish line of her first 10K race
• Feeling alive again
• Not falling in love with running straight away
• Going on a journey of self discovery
• Deciding to sign up for her fist Marathon 
• Discovering the group - the running bug in the UK
• Meeting a guy who could give her advice…
• Being with her partner for 10 years
• Being a part of the running community 
• Not being very fast and being more suited for endurance 
• Getting into triathlon
• Signing up for swim classes and learning to ride a bike for the first time
• Doing her first triathlon which was a women only event. 
• Wanting to take on an ironman 
• The stress of cutoffs 
• The time commitment involved in training 
• Making training work for her lifestyle 
• Doing the best training that she can with the time she has
• Having a goal of finishing the race
• Making training part of her lifestyle 
• Hair advice and tips
• Alice Dearing
• Hairstyles for women in triathlon
• Black women role models in the triathlon space 
• Sika Henry 
• The lack of swimming lessons for children 
• How Women in Tri UK came about
• Heading to Kona, Ironman World Championships 
• Using lockdown for fitness and training more 
• Women in Tri, First sponsored Athlete - Naomi Rumble 
• Coaching programs and having realistic training plans for women 
• Speaking with British Triathlon 
• Advocacy work and partnering with SheRaces 
• Barriers for women in triathlon and writing a detailed 63 page report  
• Making sure the sport also changes 
• The plans for Women in Tri over the next few years 
• Partnering with Cycle Sisters 
• The diversity of Women in Tri 
• Wanting to remove financial barriers
• Working with brands
• Working on her personal goals and wanting to go back to Kona
• Recovering from a broken foot
• How to connect with Bianca
• Women in Tri US - being closed
• Final words of advice for women who do want to take on a triathlon 
• “Women in Tri, Made me do it!”

Social Media

Website  www.womenintriuk.org 

Instagram 

@biancatriathlon
@womenintriuk 

Harriet Frost is a force of energy, endurance, and entrepreneurial grit. 

From completing the notorious Arc of Attrition 100-mile ultra twice, to directing multiple trail races, to co-founding a menstrual cup company focused on sustainable period care for athletes — Harriet is redefining what it means to pursue hard things, in business and on the trail.

In this episode, Harriet shares her journey from growing up in Cornwall to discovering a love of endurance sport later in life — despite hating running at first. With no formal coaching, she’s built her own training strategy based on experience, discipline, and gut instinct — and it’s taken her to the finish lines of some of the UK’s most brutal ultra events.

We also dive into the founding of Sea+Flo, a period care company created by women, for women, aiming to empower people to better understand and manage their menstrual health during sport. Harriet speaks candidly about the mental strength required to train alone, run in the dark, and manage periods while racing, as well as her mission to bring more female voices to the forefront of adventure and endurance media.

This is a conversation about grit, vulnerability, and showing up — again and again — even when the path ahead is long, muddy, and uncertain.

 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 Harriet?
• Completing her 2nd Arc of Attrition 100 mile ultra
• Race Director to 2 current races and soon to be a 3rd
• Running her own business called, Grit Culture - focused on business management 
• Launching a menstrual cup company called Sea+Flo in 2024 with her best friend
• Dog mum to November
• Being surrounded by an amazing network of friends and family
• How things connect together
• Speaking with Harriet mum, Theresa Frost on the Tough Girl Podcast 
• Having parents to everyone 
• Childhood and growing up in Cornwall
• Learning resilience and grit from a young age
• Being supported by her parents
• Loving school and heading off to University in Southhampton to study fashion and journalism
• Not really knowing what she wanted to do
• Travelling and working on super yachts 
• Heading off to London for 3 years 
• Spending time in Australia for 2 years, and New Zealand for 2 years, before moving back to Cornwall
• Hating running…. And finding running really hard 
• Living in London and doing her first triathlon in 2012/2013
• Doing her first marathon during her first 100k
• Race to the Stones 2017 
• Doing her next ultra in 2023 - Isle of Wight in April 
• Arc of Attrition on the South West Coast Path. 100 miles.  
• Entering the race
• The Plague 64 miles race (toughest races she’s ever done)  
• Planning her own training and talking things through with her mum
• Going on how her body feels and past experience 
• Working backwards from the race start date
• Focusing on back to back runs
• The mental toughness of training and training solo
• Out and back runs and the mental challenge
• Knowing there is still more in her
• Fitting running into her life
• Training in winter and in the dark 
• The stress of running in the dark as a female and the wasted energy
• Why it’s discipline over motivation
• Recovery…. And what it looks like
• Having big toe strain
• Why the Arc was different in 2025 after being taken over by UTMB 
• Feet and blisters
• Nutrition, food, fuelling 
• The struggle of eating food
• Practicing eating on 20 milers 
• Training and periods 
• Sea + Flo reusable menstrual cup company
• Which menstrual cup?
• How using a menstrual cup came about
• Putting herself out there a bit more
• Women doing amazing things and not getting enough airtime
• Nikki Love breaking the women’s record for running across Australia  
• “It’s not about beating the men it’s about winning for the women” - Hannah Paradise 
• Jasmine Harrison - swimming the length of Great Britain and not being able to to get a book deal -  
• The lack of stories of women in the news 
• The women who inspire Harriet 
• Lucy Gossage - “It’s a privilege to choose to suffer” 
• How to connect with Harriet online
• Final words of advice for women who want to pursue endurance sports
• Being inspired by Sarah Wilson
• Building your resilience  in sport or physical challenges and how it can help you in your everyday lives 

