Tough Girl Podcast

At age 55, Belgian runner Hilde Dosogne set out to break boundaries — and did just that.  In 2024, she ran 366 marathons in 366 days, earning her the title of Guinness World Record holder for most consecutive marathons in a year.  What makes Hilde’s journey so extraordinary is not just the distance she covered, but the relentless dedication she showed while working part-time and managing her daily life with laser-focused discipline. Known as Marathon Woman 366, Hilde didn’t grow up in a sporty family. In fact, she didn’t seriously take up running until her 40s. But once she did, she never looked back — moving from her first marathon with her husband in 2013 to ultra events like the Marathon des Sables and the legendary Spartathlon in Greece. Inspired by endurance runner Candice Burt, who ran an ultra a day, Hilde set a goal that was bold yet (just) manageable alongside her career — a marathon every single day for an entire year.  From battling injuries and illness, to running through Belgian storms and even dislocating a finger mid-run, Hilde’s story is one of mental toughness, resilience, and unwavering self-belief. In this episode, Hilde shares: Why she decided to take on this incredible challenge How she structured her days and managed recovery The highs and lows of running every single day The mental strategies that helped her keep going Her thoughts on aging, performance, and redefining what's possible at 55 The deep sense of joy and freedom she finds in running Hilde’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to start something extraordinary — and that the only limits are the ones we place on ourselves.  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM UK time. Subscribe and be inspired by stories of women pushing their physical and mental limits across adventure, endurance, and exploration.  Support the mission to increase the visibility of female role models in adventure and sport: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast Show notes Who is Hilde Living in Belgium 55 years old Married with 4 children aged between 18 and 26 years old Working in a chemical company and being passionate about running Being known as Marathon Woman 366 Not growing up in a sporty family and not being encouraged to do sports when she was younger Getting into running after her children were growing up  Being focused on building up her career and raising her children  Reaching 40 years old and wanting to lose some weight and deciding to run a marathon with her husband in 2013 How her running progressed and wanting to run more marathons and then wanting to run faster and then further Getting a lot of satisfaction from achieving her goals and pushing her limits Deciding to run the coastline of Belgium - 74km Wanting to know what else she could do  Deciding to run the Marathon des Sables in Morocco  Struggling with sleep in the open tent, and dealing with the sandstorm and the noisy people in the tent Running Spartathlon Ultra Race  Running from Athens to Sparta - having 36 hrs to complete the race  Needing to qualify for the Spartathlon Running 170km in 24 hrs in 2022 Running the race again in 2023 and running 1 hr faster than the year before Being inspired by Candice Burt running an ultra marathon everyday  Realising that running an ultra marathon a day would take up too much time everyday Deciding to run a marathon everyday and break a world record  Feeling that running a marathon everyday would be achievable while working at the same time Starting to plan for the event in summer 2024 - wanting to run with other people  Applying to Guinness World Records and figuring out the logistics for evidence  The time commitment involved and trying to run with other people  Being commitment to the hours she was running  The hard days, especially when she was feeling sick  Dealing with stomach pain and covid.  Falling while running and dislocating her finger  Dealing with bad weather especially at the start of the year  Struggling with her sleep and feeling too excited from the running both physically and emotionally  Sleeping during her lunch break Needing to have her days very strictly scheduled  The time commitment of running, social media and the info for Guinness World Records The mindset of taking on a daily challenge like this Her resilience coming from having a strict childhood and being very disciplined Seeing her running as a job  Feeling gratitude for while she was running  Raising funds for breast cancer patients  Being supported by the people who ran with her and also supported via social media  Daily recovery strategies - having a recovery shake, baths, stretching and a massage 1x per week Being supported by her husband in the house  Getting to the end of 366 marathons Running the last week in pain, due to a hamstring injury  Preparing an event for the last day Her body was telling her to stop running  Stopping running on the 1st January 2025  Feeling very happy that it was over! Getting back into running/walking 10 days later  Wanting to do the Spartathlon for the 3rd time Becoming the 24hrs running Belgium Champion  Listening to podcasts and music to pass the time Not experiencing many affects from perimenopause and menopause  Nutrition and fuelling while running a marathon everyday  Which is harder running a fast 5k or running a longer distance? Stretching, foam rolling, core stability exercises and bike riding The biggest lessons learned from taking on this challenge Why the human body can do much more than what we think Doing this challenge at 55 years old Running an average time of 4hrs 5 mins for each marathon Why you can start running at any age Training for the Spartathlon 2025 with a running coach  Running coach Benny Fisher   How to connect with Hilde on line Words of advice for runners The mind is stronger than the body If you think you can’t anymore, you have to think you can do it. Even if you are at a low point in a race. You need to know that it can get better. Why the only reason to stop is if you have a serious injury. Believe that it can get better Think about how you will feel when you give up  Think about the people that support you and they will be very happy that you finish and disappointed if you don’t Do it for a charity, so you know you are not only doing it for yourself.  You have to be strong psychically and mentally Prepare yourself for the difficult moments in the race and think through all the different scenarios that could happen   Social Media Website: www.hildedosogne.be/en  Instagram: @marathonwoman366/  Facebook: @marathonwoman.2024  Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/51029211  

