Tough Girl Podcast

Lani Woods is a passionate cyclist, adventurer, and creative force behind a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts. Known for blending her love of cycling with a flair for design, Lani leads initiatives like Triple Crown Adventures to inspire others to explore the world on two wheels. Whether organizing group adventures in Hawaii or crafting unique cycling gear, she's dedicated to building an inclusive, adventure-loving community. * Marked as explicit — just one F bomb! *** 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 Lani Being based in Hawaii Being a full time adventurer Loving to travel and explore Being a curious soul Growing up in Southern California Not being athletic when she was younger Getting into athletics in her 30s What happened in her 30s Having kids at a young age and being in a long term relationship Deciding to leave an abusive relationship Wanting to feel stronger and release the relationship stress Getting back into running and how it made her feel better Getting back into the gym and how it helped her mental health Deciding to try an obstacle course race Dealing with injury and needing to rehab after 3 surgeries Getting into bike riding Deciding to ride 20 miles to the beach and back Feeling the rewards after doing something hard Deciding to ride a 100 miles Being inspired by the Race Across America The self confidence piece Being attracted to challenge Gaining new knowledge about cycling Hosting 2 podcasts :- Podcast - Unrelenting Humans Podcast - Black with Endurance Joining Major Taylor Cycling Club, Los Angles Riding from San Francisco to Los Angles Wanting to do more business with women Tripe Crown Adventures - where the name came from (the California triple crown, riding 3 double centuries in a year) Adventure Femmes Hosting her first event in Hawaii Honolulu Century Ride Lanikai Pillbox Hike New event happening in 2026 Training…. Working with different mentors How many bikes… Making the decision to move to Hawaii Dealing with the heat in Hawaii Bucket list races Being in a place where she knows what she's capable of and want she can accomplish Wanting to create her own challenges Wanting to create more than be apart of other people races and challenges Her love for road cycling Travelling in Europe Bike packing adventures? Lael Wilcox Jenny Graham Lael Rallies How to connect with Lani Final words of advice for women who want to get into cycling and go on more adventures Stay curious, fail big and don't wait for anyone else Don't be afraid to make your own way—do what you feel is right for you. Social Media Instagram @lanitheadventurer @triplecrownadventures @adventurefemmes

From a council estate on the Isle of Wight to conquering some of Europe's toughest mountain ultras, Charlotte Fisher's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Less than three years ago, she had never run competitively. Today, she's a full-time ultra runner chasing elite races like UTMB and Western States 100, proving that it's never too late to find your path. In this episode, Charlotte shares how a charity ultra challenge sparked her running journey, the lessons learned from 50km races to brutal 100-mile mountain ultras, and how running transformed her mindset, confidence, and life. She opens up about the highs, the lows, and the mental toughness required to push through physical limits — from hospitalised near-sepsis to standing on podiums in Europe's toughest races. Whether you're a seasoned runner, an aspiring adventurer, or someone searching for purpose, Charlotte's story is a powerful reminder that mountains, miles, and mindset can transform your life. What you'll hear in this episode: How Charlotte went from zero running experience to winning her first ultra Lessons learned from extreme races and mountain ultras Mental toughness, mindset shifts, and life transformation through running Training, fueling, and recovery strategies for endurance athletes Why adventure, self-discovery, and community make ultra running so addictive 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 Charlotte? From the Isle of Wight, UK – where she now lives, works, and trains Runs her own dog-walking business On a mission to become a full-time professional ultra runner Began running less than 3 years ago, starting with a charity ultra with no running experience Growing Up on the Isle of Wight Childhood on a council estate in a rural village Outdoor play, but no sporting background No sailing or traditional Isle of Wight coastal sports experience School pushed her toward law due to academic ability, despite being naturally creative Initially chased a law career for financial security, not passion Leaving Home & Early Adulthood Moved to London at 19 for university Pivoted from law to Geography degree after a crisis of direction Took a gap year to travel and try to "find her path" Felt lost through early 20s — unsure of what she should be doing with her life How Running Entered Her Life Started running in Feb 2022, almost accidentally Signed up for a 106km Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge with zero running background Motivation: Raise money for the hospice that cared for her Aunt Jane, and raise awareness for bowel cancer First ever long run attempt: a 35km treadmill