Tough Girl Podcast

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Camille Herron - Ultrarunner propelled by tacos & joy! The first runner to win International Association of Ultrarunners world championships at 3 different categories, the 50km, 100km and 24 hours. 0

Feb 14, 2023

Camille Herron is an American ultramarathon runner. She was born on Christmas Day in Norman, Oklahoma. She credits her athletic ability and steely toughness to her grandpa, who earned two Purple Hearts in World War II, and her dad, who played college basketball at Oklahoma State University for 3-time Olympic Team Coach, Henry Iba. As a 7-year-old she would practice basketball without water until she would black out. When she was 17, her family became homeless when they lost their home in a tornado. She started running long on Sundays to celebrate her life.

Camille won the 2017 Comrades Marathon and holds several World Record times at ultramarathon distances. She is the first and only athlete to win all three of the road IAU World Championships for 50K, 100K, and 24 Hours. Camille also holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon in a superhero costume. She is known for running with her hair down, drinking beer, and eating tacos during ultramarathons.

In November 2017, she broke Ann Trason's 100-mile Road World Record by over an hour in 12:42:40. She is the first woman to run under 13 hours for 100 miles, exceed 150 km for 12-Hours, and reach 270 km for 24-Hours. In April 2022, she became the youngest woman to reach 100,000 lifetime miles.

Camille has overcome multiple challenges in her life, including injuries as a young runner and the loss of her family's home in the 1999 tornado outbreak in Oklahoma. In February 2019, just two weeks after surviving a rollover car accident, she won the Tarawera 100 Miler in Rotorua, New Zealand in a new course record of 17:20:52.

She was a 3-time All-Stater in cross country, 3-time State Champion in track and field, and valedictorian at Westmoore High School. As a young runner, Camille experienced many injuries and was inspired to understand why. She got back into competitive running as a road racer in her fifth year of college coached by her husband and former elite runner, Conor Holt. In 2007, Camille graduated from Oregon State University with a Master of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Science.

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.

Support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.

Show Notes

Who is Camille
Being a marathoner for 10 years before getting into ultra running
Committing to ultra running in 2015
Wikipedia for Camille
Being a shy kid with high energy
Getting into dance ad basketball before running
Playing point guard in basketball
Finding running very natural
Doing her first cross country race
Meeting her husband in college
Being surrounded by super runners and being inspired
Running miles for fun
Suffering from injuries and wanting to understand why
Winning 3 state titles in high school
Growing 9 inches and dealing with multiple stress fractures
Being told by doctors not to run competitively
Being taught how to train properly
Studying bone and exercise in grad school
Remaining injury free from her mid 20s
Reaching 100,000 miles in running
Being part of a research study at Stanford
Her running routine
Running periods and peri-menopause
Using her period as a marker of health
Having a mineral imbalance
Low magnesium and high iron
Working with a dietitian
Foot strike haemolysis
Recovery and sleeping after big training sessions
The Root Cause Protocol
Getting into a better routine at night
Feeling the best she’s ever felt at 40
Loving 24hr races and why its the hardest distance
Strategy for 24hr races
Mentally breaking down the race
Why it’s the hardest ultra race
The motivation and where it comes from
Future races and wanting to race more trail races
Connect with Camille
Coaching with Camille
Advice for new runners

Social Media

Website www.camilleherron.com/

Instagram @runcamille

Facebook @runcamille

Twitter @runcamille

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Amy Aed - Travel writer and adventurer who became the first person to walk the entire Danube river. 0

Feb 7, 2023

Amy Aed is a travel writer and adventurer from Wales who was the first person to walk the entire Danube River.

Amy was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at the age of 15, and the daily impact on her health was a struggle, but there’s nothing stopping her from living the life she wants.

On 14th September 2022, Amy finally finished the 1770-mile journey and became the first person to walk the Danube river, more or less a year after she started.

Amy is also the face behind the blog Wandering Everywhere. She enjoys writing raw, off-the-beaten-path guides to beautiful places.

Amy's writing has been featured in Sick Chirpse, The New Welsh Review, Yahoo! Lifestyle, Buzz Magazine, Wanderlust Magazine, Buzzfeed, and many more.

About the blog:

Wandering Everywhere is a space filled with raw, off-the-beaten-track travel guides on gorgeous places, with a focus on solo female travel and travelling when there’s a million obstacles in front of you.

This blog is for the travel-hungry, those who are on the constant search of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s for the people who are all about asking questions and collecting stories, sharing their passion for exploration in an outlet designed to inspire a whole community of travellers.

Wandering Everywhere is a blog set out to inspire others to live a life of a travel in a way that needn’t be scary, expensive, or isolating – where wandering and wondering go hand in hand. Let’s turn the world travel-hungry.

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.

Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.

*This walk was started 1st September 2021 and finished 14th September 2022

Show notes

Who is Amy
Her early years
Wanting to travel from a young age
Her blog - Wandering-everywhere and how it evolved from a book blog to what it is now
Travelling to Germany and writing about travelling
Working with tourism boards
Walking the length of the Danube river.
Where the idea came from
Doing research on the Danube and finding out that no one had walked it before
Not doing a lot of planning and preparation
Concerns before taking on this challenge
Feeling excited to go and travel
Planning to walk 40 miles a day and finish the challenge in a month
Having to go home multiple times during the trip
Never having done a walking trip before
Doing about 25km on average per day
Deciding to walk with other people
Not being able to finish the trip before Christmas
Having to make changes to the journey
The challenges of walking with teammates (girlfriend - Emily and friend - Ines)
The challenges of taking a break during the walk and going back to it
Feeling ready to finish and end the trip
Being diagnosed at age 15 with Crohn’s Disease.
Changing her diet and eating while walking
Not taking care of herself and getting ill
Figuring out what her food triggers were
Getting food and resupply while walking
Money and costs of the challenge
Receiving a small grant for £500 and a small amount of sponsorship
The biggest lesson and learning from the challenge
Dealing with the street dogs
Not being able to rely on other people
The ending of the journey and reaching the Black Sea
The Danube Delta and not being able to walk the end and needing to take a boat
Why the end was underwhelming and vey different from what she imagined
Magical moments from the walk
Deciding not to camp anymore
Using couch surfing for the first time
Future plans - a road trip through Eastern Europe and going to Mexico for the day of the dead celebration
How to connect with Amy
Final words of advice for women who want to get wandering and travelling

Social Media

Website www.wandering-everywhere.com

Instagram @wandering-everywhere

Facebook @wanderingeverywherepage

Twitter @wandrevrywhere

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Crystal Rose Hudelson - Her love and passion for climbing and her work as Co-director of Climbers of Color (CoC) a platform for people to connect and teach Black people, people of color, and marginalized communities. 0

Jan 31, 2023

Crystal Rose in her own words:

“I am Crystal Hudelson (she/her) a cishet (both cisgender and heterosexual) gender Black woman

I am a foster youth who was brought up by the state. This gives me incredible empathy for marginalized people which is what led me to my work with Climbers of Color (CoC).

I am in love with sport climbing (specifically outdoor leading). Certifications: The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) apprentice rock guide, Single Pitch Instructor

All of my climb training focuses on being a solid leader outside on rock. I used to co-host Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC - Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) climb nights for Climbers of Color at Stone Gardens Bellevue since it started there.

Climbers of Color opened up a platform for people like me to connect and teach with the climbing community in the closest way to my heart: Black people, people of color, and marginalized communities.

As my involvement grew, I became part of a new branch of CoC: outdoor rock climbing instruction. My partner and I developed all the instructional programs for rock at CoC and strive to make each course a welcoming, equitable, and informational experience for each participant.

CoC is the entity who has mentored me through the AMGA certification process and trusts I will do a good job. They have placed a confidence in me I have known few other places and I am grateful for it.

Within the BIPOC climbing community, I have seen a wide array of abilities and experience.

I want you to know that we see you because we are looking. We see you and want to honor you by creating a strong climbing community who shares joy with one another. Bringing one’s culture and ancestral essence into climbing is what will allow us to enter the climbing community as our whole selves.

Fun facts about me: My ancestry is Haitian and Irish. By day I work as an aircraft mechanic in the avionics department on heavy jets and my partner and I are building our first climbing wall in our backyard.

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.

To support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Sign up as a Patron - www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.