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we journey into the heart of the Amazon and the mind of a remarkable woman pushing the boundaries of science, culture, and conservation—Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza. Rosa is a Peruvian chemical biologist, National Geographic Explorer, UN Harmony with Nature Scientist, and the founder of Amazon Research Internacional.  Splitting her time between Bath, England, and the Peruvian rainforest, Rosa blends cutting-edge research with ancestral knowledge to protect biodiversity and uplift indigenous communities. Her journey—from a curious child growing up in Peru to leading expeditions in the Amazon, researching the legendary Boiling River, studying stingless bees, and authoring The Spirit of the Rainforest—is nothing short of extraordinary. Rosa shares how she learned expedition skills later in life, why documenting indigenous science is crucial, and what it means to be a female scientist navigating international platforms like the UN and COP16. This conversation is packed with insight into climate resilience, overcoming self-doubt, and the healing power of nature, science, and community. Rosa’s message is a powerful call to action for women everywhere: follow the questions that stay in your head—you never know where they may lead.  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes Who is Dr Rosa Currently living in Bath Being based between England and Peru  Working as a Peruvian scientistic National Geographic Explorer  Leading science and conservation efforts in the Amazon Rainforest  Having a deep connection to her indigenous roots  Her early years living in Peru and relationship with her grandmother Spending time in the city and the mountains Being fascinated by the things she couldn’t understand  Loving space and wanted to know everything about the planet Having a fascination for science Wanting to dedicate her life to the Amazon  Getting her PhD in Chemical Biology from Michigan University  Taking a year off to get more work experience and reconsidering her whole life Being able to study traditional Chineses medicine in Beijing in her last year of undergrad The Amazon Boiling River Ted Talk - Andrés Ruzo  Book: The Boiling River (TED) by Andrés Ruzo   Discovering new microbes in the river Boiling mud  Book: The Spirit of the Rainforest: How indigenous wisdom and scientific curiosity reconnects us to the natural world  What you can expect from the book Learning expeditions skills later on in life Leading her first expedition Chapter 4 - Stingless Bees - the oldest bees on the planet  Capacity building  Partnerships with different indigenous groups Climate challenges Climate Anxiety The importance of indigenous science and making sure that it is documented  Being motivated to write the book  COP16 in October 2024 in Colombia  Dealing with self doubt and why the work is not easy Being a voice with the international press Creating space for female indigenous members Being a good team member The importance of community  Current expeditions and plans for heading back to the field Funding expeditions  Extreme climate explorers BBC - Documenting their work on stingless bees How to find stingless bees Smelling fish in the jungle…. Medicinial Honey?! Comparison to Manuka honey? Her Ayahuasca experience The ego death experience  Chapter 11 - becoming a black jaguar  How to connect with Dr Rosa Final word of advice for women who want to explore more and get into science and exploration Follow the questions that stay in your head You never know where they may lead.   Social Media Website: www.rosavespinoza.com  Instagram: @rosavespinoza Facebook: @rosavespinoza9  TikTok: @rosavespinoza  YouTube: @rosavespinoza  

In this deeply moving and inspiring episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Sophie Pierce, a 32-year-old social worker from Pembrokeshire, West Wales, who made history in March 2025 as the first person with Cystic Fibrosis to row an ocean. Diagnosed at just 3 months old, Sophie has lived with the challenges of a genetic condition that affects her lungs and digestive system and once carried a life expectancy of under 30 years. But Sophie’s story is not defined by limitation—it's a bold testament to resilience, courage, and the power of hope. From working in fostering services to hiking the Welsh coast with her dogs, swimming in cold water, and sleeping in her campervan—Sophie has never shied away from living life on her terms.  In this episode, she opens up about the life-changing impact of the Kaftrio drug trial, how she overcame mental health struggles, and what it truly meant to embrace life beyond the horizon by rowing across the Atlantic. She shares the highs and lows of the row: the months of preparation, team dynamics, magical moments at sea, and how it feels to return to "normal life" after an extraordinary adventure. Sophie's message is powerful and universal—you are capable of so much more than you think. If you're looking for inspiration, perspective, and an honest exploration of living—and thriving—with a life-limiting condition, this episode is not to be missed.  