run to "qualify" for a guided 50km group run From First 50km to Winning 106km – All Within 12 Weeks Completed first 50km guided run with a coach – extremely tough but gave her belief Didn't run again for 6 months afterwards! Hired a coach and trained for 12 weeks for the Isle of Wight 106km race Won the race on her ultra debut — a shock to herself and everyone else Immediately hooked on ultras — discovered a talent for running "abnormally far" Rapid Rise to 100 Miles & First Big Reality Check Next challenge: 100-mile North Downs Way (Centurion) just 6 months into running Won the race — but it was a harsh lesson in mental toughness and fuelling Ran through Storm Anthony — torrential rain, strong winds and brutal conditions Severe stomach issues, under-fuelled, no proper nutrition strategy Learned the importance of fuelling, hydration, and race strategy Becoming a Mountain Ultra Runner Stepped up to technical mountain ultras with Ultra Trail Snowdonia (UTS) Originally entered the 100-mile UTS (one of Europe's toughest races) with no mountain experience Only 50% finish rate – often as few as 8 female finishers Multiple recce weekends in Snowdonia to train – huge learning curve 10 days before UTS she became seriously ill & hospitalised with suspected sepsis Still ran the race, finished near the back — emotionally tough but transformative Returned the following year 13 hours faster, finishing 3rd and becoming the only woman to finish the UTS 100 twice Mindset & Transformation Through Running Running gave her purpose, discipline, and identity Sober for almost 2 years — running helped her leave behind her old lifestyle Mental health, confidence, and self-belief have skyrocketed Found something where hard work = reward — a completely new feeling after years of feeling lost Training, Fueling & Recovery – What's Changed? Then vs now: Early Ultras Now as an Elite Athlete No fuelling strategy Structured carb-based fuelling plan No gels, random aid-station food Precise nutrition to avoid GI issues Minimal recovery Dedicated recovery shakes & sports therapy Little mountain experience Regular training trips to European mountains Works with a sports therapist weekly during heavy blocks Body now adapts well to 100-mile training & recovery Enjoys the solitude, adventure, and freedom of trail running Favourite Races & Future Goals Dream Races: UTMB – Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (secured elite entry for 2026) Western States 100 (USA) Confirmed Upcoming Races: UTMB Mallorca Arc of Attrition (January) Ultra Trail Snowdonia (May) UTMB Chamonix (August) What Charlotte Loves About Ultra Running Adventure, exploration, and seeing the world on foot The community, the challenge, the self-discovery Prefers mountain ultras over flat/road or backyard ultras Loves the beauty, technicality, and grit of long-distance trail running Where to Find Charlotte Instagram: @charlottefisher (shares training, races, and inspiration) Key Takeaways from Charlotte's Story You don't need a background in sport to become an athlete It's never too late to discover what you're meant to do You can start from zero — and still reach elite level with dedication Mountains, miles, and mindset can transform your life Social Media Instagram @charlottefisher

What happens when a dream is so big, so audacious, that you commit to it long before you have the skills, money, or confidence to make it happen? For Paula Ralph, that dream was to cycle from Cape Town, South Africa to Nordkapp, Norway— a 12,290 km journey across 17 countries. What began as a Guinness World Record attempt soon transformed into something far more powerful: a test of courage, resilience, and self-belief. Paula set off with one goal — to become the fastest woman to complete the route. But along the way, reality hit hard. Injuries, financial setbacks, fear, loneliness, and a traumatic collision with a truck in Zambia forced her to confront a heartbreaking truth: the record might no longer be possible. At this crossroads, Paula had a choice — stop, or redefine what success looked like. She chose to keep going. In this episode, Paula shares the raw truth behind the miles: the moments of doubt, the joy of human connection, the quiet sunrises that kept her pedalling, and the inner strength she discovered when everything else was stripped away. Her story is not just about endurance on a bike — it's about holding on to your "why" when the original plan falls apart. If you've ever had a dream that felt too big, or found yourself at the edge of giving up, Paula's journey will remind you that progress isn't always measured in records — sometimes it's measured in courage, growth, and the refusal to quit. This episode is for you if: You're chasing a big goal or adventure You've experienced setbacks or self-doubt You want inspiration to keep going when life gets tough You love stories of resilience, solo travel, and human grit Ready to be inspired by what's possible when you simply refuse to stop? Hit play and let Paula take you on the road with her. 