Show Notes

Who is Crystal Rose
Her current roles
What she was like as a little girl
Not having the opportunity to go outside much
Trying to find her place in the world
Getting into rock climbing through her partner Keith
Her passion for climbing and the outdoors
Meeting Keith and how their relationship developed
Not coming from an athletic background
Enjoying the mental aspect of the challenge
Managing fear and being able to believe in herself
Her love for sports climbings
Sport Leading Outside and why its her favourite type of climbing
Her journey in getting her climbing qualifications
The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA)
Single Pitch Instructor Course
Needing traditional gear and being supported by the climbing community
Gear Fund Collective - IG @thegearfundcollective
The challenge of finding climbing partners
Managing fear while climbing
The power of breath work and why it is one of the best tools you can use
Getting into a mindful space
Falling out of love with climbing in 2021
The need for rest and figuring out a balance
Being a Co-director of Climbers of Color (CoC) which was established in 2017
Her volunteer role at Climber of Color
Working full time as an airline mechanic
Assisting people to become guides
Driving change in the climbing world
Having scholarships available
Partnering with the American Alpine Institute
Her passion for writing and sharing on her blog - Rock Rose Blog - Examine the intersection of climbing, Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color, and policy.
Magical moments while climbing
Reflecting back on one of the hardest climbs she’s ever done
Not feeling worthy of being able to climb at a certain grade
Climb training for sport climbing
Following the Anderson Brothers Training Manual
Mercedes Pollmeier - Longevity Climbing Coach IG @modusathletica
Modus Athletica Website
Working with Climbing Coach Emily Taylor IG @browngirlsclimbing1
Brown Girls Climbing - 1st all BIPOC girls & GNB youth pioneering adventure based-climbing from Ohlone Land. Website - https://www.tayloredfitsolutions.com/
How climbing and your everyday life can cross over
Advice for women who want to start climbing and to step outside their comfort zone
Look for an affinity group and finding a climbing partner who you connect with
Connecting with people via the internet and social media
Safety is number one and the skills will follow
Building her own home climbing wall
The community feel of the project
Deciding to name the climbing wall - the Monolith
How to connect with Crystal Rose
Final words of advice
Why healing isn’t linear

Social Media

Blog - https://rockrose.blog/

Personal Instagram

@aroseontherock

@monolith_wall

Go Fund Me - https://www.gofundme.com/f/climbing-wall-dream

@rockrose.blog - Examine the intersection of climbing, Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color, and policy.

Climbers of Colour - Creating leaders of color in mountaineering and climbing. Based in Western Washington.

Website: https://www.climbersofcolor.org/

IG: @climbersofcolor

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/134722430557412/about/

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Victoria Evans - Guinness World Record Holder, Fastest Female to Solo Row the Atlantic, Sports Lawyer and Advocate for Women In Sport 0

Jan 24, 2023

Victoria is an ambassador for UK charity ‘Women in Sport’. Having developed a love of adventure in her late twenties, she progressed from running and cycling to summits of Mont Blanc, Gran Paradiso and Kilimanjaro.

In March 2022 she became the fastest female to solo row 2,559 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, finishing in 40 days, 21 hours and 1 minute and knocking 8.5 days off the previous Guinness World Record.

Outside of adventure, Victoria is a sports and media lawyer with over ten years of experience practising in both the UK and Switzerland. Having held roles in both European and Olympic federations, as well as commercial media organisations, she focuses on the development and negotiation of sports sponsorship and licensing, media creation and distribution, and sports governance. She uses her legal training to tackle gender equality in sport, securing the first written pregnancy deferral policy of an organised race in February 2022 when Ironman agreed to collaborate, and now focusing heavily on safeguarding.

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.

You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.

Show Notes

Who is Victoria
Woking as a commercial lawyer
Being based in London
Growing up in the countryside in Yorkshire
Not being interested in sports as a young age
Getting into fitness in her mid/late 20s
Deciding to become a lawyer
Wanting to become financially secure
Training in Manchester and working long hours
Moving to Switzerland and getting into the outdoor lifestyle
Doing her first (and only) triathlon
Getting into climbing mountains
Where the dream to row the Atlantic Ocean came from
Wanting to make a change
Doing work with UN Women
Doing research into ocean rowing
The reasons behind the challenge
Being inspired by the women on the tough girl podcast
The practical steps taken to make the dream a reality
Having to quit her job to take on the ocean row
Taking a leap of faith and finding a way to make it happen
Connecting with Women in Sport
Sorting out the basics
Rannoch Adventures
Securing her title sponsor at the end of 2019
Sitting her ocean rowing exams in Feb 2020
Going into lockdown in March 2020
Planning to go in 2021 and needing to postpone to 2022
Dealing with new challenges and setbacks
Deciding to go freelance as a lawyer
Dealing with the stress before getting to the start line
Having a fantastic support network
The start of the challenge
Structure on the boat?!
The challenges while on the boat
The magical moments while out on the water
Focusing on the good
What are you doing? Why are you here?
The mental side of the row
Having no let up at all
Needing to be the one to fix every problem and every issue
Getting through the tough days
Making history and breaking records
Not wanting to do another adventure at this level
Wanting to help and support athletes with safeguarding issues
Looking after her own mental health
Taking a break from exercise and fitness
How to connect with Victoria
The importance of knowing your why and why you are passionate about it
Back yourself
Listening to multiple episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast

Social Media

Website www.seachangesport.com

Instagram @seachangesport

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Phillipa Cherryson - Chief Volunteer Queen for Adventure Queens South Wales - her goal is to encourage more women of every age, size, ability and background to participate in outdoor activities. 0

Jan 17, 2023

Phillipa in her own words:

“I’ve been an OS GetOutside Champion since 2020, I’m the Chief Volunteer Queen for Adventure Queens South Wales and deputy chair of the Brecon Beacons National Park LAF.

I’ve just turned 50 and am not your stereotypical outdoor type. I’ve never been great at sports and I’m not a pretty sight puffing and panting up a mountain. But being outdoors makes me feel alive – it’s my soul food.

My goal is to encourage more women of every age, size, ability and background to participate in outdoor activities and that’s what I do for Adventure Queens South Wales.

Adventure Queens is an online UK-based community of more than 20,000 women. Its goal is to encourage, inspire and educate more women to get outside.

Over the past four years I’ve organised weekends away (camping, surfing, scrambling, climbing, hiking, climbing, kayaking and wild swimming), day walks, social evenings and walked the 99-mile Beacons Way. On top of that I’ve given live online talks, organised virtual meet ups and mentored new members.

AQ has transformed my own life. I was a cautious day walker before I joined, but since then I’ve become a seasoned camper, I’ve completed multi-day hikes, learned scrambling, climbing, surfing and paddle-boarded – I keep pinching myself as I can’t believe this is really me!”

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.

Show Notes

Who is Phillipa?
Being the Chief Queen for Adventure Queens, South Wales
Working as a journalist
Spending all her free time in the mountains
How life has changed over the past 4 years
Growing up in Hampshire
Her passion for the outdoors
Wanting to do more stuff outside - but not knowing how to go about it
The start of her journalism career
Meeting her partner who was outdoorsy at 28
Her gateway to the outdoors
Developing new skills and building confidence in navigation and map reading
Staying in her comfort zone
The Beacons Way - 99 mile thru-hike
First hearing about the Adventure Queens
Being inspired to say yes and take on new challenges
Deciding to run the Adventure Queens South Wales Group
Finding people to walk the Beacons Way with
Connecting with like minded people
The first weekend of the challenge
You have to start somewhere
The sense of achievement at the end
Learning to camp and wild camp
Advice for women who do want to start spending time in the outdoors
The benefits of social media and how it can be used to connect with others with similar interests
Dealing with her fears before her first meet up
Being inspired by Kate Adie
Her role as the Chief Queen for the South Wales Group
Her dreams for 2023
Cycling in Bosnia
Documenting the journey and speaking with ITV
Advice for planning events and challenges
Fitness regime and doing what she loves
Getting into running during lockdown
Reframing running to trotting
Final words of advice - “think about what you want to do and if you don’t know what you want to do, try lots of different things”
The support from women in all women groups
Think about what you want to do and give it ago

Social Media

Instagram @phillipacherryson

Adventure Queens - Non-profit women’s adventure community

Website: adventurequeens.co.uk

Instagram: @adventurequeensuk

Facebook: @AdventureQueens

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyTRW_ulgP09i7EhU1vdAAw

The Adventure Queens Grant

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Katrina Megget - Her battle with self doubt and self-worth - walking the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand and sailing around Great Britain with her partner on a 28-ft boat. 0

Jan 10, 2023

Katrina Megget is an ordinary woman who dared to believe she was more than she thought she was. After three years of listening to her self-doubt and the negative voice in her head that told her she wasn't good enough she finally set out to walk the 3,000km (1,864 mile) Te Araroa Trail down the length of New Zealand, her home country.

A knee injury led to her having to pull out once she got to the South Island but she was determined to complete the trail so returned the next season. Unfortunately, covid lockdowns stopped her seven days from reaching the finish but by that point she had realised she didn’t need to walk the trail to prove she was enough.

She is now writing a book on her experience on the trail, her battle with self-doubt and self-worth and dealing with an emotionally abusive relationship.

Katrina then spent three and a half months sailing around the coast of Great Britain with her new partner on a 28-foot boat. She had only a handful of days sailing experience, didn’t know the lingo, didn’t know if she would get seasick and had no idea if she would even enjoy it!

Katrina, who is from New Zealand but lives in the UK, works as a freelance journalist who speaks and writes on the power within all of us to empower others to believe in themselves so they can be the people they want to be.

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.