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes Who is Sophie 32 years old Living in Pembrokeshire, West Wales  Working as a social worker in fostering service Living with a genetic health condition - Cystic Fibrosis (CF) March 2025 - becoming the first person with CF to row an ocean What is CF Being born with it and getting diagnosed at 3 months old   Having a shorter lifespan  How CF affects her lungs and digestive system  Living with reduced lung function  Her younger years and how she was treated  Why exercise and being out in the fresh air is actively encouraged Not liking exercise as a child Growing up knowing she had CF and why it was normal Being empowered with CF and how her parents encouraged her Her mum reminding her to stay as well as she could for as long as she could, so she could benefit from treatments in the future.  Learning about her shorter life expectancy and managing those feelings  Adopting a positive attitude - being determined to live her life and not letting CF hold her back  Wanting to make the most of her time  Understanding that time is precious  Not needing a pension, savings or need to put down roots  The help and support available to help manage the mental and emotional challenges Experiencing panic attacks while her health was declining  Working with a psychologist  Using tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Feeling frightened of letting the big feelings of sadness in Feeling so sad about living with CF   The drug trial - 5 years ago  Taking the Kaftrio drug  The challenges of winter for CF patients  ‘The Purge’ - coughing for 24 hrs How her life and lungs has changed  Trustee for CF Trust  Being asked to row an ocean  Forming a crew of 4 Stumbling blocks and being told no - by the World’s Toughest Row Atlantic Dash  Securing the finances and managing the stress of getting to the start line Her biggest fear and worrying about staying well enough to do the row  Getting out on to the ocean. Having electrical issues with the boat  Name of the boat - The Spirit of Bluestone  Magical moments on the Atlantic Ocean  Day 46 coming to the end of the row  Rowing schedule and needing to get extra sleep during the night  The challenges of team dynamics Finding their roles within the group Being the social secretary and bringing fun to the boat The biggest lesson from rowing the ocean You can do so much more than you think you can  Being supported by the right people around you Dealing with the adventure blues How life in weird after rowing an ocean Being in a really exciting place Future challenges?! Words of advice from the CF perspective  Learning to life with CF How to connect with Sophie You are capable of so much more than you think you are Learn to reframe the negative voices in your head   Social Media Instagram @sophiefpierce  @cruisingfree2025   

This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, we welcome Emma Wilkinson—a freelance health journalist, ultra runner, mother of three, and co-author of the empowering book Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport.  Emma’s journey into ultra running didn’t begin until her 40s, but once she discovered the joy of going long and slow, there was no turning back. In this honest and motivating conversation, Emma shares how she went from half marathons and road running to self-created 100K adventures in the mountains of Snowdonia. Alongside fellow runner and friend Lily Canter, she set out to research and write Ultra Women, a book that celebrates female endurance athletes and dives into the science, stories, and social constructs around women in ultra sport. Emma talks openly about what inspired the book, how she balanced full-time work, parenting, and running while writing it, and what she learned about the unique strengths women bring to endurance challenges—especially around fatigue resistance, pain management, and mental toughness. If you’ve ever doubted your capabilities, struggled with self-identifying as a “runner,” or wondered if your body was made for ultras—this episode is for you. Emma’s message is simple and powerful: don’t put limits on yourself—just give it a go.  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes Who is Emma Journalist and runner Co-Author of a new book - Ultra Women Book: Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport  What Emma was like as little girl Growing up in Bradford and not being massively sporty when she was younger Getting into running in her later teens Being far more active now than she was as a child In her early 20s watching the London Marathon and wanting to give it ago  Getting into half marathons Running the Sheffield Half Marathon and being sick at the end   Starting to run faster and joining a running club to make new friends Doing her first marathon just before she had children, just before turning 30 Why she enjoyed running  2019 - meeting Lilly (co-author on the Ultra women book) Singing up for a 100k - 2 day event Falling in love with ultra running - the slower, longer, adventure Her friendship with Lilly, doing their journalism MA together, 20 years ago Teaching Journalism at Sheffield University   How the book came about Walking the hills  What do you need to do, to get to the end.  