Social Media

Website

grit-culture.com

seaandflo.com

Instagram

@harriet__frost
@grit.culture 
@seaandflo

This special episode of the Tough Girl Podcast brings together three incredible women—Tori James, Jo Bradshaw, and Rosemary J Brown—for an inspiring conversation about legacy, mountains, and the enduring spirit of women in adventure.

We’re diving deep into the story of Junko Tabei, the first woman to summit Mount Everest in 1975, and celebrating the 50th anniversary of her historic climb. Despite her groundbreaking achievement, Junko’s name is still unfamiliar to many. Tori, Jo, and Rosemary are determined to change that.

In this episode, we talk about how Junko inspired a life-changing all-female expedition to Yala Peak in Nepal, the launch of the First Females Podcast (May 16th 2025), and the wider mission to highlight the stories of women who were the first from their countries to stand on the roof of the world.

You’ll hear about:

• Rosemary’s journey to the mountains in her 70s.
• Tori’s return to Nepal, 18 years after climbing Everest.
• Jo’s vision for a meaningful anniversary tribute.
• The power of visibility, representation, and saying yes to adventure—at any age.

This episode is a beautiful tribute to Junko’s legacy, a reminder of the power of community, and a call to action for anyone ready to find their own summit. #MyJunkoJourney

***

Past episodes with Jo, Tori & Rosemary:

Tori James - https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/2015/09/29/tough-girl-tori-james-first-welsh-women-to-climb-everest 

Rosemary J Brown - https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/brown-1 

Jo Bradshaw - https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/2016/09/15/tough-girl-extra-catching-up-with-mountaineer-expedition-leader-jo-bradshaw-discussing-he 

Jo Bradshaw TGP Extra - https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/jo-bradshawtge 