Show Notes

Who is Katrina
Originally from New Zealand but living in the UK for the past 16 years
Working as a health care journalist and writing adventure travel articles
Deciding to move to the UK after have her OE - “Overseas Experience”
Being more academic focused rather than outdoorsy
Getting into the outdoors via her partner
Joining a mountaineering club in the UK
Her journey into the outdoors
Pushing herself outside her comfort zone
Trying to climb 40 volcanoes before she turned 40
Where the idea came from and the reason why
Having 5 years to complete the challenge
Wanting to do something epic
Being fascinated by volcanoes
Why things didn’t go according to plan
Making changes to the challenges
Climbing Mt. Vesuvius, Italy
Your challenge - Your rules
Coming to understand her reason why
Dealing with chronic self doubt and not feeling good enough to do anything
Wanting to prove to herself that she as good enough
Walking the length of New Zealand
Not being able to live up to her own expectations
Being a high achiever and a perfectionist
Wanting to do adventure and why it does’t have to be epic
Adventure is something which is pushing you outside your comfort zone
Wanting to be in the growth zone
Having big dreams and ambitions
Dealing with negative thoughts
Why starting is the hardest thing
Making the decision to walk the length of NZ
Taking the first steps and the process involved
Starting with research and guidebooks
Getting over her fear of kayaking
Taking it one step at a time
Making the decision to commit and jumping into the unknown
Why the unknown doesn’t have to be scary
Keeping your mind open to new possibilities
The start of the challenge
Dealing with doubts
Wanting to finish the journey
Going back after taking a break
The mental and physical side of the challenge
Dealing with a knee injury and needing to adjust her plans
Learning about sailing and wanting to sail around GB
Communicating with your partner while on the boat
Day to day life on the boat
The route around Great Britain
How to connect with Katrina
Advice for dealing with self doubt

Social Media

Website www.katrinamegget.com

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/katrinamegget

Public Facebook page www.facebook.com/KatMegget

Twitter @katrinamegget

Instagram @katrinamegget

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Dr Anu Taranath - Author of "Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World”. 0

Jan 3, 2023

Dr. Anu Taranath brings both passion and expertise to her work as a speaker, facilitator, author and educator.

A University of Washington professor for the past 20+ years, she has also received the Seattle Weekly’s “Best of Seattle” recognition, the University's Distinguished Teaching Award, and multiple US Fulbright Fellowships to work abroad.

As a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and racial equity consultant Dr. Anu offers coaching, training and facilitation services, and has partnered with over 300 clients from Amazon to the Raging Grannies.

Her book "Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World" was named a finalist for several book awards including the Washington State Book Award and included in Oprah Magazine’s “Best 26 Travel Books of All Times.

Aun in her own words:

“As the daughter of immigrants who has grown up between two cultures, I often draw on my personal experience as a way to connect with and amplify the voices of those who have historically not been heard. As a scholar and academic, I also know that racial equity work is challenging, emotional, institutional, and personal.

I’ve taught about global issues, race, gender, identity, and equity to thousands of students, presented at high-profile as well as more humble events, and collaborated with social change agents and innovative thinkers around the world. I partner with clients for the long haul and strive to build inclusivity and collaboration, inviting people into conversation.”

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.

Show Notes

Who is Dr. Anu
Being based in Seattle in the USA
Working as a professor for the University of Washington
Is it possible to travel well in an unequal world?
Her job and roles
How do we deal with history in the present?
Her family and love for travel
Her experience of not feeling a sense of belonging
Introducing students to new places in the world
Finding yourself through travel
Her first solo travel experience through university
Spending 1.5 yrs in India
Figuring out who we should be
Following a very traditional academic road
Studying computer science, but not finding her passion
Not knowing what she wanted to do
Finding passion in discussions on social issues
How do we travel and be aware of the inequities that structure our world
Book: "Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World”
How to navigate uncomfortable feelings
Working in collaboration and community with many change makers
Travelling with privileges
Wanting to use our privileges to help others
Why our goal should be to travel mindfully
What is ethical travel?
Why ethics is never just a tickbox exercise
Understanding my place in an unequal world
Going through the hard things to get to the other side
Getting more comfortable with my discomfort
Feeling bad is not a strategy of social justice
Thinking and reflecting on travel and why it doesn’t feel like work
Feeling joyous and alive while engaging in tricky conversations
The importance of different types of conversations
Learning about the world and ourselves
How to connect with Dr. Anu
Final words of advice and what Dr. Anu has learned from her travels
Feeling grateful for being part of the community of change makers around the world

Social Media

Website www.anutaranath.com

Instagram @dr.anutaranath

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Emily Scott - Ski instructor and Mountain Leader. Completing Project 282. A 4-month self-propelled challenge to climb all of Scotland's 282 Munros. 0

Dec 27, 2022

Adventure & endurance enthusiast, with a fondness for Type 2 Fun. Ski instructor and mountain leader.

Happiest when outside, particularly in the mountains!

Challenges include cycling LEJOG, NC500 and Tour du Mont Blanc, both ski-touring and running the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, and climbing Mont Blanc.

In 2018 Emily completed Project 282: a 4-month self-propelled round of Scotland's 282 Munros (mountains above 3000ft) which involved cycling 2,600km, walking 2,200km on foot and crossing 3 waterways in a kayak. The total elevation gain was over 150,000m – all of this was self-supported.

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.

Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast .Thank you.

Show notes

Who is Emily
Being an adventure endurance junkie
Her 2 buzz words for happiness are ‘Outdoors and Active”
Being on the support crew - Climate Relay from Scotland to Egypt
What Emily was like as a little girl
Breaking her arm and getting into running
Doing her first marathon at 17 years old
Running the Athens Marathon 2004
Transitioning from marathons to ultra running
Preferring to run the longer distances
Running the Dublin Marathon 2008
Going through a phase of running marathons
Working in London and making some big changes
Not feeling fulfilled and wanting to take some time off
Becoming a ski instructor and doing a ski season in the Alps
Project 282 Munro Challenge - where the idea came from and what was involved
A 4-month self-propelled, continuous trip from North to South Scotland
Being unsupported and the challenges
The logistics of the challenge and putting a plan in place
Being fully committed to the challenge
The final few Munros
Fuelling and nutrition while climbing big mountains
Training programs?
Feeling rested and getting a PB in the marathon distance
Post adventure blues after the challenge
Struggling with a lack of direction
Spending approx £4k on Project 282
Plans for 2023
Connect with Emily
Final words of advice
Making yourself commit and taking the first step
Cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats

Social Media

Instagram @adventure_scottie

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Shilpa Rasaiah - Paddle boarding on a SUP board from London to Nottinghamshire, 165 miles (and 144 locks) along the Grand Union Canal. 0

Dec 20, 2022

Shilpa in her own words:

“I'm a British Indian gal who is about to hit 60 and feel that I am really only just starting to explore the wonderful joy of outdoor adventures.

I am happiest when I'm on the water on my paddle board, or cycling along a canal, or walking in the beautiful English countryside, or body boarding in Cornwall.

I leaned to swim in my late 40’s and this just opened up a whole new world of paddle sports.

My biggest personal adventure was this summer (2022) when I paddle boarded on a SUP board from London to Nottinghamshire, some 165 miles (and 144 locks) along the vertical length of the amazing Grand Union Canal.

This was such a joyful journey and revealed so much about myself that I had not been aware of - particularly how much I love to meet new people and how caring and kind strangers are.

Since then I have been exploring SUP journeys where I carry my camping kit on my SUP board and I absolutely love doing this.

I am extremely grateful to British Canoeing who accepted me as a #ShePaddles Ambassador and this really helped me to go out of my comfort zone and explore new adventures.”

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.

To support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Sign up as a Patron - www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.

Show Notes

Who is Shilpa
More about her friends and family
What Shilpa was like as a little girl
Growing up in Africa until 8 years old
Moving to the UK and the culture shock
Finding a different type of entertainment
Not having dreams or aspirations as a young girl
Leaving school to study economics and accounting at University
Retraining as a town planner
Getting back into the outdoors and sports
Meeting up with friends to go for walks in the local area
Setting up a local walking group which has been going for over 20 years
Building up her walking gear and kit
Learning to swim in her late 40s
Not having the opportunities when she was younger
Learning how to cycle
Going to adult only swimming classes to get coaching
Doing wild swimming for the first time
Getting into kayaking and water sports
Her first experience on a paddle board
Why she prefers paddle boarding
Her adventure in Summer 2022
Becoming a British Canoeing #ShePaddles Ambassador
Wanting to encourage more women to try water sports
Deciding to do a long distance trip on the Grand Union Canal
Knowing it was the right time to do the challenge
Being honest with herself of what she could and couldn’t do
Doing it at her pace
The planning and preparation for the journey
Researching the route and figuring out distances and accommodation
The Pirate Castle - boating and outdoor activities charity on the Regent's Canal in the heart of Camden Town, London
Struggling with her back and recovering from injury
Being helped and supported along the way
The kindness of strangers and when strangers become friends
Joining a gym and working out with a personal trainer
Focusing on getting strong
Dealing with injury
Cupping
Reflecting back on the journey
Feeling more confident
Plans for 2023
Learning new skills and becoming qualified as a coach
Becoming a She Paddles Club
How to connect with Shilpa
Final words of advice - “you'll never know if you love it or not until you try it”

Social Media

Website https://sbcpaddlers.wordpress.com

Instagram @sup.loving.shilpa

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Marta Misztal - Climbing the 7 summits and wanting to reach the highest peak of each European country #tolivetotravel 0

Dec 15, 2022

Marta in her own words:

“My name is Marta and I come from a small town in Poland called Pila. Growing up I was raised by a single mum; I had a good but humble upbringing, I always loved the outdoors and hanging out with my friends.

My childhood in Poland was a happy time in my life, but after my first trip to London as a teenager it all changed. I realised very quickly that living in Poland wasn’t for me anymore; I had big dreams and ambitions that I knew I couldn’t pursue in my hometown. I spent one more year living in Poland, learning English and saving ready to finally enter the ‘big world’… then I moved to London.

Taking this chance opened up so many opportunities for me. I got a good degree, good job, I travelled the world and had some awesome adventures whilst doing so, that I’ve decided to share them here. So, here I am, writing my blog, hoping to inspire and invite you on my journey.