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 Paula Doing the Long Ride - Cape Town to Nordkapp, Norway Being based in the UK Growing up in South Africa in the middle of nowhere Not being very adventurous Getting sporty in her adult years Getting married and putting on weight Deciding to join a gym to lose weight in Paying a Personal Trainer How her outlook on fitness changed Wanting to encourage other people to live a healthy life Getting into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Becoming a sports therapist in 2009 Going into retail after college Getting her personal training qualifications Advice and tips for women who aren't feeling comfortable in their body Encouraging women to find something they'd enjoy Getting the idea for the ride in 2020 Being inspired by the longest walkable road in the world - from cape town to a tiny town in Russia Sharing her dream on Facebook Giving herself 4 years to plan and train Deciding to do a cycling camp in Italy Meeting her coach - Ian Deciding it was now or never and starting the ride The challenges of getting to the start line Getting divorced in 2012 and not having children The challenges of being self employed Struggling financially Creating a go fund me, to fund the challenge Wanting to start a foundation to help children in disadvantaged communities Needing to take a little diversion to get back on track The start line of the long ride Being driven to the start line at 5am Dealing with the nerves at the start Wanting to beat the record and complete the challenge in 72 days Not having a support crew anymore due to the sponsorship falling through Having an 8kg pack on her back while cycling Crossing the border into Botswana Her cycle route through Africa The anxiety heading up to the Ethiopia border Border crossing Heading through the Middle East and making it to Europe Mental resilience during the ride Reflecting on each day, how the day went and how she was feeling Why the only way is forward Smiling through the pain Being on the bike and where her focus was Getting hit by a truck in Zambia Needing to set the world record aside Feeling overwhelmed and not wanting to continue the ride - being completely done The end of the journey and knowing the end was insight Feeling proud of herself Going live on Instagram to thank everyone Adjusting back to life after the trip Leaving everything in the UAE Heading back to the UK after the ride Finding a contract job Trying to enjoy the downtime after the ride and struggling with not moving forward How to connect with Paula on social media Having her first account hacked on Instagram Fail to plan - plan to fail Why its all in the planning Be prepared to be adaptable Forge forward Social Media Instagram: @thelongridec2c.2

This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm joined by Sharon Jessop — an ultra-endurance athlete, conservationist, keynote speaker, and serial entrepreneur whose running adventures are driven by a mission to protect rhinos in Africa. From growing up barefoot in the South African bush to covering over 3,500 miles across some of Africa's wildest landscapes, Sharon has used her extraordinary endurance to raise awareness and funds for rhino conservation. Her journey is as inspiring as it is challenging, blending adventure with purpose. In this episode, Sharon shares how she turned her love of running into a powerful tool for wildlife conservation, the highs and lows of multi-day expeditions, and the unforgettable encounters she's had along the way — from navigating tough terrain to seeing Africa's incredible wildlife up close. We also explore her personal story, the losses that have shaped her, and how she finds motivation and meaning in every mile. Whether you're drawn to ultra-running, conservation, or simply pursuing your passions with purpose, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight. 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 Living in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape of South Africa Her passion and obsession with rhinos Running for Rhinos Growing up barefoot in the brush Being 16 and her first experience seeing a rhino Deciding to study law…. Hosting a television show Going back to conservation Making changes to her life at 48 Always being a runner Discovering her ability to run long distances day after day Losing her dad and good friend to cancer in 2017 Running from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth How one running expedition led to the next The mental side of running and why its super important Doing the running expedient in her mind, before she even starts Her motto - Failure is not an option Running multiple half marathons (2020) for rhino conservation What have I committed to? Having a really big WHY And why it makes it easier Not wanting to let the rhinos down Planning and logistics for the expeditions Having the accommodation and food sponsored Travelling with a small team 2022 adventure Recovery each day Not being a big supplement taker Believing in real food Trying to stay away from processed food Taking electrolytes The importance of hydration and fuelling your body The importance of sleep and its impact on recovery The magical moments while out running Being scared of ostriches and baboons The 5 animals - Lions, Elephants, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard The adjustment back to 'normal' life Starting training for Comrades Marathon in 2026 Row for rhinos Ted X talk in San Diego - The Race for Green Spaces and Wild Places Where do the funds raised go Self funding her running expeditions Future projects for the Rhinos The Great World Race - 7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 7 Days How to connect with Sharon and her projects Final words of advice Using affirmations and why we need more women doing these adventures Be Brave, Be Fearless, Be Bold. Social Media Website: www.sharonjessop.com Instagram: @runwildwithsharon Facebook: @sharon.jessop1 YouTube: @sharonjessop1

