Tough Girl Podcast Frankie Forzoni: From Mental Health Struggles to Norseman Xtreme Triathlon Finisher.
Frankie is a Women's Endurance Coach and Nutritionist, helping busy women achieve their endurance goals in the most holistic way possible.
From severe mental health struggles in her early twenties, to being hit by a car in 2020, Frankie is now a Norseman Xtreme Triathlon finisher and 4 x Marathon runner.
Founded in 2016, Pretty Strong Coaching was created to support and coach women struggling with their mental wellbeing. Having faced depression, chronic pain, and panic attacks, Frankie understands the struggles of mental health firsthand. After trying therapy, sleeping pills, and anti-depressants, she found healing through movement, nature, and nutrition.
Frankie provides a space where women can reconnect with their bodies, achieve their running and triathlon goals, and embrace a balanced, healthy lifestyle within a supportive community.
Through her coaching, Frankie empowers women to overcome mental barriers, conquer self-doubt, and tackle burnout, helping them become their strongest, healthiest selves.
This episode is a must-listen for those seeking motivation, practical insights into holistic health, and a reminder that with the right support and determination, it's possible to transform adversity into triumph. Tune in and be inspired to embrace your own journey toward strength and wellness!
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Show notes
- Who is Frankie
- Growing up with an active childhood in London
- Doing dance lessons and tennis with her sister
- Going into university in Leeds to study graphic design
- Stopping fitness, focusing on a busy social life
- Experiencing poor mental health at 24
- Signing off work due to stress
- Exploring ways to improve her wellbeing
- Studying happiness and health
- Recovering through moving the body and nourishing it
- Signing up for the London Marathon despite not being a runner
- Taking on the London Marathon after being told she couldn't do it
- Following a book to guide her training
- Meeting friends, seeing family, and enjoying the event
- How running has helped with her mental health
- Believing small victories help manage mental wellbeing
- The importance of consistency, endorphins, and alone time during runs for mental clarity and self-discovery
- Moving to Singapore for work
- Obtaining personal training qualification
- Growth of Frankie's coaching career
- Helping others achieve fitness goals and mental resilience
- Enjoying living in Singapore, having access to pools and sunshine
- Facing the challenge of extreme heat
- Having an air-conditioned indoor gym setup to handle the heat
- Participating in the annual event, The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon
- Coaching 30 clients through the 2018 Singapore Marathon
- Designing the "Mind Over Marathon" programme to help women with mental health struggles prepare for the race
- Offering a safe space for women dealing with various issues
- Her challenging recovery process after being hit by a car in Singapore
- How cycling and swimming aid her healing
- Regaining her physical strength over a four-year period
- Applying for The Norseman Xtreme Triathlon
- Weighing the challenge of competing in the extreme triathlon in Norway while living in Singapore
- Partnering with Performance Bike Fitter for altitude training equipment
- Working with Trapeze Recovery Centre, providing ice baths, to acclimate to cold temperatures
- Travelling to Australia to train on actual hills
- Training on the Sunshine Coast with her support team and triathlete friends
- Growing anxiety and self-doubt as race day approaches
- The importance of her support crew to her success
- Finding peace and determination, pushing forward despite fears
- Driving the Norseman route backwards to familiarise themselves with the course
- Observing other experienced athletes, feeling a mix of intimidation and inspiration
- What was her race day morning like
- Swimming conservatively, following the coastline
- Swelling and loss of dexterity due to cold
- Transition from swim to bike (T1)
- Frankie's climbing challenges
- Facing a gruelling 35-kilometre climb with steep gradients
- Mental and physical strain on the bike
- Alone, battling wind, hail, and fatigue
- Pushing through some of the darkest moments of her race
- Transition from bike to run (T2)
- From flat to "Zombie Hill"
- Being joined by her support crew on the hill for safety
- Continuing to walk despite torrential thunderstorms
- Nutrition and hydration on the run
- Final words of advice
Social Media
Website: www.prettystrongcoaching.com
Instagram: @prettystrongcoaching
Facebook: @prettystrongcoaching