My love for travelling has grown immensely over the years. The more countries I saw, the more countries I wanted to see. Along the way, my style of travelling changed; I had even bigger accomplishments on my agenda. So I set myself two goals: to climb to the highest peak on each continent, the challenge known as 7 Summits; and to reach the highest peak of each European country, which I call The Crown of Europe.

Out of the 7 Summits, I’ve already completed 5 (the highest peak in Europe, Africa, North and South America, Antarctica) and I am getting ready to attempt another one later this year… Everest. I am extremely excited about it as this is also the last continent I still haven’t seen.

The second goal is to reach the highest peak of each European country, which I call The Crown of Europe There are 50 countries but 48 peaks and I have already completed 17 of them. However, this leaves plenty of adventure still ahead…”

*This episode was recorded in 20th January 2022 - Marta summited Everest 6.25am on May 15th, 2022.

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.

Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast Thank you.

Show notes

Who is Marta
Moving to the UK from Poland 17 years ago
Her goal to climb the 7 summits
Wanting to climb the highest peak in each European Country
Growing up in Poland and what her early years were like
Not being close to the mountains as a child
Being inspired by her father who was very outdoorsy
Getting use to the cold weather
Her passion for travel
Wanting more from travel and wanting to combine it with adventure
Setting herself 2 BIG goals
The Crown of Europe of Challenge
Climbing Kilimanjaro first
Climbing Mt. Blanc and then Elbrus.
Climbing Aconcagua in South America
Climbing Denali in North America which was the toughest climb she’s done.
Go to Antarctica to climb Vincent and why it was her favourite climb so far
Taking on Everest in April 2022
Leaving Carstensz Pyramid until the end due to the political situation and the costs involved.
Costs of climbing mountains and how she’s paying for the adventures
Going to Everest in 2021 and having her trip cancelled
Funding her challenges
Her fear of dying while in the mountains
Dealing with the downtime and how she handled the waiting.
Handling her period while in the mountains
Using wet wipes to shower
Stop taking the pill when you are at high altitude as it thickens your blood
Wearing a nappy on the summit push?
Trying things out in advance
Dealing with stress diarrhea while climbing
The mental side of the challenge
Dealing with stress and anxiety
How you can change your thinking
Focusing on what she can control
Visiting the Altitude Centre in London
Getting physically strong and what training looks like this year
Developing her own training plan and being flexible with what it looks like
Stretching for recovery and eating well
Being anaemic and feeling tired
Feeling more relaxed and knowing what to expect this time around
Being guided by Nirmal Purja team
Elite Expeditions
Being inspired by Martyna Wojciechowska
How you can follow Marta
Final words of advice and wisdom
Being a normal person and making the decision to go for it.

Social Media

Website: www.tolivetotravel.com

Instagram: @tolivetotravel

Facebook: @tolivetotravel

Twitter: @tolivetotravel

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Tara J. Lal - Firefighter, mental health researcher, speaker and author of “Standing on my Brother's Shoulders”. Making Peace with Grief and Suicide. Cycling 5,000km across Australia. 0

Dec 13, 2022

Tara in her own words:

“I don’t really think of myself as tough. I’ve always loved adventures. I did my first expedition when I was 18 and it ignited a passion. I am now a firefighter. I’ve represented Australia in my slightly crazy sport of surf boat rowing at the age of 47 and I cycled 5000 km’s unsupported across Australia in 2021, yet I often think that the toughest challenges of my life have not been physical.

Rather it has been the journey to heal the relationship with myself after a traumatic childhood that has been the toughest challenge I have undertaken.

Writing my book ‘Standing on my Brothers Shoulders – making peace with grief and suicide’ was a huge part of that journey. It challenged me in every way possible but was also one of my greatest teachers and proudest achievements.

Although I am a physiotherapist and firefighter, my book led me to work in the field of mental health and wellbeing. I am now nearing the end of a PhD exploring the impact of suicide on firefighters.

In 2017, I was a finalist in the Rotary Inspirational woman of the year awards and in January 2022, as part of the Australia Day Honours, I was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), which recognises distinguished service by an Australian Fire Service member for my work supporting suicide prevention and mental health of firefighters.

I think life is an adventure and it can take many forms!”

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.

Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and pledge your support. Thank you.

Show notes

Who is Tara
Her different jobs and interests
Moving to Sydney in the mid 1990s
Having a thirst for adventures
Deciding to join Fire & Rescue in 2005
Going on her own healing journey
Losing her mother to cancer at 13
Losing her brother to suicide at 17
Struggling to deal with the loss
Writing her life story down
Moving into the mental health space
In 2018 starting her PHD looking at the impact of suicide on firefighters
Making the decision to move to Australia
What it was like joining the fire service 17 years ago
Having mixed memories and feeling the need to prove herself to the men
Starting her healing journey in her early 30s and what it looked like
Starting to have compassion for herself
How the outdoors have helped with her recovery
Going on an expedition to Zimbabwe in 1989 and how everything changed
Realising that she could be happy again
Deciding to cycle across Australia
Cycling with Sarah Davis
Cycling from the most Western point of Australia over to Byron Bay the most easterly point.
Being head of communication for the expedition
The challenges of cycling on the roads with the road-trains
Fears and concerns before the challenge
How her perceptions of risk and adventure have changed
Is the risk too much?
Why it was such a rewarding experience
Raising money for Lifeline in Australia
Adjusting back to normal life
Raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention
Finding the right people who can hear you
The power of writing and journaling and getting your feelings out of your body
Doing her PHD and how it came about
Applying for a Churchill Fellowship
Making a contribution to the world and making it a better place
Wanting to write another book - with a focus on the underlying concepts of her PHD
How we can use our experiences in live to grow and become better versions of ourself.
Dealing with injury and not being able to any sports that she loves
Letting go of the identify of being an athlete and a firefighter
Needing to reflect inwards and spending time on meditation
How you can connect with Tara
Final words of advice - Stay curious, with compassion for yourself.
“Be driven by your passions and not your fears”

Social Media

Website: www.tarajlal.com

Instagram: @tarajlal

Facebook: Tara J Lal

Twitter: @tarajlal

YouTube: Tara J Lal

Support Resources

Australia: LifeLine

You are not alone. We're here to listen. Every 30 seconds, a person in Australia reaches out to Lifeline for help.

We are a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. We exist so that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone.

Website - www.lifeline.org.au

Call 13 11 14

UK: Samaritans

Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Website - www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Call Free - 116 123

America: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.

Call 988 - Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.

Website - 988lifeline.org

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Lucy Barnard - Returning to Columbia to meet up with her dog, Wombat and restart her journey of walking the length of the world. 0

Dec 8, 2022

Lucy is attempting to become the first woman to walk the length of the world. She began at the bottom of Argentina in February 2017 and will cross 15 countries to reach the highest point of Northern America. She will travel only by foot, or when the terrain is impassable by kayak or swimming.

In 2019, Lucy became the first woman to have hiked the length of South America (from Argentina to Colombia).

Due to the pandemic, Lucy needed to pause her expedition and returned home to Australia in 2020 where she has been waiting for the travel bans and restrictions to lift.

In December 2022 Lucy will be flying back out to Columbia to meet up with her beloved dog Wombat - she will then continue on her way.

During this episode we catch up with Lucy to see what life has been like since we last spoke to her. Lucy shares more about the heartbreak of leaving Wombat behind when she needed to return to Australia. She fills us in on what she's been up to while her journey has been on hold. She shares more about the planning and preparation required to get back to Columbia to start walking again.

We first spoke with Lucy on Jun 25, 2019 - Her Goal to be the first women to walk the length of the Earth! https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/lucy-barnard

***

Lucy's career started with a science degree and specialisation in communications. She has been the chair of National Science Week NT, and worked extensively in aboriginal health research until moving to Geoscience Australia in 1016. She is passionate about culture and storytelling and aspires to become an ethnographic writer.

Lucy has been awarded competitive grants for her work from the Australian Geographic society and The North Face, and has been nominated for an OAM from the Australian Government in recognition of her contribution to the outdoor industry.

***

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.

To support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Sign up as a Patron - www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.

Show Notes

Who is Lucy
Her goal to be the first woman to walk the length of the world
Returning back to Australia in 2020
Speaking to Lucy in Year 2 of her journey when she had just crossed into Peru
Being water poisoned
Was she still enjoying the journey
Meeting her family in Peru
Having a shift in her attitude
Leaving behind the desert and the heat and transitioning into the mountains
The challenges of the desert and her strategy for getting through it
Finding joy again
Being followed by the police while walking on the highway
How 2020 unfolded while walking through Ecuador
Living the life she was meant to be living
Crossing the border into Columbia
Leaving Wombat with a friend
Feeling adrift for the past 2 years
Not wanting to talk about Wombat
Transitioning back to life in Australia
Being away for 3 years and connecting with old friends and family
Losing a friend to suicide
The emotional journey
Running out of money and needing to get a job
Going back to work
Getting ready to head back out to Columbia
The planning and preparation before heading back
Her dream of wanting to become an ethnographic writer in the future
Wanting to produce more content in YouTube
Saying goodbye to friends and family
The plans for the first few weeks
Being able to get a 2 year visa for Columbia
Making a decision about the route through Columbia
How can you support Lucy while out on the road
Buy audio books for Lucy
Having a library membership with Borrow Box Library App
Book recommendations: A Gentleman in Moscow
What Lucy is reading
How you can connect with Lucy
Final words of advice

Social Media

Website: tanglesandtail.com

Instagram: @tanglesandtail

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tanglesandtail

Twitter: @tanglesandtail

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LucyBarnard

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Annijke Wade - Adaptive Athlete & Community Advocate. Passionate about making the outdoors and mountain biking a safe space for all. 0

Dec 6, 2022

Annijke (she/her) is a new adaptive mountain biker and athlete.