Meet Regine Goh, a national triathlete and endurance athlete from Singapore who has spent her life mastering the art of consistency, resilience, and performance. From starting competitive swimming at just four years old to transitioning into triathlon, Regine has learned firsthand the power of showing up, pushing through plateaus, and enjoying the process every step of the way. In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, Regine shares her journey of balancing elite-level training with a professional career, the mental and physical lessons she's learned along the way, and how the principles of endurance sports can help anyone sustain productivity, build confidence, and achieve ambitious goals. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a professional, or someone striving to be more consistent in your life, Regine's insights are a masterclass in resilience, focus, and long-term growth. *** 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 Regine Living in Singapore National athlete specialising in the sport of triathlon Starting off in the sport of swimming at 4 years old Really enjoying spending time in the water Knowing all the strokes at 8 years old and starting to do competitive swimming Being spotted by a swim coach Enjoying the grind of swimming and making new friends Doing a decade of hardcore competitive swimming Joining the Singapore Sports School (boarding school) Starting to plateau in swimming and making the transition to triathlon at 16 Trying open water swimming Dealing with the plateau of not improving in her sport Having understanding coaches Starting to ask herself, why she was doing the sport Figuring out what her motivations where Figuring out her goals did not align with her core values Reflecting back on why she got into sport in the first place Deciding to take running a bit more seriously Why her cycling journey was a bit scary Getting into road cycling at 19 Why it was a steep learning curve Wanting to prove everyone wrong and make it to the national team Making the national team for triathlon Getting burnt out in swimming chasing the goal of reaching the national team The importance of showing up every day and trying your best The mindset change when moving over to triathlon Getting some good mentors Enjoying the process at every step Gen Z perspective on mental health Zone 2 training, Periodisation, Progressive overload The importance of focusing on recovery Fuelling and eating the right foods Being here for the long game Sleep as a performance enhancing drug! Being a working professional and managing her training Doing morning and evening training sessions The importance of planning ahead to get your training sessions in Managing stress Control what you can control Working with a coach Empowering aspiring professionals to boost consistency and sustain productivity using the principles of endurance sports Consistency and it's importance The compounding effect of training Communication expectations Favourite moments from swimming and triathlon Her short term and long term goals Thinking about doing an ironman and returning to open water swimming Wanting to complete the English Channel Crossing The Oceans Seven in swimming The importance of having big, ambitious goals How to connect with Regine Final words of advice for women and girls to follow their passion in endurance sports Have fun and enjoy the process Social Media Instagram: @weezuine.tries Facebook: Regine Goh (吴宣萱) LinkedIn: Regine Goh

Anna Humphries is an adventurer, expedition leader, and founder of The Mountain Girl, whose life is dedicated to getting people outdoors and showing them what's possible when you push past your comfort zone. A trained Mountain Leader, Scout Leader, and key member of the Bear Grylls Survival Academy team, Anna has designed and led survival programmes across the UK and around the world. Her work spans everything from logistics and programme development to standing on the frontlines with groups of young people, teaching them resilience and grit in the wild. Adventure runs through her veins. She has hiked to Everest Base Camp, raced through the National Three Peaks Challenge multiple times — her fastest in under 20 hours — and was part of the first female team to Stand Up Paddle Board across the English Channel. Whether it's trail running, paddle boarding, or exploring high peaks, Anna thrives on testing her own limits while inspiring others to do the same. Through The Mountain Girl, Anna champions accessibility in the outdoors, especially for women and young people. She believes in the power of nature to build confidence, connection, and courage. Her mission is simple: to encourage more people to experience the wild, to discover their inner strength, and to prove to themselves that they are tougher than they think. 