Needing to be able to tune into your body Creating their own 100K 2 days event - on the Snowdonia Slate Trail  Surprising herself with what she was capable of  Writing the book at the same time of doing full time work as a journalist while also looking after children and running  Why are women so good at ultra endurance distances  Coming from a science background and why the research was so interesting  How women have more fatigue resistant muscles Not feeling in competition with other women  Book: Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men  The lack of research into sports science for women Hopefully the research is starting to turn a corner Why ultra running training plans are based on men  Women have been deemed as to complicated to include in studies  Fatigue resistant muscles research  Wanting to learn more about recovery and how that applies to women specifically  Training for ultras Women having to use a process of trial and error to figure out what works best for them Periods and cycle tracking and feeling different at different times of the month and why the data can be confusing  Learning more about oestrogen and how it affects endurance How the book came about Getting the book published Are women faster the longer they go? Freelancing for Journalists  Lael Wilcox going after the mens’s around the world bike record in 2026  The motherhood perspective on running Sophie Power She Races  Not running in pregnancy and chaining to walking Dealing with separated stomach muscles  Needing to get back to running and needing time for herself Having a chapter on pregnancy in the book and why it’s not the same for everyone Pain and women, and pain management Sexism Creating a manifesto and calling for action Do you call yourself a runner? Confidence - women - running Say yes for signing up for that ultra How to connect with Emma Final words of advice  Don’t put limits on yourself, if you want to do something, have ago. Women who just wanted to see if they could and they did Why not give it ago!   Social Media Website: emmawilkinson.net  Instagram: @emmawjourno/ BlueSky: @emmajourno.bsky.social‬ Book: Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport  

This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Lily Canter—an ultra runner, women’s running coach, journalist, and passionate advocate for gender equality in sport. As co-author of the groundbreaking book Ultra Women, Lily is helping to challenge outdated narratives and spotlight the women redefining endurance running. Lily didn’t grow up considering herself sporty, but after joining a triathlon club in her 30s, she discovered a love for running that quickly evolved into a passion for ultras. What began as a spontaneous 30-mile run turned into a deeper journey into the ultra world—culminating in a 250km multi-day race across Tanzania and a growing commitment to empowering more women through education, coaching, and research. In this episode, Lily opens up about the gaps she saw in female-specific training information, how she and co-author Emma Wilkinson tackled the research for their book, and why visibility, representation, and equity matter—on the trails and in the media. From coaching to kit, sports bras to science, Lily shares what still needs to change and how she’s pushing those boundaries herself. Whether you’re curious about tackling your first ultra or passionate about equity in endurance sports, this episode offers practical insight and powerful inspiration.  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes Who is Lilly Journalist who specialises in running and fitness A female running coach  Ultra runner Lecturer at university  Running an organisation with Emma called; Freelancing for Journalists  Her early years… Not coming from a sporty family  Growing up in Guilford, Surrey Playing netball consistently for most of her life  Moving to Liverpool as a teenager Getting into running in her 30s Joining a triathlon club in her mid to late 30s Being inspired by an amazing running coach  Running consistently for the past 7/8 years Being busy… and how her career has changed a lot  Getting bored very easily  Going freelance 8 years ago and it giving her the freedom to do more things and pursue her different passions  Getting better at running and starting to enjoy it more  Varying the types of runs and where she ran  Building her running confidence  Trying different races Starting to really enjoy running Her first ultra which was an accident! Running 30 miles on a looped course The relaxed, chilled, approach to ultra running Speaking with Emma about doing an ultra together The lack of information and resources especially women centric information  Signing up to a multi-stage 100k race in Romania  Having to figure out her training plan for herself  Thinking about writing a book about running  How the book came about and getting the book published  Being inspired by the women winning races outright  Wanting to understand why so few women were participating in ultra races  Dividing up the research and why it was quite straightforward  Being surprised by the records held by women in the swimming world. The mental side and the lessons that could be applied to her running What does the scientific evidence say with regards to men and women The social construct of difference between men and women The importance of being prepared and having confidence in what you know works for you Running 250km across Tanzania 2023  Why it was her favourite race  Being more aware of the setup of races and how female friendly they are Images of women in marketing material, website etc  The manifesto - call to action - wanting to drive change  Focused on 6 key areas  The importance of female specific sports research What are women capable of? The importance of female specific training guides  Kit which has been designed for women  Sports bra testing Media coverage and commentary of women Equal prize money and sponsorship Why races should use the - She Races Guidelines  Training for 2025/2026 Wanting to test their limits  Signing up for Equinox 24 - wanting to run further than they have run before (goals 65 miles +)  She Trails race in the Peak District - August 2025  Heading oversees to race a 5 day race in the heat… depending on recovery  Training programs and making running work for you  Having a coach for the past 18 months and the difference it has made  Being more competitive in races  How to connect with Lily on social media Final words of advice for other women who want to be a trail blazer Why you need to believe in yourself  Push your boundaries and try hard things  Don’t be scared of challenging yourself    Social Media Website www.lilycanter.co.uk  Instagram: @lilycanter Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lilycanter X: x.com/lilycanter  Book: Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport  