In 2021, Annijke sustained a spinal cord injury in a horrible downhill mountain biking accident.

In 2022, Annijke is back to sport and is learning how to live as a full time wheelchair user.

Outside of loving mountain biking and being outdoors, Annijke also is passionate about making the outdoors and mountain biking a safe space for all.

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.

To support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Sign up as a Patron - www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.

Show Notes

Who is Annijke
Starting mountain biking in 2019
Learning how to live as a full time wheelchair user
Returning to sport and mountain biking
What Annijke was like as little girl
Starting ballet at 3 years old
Having a keen interest for the arts
Starting to interact with the natural world
Being exposed to the outdoors through her Girl Scouts Troop
Being adopted at 2 months old
Going to college and taking a step back from dance
Wanting to try new things in the outdoors
Studying environmental studies with a concentration on political science
Getting into mountain biking
Moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico
Buying her first bike - DiamondBack HardTail
Being intimidated by other mountain bikers
Falling in love with the sport and why she loves it
Enjoying the community and being supported
Riding a BowHead Reach Bike - full suspension, all-electric off-road adaptive trike that has two wheels in front, and one in back
2022 - Getting back to sport and why it’s been so fulfilling
The incredible amount of support through her community
Being a sponsored Athlete - with PEARL iZUMi
High Fives Foundation
Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association Adaptive Mountain Biking advocacy, trails, programming and rentals in British Columbia and beyond.
Bike Instructor Certification Program (BICP)
What does advocacy look like in this space
Being intentional about what she does
“I want to be on an adaptive mountain bike and this is what I want my life to look like”
Going after a Para FKT on the White Rim Trail in Oct 2022
Josie Fouts - Mad scientist on a mission to single-handedly save the world with cycling! IG: @ms.stubbornness
National Abilities Centre
Outride Foundation
100 mile desert ride in Canyonlands, National Park, Moab, Utah.
Trying not to get too attached to the outcome
Dealing with mechanical issues
Broadening the conversation about access and opportunity in the outdoors
Tread Setters is a film project that highlights 5 para-cyclists riding the White Rim Trail while balancing the mental, emotional and social aspects of advocacy.
Is the White Rim Trail Accessible? Why it’s yes and no.
Needing people to support her due to the nature of the trail and the remoteness
Why being outdoors might look a little bit different
Wanting to become an Adaptive Mountain Biking Coach - (BICP)
Adaptive Level 1 Fundamental Skills Instructor
Wanting to share mountain biking with others and create a welcoming environment
Plans for 2023
Sea Otter Classic Mountain Biking Race, Monterey, California, USA
Connect with Annijke
Where does her Instagram handle come from
What is a Geospatial Professional?
Final words of advice and wisdom

Social Media

Website annijkewade.com

Instagram @geodesicdome

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Abbie Barnes - #AbbieBikesBritain - A 55 day expedition cycling 2,000 miles from John O Groats to Lands End, via each of the UK's 15 National Parks and walking their highest peaks. 0

Dec 1, 2022

In late summer 2021 Abbie Barnes cycled from Dunnet Head and John O Groats to The Lizard Point and Lands End, via each of the UK's 15 National Parks and their highest peaks.

This epic 55 day expedition saw Abbie and her partner Anna (who drove the support van) travel over 2,000 miles and battle mental ill health, chronic pain, and a number of unanticipated life-challenges along the way. Yet the duo completed this life-changing venture and now have a 3-part film series on YouTube following the highs and lows of their journey.

We first spoke with Abbie Aug 26, 2021 - Founder and director of Spend More Time In The WILD, an organisation that seeks to inspire and empower individuals to get outside.

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out.

To support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Sign up as a Patron - www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.

Show Notes

Who is Abbie and what she does
We first spoke with Abbie Aug 26, 2021 - Founder and director of Spend More Time In The WILD, an organisation that seeks to inspire and empower individuals to get outside.
What is Abbie Bikes Britain?
Expectations verses reality
Having 3 months to plan
The logistical nightmare
Figuring out things as they went
Developing a mindset of curiosity
Learning the lessons when things don’t go to plan
Dealing with chronic pain during the cycle ride
What being an advocate for mental health and chronic pain
Not being willing to sit still and suffer
Being crushed by the pain
Why pushing your body can be a fun experiment
Day to day life on the road
Mental health while on the road
Being in love with life and feeling so happy
Finishing the journey
Not having the time to digest what she’d achieved
Finishing on the 22nd October 2021
What the remainder of the year looked like
Having an on season (March - Oct) and an off season (Nov - Feb)
Having the time to think and reflect
Implementing changes in 2022
Being a public figure and feeling burnt out
Spending time in the panic zone and wanting to get back to the comfort zone
Getting her Mountain Leader Qualification
Doing her Hill and Moorland Qualification
Doing her ML assessment in Snowdonia in April 2022
Plans for 2023
How to connect with Abbie
Watch me & Abbie while climbing Snowdon
Abbie meeting me in Rhosneigr while I was on the Wales Coast Path - vlog 11/50
Final words of advice to encourage you to get outdoors

Social Media

Website: www.spendmoretimeinthewild.co.uk

Patreon: www.patreon.com/spendmoretimeinthewild/about

Instagram: @abbiebarneswild

Facebook: @spendmoretimeinthewild

Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ekNjZZWhx7NG2zHmG7IEA

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Adriana Brownlee - On a mission to summit all 14, 8000m peaks and become the youngest woman ever to do so. 0

Nov 29, 2022

Adriana in her own words:

“My aim is to become the youngest person to complete all 14 8000m peaks. The current record is 30 years 166 days, held by Mingma "David" Gyabu Sherpa, an absolute legend with whom I got to climb on both K2 and Everest. My plan would be to summit all 14 in 3-4 years meaning I would be 23 years old when I complete my mission.

In 2021 I summited three of them, Mt. Everest, Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Manaslu all within 6 months.

This is a challenge of both mental and physical resilience, power and grit.

High altitude mountaineering is one of the deadliest sports in the world, this doesn't scare me. It ignites a fire of passion inside me.”

“Be the trailblazer of your own life”

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.

Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.

Show notes

Who is Adrianna
Being a full time mountaineer
Living between London and Nepal
Starting to climb at 9 years old
Doing the 3 peaks challenge in 24hrs and becoming the youngest person to complete the challenge (this record has since been broken)
Getting into endurance events with her dad
Role models in the adventure/mountaineering world
The why behind climbing Everest
Wanting to be unique and different
Feeling under pressure to go to University
Why university wasn’t for her and quitting after 3 months
Trying to make a living from mountaineering
Having Nimsdai Purja as her guide
Paying for expeditions
Being supported by her parents
Reaching out for sponsorship
The work that goes on behind the scenes
Connecting with the North Face
Taking on the Welsh 3000ers in 24hrs at 16 years old
Starting at 3am on Crib Goch a grade 1 scramble
Climbing Aconcagua - her first taste of altitude and why it was a boring climb
The hardest part of the climb
Coping with the down time, dull days
The mental side of mountaineering
Learning the art of patience
Facing and dealing with fear in the mountains
Letting the negative thoughts in and not being able to think straight
How things can change in minutes
Trying to stay calm
Magical moments in the the mountains
Being inspired to take on the 14,000 project
Training and fitness to take on the 8,000m peaks
Plans for 2022 and the next few years
March - May 2022 - Kangchenjunga (Summited May 17th 2022), Lhotse (Summited May 22nd 2022), Makalu, (Summited May 28th 2022)
Flying to Pakistan for K2 and BroadPeak (Both Submitted July 2022)
How climbing with her guide works - Gelje Sherpa IG @gelje_sherpa_
The current record for climbing the 14, 8K peaks is 36 for a woman - Adrianna would be 23 (she has 4 more mountains to climb)
Connect with Adrianna (see below)
Final words of advice

Social Media

Website: www.adrianabrownlee.com

Instagram: @adri.brownlee

Facebook: @adriana.brownlee

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Dr. Carla Benton - Clinical Psychologist, queer vegan and a lover of all things outdoors. Awarded the Ultra Distance Scholarship in 2021 which is aimed at increasing representation of BAME cyclists in ultra distance cycling. 0

Nov 22, 2022

Carla is a Clinical Psychologist, queer vegan and a lover of all things outdoors; adventurer, runner, endurance cyclist and lapsed climber based near the Peak District in the UK. She is an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities taking up space in the outdoors and is a committee member with the awesome Peak Queer Adventures (PQA) based in Sheffield and member of the Women of Colour Cycling Collective (WCCC).

Carla’s love of the outdoors started from an early age, however gender roles and expectations sadly stopped her from fully embracing that love as a teenager. She reconnected with the outdoors and solo adventures after moving to North Wales to undertake her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in her mid-twenties, and hasn’t looked back.

She was awarded the Ultra Distance Scholarship in 2021, which is aimed at increasing representation of BAME cyclists in ultra distance cycling and getting them to the start line of an ultra distance race, a typically overwhelmingly white and male niche of cycling.