***

 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

• Speaking to 3 incredible tough girls! 
• Rosemary Brown - Journalist & writer - drawing attention to women adventurers who have been forgotten. 
• Working on her next book - women who have mountains named after them 
• Tori James - 1st Welsh Woman to climb Mt. Everest, plus other record breaking expeditions over the years, mother of 2 children, living in Cardiff and working as a motivational speaker.  
• Starting a new podcast - The First Females Podcast - launching 16th May 2025  
• Jo Bradshaw - Everest summiter in 2016 (2nd attempt) on Everest, camp 1 when the earthquake struck in 2015. Working as an expedition leader and motivational speaker.  
• Yala Peak - a mountain that Junko Tabei climbed in 1977 - 2 years after climbing Mt Everest.  
• Individual connections
• Women’s Outdoor Expo 
• Meeting Tori at the end of the the Wales Coast Path 
• How Jo & Tori first connected at St. James Palace in 2016
• How Rosemary met Tori & Jo
• The History of Women in Exploration Conference in 2018
• Junko Tabei having mountains named after her on Pluto 
• First Females - and celebrating the 1st female ascent of Mt. Everest 
• Tori climbing Mt. Everest back in 2007 and not knowing about Junko and her achievement 
• Why didn’t we know about Junko?
• Wouldn’t it be great to know who the other first females are from around the world who have summited Mt. Everest 
• Junko passed away in 2016
• Putting the First Females Podcast together 
• Speaking to Rebecca Stephens as the first British woman who climbed Mt. Everest.  
• 800 women’s stories for the Tough Girl Podcast - 10 years
• There are still so many women’s stories that I haven’t shared yet
• Jo coming up with the idea to climb Yala Peak located in Langtang National Park in north Nepal. 
• Making it at all female commercial expedition
• Connecting a team of 13 awesome women 
• Adventurous Ewe
• What Rosemary’s experience was like climbing Yala Peak 
• Deciding to make the commitment and finally saying yes to go on the trek!
• Climbing Kilimanjaro 13 years ago, and now being in her 70s
• Why each day was special
• Setting off an hour earlier on summit day
• The joy and experience of climbing the mountain 
• The universe is your friend 
• Feeling very grateful for her belief in herself
• Why it was a life changing experience.
• Making the trek work for you
• Tori heading back to Nepal after 18 years since climbing Everest 
• Spending time at Yala Basecamp (2 days)
• Wanting to spend more time there!
• What Junko said on climbing Everest “here is the summit, and I don’t have to climb anymore”
• Junko’s story 
• Book: Honouring High Places: The Mountain Life of Junko Tabei  
• Her early years and being quite an ill child 
• Her resilience shining through. 
• Being encouraged to climb her first peak at 10 years old
• How restorative it can be, being out in the wildness 
• Being a pioneer in getting a women’s climbing group together. Especially in Japan.
• What would Junko do? How would she make this happen?
• Finding it difficult to hear people crush their dreams with the word ‘but’
• Reaching ‘my’ summit if not ‘the’ summit
• Junko was also the first women to complete the 7 summits (which Jo has now completed)
• Wanting to get her name out more and to share her legacy 
• Magical moments for Rosemary whilst out on her trek in Nepal
• Meeting Leo Houlding (Climber & Adventurer)  
• How Junko’s positive mindset shines through
• Tori getting to speak to Junko’s son, husband and best friend
• Not thinking about failure 
• Going against the stereotypes of the times
• How Junko was being supported by her husband - Masanobu Tabei  
• 16th May 2025  #MyJunkoJourney
• What Jo is doing in Wiltshire - going to climb the highest Hill - “Milk Hill” 12.30pm (Junko Summit Time on Mt. Everest)
• Becky Bellworthy (climbing Everest 2012) 
• Rosemary is going to go to the highest point in her town, Islington and going to watch the sunrise as a tribute and reminder to the trek in Nepal
• Sarah - What will I be doing?  I’ll be heading out to climb Moel Famau in Wales.
• #MyJunkoJourney is happening all year - get involved! 
• Advice and top tips from Rosemary -  “Life is not a rehearsal, this is it. If you want to do it, you can do it.”
• Advice and top tips from Jo - being a reframer, and making it work for her. Jo does stuff (adventures), to show women that we are doing it and not that we can do it.  
• It is possible and that by showing up (which is what Junko did, all the time) you can achieve great things.
• A lovely Japanese saying, ‘Ganbattekudasai’ - Do your best 
• Advice and top tips from Tori - If you want to get into the mountains, you can do it. 
• Thank you to Jo, Tori and Rosemary for sharing more about Junko and her 50th Anniversary. 

Social Media

First Females Podcast - Launching 16th May 2025 - a podcast celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first female ascent of Mount Everest and recognising women in mountaineering. 

In 1975, Junko Tabei became the first woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest.

Over the past 50 years, almost 900 women have followed in her footsteps, defying cultural and physical barriers to reach the world's top.

Very few people have heard of Junko Tabei. The First Females Podcast is being made to shine a spotlight on her remarkable achievement and to celebrate the incredible stories of women from around the world who were the first from their countries to reach the summit of Everest.

In her interviews with female Everest summiteers from around the world, Tori will bring her unique perspective and firsthand experience to the conversation to inspire future generations of women to dream big, climb higher, and break barriers in their own lives.

Website https://torijames.com/firstfemalespodcast

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/51TEg62SrH7czqxk8Nw3zQ 

Tough Girl Resources: Everest Summiters & Their Stories - https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/mt-everest

Angela Maxwell spent nearly seven years walking around the world — solo. Covering over 20,000 miles across four continents and 16 countries, she braved the Australian outback, battled dengue fever in Vietnam, and faced the daily challenge of finding safe places to sleep, often in a tent. 