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 Anna Founder of Mountain Girl Growing up close to the Malven Hills Being the role model that she needed when she was growing up Her early years Having an older sister and a twin sister Why the Malvens were an adventure playground for her Why her teenage years were tough Not being in love with herself Never feeling as though she fitted in Losing her way Role models Trying 27 jobs…. Dealing with the doubt in her brain The stories she was telling herself Describing yourself in different adjectives Wanting to be strong and adventurous Starting to follow people who inspired her on instagram Needing to lose weight and feeling unhealthy Tapping into her inner child Taking 2 years to lose weight, and getting rid of the hate in her head Adventure - Love - Happiness I am - I am - I am Developing Mountain Girl Duke of Edinburgh Award Receiving her gold award Volunteering in Scouts Badge motivation! Starting to head off on her own adventures Getting her qualifications and upping her skills Becoming a Mountain Leader and how it opened up future opportunities Future events happening in 2026 Visiting Mt. Everest Base Camp Setting herself big challenges Wanting to share her adventures Being adventure driven and not ego driven Paddle Boarding across the English Channel Becoming a SUP coach Overcoming her fear of heights Taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge The importance of rewards How you can connect with Anna Final words of advice Be the person you needed when you were growing up Start to explore social media see what it going on Find the inspiration and follow it BE IT!!! Social Media Website www.themountaingirl.co.uk Instagram @themountaingirluk Facebook: @themountaingirluk X: Mountaingirl_UK Bear Grylls Survival Academy - beargryllssurvivalacademy.com/team/anna-humphries

This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm joined by Margie Goldsmith — an award-winning writer, journalist, and adventurer who proves that it's never too late to reinvent yourself or chase new challenges. At 81 years old, Margie is still boxing, biking, climbing mountains, and living life with unstoppable energy. Her new book, Becoming a Badass: From Fearful to Fierce, shares her remarkable journey from a fearful young woman growing up in a dysfunctional family to a confident, adventurous storyteller who's visited 150 countries and built a life full of courage and curiosity. In this episode, we talk about how Margie learned to turn fear into fuel, why Paris was the turning point in her life, how she's stayed strong and active through the decades, and why movement, recovery, and mindset are key to living fully at any age. Tune in for a funny, fearless, and deeply inspiring conversation that celebrates the power of saying yes to life — no matter how old you are. 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 Margie Living in New York City Writer, journalist, novelist, essayist Her new book: Becoming a Badass: From Fearful to Fierce Visiting 150 countries Her early years Coming from a dysfunctional family Being told she was not good enough Escaping by going into the woods Moving all the time and having to make new friends Getting into sports to make friends Proving that she was good enough, and not less than Being on her own from a young age Graduating from college and seeing a flyer to go to Europe for the summer Wanting to escape her mother Heading to Paris for the summer in 1965 Deciding to stay in Paris and beginning her grown up life Her transition to Margie the Adventurer 81 years old - boxing, riding her bike, moving, Climbing Mt Etna at 80 Moving from feeling fearful to fierce Why Paris was the turning point Not wanting children Meeting an older man, (27 years older…) Smoking back in the day Travelling in the 1960s Deciding where to go and what to do Starting her first novel (Screw Up) Working as an extra in films Meeting husband number 1! Pressure from family/society to get married? Learning to hold her own Meeting husband number 2! Living the high life and getting bored How going rafting on the Colorado river changed things Trying things that scared her Gaining new confidence Going to advance base camp at Mt. Everest Getting into marathon running! Trying a triathlon in Cuba Being diagnosed with a tumour in her pancreas Becoming a type 1 diabetic Getting through the operations Still feeling the feelings of fear Writing her book and why she loved it Deciding to give her body to science Being in her 80s and moving towards the end stages Doing everything she wants to do Living life day by day Keep doing the little adventures Talk yourself into things, not out of things Why you don't need to travel to find the fun and the adventure Keeping her goals inside her Doing everything she can to stay healthy and why it means physical movement The trends of fitness and how they have changed Move it or lose it Getting weekly massages Aim Health - Treatments The importance of recovery How to connect with Margie Going on to TikTok! Advice for people who do feel/have felt less than Find a mentor who you trust Listen to yourself and your gut Go find something to make you feel good Social Media Website: margiegoldsmith.com Facebook: Masters Of The Harmonica Book: Becoming a Badass: From Fearful to Fierce