This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Tania Carmona—a trailblazing ultrarunner, endurance coach, entrepreneur, and the first Mexican athlete to complete the 5 Deserts Grand Slam. From swimming as a national-level athlete in Mexico to conquering some of the toughest environments on Earth, Tania’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless curiosity. Based in Dubai and previously living in Scotland and the U.S., Tania shares her path into ultrarunning—from a reluctant marathon finisher to tackling self-supported races across the Gobi, Atacama, Namib, and Antarctica. We dive into her experience navigating extreme heat, physical stress, and the emotional highs and lows of ultra-endurance. Tania also opens up about the physiological toll of training, dealing with cortisol imbalances, the decision to undergo back surgery, and why she and her husband launched the Ultra Happy Podcast to bring more real, relatable stories to the running world. Whether you're chasing your own desert dreams or looking for inspiration to keep putting one foot in front of the other, this episode is packed with heart, humour, and hard-earned wisdom.  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes Who is Tania Ultrarunner, coach and podcast host Being based in Dubai, born in Mexico and previously living in Glasgow, Scotland  Growing up in Mexico City in a small family  Being into swimming when she was little Being a national swimmer  Deciding to stop swimming at 15  Moving to Chicago to do her Masters Getting into running in Chicago after being inspired by the Chicago Marathon  Starting running with a free group 3x a week Finishing her first marathon and deciding to never run again at 20 Needing to make new friends after moving back to Mexico Deciding to give running another go A spartan race…. 2016 Finding trail running! Hiring a coach  Signing up for a 50k Meeting her Scottish husband, Andy Moving from Mexico City to Scotland! Deciding to sign up for longer, harder races and how her lifestyle started to change The 5 Desert Grand Slam  Wanting to do Cocodona 250km race  The 5 different, self supported races Dealing with the heat Gobi Desert in Mongolia - more trails and more hard packed terrain - very similar to Scotland Running with really old shoes Running in Antartica over 5 days - living on an expedition boat  Atacama Desert in Chile and why it was one of her most favourite races Reducing those feelings of overwhelm Focusing on the first step first Taking a year off to focus on running  Working with a running coach  Recovery runs and resting  Dealing with gut issues and periods problems The impact on her body with spikes of cortisol  Developing a cortisol hump on her back Not sleeping well The evening routines and life admin after a race  Having surgery on her cortisol hump (7 cm by 1.5 cm deep) on her back Dealing with more stress, by moving to Dubai Ultra Happy Podcast  Co-hosting with her husband Andy Documenting the journey  How to connect with Tania Mini films from each dessert available to watch on YouTube  Final words of advice Live your life with curiosity  Don’t do it for the likes  Think about what else you could do    Social Media Website: taniacarmona.komi.io  Instagram: @taniaruns_theworld TikTok: @taniaruns_theworld  Youtube: @Tania_Carmona  

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Sarah Ruggins—a high-achieving investment professional, academic powerhouse, and now a record-breaking ultra-endurance cyclist. From her early days as a national-level track athlete in Canada to surviving complex PTSD and rebuilding her life, Sarah’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and radical self-belief. In 2023, Sarah competed in the Transcontinental Bike Race, and in 2025, she took on her most audacious challenge yet: cycling from John O’Groats to Land’s End and back again—2,715 km in just 5 days, 11 hours, and 14 minutes, setting a new outright record. This conversation dives deep into the planning, training, and mindset behind the ride—from strength work and 3:30 AM mornings to battling hallucinations, sleep deprivation, and pain barriers. Sarah shares her three-part mantra—Focus, Discipline, Gratitude—and unpacks how elite performance is built in the margins: with structure, strategy, and sacrifice. Whether you're chasing a personal goal or looking for motivation to push your own limits, this is an episode that will fuel your fire.  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes Who is Dr Sarah Ruggins Working as an investment professional for the past 10 years  Growing up in Canada  Being part of a very active family Doing a lot of running and focusing on track and field  Working with the best coaches Holding national records in middle distances  Preparing for junior olympics at 14/15 Wanting to represent her country at the highest level Her teenage years Needing a routine surgery on her feet Developing a disease of her nervous system  The impact on her life Developing complex PTSD  Getting back to a ‘normal life’ Starting to focus more on academics  Getting 4 degrees in 4 different subjects Competing in the trans continental bike race in 2023 Wanting to understand what her limits were John O’Groats to Lands End and back again Being supported by a crew Working with Rob Lee from RLP Coaching  What training looked like from Sept/October 2024 to May 2025 What a typical week looked like Working with a strength coach to compliment what she was doing on the bike Increasing the volume of training on both the bike and in the gym Squats increasing from 45kg to - 4 sets of 5 reps at 110kg While working a full time job in finance  Having her whole life scheduled from 3.30am - 10pm  Figuring out life admin Setting big goals in your life - you need to be prepared to make sacrifices in pursuit of those goals  Planning, schedules and logistics  Coming back to the WHY was integral  Building the team and pulling everyone together Reaching out to sponsors Wanting to make a history making ride Probability, chance and luck Going to maximise our probabilities of success  Being on the start line being 100% confident Being forced to be brave and tough - but coming from a place of power Wanting to demonstrate to herself her own resilience and wanting to inspire others Starting the challenge and wanting to ride to her capabilities Working in blocks of 4 hours and focusing on the power.  