This amazing opportunity has been life-changing and she’s gone from not being confident at all in her cycling abilities, to cycling 500km off road from Edinburgh to Manchester, her longest, hardest ride to date. She’s met the most amazing people, grown in confidence and felt like she’s found her people.

She started an Instagram account after winning the Scholarship, to document her journey from (almost couch) to 2000km with the hope of inspiring queer people and people of colour, particularly black womxn, to get on their bikes and enjoy nature.

You can find her at @acurlyoutdoors; check out Peak Queer Adventures at @peakqueeradventures and the Women of Colour Cycling Collective at @wccc_uk.

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out.

Show notes

Who is Carla
What she loves
Being based in the Peak District, UK
Wanting to encourage others to take up space in the outdoors
Her early years and growing up with a passion for the outdoors
Getting to explore in the woods
Her love of nature and wanting to protect the environment
Not feeling comfortable in secondary school with her body and spending time in the outdoors
Training to be a Clinical Psychologist in North Wales
Going out early in the morning to avoid people
Spending time in the mountains
Feeling the fear and doing it anyway
The Devils Kitchen - located behind Llyn Idwal nestled within Cwm Idwal in the Ogwen Valley, Snowdonia National Park.
Gaining new skills and knowledge
Feeling brave
Thinking about becoming a Mountain Leader (ML) but not seeing herself represented and not feeling comfortable
Recording good quality mountain days and keeping a track of what she was doing
Getting new gear
Looking for opportunities in the mountains
Getting into wild camping, trail running and climbing
Finding community and connecting with other people who are interested in the outdoors
Enjoying spending time on her own
Meditation through movement
Getting into cycling and connecting with the cycling community
The Ultra Distance Scholarship An initiative increasing diversity and representation within ultra distance cycling and racing
Being inspired by Vera Ngosi-Sambrook
The power of taking action
The reality of taking on an ultra cycling challenge
Focused training from November 2021 - August 2022
Dealing with injuries and saddle sores
Wanting to do long rides with other people
Using instagram to reach out and connect with people
Learning how to cycle off road
The Pennine Rally - 100 riders, 500 kilometres and five days of testing off-road riding from Edinburgh to Manchester down Britain’s backbone.
Fuelling as a vegan
Outdoor Provisions make Natural Energy Bars & Nut Butters - Use code TRYOP for 25% off Starter Packs
Accidental vegan food
Being on the start line and what the rally was like
Cycling approx 100k per day
The impact on her confidence after completing the rally
Dealing with the low points and self doubt
Mental resilience and the mental challenge of taking on a challenge
Drawing on her skills and knowledge from working as a Clinical Psychologist
Using the grounding technique
The power of music to change your mood
Dealing with her nerves
Being optimistic and calm
Giving herself permission to get off and push if she needed to
Taking the pressure off
Plans for 2023 and wanting to do an ultra cycling race
How to connect with Carla
Her beautiful bike - “Betty”
Frame bag by Wizard Works
Final words of advice
The power of finding your people, your tribe and your community
Sharing your passion with other people
Getting into climbing via taster days

Social Media

Instagram

@acurlyoutdoors

@wccc_uk

@peakqueeradventures

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Shona Macpherson - Counsellor and Life Coach - climbing all 282 Munros in Scotland and taking on her next adventure - the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand. 0

Nov 17, 2022

Shona's most herself when she's moving outdoors - paying attention to and connecting with beauty. She works as a counsellor and a life coach. She lives a simple and contented life in the highlands of Scotland, sprinkled with adventures.

Shona has shared her passion for the outdoors on previous episodes of the tough girl podcast.

You can listen to those episodes here.

Jul 9, 2019 - Taking on new challenges at 40 & her preparation for thru hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

Dec 26, 2019 - Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail - 2,650 miles SOBO from Canada to Mexico!

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out.

To support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Sign up as a Patron - www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.

Show Notes

Who is Shona
Living in Inverness
Woking as a counsellor and a life coach
Her passion for connecting with other people and the natural world
First speaking with Shona on Jul 9, 2019 - Taking on new challenges at 40 & her preparation for thru hiking the Pacific Crest Trail
Catching up with Shona after completing the PCT - Dec 26, 2019 - Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail - 2,650 miles SOBO from Canada to Mexico!
Catch up - what’s been going on
Reflecting back on 2020
Making a commitment to herself to work as a counsellor again
Getting out of her own way
2020/2021 - deciding to take on a new challenge
Deciding to climb all 282 munros across Scotland in 282 days
Climbing Suilven with Shona - watch the vlog
The challenges of mountaineering in the winter
Not knowing if she could do it
Starting to think what’s possible
When things don’t work out how you planned
Dealing with the difficult days
Why it’s about the journey
Planning the adventure
Embracing flexibility
Doing the Highland Wilderness Journeys - with Anna Danby
Anna Danby Wild Roots Highland Guiding
Walking the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand
Winding down life in Scotland
Renting out her house while she’s away
Getting the right gear - new rucksack and sleeping bag
RAB Mythic 400
Road walking and hitchhiking
Wanting to enjoy photography and wiring while in nature
Giving herself permission
Living a life of adventure and living a life of freedom
Connecting to people through her work
Saying no to things
Documenting the journey while on the TA
How to connect with Shona
Inviting people to get curious - what do they want? How do they want to live?
Being inspired by Mary Oliver - “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

Social Media

Counselling - http://shonacounselling.co.uk

Life Coaching - www.shonafitness.co.uk

Instagram - @walkwildcoach

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Purusha Gordon - mum of 2, changed her mindset 6 years ago and transforming her life. Rowing 2,400 miles across the Pacific Ocean and becoming a WR holder! 0

Nov 15, 2022

Purusha Gordon - mum of two, aged 43 is no longer a stranger to wild challenges after a change of mindset 6 years ago transformed her life.

Having battled with depression and weight gain after the arrival of her children, Purusha realised something had to change. Approaching her 40’s in the worst shape and health she’d ever been in, Purusha’s mission became to create a healthy lifestyle, to rebuild confidence and self belief, living life for each day.

After completing 40 challenges in her 40th year, the love and passion for living life healthy and well opened up an opportunity to take on the challenge to build a team and row unsupported across the Pacific Ocean in 2021.

Purusha believes it is never too late to make a positive change to your physical and mental health and with a bucket load of determination and hard work, 6 years later she has set a new World Record, rowing across the Pacific Ocean as part of the Ocean Sheroes team.

Pulling together a challenge of this enormity in a global pandemic took a big dose resilience and positivity to overcome hurdle after hurdle.

Purusha now spends her time speaking about her journey to health and works under the umbrella of The Health and Wellbeing Expert.

Using her experience in this field Purusha is passionate about helping individuals and organisations create healthier, happier and more balanced lives.

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out.

You can support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.

Show Notes

Purusha, in her own words
Purusha's journey to the Pacific Ocean
Growing up as a sporty child
Her fondness for water
Having children in her mid-30s
Smoking, drinking coffee, and weight gain
What it’s like to go on a five-day detox
Experiencing postnatal depression
Why did Purusha decide to go on a detox
What she did to get back into fitness
Losing weight and feeling better
Signing up for Tough Mudder
Completing 40 challenges in her 40th year
Challenges in preparation for the Pacific race
18 months of preparation during the pandemic
Finding a team to complete the race
How the team came together during the global pandemic
What motivates Purusha
Feeling empowered and stronger
Rowing the Pacific Ocean in 35 days, 14 hours and 32 minutes
Everyone having a role to play on the boat
Putting friendship at the top of priorities
Living life in the present and in the moment
Disengaging from technology and its beauty
The magical moments she had while rowing the Pacific Ocean
Some of Purusha's future plans and challenges
Moving into the health and well-being space
"It's never too late to do anything."
The story behind her first name
Final words of advice

Social Media

Website: www.thehealthandwellbeingexpert.com

Instagram: @purusha.gordon

Health & Wellbeing @thehealthandwellbeingexpert

Twitter: @purushagordon

In June 2021, Ocean Sheroes set off in The Great Pacific Rowing Race, a 2,700 mile row from San Francisco, California to Waikiki, Hawaii.

Aiming to break the current female-four World Record of 50 days, 8 hours and 14 minutes, set in 2014, Bella Collins, Purusha Gordon, Lily Lower and Mary Sutherland set a NEW WORLD RECORD of 35 Days, 14 Hours and 32 Minutes

Instagram: @oceansheroes

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Rue Mapp - Founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro. Author: “Nature Swagger Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors” 0

Nov 8, 2022

Rue founded Outdoor Afro as a social enterprise in 2009.

The now national not-for-profit celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. Headquartered in Oakland, California, Outdoor Afro incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2015. Today, the staffed organization includes more than 100 trained volunteer leaders, led and designed by Rue to innovate not-for-profit as movements of change.

International cruise line Hurtigruten Expeditions made cruise industry history with the creation of its Black Traveler Advisory Board. Hurtigruten invited Rue to become one of its founding members. Rue took an 18-day Antarctica voyage in February 2022 to help drive change and new opportunities for Black people in the adventure cruise industry, increasing visibility and inclusivity of Black travellers.

When Rue shares stories from the land, people of all walks of life listen. She’s served on national platforms with congresspeople, outdoor professionals, corporate partners, and global leaders.

