Tough Girl Podcast

Sarah Williams

The Tough Girl Podcast is all about inspiring and motivating YOU!

I will be interviewing inspirational women from around the world, who’ve faced and overcome difficult challenges and situations, they will share their story, their knowledge and provide advice and essential tips for you to overcome your own personal challenges.

Episodes

Mentioned books

Aug 5, 2025 • 53min

Dr. Sarah Ruggins – Record-Breaking Endurance Cyclist on Pushing Limits, Managing Pain, and the Power of Aggressive Patience

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

Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 2min

Sarah Williams - 800th Episode Special – 10 Years of the Tough Girl Podcast, 7,400 Miles of Adventure & What’s Coming Next!

Aug 4, 2025 • 49min

Tia Banks – From Pro Athlete to Mountaineer: Climbing the 7 Volcanic Summits and Teaching Resilience Through Adventure

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

Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 5min

Sharon Evans – Walking New Zealand’s 3,000km Te Araroa Trail at 58 and Inspiring Women to Embrace Outdoor Adventure

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

Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 3min

Ioana Barbu – Ultra Runner - Winning the Ice & Highland Ultra and Tackling the Beyond the Ultimate Series in One Year.

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, meet Ioana Barbu—an unstoppable ultra runner with big goals, bold energy, and a fierce belief in betting on herself. After winning the Ice Ultra (230km at the Arctic Circle) and the Highland Ultra (125km in the Scottish Highlands) in 2025—each by hours and against stacked fields—Ioana is now going all-in to complete the entire Beyond the Ultimate series in one calendar year. That means racing across jungles, deserts, mountains, and ice—self-funded, self-motivated, and 100% committed. We dive into her mindset, training strategy, and what it takes to juggle full-time work while prepping for some of the toughest foot races on Earth. From selling her flat to afford the journey, to building her endurance and community from scratch, Ioana’s story is raw, real, and massively inspiring. Explicit language: This episode contains one F-bomb. If you’re chasing big goals or need a fire lit under you—this is the one to listen to. 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 Ioana Based in London Working in post production of video production Being an ultra runner Growing up in Europe Moving to the UK at 18 Living in New Zealand and Canada Being into Snowboarding Getting into running Her younger years Growing up with her grandparents in the countryside Getting into swimming, ballet Starting snowboarding in her early 20s and how it changed her life Wanting to get good at the sport Book: Power Speed Endurance : A Skill-Based Approach to Endurance Training. By Brian Mackenzie Breathe work, breathing, posture Running on a treadmill for training Training with Altitude Centre in London, in an altitude chamber Living in Wellington, New Zealand Working with a snowboarding coach Don’t think about it too much or you will catch fear Always end on a high Moving back to the UK and fast forward a few years Getting back into running during lockdown in 2020 Starting to sign up for races Royal Parks Half Marathon How her running journey progressed Running the London Marathon for charity Make Some Noise Giving a voice to small charities Working with Spencer Matthews on his Big Fish Podcast Deciding to sign up for the - Beyond the Ultimate Jungle ultra - 230km Being surrounded by people who encourage you and support you Being told she couldn’t do a 30 miler I’ll prove you wrong Julian Morgan-Ayres The Early Birds Is it a race or is it an event? Emma Kirk-Odunubi - Running Coach To The Finish Line Having a lovely time running the marathon Adam Kimble - Running Coach Kris King Never quit at the end of the day Doing the right volume of training (6 days a week) but doing the wrong type of training Averaging about 30k - 50k a week max - which wasn’t enough Running 70k - 100k weeks More running and less hyrox/strength training Beyond The Ultimate - Jungle Ultra Palate fatigue Needing to be her own hero Winning Races Arctic Race - 230km race Going out to race and win Getting her period in the jungle and ending up doing the short course Wanting to make ultra running a full time job Global Expedition Medics Going into the ice-ultra with such a strong mindset Knowing what to expect with snow and ice 2025 - Racing the full series in one year (calendar year) Self funding the challenge Harry Edmonds - youngest racer to compete the extreme sport series How much will it cost?! Selling her flat and using the money to pay for the race series Needing to buy specialist kit Approx £30k so far… Wanting to quit her job and do this full time Dr Freya Bayne - London Southbank Uni Sports Department Heat acclimatisation in a heat chamber and why it was one of the best things to do before the desert race All female researchers How can people connect and follow along Final words of advice Find people who are like minded, don’t be afraid to join a community Inspiring other women to start running Social Media Website makesomenoise.enthuse.com/pf/ioana-barbu Instagram @ioanabarboux

Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 4min

Nicola Hardy - Munro Bagger, Outdoor Writer & Author of Peak Bagging Munros

In this Tough Girl Podcast EXTRA episode we catch up with adventurer and outdoor writer Nicola Hardy—also known for becoming Munroist #6,765 after summiting all 282 of Scotland’s Munros. Nicola left behind a decade-long career in IT to pursue a life filled with mountains, maps, and meaningful adventure. Since our first conversation in March 2022, Nicola has continued to embrace the outdoor life with passion—working part-time to support her adventures and dedicating the rest of her week to exploring the hills and trails she loves. In this episode, Nicola shares what she’s been up to over the last few years, including writing her first guidebook: Peak Bagging Munros: Volume 1. We talk about the process of creating the book, linking routes efficiently across the Highlands, and her experiences hiking internationally—from Switzerland's Alpine Passes Trail to her first solo trip abroad on the Coronallacs route in Andorra. Nicola is honest about the practicalities of outdoor life—from parking anxiety and budget travel to the importance of finding community in the outdoors. With future dreams like hiking New Zealand’s Te Araroa Trail, her journey is far from over. If you’re passionate about mountains, guidebooks, or building a life around what you love—this episode is for you. TGP March 31st 2022 - Nicola Hardy - Adventurer and outdoor writer -Climbing all 282 of Scotland's Munros New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Nicola Living in Cockermouth, Cumbria Being a peak bagger and long distance walker Preferring land over the water Writing a peak bagging guidebook Previously speaking with Nicola in March 31st 2022 What we chatting about on the first Tough Girl Podcast episode Catching up with what’s been happening since 2022 Ending up here after doing the things that filled her life with joy Trying to fill her time with as much adventure as possible Finding the balance of adventuring while also bringing in money as well Working 2 days a week part time (flipping the standard working week, upside down) and having 5 days off Getting to the start of challenges using public transport Parking anxiety and how it can introduce negative thinking before an adventure Peak Bagging Munro’s - the book and how it came about Sir Hugh Munro Munro Bagging and what it is 64 routes which are designed to link up these iconic mountains Adventure Books by Vertebrate Publishing What makes this guide book different Including good maps, and efficient routes linking Munros together Separating into 10 highland hubs A walker, a trekker, a fast packer and a runner Rest day suggestions The gathering of the information Building spreadsheets Following your passion and working on the guidebook Volume 1 of 2 Who the book is for Heading to Switzerland and hiking the Alpine Passes Trail Camping 20 nights out of 31 Being mountain fit Park runs Doing her first solo trip abroad Hiking The Coronallacs Being able to switch off and spend time in nature Wanting to go on more solo walks The South West Coast Path Future plans and dreams to hike the Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand Zoleo How to connect with Nic Trying to keep the website updated Final words of advice Getting out there and finding your community Try lots of things in the outdoor space Find what you love and dive in headfirst, you never know where it might lead Social Media Link for listeners to purchase the book - https://bit.ly/3REAjVU Website - adventurernic.com Facebook - @adventurer.nic.official Instagram - @adventurer.nic

Jul 29, 2025 • 33min

Ebaide Joy Udoh – Breaking Records on Two Wheels: A Solo Motorcycle Journey Across Africa

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Ebaide Joy Udoh, a bold Nigerian adventurer and storyteller on a mission to make history. Ebaide is currently undertaking a solo motorcycle journey across Africa, aiming to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Journey by Motorcycle in Africa (Female). The current record to beat is 30,000 kilometers (19,000 miles)—and by the time she completes the final leg of her trip, Ebaide expects to reach an incredible 35,000 km (22,000 miles). But Ebaide’s story isn’t just about distance—it’s about determination, vision, and fearlessly carving a new path. From learning how to ride a motorcycle from scratch, to building a DIY camper van, to navigating complex visa issues with a Nigerian passport, her journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, Ebaide shares the realities of solo travel across Africa—the beauty, the bureaucracy, the culture, and the challenges—and what fuels her unstoppable spirit. We dive into her creative approach to funding her travels, her charity work empowering girls in Nigeria, and her passion for storytelling through content creation. Get ready to be inspired by this fiercely independent woman who reminds us all: “You own your life. Don’t let fear cripple you—go for it.” New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Ebaide Joy Adventure cyclist who has been riding around Africa Being in Lagos, Nigeria Currently in-between trips Not growing up around motorcycles Having a desire to travel Building a camper van in 2022/2023 to go travelling Moving to a tuk - tuk Building a camper van from scratch in 3 months Travelling for 7 years - initially via backpacking Heading back to East Africa after the pandemic Funding her travelling adventures Having 2,000 followers on IG last year Working at midnight for a company in the Netherlands Being able to make funds from content creation, brand deals and gifted goods. Learning how to ride a bike Going to bike school to learn how to ride Building up her skills and becoming a fantastic rider What her adventure travels look like Moving from hotel to hotel Living a nocturnal lifestyle Travelling with a Nigerian passport and how it works with visas’s Languages and being able to communicate on her travels Speaking/getting by in Swahili, French and English Applying for a Guinness World Record and what happened initially Longest Solo Motorcycle Ride Across Africa by a Woman. Needing to break 30,000 km and go through 7 countries at least Planning or going with the flow Connecting with the locals Sharing the journey, the road, the food, the people, the police, the issues and the highlights Exploring as a road bike traveller The issues with visa’s, borders and money Not playing the game Fighting and having nothing to lose Magical countries Never going back to Cameroon Solo traveller Having a full life Being busy at all the time Introverted but present as an extrovert Not having the time Being bored by people easily Raising money for charity - Ebaide Foundation Giving the girls training in tailoring, hair making, and catering 3-month residential program focused on training, support, and purpose Planning the next adventure Naming her bike Aurora - light in darkness How to connect with Ebaide online Follow your dreams, life is short, life does’t wait for you, time doesn’t wait for you. You own your life, you should control it, you should define it, you should make the most of it. Don’t let fear cripple you. You should go for it. Social Media Instagram: @go_ebaide Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/GoEbaide TikTok: @go__ebaide Twitter: twitter.com/official_ebaide Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/goebaide