Managing her process and focusing on what’s on the road ahead Riding 4 hours and then off the bike for 10 mins - the ‘Pitt stops’ What goes on in those 10 mins  Eating and nutrition and eating constantly while on the bike How her body responded to the challenge  3 phases while doing endurance work:  phase 1, the first 36 hours - feeling great, phase 2 hitting a pain wall which you need to push through, phase 3 -  where you feel like you can go forever, your body has accepted this is just what you do now Going though the pain wall and pain gate  The mind body connection and what was happening mentally Developing a 3 part mantra: focus, discipline and gratitude  The biggest challenge while on the bike  Not being able to tolerate solid foods on day 3 Moving to liquid food - Supported by Huel  Dealing with the sleep deprivation - confusion and falling asleep while on her bike Crashing into a nettle bush and going into hyperglycemic shock  Using blue light to wake her up Being ahead of the record by about 7 hours and 175km - stick to the process Reaching the end  The feelings of relief  Keeping your emotions locked in for 5 days  Being able to relax! 2715 km in 5 days 11 hours 14 minutes. NEW OUTRIGHT RECORD HOLDER Her limits…. Taking the learning and applying it to new projects Recovery after the challenge Getting back on the bike and back in the gym Raising funds for 2 charities  The Bike Project  Bikes for Refugees  How you can connect with Sarah Working on a feature documentary about the challenge - due in early 2026 Final words of advice from Sarah Understand what is most important to you, and curate an objective around that  Demonstrate aggressive patience in pursuit of your goals  Focus on the small wins everyday.   Social Media Instagram @sarah_ruggins   

I can’t quite believe it, but here we are — the 800th episode of the Tough Girl Podcast! In this special solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes for a personal catch-up and reflection on everything that’s happened so far in 2025 — from January through to August. I talk about what life has looked like lately (yes, still living at home with my parents!), working part-time at AIM Health, the adventures I’ve been on, the challenges I’ve faced, and the exciting things coming up next. This episode is a bit of everything: gear chat (flat-lay photos and a new Atom Pack!), health updates (peri-menopause, gut health, strength training, and more), financial planning (Patreon, pensions, broken laptops!), plus reflections on my time walking the English Camino, Snowdonia Slate Trail, and tackling the GR20 in Corsica — which was honestly tougher than the Marathon des Sables. I’m also talking about my motivations for taking on the GR10, what I’ve learned in 10 years of podcasting, and why the mission — to increase the amount of female role models in the media especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges— is stronger than ever. Thank you for being here with me on this journey. Whether you’ve listened from the start or are just finding the show now, I’m so incredibly grateful. This is a celebration of us — of consistency, resilience, growth, and dreaming big. 🎧 Tune in to hear what I’ve learned over 10 years, what’s changed (and what hasn’t), and where I see the podcast — and my adventures — heading next. Let’s go! 🎙️ New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. 💪 Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. 🙏 Your support makes a difference. 💖 Thank you x Show notes Intro to the podcast - solo reflections episode with me - Sarah Williams  800th episode! Reflecting back from January 2025 - to August 2025 Setting the scene - chaos in my room - kit and gear everywhere Taking photos for the flat lay gear post New backpack - atom pack - needing to go on a test hike Agenda and plans for this episode  Behind the scenes and what’s been going on Living at home with my parents since 2014  Working at AIM Health - structure, regular hours, income, access to therapies  Aim Health therapies - Cryotherapy, compression trousers, red light, HBOT, rebalance bed   Impact on my wellness and recovery  Saving money, emergency funds, breaking my laptop, spending money… Saving money for my pension  Funds from patreon - paying for the website, music, search function, auphonic, Zoom costs Root canal - and teeth looking good Health - consistent with training, mobility and strength with Franco Not trusting my ankles - needing to strap them up  Adult ballet Yin yoga - not being as consistent as I would like (Kassandra Yin Yoga - Youtube)  Reflecting back - longevity - turning 44 - big jump in aging Peri-menopause and menopause Bioresonance, OligoScan  Feeling slightly fatigued - anaemic again? Blood test coming back normal Too much cryotherapy? And stopping for the summer so as not to loose my heat adaption Feeling everything is coming together and feeling strong and well Gut health issues; belches, bacteria overgrowth, wheat free October focus will be gut health and working with a nutritionist and Dr Cath  Home based for 7 months. Adventures  April - Walking The English Camino with Gemma Smith - stats and filming and not having time to share