This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm joined by Veronica White — a PhD student, photographer, and outdoor adventurer who is combining academic research with exploration in a truly unique way. For her final year at the University of Exeter, Veronica set out on an extraordinary journey: cycling more than 2,000 miles across England to explore how women envision the future of farming. Her Farming Futures Tour— meeting and interviewing 50 women along the way who are shaping the future of food and agriculture. Born in the US and raised in the Netherlands, Veronica's path into farming wasn't traditional. With a background in environmental science and food security, she's found her passion in connecting people, place, and purpose — and using adventure as both a research method and a personal challenge. In our conversation, we talk about how she planned and trained for the project, what it was like to balance the mental and physical demands of fieldwork on the move, and why she believes surrounding yourself with people who say "yes" can make all the difference. Tune in to hear how Veronica turned her PhD into a pedal-powered exploration of England's rural landscapes — and how adventure can open new ways of seeing, learning, and connecting. 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 Veronica? Final year PhD student at the University of Exeter Cycling over 2,000 miles across England for her PhD fieldwork Being born in the US and raised in the Netherlands Her interest in food and farming Studying environmental science for her undergraduate degree at the University of East Anglia Reading up more on food waste Deciding to do a Masters in Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture Not having a background in farming, but doing volunteer work on farms Doing cycling as a social activity Starting her blog during the pandemic in 2020 Spending time exploring the South West Coast Path Naming her blog - Coves to Cliffs Using the blog to get away from social media Not getting sucked into the world of SEO and affiliate marketing Wanting the blog to be a collection of memories and stories and not just another marketing tool What The Farming Futures Tour is Speaking to 50 women on the tour The reasons for cycling Being supported and encouraged by her supervisors Spending a year planning and training for the project Finding the women to speak with What the fieldwork looked like The futures triangle Autoethnography method - reflecting on your own personal experiences - while cycling through the landscapes Planning and logistics for such a long trip Receiving funding from the Royal Geographical Society and a charity organisation, Act Big Live Small Setting off on the journey Balancing the mental and physical sides of the challenge Dealing with fatigue Finding new strategies to cope with the work load Doing voice notes instead of writing field notes The bike and gear set up Off Cut Gear The highlights from the trip Still having to write the PhD! Food and farming Finding lunch in rural areas Cycling hunger How to connect with Veronica Planning the next adventure? Final words of advice Surround yourself with people who say yes Social Media Blog www.covestocliffs.com Instagram @farmingfutures_cycle Youtube: @veronicaa_white

Captain Preet Chandi MBE is a world record breaking explorer, former British Army officer, and physiotherapist. She served in the Royal Army Medical Corps for 16 years before embarking on groundbreaking polar expeditions. In 2022, Preet became the ninth woman in history to ski solo to the South Pole, and the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition on the continent. Less than a year later, she set out on her next adventure, breaking two Guinness World Records for the longest solo unsupported one-way ski expedition, both for a woman and overall, covering 922 miles in 70 days. She returned to Antarctica in December 2023 to set her fourth world record: the female speed record to the South Pole, completed in 31 days, 13 hours, and 19 minutes. Preet's expeditions are driven by her mission to inspire others to push boundaries. She champions the message that everyone starts somewhere, and that no matter your background or starting point in life, you are capable of breaking barriers and redefining what's possible. In 2025, she established her Community Interest Company, Adventure is Ours CIC, which supports expeditions that promote education, inspiration, climate awareness, and diversity in exploration. Through the CIC, she also delivers outreach, mentorship, and school visits to empower people of all ages. In 2022, Preet started delivered her school talks across the UK, reaching more than 18,000 students. That same year, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen's Birthday Honours. Her achievements have been widely recognised: she received the 'Inspirational' and 'Woman of the Year' awards at the inaugural Women in Defence event in 2022, was named 'Explorer of the Year' in 2023, and in 2025 was awarded the prestigious Geographical Award by the Royal Geographical Society. Past TGP episodes July 8th 2021 - Preet Chandi - Army Physiotherapist, Ultra Runner, first solo unsupported expedition to South Pole! Feb 15th 2022 - Preet Chandi - aka Polar Preet - 1st woman of colour to reach