A self-described introvert and novice adventurer when she began, Angela’s journey was as much an inner transformation as a physical one — fuelled by fear, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to explore what it means to live with courage.

Angela walked with purpose, raising funds to support girls rescued from human trafficking, and continues that mission through mentoring and women’s empowerment workshops. She’s been featured by Lonely Planet, BBC Travel, and Outside Magazine, and most recently became one of the first women to swim across the Caspian Sea — a feat that took 28 days and redefined her relationship with fear and endurance.

Now based in Wales (for the moment), Angela is writing a book about her world walk and sharing her philosophy that “courage is a verb.” Whether she’s walking, swimming, or simply choosing the unknown, Angela lives by example — proving that adventure doesn’t require expertise, just the decision to begin.

***

 New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.

 Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.

 Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x

***

Show notes

• Who is Angela 
• Spending 6.5 years walking west around the world 
• Setting a world record by swimming across the Caspian Sea 
• Being settled in Wales for the Winter
• Having a mutual friend - Miriam Lancewood 
• Her childhood and growing up
• Getting chicken pox at 30
• Not having any friends and being an introvert as a young kid
• Her love for nature coming later on in life
• Liking her own company 
• Daydreaming about travel
• Spending time alone
• Being inspired from a young age
• WHY?!
• Starting walking because she was terrified
• Where does an idea come from?
• The route and what the journey looked like
• Starting in Australia and walking North to South on the West Coast
• Heading over to Vietnam 
• Heading to Europe and the UK
• Flying back and forth due to visa issues
• Writing a book about the walk
• The challenge of writing a book
• Not wanting to share the journey on social media
• Wanting to be totally present and have the journey for herself
• Raising funds for women and girls 
• Self funding the walk
• Being inspired by Rosie Swale Pope who ran around the world  
• Book: Just a Little Run Around the World: 5 Years, 3 Packs of Wolves and 53 Pairs of Shoes 
• Living on a budget of $5 per day
• Women for Women International 
• Adventuring with a purpose
• Bad days while walking 
• Thriving on the little daily adventures 
• The joy of not knowing and what might be around the corner
• Still enjoying walking now
• The classic thru-hikes
• Walking the Pennine Way in the UK
• Walking part of Te Araroa in New Zealand
• Her thoughts on courage
• Dealing with self doubt, before and during the walk
• Ted Talk - “Courage is a verb” 
• Making the decision to continue 
• The most dangerous place for a woman is in the home 
• The fear at the end of the walk, what was going to be next
• Little feeling of depression at the end
• Swimming across the Caspian Sea 
• Swimming V walking 
• Having a fear of open water and not being a good swimmer
• Funding the challenge
• What it was like day to day on the water
• Taking 28 days to do the crossing, swimming 6hrs per day
• Other around the world challenges?!
• Not having a compulsion to share her stories 
• Living on very little and funding her current lifestyle
• Using Trusted Housesitters
• Running workshops for women
• Guilty pleasures….
• Injuries?
• Book: Wilder Journeys: True Stories of Nature, Adventure and Connection 
• Future plans for 2026
• How to connect with Angela
• Final words of advice on courage
• Choosing courage on a day to day basis 

Social Media

Website www.SheWalksTheEarth.com 

Instagram @AngelaMarieMaxwell 

 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!

• Who is Alex
• Growing up in Porto Ricco - a small island in the Caribbean 
• Her childhood and early years 
• Spending time in nature from a young age
• Living in Western Northern Carolina, USA
• Spending time around the ocean 
• Swimming and respecting the water
• Her parents farm 
• Hiking with her family
• 2017 and deciding to climb Mt Kilimanjaro
• Looking for the next thing to work towards
• Pushing herself to achieve
• Difficult pursuits of the year
• Training physically and mentally for the challenge
• 2018 and doing the Grand Canyon - Rim to Rim Challenge 
• Keeping herself learning and engaged and wanting the challenges to be fun 
• Running….
• Learning as she goes
• The importance of training
• Planning Approach
• Thinking of her own ideas for Difficult Pursuits
• Focusing on challenges in Porto Ricco 
• 35 miles - Backpacking trail in Porto Ricco
• The power of visualisation
• The power of doing hard things
• Going through hard times
• Managing emotions while on challenges
• Letting emotions out and acknowledging them 
• Journaling and writing for outdoor magazines in the US
• The women who inspire Alex
• Being inspired by Sunny Stroeer 
• Co founding the AWE Summit Scholarship Foundation 
• Their mission to increase accessibility for women and girls and for gender equality in the mountains
• Offering scholarships to 25 women to climb mountains around the world 
• Her difficult pursuit in 2025
• Heading to France in July and wanting to climb Mt Blanc
• Wanting to set a Fastest Known Time (FKT) 
• How to connect and support Alex
• Final words of advice for other women who want to take on difficult pursuits
• Find a community of people or women who can support your goals over a period of time. 
• The advice of ‘just do it’ 
• Choosing what is difficult for you