online  Snowdonia Slate Trail - 5 day practice hike - getting back into the mountains again Watch the Snowdonia Slate Trail - vlogs on YouTube  Why I recommend the Snowdonia Slate Trail  Public transport back from the trail Wanting to get mountain fit  Hiking the GR20 with Alex Mason end of June, beginning of July Cicerone Guidebooks  Abbie Barns Vlogs on the GR20  Meeting at Gatwick for a super early flight to Corsica Watch the Tough Girl GR20 Vlogs on Youtube Harder than Marathon des Sables  Mentally wanting to quit the challenge every day  Starting to doubt myself Why I didn’t quit Never quit on a bad day  The challenges of the first 3/4 days The early starts - 5am starts Not eating and feeling rough  Double stages…. Having the same goal to finish on the Friday  Needing more recovery at the start of the challenge Always being able to push it on the final day Change the plan, not the goal. Why I’m taking on the GR10  The incredible trails in Europe, UK Wanting to walk trails and spend time in the mountains  FKT website for GR10   BMC Women’s Adventure Film Competition - ‘Make a Difference Award’   Kendal Mountain Film Festival  Get involved in the film! Send in your clips! Has the tough girl podcast inspired you to take on your own adventure? (Filmed Horizontal) YouTube Channel- update - slow growth  Being behind with editing the South West Coast Path Vlogs - 40 days of footage - 40 mins per day Needing to get into flow with film/vlog editing   Are you an editor?! E-mail me! Podcast update and next recording date in October  Tough Podcast Extra Tough Girl Tribe - 1,600 strong Shout out to Patrons - thank you so much for your support.  What I have learned in 10 years of podcasting  Why you need to start Showing up and being consistent  Being a learning and continuing to learn and getting better How quickly has the past 10 years gone  How has the mission changed? - It hasn’t! Still the same mission Being more motivated than ever before Feeling more pressure in relation to getting older Being proud of the women who listen to the podcast, being proud of the guests and the women who are going through tough times. Website changes and updates!  Thank you to Rebecca ‘Beck’ Mcpherson for creating the new artwork  The next 10 years - the Purple Decade Over 7,400 miles of hiking and cycling, 13 countries and doing 31 challenges - Pink Decade Putting all my goals out there  What’s going to happen?! Would you want to go mega viral  Founder Marketing and why it’s good for your business Goal - 10 Million Downloads Goal - 100k followers on Youtube? Awards? Film Festivals? What’s going to happen?! Loving my life and wanting to continue to travelling and going on adventures  Questions from listeners  How easy was it wild camping on the South West Coast Path  Wild Camping Principles  Bucket List Goal or challenge? Pacific Crest Trail  Group/Team Challenge Responsibility and stress Repeating any hikes?! Appalachian Trail in 100 days now? Easier or Harder? Favourite country for camping and free hiking  Safety and managing the fear on trails. Things you can control in advance  Things you can do while on the trail GR10 - I’ll be sharing daily updates Thank you for everything you are doing 10 years!!! Time for you to think about what you want to achieve over the next 10 years Have you created your list of goals, your vision board? What excites you? There is no right or wrong. I believe in you!  Previous Reflections/Solo Episodes  Jan 2nd 2025 -  Sarah Williams: Reflections on the South West Coast Path, Health, Money & Future Plans for 2025 Aug 1, 2024 - Sarah Williams: Reflecting on the Past 6 Months and Future Plans for 2024 – Insights, Challenges, and Adventures. Mar 14, 2024 - Sarah Williams - Reflections & Learnings from the 3,000km Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand. Nov 2, 2023 - Sarah Williams - Planning and Preparation for thru hiking the 3,000 km Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand. #ChallengeWithZOLEO Sep 10, 2023 - Sarah Williams - Solo Reflections: A Look Back at the End of 2022, Adventures and Challenges in 2023 Aug 4th 2022 - Sarah Williams - Reflects on the end of 2021 and the start of 2022. Aug 4th 2021 - Sarah Williams - Reflects on the end of 2020 and the start of 2021. Aug 7th 2020 - Sarah Williams - Reflections on 2019 & and the start of 2020.  Aug 4th, 2019 - Sarah Williams - Reflections on 2018 and the start of 2019. Plus plans for Tough Girl Challenges. Dec 25, 2018 - Sarah Williams - Cycling the Pacific Coast Highway & Baja Divide    Sep 4, 2018 - Sarah Williams - Planning and Preparation for the Pacific Coast Highway & the Baja Divide! Sep 19, 2017 - Sarah Williams - Thru hiking the Appalachian Trail (2,190 miles) in 100 days!  Apr 26, 2016 - Sarah Williams - Shares her journey of getting to the start line of the Marathon des Sables (MDS) & running the toughest footrace on earth!   Social Media Instagram @toughgirlchallenges  Facebook: @toughgirlchallenges  Youtube: @toughgirlchallenges  Patrons: www.patreon.com/c/ToughGirlPodcast