“Nature Swagger” is Rue’s first book by American publisher Chronicle Books. This project is a beautiful combination of breathtaking photos and compelling stories of Black joy in nature. The book releases to the public Nov. 1, 2022.

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.

You can support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Sign up as a Patron - www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.

Show Notes

Who is Rue and what she does
Living in Northern California
Growing up between the city and a ranch
Early childhood memories from spending time in nature
The importance of hospitality
Learning more about her family
Having a natural curiosity for the environment
The stories that weren’t being told
Sharing a new narrative of the Black experience
The origin story of Outdoor Afro in 2009
Asking herself the question - what does she really want to do?
Growing through outdoor experiences
Being an early adopter of technology
Growing a team of 120 Outdoor Afro Volunteer Leaders
The joy of nature and the joy of being outside
The importance of remaining a practitioner
Her love of the water
Spending time in Antarctica
The importance of having the right gear
Designing a new clothing collaboration with REI
REI X Outdoor Afro
Wanting to solve problems especially with fit and function
Wanting to wear bright colours
2022 and what a year it’s been
Why Outdoor Afro has been a 13 year overnight success story
Writing her book over the past 2 years
Book: Nature Swagger Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors
How to connect with Rue on the Socials
Her plans/visions for 2023
Thinking about succession planning for Outdoor Afro
Final words of advice

Social Media

Website ruemapp.com

Instagram @ruemapp

Facebook @RueMapp

Twitter @RueMapp

Book: Nature Swagger Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors.

An exquisite combination of beautiful photography and compelling stories, this book from Outdoor Afro founder, Rue Mapp, celebrates Black joy in nature.

Filled with breathtaking photography, inspiring stories, profiles, and spotlights from Outdoor Afro group members, prominent Black leaders in outdoor spaces, and other organizations, this book inspires Black communities to reclaim their place in the natural world. Interspersed throughout are essays from Mapp on the rich history of Black involvement in the outdoors, activism, and conservation, as well as resources for readers who want to deepen their own connection with the elements. A perfect blend of gorgeous photographs, awe-inspiring stories, and Black history, this collection is the perfect gift for anyone looking to heal in these sacred natural spaces.

https://www.chroniclebooks.com/products/nature-swagger

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Gill Castle - AKA Stoma Chameleon, #Ostomate after childbirth, #POSITIVITY after trauma, #SoloChannelSwim2023. Showing folks what’s possible after trauma. 0

Nov 1, 2022

Gill in her own words:

“My name is Gill Castle, and in October 2011 I gave birth to my son, Sam, at 34 weeks gestation, a traumatic birth which resulted in a permanent stoma (colostomy). Over the following years I have set out to prove to myself, and others, what is achievable with a stoma, as initially I was presented with a lot of “no, you can’t do that with one of those”. I also wanted to overcome the trauma of the birth, which resulted in the loss of my job as a police officer, and which forced me to create a new identity for myself.

On my website I signpost people to all the amazing organisations out there who can help, like the Birth Trauma Association, the Masic Foundation, Purple Wings, Samaritans, Colostomy UK to name but a few.

Am I superwoman? Absolutely 110% not. Lots of women suffer like me and come out the other side ok. But when you are experiencing such a load of shite there is often no one who has made it out onto the other side who is shouting about the good life that is possible.

I want to be that person. I want to show that girl who was living through hell that it can turn out ok in the end.

How will I do it? Simply by my actions. I will gladly, happily, discuss people’s trauma with them, and discuss my own, in PM, I understand that talking and discussing helps. But I want to just SHOW you by everything I do, every smile I have, that you can be happy, you can do things. The same for people with stomas.

But, this is also true for ANYONE. I want to sweep people along with my enthusiasm for life and encourage you all to just get OUT THERE and TRY something. Anything! We all have our own desires and goals. So many people say to me that they would “love” to do something “but I’m too scared” .

WAIT UP! Have you actually tried it? How do you know then?

I understand trauma, I understand pain, I understand fear. But right now I understand HOPE and JOY.

That’s it really, just me, doing my thing, being happy, being active and encouraging people to do to the same.”

During this episode there is a lot of poo chat and very open and honest conversations about child birth injury and recovering from trauma. If you are not sure if you should listen to this episode- for what ever reason - I would encourage you to ask a friend to listen to it first to make sure it is suitable for where you are in your journey. The episode will always be here, so there is no pressure for you to listen to it now.

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.

To support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges. Sign up as a Patron - www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.

Show Notes

Who is Gill?
How animals and the outdoors are important parts of her life
Starting to have sailing lessons at eight
Enjoying sailing with her brother until seeing the film Jaws
Not going back to the sea for about 30 years
Her next big challenge in 2023 - swimming the English Channel
Reasons for taking up the challenge
What is a stoma and how it is formed
Dealing with mental health issues
How a stoma impacts Gill's life
Feeling lucky and starting to embrace her life
Saying YES to everything
Doing her first sprint triathlon
Doing Olympic distance and half Ironman
Sharing her journey for the first time in public to raise awareness
Raising over £5000 for the Birth Trauma Association
Training and nutrition
Biggest challenges and lessons that changed her life
Gill's experience at a swim camp
Why she doesn't want to watch Jaws again
Overcoming her fear of open water
Getting her slot in Dover to swim the English Channel
Getting full sponsorship from Hollister Incorporated
Planning and preparation for the event
Getting a shoulder injury
How she’s getting back into training
"The more miles, the better"
Working on the mental side of the channel swim
Struggling with relaxation

Social Media

Website www.stomachameleon.com

Instagram @stoma_chameleon

Facebook @StomaChameleon

Twitter @GILLIANCASTLE3

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Vedangi Kulkarni - Adventurer and endurance athlete moving into mountain biking and crossing Svalbard on skies. 0

Oct 27, 2022

Vedangi Kulkarni was born and raised in India and currently lives in the UK.

She’s an adventurer, endurance athlete, writer, expedition/project manager and a business owner. She loves organising mountain biking and bike-packing events, managing a million projects simultaneously and talking to a ton of new people.

In 2018, she rode 29,000km around the world in 160 days, mostly solo and unsupported, at the age of 19/20, becoming the youngest woman to circumnavigate the globe on bike.

She’s always keen for an adventure, be it cold water swimming, long distance hiking or cycling, climbing, mountain biking, skiing or travelling through remote places.

On her most recent expedition, she skied across Svalbard.

Her happy place is anywhere outside, in the wild, and on the move. She tells stories from her adventures both digitally (through her social media channels) and through in-person events.

When she isn't out and about, you can find her reading non-fiction books or writing something in one of her million Moleskine notebooks.

You can listen to Vedangi on the Tough Girl Podcast, new episodes go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.

Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast Thank you.

Show notes

Who is Vedangi
Moving to Inverness in 2022
Cycling daily and taking up mountain biking
Mountain biking and how it’s helped with her confidence
Imposter syndrome
Blog post - “I shouldn’t be here”
Becoming more ambition especially in the world of adventure
New book coming soon - why people need adventure
Feeling selfish while doing adventures
Book: SOLO: What running across mountains taught me about life By Jenny Tough
Starting to organise adaptive mountain biking races in the UK
Mountain Biking Race 12th - 13th November 2022 - “MTB4ALL” is a downhill race series where our aim is to make racing fun. Whether you're a first time racer or a pro, we've got something for you!
Wanting to get more women racing mountain bikes
Arranging a series of events in 2023 for women in mountain biking
Wanting to help build women’s self esteem in mountain biking
Working on improving her mountain biking skills
Heading to Svalbard in April 2022
The Trans Arctic Expedition
Speaking with Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions
Helen Turton - Newland Expeditions
Visa challenges
Sponsorship for Svalbard
Sharing a tent with Helen & Ellen Piercy
Reflections from the experience
Dealing with the cold and learning patience
Tent life
The plan for the Trans Arctic Expedition
Just Around The Corner — exploring the best of the South West by bike
How to connect with Vedangi
Final words of advice

Social Media

Website vedangikulkarni.com

Instagram @wheelsandwords

Facebook @wheelsandwords

Twitter @wheelsandwords

YouTube www.youtube.com/c/VedangiKulkarni-wheelsandwords

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Ellen Piercy - After setting a challenge she had no idea she could achieve, crossing Svalbard on skis. Ellen has found a passion for cold adventures and a new version of herself. 0

Oct 25, 2022

Ellen started to get into adventure in her late 30s. By day she work as an engineering, by night, she dream of adventure.

In 2017 she wanted a new, big, scary challenge and decided on an arctic expedition - crossing Svalbard.

Ellen has never been anywhere that cold before and she didn’t’ know how to ski! She didn’t know if the challenge that she had decided on would even be achievable.

The Svalbard Expedition was meant to go ahead in 2020, when Ellen was 42. It was postponed from 2020 to 2021 and again to 2022.

To keep herself motivated, during the delays and wanting to focus on building her endurance, she set herself a more local project – the Cheshire Challenge to walk all 25 long distance paths in Cheshire totalling 1,500km.

In January 2022, Ellen had her sabbatical booked, and found out the Svalbard crossing would be going ahead in April.

During this podcast Ellen shares more about the challenge, the lessons learned and provides top tips and advice to help you with your next adventure.

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out.