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2013, Lis van Lynden has refused to let the condition define her limits. With no prior cycling experience or training, Lis set off in 2022 on a solo, unsupported ride around the entire coastline of Great Britain—covering 5,000 miles over seven months and raising over £13,000 for MS charities. 

Her journey didn’t stop there. Lis went on to cycle the Irish coastline and most recently visited 12 of the UK’s national parks by bike, with plans to complete the final 3 in 2025. 

Along the way, she’s faced physical challenges, experienced incredible acts of kindness, and become a passionate advocate for others living with MS. 

Lis’s story is one of courage, conviction, and living life on her own terms—no matter the obstacles.

***

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 Lis
• Half Dutch, Half British
• Growing up abroad
• Moving to London and training as a teacher
• Losing her brother in a sailing accident
• Losing her father to bowl cancer 
• Working in West Dulwich for 12 years 
• Thinking there must be more to life
• Being interested in adventure travel 
• Climbing Kilimanjaro and doing a mountaineering course 
• Slowing the group down 
• The first signs of having Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• 2008 packing in her job and doing a history degree with the Open University 
• Losing her mother to lung cancer 
• Meeting someone and buying a house together
• Getting diagnosed in 2013 with MS 
• Going through a divorce 
• Heading to Svalbard in 2018
• Reading “one man and his bike’ by Mike Carter 
• Book: One Man and His Bike: A Life-Changing Journey All the Way Around the Coast of Britain
• “Can I do this? Could this be my adventure challenge?”
• Having 100% conviction 
• Being inspired by and supported by Verdangi Kulkarni
• Being consumed by her dream 
• 2020 and dealing with lockdowns
• 2022 7th May - Ready to start the journey!
• No training and doing 68 miles on the first day.
• Ripping up the rules….
• 7 months, 3 days and 1 hour
• 1 month into the journey and how everything had changed 
• Going off medication and feeling free
• Heading to Northern Ireland 
• Meeting Ann Whatmore on the road (her episode on the TGP goes live on 5th June 2025)
• MS Symptoms and dealing with it on the road
• Wanting to make changes in her life and live life to the fullest 
• Trying to figure out a different way of earning income
• Movement, eating well and sleep 
• The power of helping ourselves and the importance of mindset
• Getting through the shitty days 
• Reframing 
• Next challenge
• How to connect with Lis on social media 
• Final words of advice for other women who want to take on a new challenge 

Social Media

Just giving: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lisvanlynden 

Instagram: @coddiwomple2wander 

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/lis.vanlynden

Twitter: @LisvlTravels 

Rahema Mamodo is a mum of three, a passionate runner, and a trailblazer for women in sport. Growing up in Portugal and now based in Birmingham, Rahema discovered running later in life, starting with a simple couch-to-5k program. What began as a personal challenge has blossomed into a mission to inspire women—especially those who look like her—to break barriers, embrace fitness, and find joy in movement.

Since her first hesitant steps on a treadmill, Rahema has run over 180 Park Runs in more than 50 locations, completed marathons, and even tackled ultramarathons like Race to the Stones. Along the way, she’s used her platform to share her journey, celebrate diversity in sport, and encourage others to believe in themselves.

In this episode, Rahema shares how running transformed her life, the lessons she’s learned from pushing her limits, and her passion for inspiring her daughters and other women to chase their goals. From practical tips for getting started to her unforgettable experiences at marathons and ultras, Rahema’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and self-belief.

Correction:

In our recent podcast episode featuring Rahema Mamodo, we incorrectly stated that SheUltra was founded by Sophie Power. We’d like to clarify that SheUltra was actually founded by Huw Williams, a local man from North Wales who is currently living with terminal cancer. Huw has poured his heart and soul into creating and running this incredible event. Sophie Power is the founder of SheRACES, a separate initiative.