In this powerful episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Tia Banks—a former professional basketball player turned mountaineer and certified resilience expert. Based in Texas, Tia is on a bold mission to climb all seven volcanic summits, one on each continent, using her journey as a platform to inspire strength, courage, and mental resilience. Her love for adventure began with Mount Kilimanjaro in 2021, where she faced illness, doubt, and the ultimate test of her mindset on summit night. But for Tia, mountaineering is more than reaching the top—it’s about how we speak to ourselves in tough moments, how we dig deep when we want to give up, and how we “climb our own mountains” in life. In this episode, Tia opens up about her early years in sport, the “suck it up” mentality, the importance of positive self-talk, and her commitment to empowering young people through adventure therapy and her non-profit initiative, Summit Saturday. If you're looking for a dose of motivation to keep pushing through your own challenges—or to finally try something you've never dared before—Tia’s story will light the fire.  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes Who is Tia Banks Former professional basketball player Certified in resilience Based in Texas Her early years and having a sporty childhood  The suck it up muscle  SUCK IT UP at 6 years old…. Becoming more aware of mental health on her personal journey Getting into mountaineering Climbing Kilimanjaro in 2021 Go big or go home  Writing her goal in her journal  Starting to prepare and research  Working with a breathing coach Committing to the training  Focusing on endurance  Preparing her body and her mind Positive self talk Optimism Book: Mind Over Mountains: Life Changing Strategies to Overcome Adversity  Digging into the mindset while on the mountain  Being sick when she first got to Africa Being challenged to do hard things, even when you don’t feel like it Needing to dig deep and why it wasn’t just a one time thing Holding on to hope Summit night on Kilimanjaro  Stella Point Managing self talk and comparisons to other people Pole Pole - Pronounced “po-lay po-lay,” it's Swahili for “slowly, slowly.” The technique of reframing Going into schools and talking about mental health with children and young adults Saray Khumalo - first black African woman to reach the summit of Mt Everest  Needing to ask for help Why motivation style changes and different motivation is needed at different times  Working towards a biggest challenge Wanting to summit all 7 volcanic summits on each continent  Mount Giluwe in Papua New Guinea Adventure Therapy Non Profit - ‘Summit Saturday’ - taking at risk youth out into nature  Managing herself to ensure not to burnout Wanting to build a better self care regiment Self Care Sunday and doing a series on tick Tok Holding herself accountable  Talking about resilience and motivation with younger children How to connect with Tia on social media  Final words of advice for people who are climbing their own mountain  What’s going to help you have the mindset to overcome your challenge  Try something new, try something you’ve never tried before   Social Media Website: www.tiabanks.com  Instagram: @thetiabanks  Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Thetiabanks/100064323240028/  YouTube: @thetiabanks1  TikTok: @thetiabanks1

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Sharon Evans, also known as the Free Wheeling Kiwi—a 58-year-old adventurer, storyteller, and passionate advocate for women embracing the outdoors, especially later in life. Sharon shares the incredible story of walking the full Te Araroa Trail, a 3,000km thru-hike stretching the length of New Zealand. Alongside her partner, she tackled harsh weather, blisters, foot pain, and relentless terrain—proving that age is no barrier to adventure. Five years ago, Sharon made the bold decision to walk away from her rural real estate career and pursue a life filled with purpose, exploration, and connection to nature. In this conversation, we explore her motivations, the magical (and muddy) moments on the trail, and her mission to empower women over 50 to step into the wild with confidence. Sharon also shares practical tips for low-cost adventuring, content creation on the go, and how she’s continuing her journey by heading to Australia’s rugged Larapinta Trail next. If you're looking for inspiration to follow your passion—no matter your age—this episode is for you. ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Sharon Evans aka Free Wheeling Kiwi  Based in New Zealand  Going on adventures and telling stories  Spending time in the outdoors - often being uncomfortable and wet Spending time at the beach  Gen X, 58 years old  Having a huge amount of freedom and spending time outdoors Her passion for travel Living in the jungle in Borneo, Malaysia Growing up without social media  How technology has advanced  Her first camera (film camera) at 15 years old  Deciding what to do with her life Being shy and introverted  Where did the name/brand freewheeling kiwi come from  Working as a rural estate agent  Riding bikes  Deciding to make a change 5 years ago  Planning to go to Everest Base Camp  How plans got derailed because of Covid Making the transition and changing your career to follow your passions Planning….. Lowering her cost of living, being a careful spender Wanting to encourage more women to spend more time in the outdoors in nature  Especially women over the age of 50 Focusing on her why Te Araroa Trail, 3,000 km, the long walk in New Zealand  Being concerned about the cold Starting on the 2nd October Walking with Andrew - as a couple Having their 1st anniversary on the trail in the Richmond Rangers Keeping the pack weight down The highlights, challenges and magical moments from the trail  Not wanting to quit Advice for new hikers Keeping costs down and sending resupply boxes Big food carries The extreme conditions and the impact on gear  River crossings and being cautious  Gusting winds and being blown off her feet Wet feet…. Sand walking, mud walking, road walking  Blisters…. Losing toe nails Getting off her feet and dealing with unbearable foot pain Palette fatigue with food Coming to the end of the journey and what it was like Creating content and stories during the journey  Creating a 1 min reel/tiktok every day How to connect with Sharon Final words of advice  Believing in yourself and your abilities  The next challenge and heading to Australia to walk the Larapinta Trail (230km trail through the outback)    Social Media Website www.freewheelingkiwi.com Instagram @freewheelingkiwi/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/freewheelingkiwi Threads:  @freewheelingkiwi TikTok: @freewheelingkiwi YouTube: @FreewheelingKiwi