Show notes

Who is Ellen?
Age 45….
The concept of identity
Describing herself pre and post Svalbard
Calling herself a cold adventurer!
Who is Ellen pre-expedition?
Dealing with imposter syndrome
How adventure has changed her life
Not knowing if she would be able to do the challenge
“Maybe I can do this sort of stuff”
The mindset shift that has happened
Dealing with setback after setback
42 the second, 42 the third etc
Doing a polar training course in Norway
Covid Times and being able to work from home
What’s your plan B…..
The Svalbard Expedition April 2022
A 10 day crossing across the main island from the East to the most northerly town in the world
The route - 130km/100 miles
Being part of a team of 5, plus the guide
The pulks and the kit
Polar Bears, glaciers, mountain passes and an enormous ice cave
Structure of the day and the daily routine (melting water, packing up, ski and break time, tent life)
Thinking about doing her Mountain Leader Qualification
Working towards her Chartered Engineer Qualification
Tent mates, group dynamics and roles
Peeing and pooping outdoors
Fitness and training
Costs
Completing the challenge and what happened afterwards
Reflecting on the challenge and having time to process
Getting Covid and being knocked for 2 months
Plans for 2023
Newland Expeditions Guided polar ski expeditions to North/South Poles, Greenland, Svalbard and Norway.
How to connect with Ellen
Final words of advice for working women who want to have more adventures

Social Media

Website https://randogirls.com

Instagram @randogirl42

Facebook @EllenRandoGirl

Twitter @RandoGirl42

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Crystal Gail Welcome - Utilizing her intersecting identities: Black, disabled, lesbian, backpacker. On a mission to get historically excluded folks outdoors in Nature. 0

Oct 18, 2022

After a lengthy battle with a rare brain disease, Crystal Gail Welcome came to recognize the healing power of nature.

She now uses her intersecting identities; Black, disabled, lesbian to break down barriers so more people can access the outdoors.

Crystal is an experiential educator, author, storyteller, activist, backpacker, and Black outdoor leader. She chooses to speak out against racial injustice in the United States by hiking and giving voice to her experiences.

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.

You can support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.

Show notes

Who is Crystal Gail
Living in Minnesota
Turtle racing!
Growing up in Florida
Where Minnesota is located in the States
Not being exposed to the outdoors
Not thinking the outdoors was for her
Her first visit to a National Park
Visiting the birth home of Martin Luther King Junior in Atlanta, Georgia
Learning about the National Parks
Feeling connected to Nature
Feeling a sense of belonging and wanting to spend more time in nature
Continuing her journey and connecting with nature
Going out to live life and getting back into running
Her desire to go backpacking and wanting to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
Hiking 600 miles on the PCT
Learning about her capabilities
Her love of the outdoors and the power of connecting with nature
How hiking improved her health
Why nature is a wonderful place to be
Her experience on the PCT
Trail culture and trail families
Needed to recharge her batteries every 7-10 days for 1.5 days
Connecting with new people and the kindness of strangers
Her trail name “The Giver”
Book: “The Giver” by Lois Lowry
After the death of George Floyd
Protesting in the way that she knows
Her reason for hiking the Superior Hiking Trail
The Great Western Loop - is a 6,875-mile footpath that links together five existing long-distance trails — including the Pacific Crest Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, and Arizona Trail — and a trail-less segment through the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts.
Hiking until her body tells her body it’s time to stop
How her disability effects her hiking and how she adapts her hiking to suit her
Needing to keep her base weight at 10lbs /4.5kg and having to forgo luxury items (apart from her tent!)
Structuring her day while hiking
Listening to podcasts and music while being on the trail
Listening to true crime while being out in nature
The music to power her up the hills - Eminem - fight song
Being inspired by Harriet Tubman
Learning about adventure therapy and going on to study it at Prescott College
Sharing more about restorative narratives
The power in the stories we tell ourselves
Plans for 2023
How Crystal Gail afford to backpack
Writing a book of poetry when she was first diagnosed with a rare brain disease
Being published in an anthology “Crossing Paths”
How to connect with Crystal Gail (see links below)

Social Media

Website: footprintsforchange.com

Instagram: @footprintsforchange

Facebook: @crystalgailwelcome

Twitter: @awesomewelcome

TikTok: @footprintsforchange

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Jennifer Strong McConachie - Adventure Athlete, Fellow of the RGS and Author of “Go Far: How Endurance Sports Help You Win At Life”. 0

Oct 11, 2022

Jennifer Strong McConachie is a life-long outdoor adventure athlete.

She has traveled the globe, raced an ultramarathon on five of the seven continents, swam the Hellespont from Europe to Asia, escaped Alcatraz, climbed several of the Seven Summits, and conquered an American epic by running across the Grand Canyon and then back again.

For more than 30 years, Jennifer has competed in running, swimming, triathloning, and adventure racing as part of her global endurance sporting lifestyle. She also trains for various kinds of paddling sports and mountain ascents around the world.

When not tackling tough adventures, Jennifer is an award-winning marketing executive based in the US, with more than 15 years of experience working with local, regional, national, and global firms.

Jennifer most recently became a Fellow in the Royal Geographical Society after writing her first book, Go Far: How Endurance Sports Help You Win At Life. https://amzn.to/3ciFo4O

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out.

You can support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.

Show Notes

Who is Jennifer
Being able to do all kinds of endurance sports
Running at a young age
Getting into mountaineering, climbing, and wild swimming
Putting all of her endurance sports experience into her book: Go Far: How Endurance Sports Help You Win At Life
Getting into new adventures with kids
Dedication to endurance challenges and writing a book
Growing up in a sporty, outdoorsy family
Having fun as a child triathlete in the 90s
Being on a rowing team back in college
Getting into ultra running and marathons in her 20s
Travelling the world with her family
Choosing her own unique life path
Having a female role model
Going on adventures with her dad
What does adventure mean to Jennifer
Her secret to exploring the adventure mindset
Making the most of what you have to be the best you can be
Reading books about places and feeling energized
Magical moments from her adventures and challenges
Motherhood and how her adventure has changed over the years
Creating physical and mental space for her recovery
Having her team as her recovery tools
Getting into more details about therapy and recovery
Running the length of the Grand Canyon and back
What inspired Jennifer to write the book
Final words of advice

Social Media

Website: jenniferstrongmccon.com

Instagram: @jenstrongmccon

Facebook Author Page: @JenniferStrongMcConachieAuthorPage

Twitter: @jenstrongmccon

Book: Go Far: How Endurance Sports Help You Win At Life.

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Julie Bradley - Author of “Escape from the Ordinary”, retired from the US Army at 40, to sail around the world for 8 years with her husband. 0

Oct 4, 2022

Julie Bradley was born with adventure genes and shares her passions in her books “Escape from the Ordinary” and “Crossing Pirate Waters”. Both are true stories about an 8 year adventure of sailing around the world with her husband, Glen.

After twenty years in the Army as a Military Intelligence Officer she traded her uniform and worldly possessions to pursue the dream that had inspired her to keep going through the long separations of military deployments.

During those years her stack of Cruising World, Sail and Latitude 38 magazines grew to hoarder proportions until the big purge of all belongings to buy their new home: a French built Amel blue-water sailboat.

Julie shares more about her passion for adventure and sailing and what it was like selling everything she owned to sail around the world.

New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out.

To support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Sign up as a Patron - www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.

*Content Warning - during this episode - addiction to alcohol is talked about.

Show Notes

Julie in her own words
Living out on the water with her husband
Joining the army after high school
Getting hooked on an adventure
Julie's decision to leave the army after 20 years
Sailing around the world with her husband for eight years
Not worrying about the money
Julie and her husband's background in sailing
Delivering a friend's boat
Being a company commander and sailing at the same time
Selling everything and buying a sailboat
Sailing in the South Pacific
What it was like to sail through the storm
How did they spend their days on the boat
Writing her books Escape from the Ordinary (Escape Series Book 1) and Crossing Pirate Waters (Escape Series Book 2)
How she lost control of her addiction to alcohol
Keeping a close relationship with her husband
Deciding to stop sailing
Final words of advice

Social Media

Website: www.juliebradleyauthor.com

Facebook: @julie.bradley.798

Twitter: @redjuliebradley

Books: Escape from the Ordinary (Escape Series Book 1)

Meet Glen and Julie, sailors who follow their dream and discover that reality can be even bigger than imagined. From Force 10 storms in the North Atlantic to the crystal blue waters and native dancers of French Polynesia, Escape from the Ordinary (book 1 of the Escape Series) opens a window to adventures in extraordinary places not found in travel brochures.

Told with keen observations and sparkling with wry humor, Julie describes the terrors and pleasures of living a life of total independence on a sailboat where even simple decisions can have big consequences. This exhilarating, true story will thrill those planning to sail off into the sunset as well as armchair adventurers. Escape from the Ordinary reminds you of the unlimited possibilities in life and offers inspiration to go “all in” on your own dreams.

Crossing Pirate Waters (Escape Series Book 2)

You don’t have to know a spinnaker from a mainsail to enjoy this adventure book. Join Glen and Julie as they continue around the world through less traveled, dangerous areas on the far side of the world.

Turmoil in the Mideast convinces Glen and Julie to linger in the South Pacific visiting primitive villages on remote islands. But hang on tight, because to finish their voyage they must leave friendly shores and navigate through trouble in the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea before arriving in Europe.

Full of dry wit and compelling descriptions, Julie takes the reader along for the ride of a lifetime in this sequel (book 2 of the Escape Series) to her previous bestseller, Escape from the Ordinary.

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