To learn more about Huw and support SheUltra, please visit She Ultra's website or donate here.

***

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 Rahema
• Growing up in Portugal and now living in Birmingham 
• Speaking 3 languages (Portuguese, English and Gujarati)
• What her early years were like 
• Not being into sports or any physical activities 
• Being a teenage girl 
• Being inspired to do a couch to 5k
• Using a treadmill at home and not wanting to run outdoors at first
• The benefits of joining a running group
• Her first Park Run and why she loves it 
• Wearing a hijab 
• How her running journey progressed
• 10k to Half Marathon 
• Being supported by her family 
• Wanting to inspire her girls to be active
• Increasing her distance every week 
• Using online programs and doing her best to get beyond the 5k distance
• Being a Park Run Tourist 
• 180+ park runs in over 50 different locations
• Doing the A to Z of Park Runs 
• Finding a Z Park Run
• Highlights from running and running on sand
• Practical tips to encourage women to get involved in Park Run
• The benefits of finding like minded people to run
• Tracking her running with Garmin 
• Deciding to run Manchester Marathon as her first marathon 
• Hating the experience 
• Getting the chance to run the London Marathon 
• Learning a lot from the marathon experiences 
• Running for other people 
• Muslim Runners 
• Running 3/4 times a week
• 5 weeks to prepare for the marathon
• Race strategy and goals 
• Visiting the London Marathon EXPO 
• Connecting with people from social media
• Deciding to run an ultra - Race to the Stones - 50k 
• She Ultra 
• Sophie Power on the Tough Girl Podcast 
• Training for an ultra 
• No pressure, no cut off times and just smiles!
• Racing with her daughter in 2025
• How to connect with Rahema online
• Being a cover girl! On the cover of Women’s Running 
• Wanting to inspire other women to go out and run
• The power of believing in yourself

Social Media

Website www.rahema.co.uk/blog 

Instagram @Rahema_m 

Facebook @rahemasw 

Dee Anna's story is one of resilience, adventure, and refusing to let society define her limits. 

Born with a genetic mutation that affected her mobility, she faced a lifetime of challenges—from intensive physiotherapy as a child to being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2022. Along the way, she also navigated severe autism, trauma, and life-altering setbacks that could have stopped her in her tracks. But instead, she turned to the outdoors.

In this episode, Dee shares how thru-hiking the South West Coast Path became the turning point that changed everything. With no home, no job, and facing immense personal struggles, she took a leap of faith and embarked on a 71-day journey that helped her reclaim her life.

We talk about the power of movement, nature’s role in healing, and why adventure should be accessible to everyone.

Now, as a scientist, outdoor journalist, and founder of The Introvert Magazine, Dee is on a mission to inspire others to embrace nature, break barriers, and live life on their own terms.

This is a powerful and deeply moving conversation about survival, self-discovery, and the courage to forge your own path. Don’t miss it! 

*Please be aware that this episode contains discussions of suicidal thoughts, severe trauma, and sexual assault.

***

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 Dee
• Disabled Adventuress, scientist, outdoor journalist, writer, naturalist and photographer 
• Living in South Wales, surrounded by wonderful nature
• Being born in Poland and growing up in Sussex
• Her early year and growing up with severe autism and being mute
• Not socialising with other people but spending time in the outdoors 
• Being interested in the natural world from a young age
• Feeling safe in nature 
• Studying biology and chemistry at a high level 
• Being born with a genetic mutation 
• Being severely disabled and going through intensive physical therapy to be able to walk 
• Building internal resilience and mental strength
• Her first big solo adventure in 2023
• Walking the South West Coast Path 
• Dealing with severe trauma and complicated medical conditions
• Losing her job, her house and partner and having no where to go
• Wanting to end her life, after being sexually assaulted while at work
• Fighting to get her case heard
• Wanting to be alive
• Trying to fit in and realising that life hasn’t being build for her and deciding to live the life she wants to live
• Deciding to go for it and making a decision overnight 
• Focusing on a goal 
• Dragging herself to the train station to get to the start of the SWCP
• How her body started to become stronger while walking 
• Spending 71 days on the trail and why it was the greatest adventure of her life
• Why it was a healing experience 
• Movement, nature, animals and being exposure to nature
• Meeting good people on the trail 
• Walking every day and noticing the positive changes in her body 
• The theory that people who have ADHD are people who come from hunter gatherers 
• How the trail will provide
• Starting The Introvert Magazine 
• The impact of stress on her body
• Working on an Adventure Guide 
• Wanting the book to be as inclusive as possible
• Wanting to bring as many people as possible to experience nature
• Interviewing people and taking over 200 photos for the book
• Going snorkelling with the Scottish Wildlife Trust 
• Looking at it as a life project
• Having a shorter life span compared to others
• Wanting to work on projects that are a passion
• Embracing her life as a gift and a blessing 
• Wanting to be grateful for every moment
• Wanting to giveback to society 
• Building her instagram community 
• What can people expect from her social media
• Sharing her life as it is
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 
• You have to be tolerant with others but strict with yourself  - Marcus Aurelius 
• Feeling isolated and alone
• Advice for women with autism and ADHD
• Struggling to get outside and advice and tips to do so
• Meet ups?
• Women’s Safety 
• Planning or not planning for adventures 
• Being pulled in 2 different directions
• Allowing flexibility on the adventure 
• Finding out what works for you
• Women’s safety while on the trail 
• Her 10 year career in the police 
• Words of advice 
• Why its about believing in yourself 
• Don’t compare yourself to others
• Start small 