the South Pole 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 Preet Originally from Darby, but basically living everywhere Spending 16 years in the Army Chatting to Preet previously on the Tough Girl Podcast Making the decision to leave the Army Coming back in debt Getting straight back into work Starting the next fundraising cycle Trying to get unpaid leave Doing her 3rd expedition without telling anyone Trying to cross the landmass on Antarctica on her 2nd trip Not making it The voice in her head, telling her she had failed Feeling the relief when she finished Getting 2 records from the trip Why it's ok to fail Being slated by an article Feeling worried about what people in the adventure community would think of her Wondering if she could get the female speed record? (Needing to break 33 days) Why you don't need to be the best to succeed Learning as she goes on Why 2023 was a tough year and struggling The impact on weight loss on your brain Burnout Starting to feel recovered Wanting to train for the North Pole Having time off Losing her granddad and hearing the news after the trip Building momentum Getting to sleep 8 hrs per night Talking about failure Making mistakes and being able to pinpoint them Being nervous to get started Needing to get going and hitting some storms at the start The voice in her head - being scared to fail, and being called a failure Using her pain relief before she though she would need to Getting a polar thigh industry Starting to move more slowly towards the end Focusing on the next 2hrs Getting home Traumatic growth? The daily pain cave… Being made to slow down The costs of doing these trips Getting help and support Trip 3 - the women's speed record Dealing with the hunger The next big challenge - the north pole Why there is a high chance of failure You can not fail, unless you try Preparing for the misery and suffering The privilege of being on the start line of adventures Lying to herself Why not Preet! Needing luck on the next adventure Wanting to show show much than you can do anything You go and you try Why her trips are bigger than her Why adventure is for anyone Being very driven and being an encourager How to connect with Preet MBE and what it means What's been achieved in 4 years Why you do belong in every single room The importance of the first step Social Media Website: www.polarpreet.com Instagram: @polarpreet Facebook: @polarpreet

Robyn Godfrey is an accomplished runner, pacer, RRCA Certified Level 1 coach, and motivational speaker who began her running journey at the age of 47. What started as a personal quest to improve her health and overcome her relationship with alcohol soon evolved into a remarkable achievement: completing seven marathons, including the prestigious World Marathon Majors — London, Chicago, Berlin, Boston, New York, and Tokyo. A dedicated member of the Wilmington Road Runners Club since 2013, Robyn has made a significant impact by coaching and pacing runners, helping them unlock their potential and reach their goals. In addition to her coaching, she has volunteered with organisations like Girls on the Run, empowering young girls to grow both physically and personally through running. 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 Robyn Making a change in her life at 47 Starting running for 30 seconds on a treadmill Facing serious life hurdles over the years Reinventing herself Chasing after her dream Her early years and not being sporty The why before making the change Not being able to stop over indulging Continuing the journey Starting to run outside and why it was such a different experience Run the 10K Cooper River Bridge Run Training for a year to run a 10K Getting hooked on running Why motivation isn't enough Starting to think about taking on a marathon Running the London Marathon for her 50th Birthday Getting a place through a lottery ticket How the structure of marathon training fitted in well with her mentality Breaking down big challenges into smaller more manageable goals Not being a fast runner, but enjoying the process of marathon training Fitting in training around life and work Carrying a fork Being a party girl and drinking Being social and not needing to drink a lot of wine to do that The Tokyo Marathon Following strict cutoff times 27.8 miles…. Recovering after running Core work and conditioning Strength training for women The mental side of running Being a goal orientated person Run the mile you are in Keep going - things will turn around The lessons learned from running which can be applied to challenging situations Why running can't save you from everything Feelings of guilt Completing her goal of running all of the World Marathon Majors Training on trails and running a 50k at elevation Turning 60 next year Planning to run Sydney Marathon Writing her book How to connect with Robyn Wanting to inspire people to go after their dreams Final words of advice - on how to take the first step Why you can't just rely on motivation The power of community Social Media Website - www.worldmajormarathonfinisher.com Instagram @beachy_runner LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/robyngodfrey Facebook www.facebook.com/robyn.godfrey.3 Book: Running the World: A Runner's Odyssey of Struggle and Triumph in the World Marathon Majors