Social Media

Website www.deecrute.com

Instagram @deedee.reporter

Facebook @dee.crute

YouTube  @dee.crute 

Sherry Cardona is an ultra-endurance cyclist, content creator, and adventure seeker who thrives on pushing her limits. Born in Colombia and raised in Spain, Sherry’s journey has been one of exploration, self-discovery, and resilience. From long-distance running to cycling, she’s always been drawn to endurance challenges—finding freedom and peace in the process.

In this episode, Sherry shares how she transitioned into ultra-cycling, taking on some of the toughest races in the world, including Race Around the Netherlands, the Transcontinental Race, and the Transibérica. We dive into the mental and physical challenges of these events, the strange things that happen to your body during extreme endurance efforts (think hallucinations and swollen hands), and how she’s learned to adapt and grow with each race.

We also talk about her life beyond cycling—moving to Amsterdam, growing her confidence through YouTube, and her passion for connecting with like-minded adventurers. Whether you’re an aspiring ultra-endurance athlete or simply love a good adventure story, this conversation is packed with inspiration, lessons, and valuable insights.

Don’t miss it! 

***

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 Sherry - Adventure cyclist and content creator
• Being based in Amsterdam in the Netherlands 
• Being born in Colombia and growing up in Spain
• Wanting to explore and see new places
• Not having as many opportunities in Colombia 
• Feeling lucky to be able to explore amazing places
• Using Youtube to connect with like minded people 
• Feeling misunderstood at school 
• Being able to express herself through YouTube 
• How her confidence grew 
• Moving to Spain at 9 years old
• Being into sports and long distance running 
• Meeting her husband in London and being introduced to cycling 
• Having her own coffee company and working as a freelancer in marketing 
• Running away from her problems 
• Having a sense of peace and feelings of freedom while running
• How her cycling journey evolved 
• Moving to Amsterdam during the pandemic 
• Race around the Netherlands (2,000km) 
• Training and preparation 
• Taking it on as a personal challenge and wanting to see what she could achieve 
• Being the first woman across the line 
• Strange things that happen to your body when you take on long endurance based challenges 
• Dealing with a lack of sleep and hallucinations 
• Dealing with swollen hands and face due to electrolyte in-balances 
• Sherman’s Neck
• Lesson and learning for future events 
• The Transcontinental Race (TCR) - single stage race across Europe where cyclists cover around 4000 km 
• The importance of planning and preparations for ultra races and what it looks like 
• How your body starts to adapt during the race 
• Reaching the start of the race trained and ready but not overtrained 
• Using bike packing trips for training 
• Transibérica Race 
• The sleeping rule
• Bike set up for races and how it changes depending on the race
• How many bikes….
• Racing in the Atlas.Mountains in Morocco and feeling nervous..
• Managing in the heat
• Badlands Race 
• Recovery after a race and why it can take months 
• Buzzalong Cycling Podcast
• Sharing her stories on YouTube 
• Plans and races for 2025
• Race Across Belgium 
• Wanting to do more Bikepacking instead of racing 
• How to connect with Sherry 
• Final words of advice
• Knowledge is power 

Social Media

Instagram: @sherry.cycling 

Youtube: @Buzzalong.cycling 

Zoe Langley-Wathen is a writer, speaker, and adventure seeker who has spent over a decade inspiring others to embrace the outdoors. From solo-walking the South West Coast Path in 2011 to becoming the first woman to walk the Wales Coast Path in 2012, Zoe has continually pushed her boundaries—while navigating the realities of midlife, imposter syndrome, and solo adventures.

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, Zoe shares the journey behind her latest book, 630 Miles Braver: Mid-lifing on the South West Coast Path, which chronicles her transformative experience walking the iconic trail. She opens up about the challenges of writing, the joy of creative expression, and why she’s passionate about encouraging midlife women to step outside their comfort zones. 

We also dive into her upcoming coastline walk of mainland Great Britain, the logistics of planning such a mammoth adventure, and her mission to prove that adventure has no age limit.

Tune in to hear Zoe’s incredible story, her insights on bravery, and her advice on making adventure a lifelong pursuit.

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Listen to Zoe on previous episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast 

Nov 7, 2017 - Zoe Langley-Wathen - Walking Adventures include the South West Coastal Path, Wales Coast Path 

Aug 29, 2019 - Zoe Langley-Wathen - Her love for long distance walking, #100mappydays & Head Right Out  

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Thank you for your amazing support!

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Show notes

• Writer, speaker and adventure seeker
• Walking the SWCP solo in 2011
• Becoming the first woman to walk the Wales Coast Path in 2012
• Peri-menopause!
• From living in a house in Dorset to living on a narrow boat
• Living in Somerset and loving life and adventures
• Knowing Zoe since 2015 
• Women’s Adventure Expo in Bristol 
• Speaking to Zoe in 2017 on the Tough Girl Podcast 
• Starting her own podcast in 2021- Headrighout
• Speaking to midlife women who are pushing their comfort zone in the outdoors
• Wanting to promote adventure for midlife women 
• What happened in 2020 and 2021
• The covid years….
• Glamping in an empty house for 4 months
• The Yes Tribe 
• Saying yes to the book!
• Being inspired by The Salt Path 
• 5,000 word chapter..
• Seeing her words and drawings in print 
• Being a creative person and loving the creative process
• The biggest book of YES! 
• Her writing journey and putting her story down on paper
• Book: 630 Miles Braver - midlifing on the South West Coast Path
• Writing every morning 
• Connecting with the London writers salon 
• Discussing the book with Mike and reliving the memories 
• Book get published on the 15th April 
• 25th April 2025 - The Salt Path movie goes live in the UK 
• Walking from her home in Somerset to Cornwall
• Saltlines Performance 
• Going walking solo again in 2024 (after 10 years)
• Re routing over Dartmoor, crossing flooded rivers and challenging walking!
• Making new friends and being invited to a wedding! 
• The next adventure…..
• Wanting to walk the coast of mainland Great Britain
• 1st October 2025…..
• The route and the plan 
• Walking anticlockwise from Poole Harbour to Brighton to London
• The rules…
• Daily distances… going for lower millage days
• Costs and estimated budget needed for the 2 of them over the 2 years 4 months
• Renting the house out and paying for the challenge
• The challenge of Scotland 
• King Charles 3rd Coastal Path 
• Snow or midgets - what’s the best time of year to be in Scotland 
• The right to roam in Scotland 
• John O’Groats Trail 
• The inlets in Western Scotland…
• Figuring it out when you get there 
• Don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you from enjoying the adventure 
• Raising funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance  
• Raising awareness about the positive benefits of adventure for any age
• Working as an Ambassador for Adventure Mind 
• Registering for a Guinness World Record
• How to connect with Zoe & Mike while they are on their adventures 
• Final words of wisdom and advice 
• Bravery and taking on new challenges
• The power of discovering that adventure has no age limit 
• Finding ways to step outside your comfort zone 
• Reading and listening to other people doing similar things 
• The power of writing things down 
• What do you want to do and how do you feel about it
• Keep a diary and a record of what you’ve done 
• Reflect back on the journey, what would you do again, what would you do differently?

Social Media

Website www.headrightout.com 

Instagram @headrightout 

Facebook @headrightout 

Head Right Out Podcast 

Book: 630 Miles Braver: Midlifing on the South West Coast Path 

Book: Biggest Book of Yes: 49 Short Adventure Stories (The Big Book of Yes 3)