Jul 22, 2025 • 54min

Christine Reed – Long-Distance Backpacker & Author of Blood Sweat Tears | Stories of Healing, Womanhood & the Trail

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Christine Reed—an American long-distance backpacker and award-winning author—whose life changed when she took her first steps on the Appalachian Trail in 2015. With no prior backpacking experience, Christine dove headfirst into the unknown, seeking healing, purpose, and a sense of identity. Since then, Christine has hiked thousands of miles, lived out of a van, and carved a creative path through storytelling. Her debut memoir, Alone in Wonderland, captured her raw and powerful journey of self-discovery, while her latest anthology Blood Sweat Tears amplifies the voices of women+ on trail—sharing unfiltered stories about periods, pain, perseverance, and everything in between. We talk about grief, growth, writing through discomfort, and the courage it takes to follow your passions even when they feel far outside your comfort zone. Christine’s story reminds us that you don’t have to be outdoorsy, athletic, or fearless to start—you just have to begin. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Christine Thru-hike and trail runners Being based in New Mexico, America Her early years and not growing up outdoorsy Reading blogs about the Appalachian Trail in the fall of 2013 Graduating from college and working in health insurance Being pretty unhappy and not knowing what to do with her life Why the Appalachian Trail (AT) was so appealing Taking the first step and commitment to the hike Everyone on the trail being in a phase of transition Being possible for her to leave her life Taking a year to plan and research the trail Planning to hike the AT in 2015 The importance of finding something that you are excited about Never backpacking before and just going on a few day hikes Not being a fit or athletic person Doing her research - whiteblaze.net - an old school pin board forum Doing zero physical preparation The feelings at the start of the Appalachian Trail Riding greyhound buses to the start (16+ hours) The steps up to Amicalola Falls First night camping at a shelter Personal goals - find herself? 24 and turning 25 on the trail Doing hard things HIking pre social media Lessons and learning from thru-hiking Losing her mum just after starting the trail Spending time at home and deciding to get back on the trail Grieving while on the trail Feeling her feeling and talking about them Having wonderful encounters with other hikers and being able to share 650 miles feeling ready to leave the trail Having a closer relationship with her dad Moving to Denver, Colorado Struggling to reengage with the capitalist system Living in a van, travelling around and living a more adventurous lifestyle Thru-hikers making great van lifers Feeling lonely while on the road The community aspect of the trail experience Finding her way Being in a new phase of transition Moving into a little house in New Mexico Being an author from 2018 - mostly as a full time worker 1st book came out in 2021 - Alone in Wonderland Trying to write a 2nd memoir, but struggling to write and feeling frustrated Wanting to write a collection of stories about women Putting out a call for pitches/submissions - women’s relationships to our bodies, using the trail as a link Wanting to put out 15 stories Receiving over 200 submissions Book: Blood, Sweat Tears The importance of sharing women’s stories that haven’t been shared Narrowing down the selection of stories The editing process Can I work with this writer to get this story where it needs to be? Talking about blood, periods and menstruation Being in women only spaces Speaking about periods Jolly Gear Hiking Dress Anna McNuff Hygiene and menstral cups Tampons and pads - everything has it’s plus and minus Everybody is different Taking the pill? Wanting to celebrate our bodies and not be manipulating it Allowing our bodies to go through natural cycles What’s next for Christine Publishing a memoir with Bethany Adams FKT Gardening, art and being more creative How to connect with Christine online Final words of advice Advice for following your creative passions which are outside your comfort zone Don’t get stuck in the ideas of who we are and what we are suppose to be doing Social Media Instagram: @ruggedoutdoorswoman Book: Blood Sweat Tears Blood Sweat Tears is a short story collection from 26 women+ hikers and runners about the experience of being in a female body on trail. This group of intrepid and vulnerable athletes/writers talk periods, boob sweat, and ugly crying. The trail is a place for healing, and can show us what we are made of---but it's always us doing the hard work. Book: Alone in Wonderland

Jul 15, 2025 • 33min

Beth Aldridge – 22-Year-Old Vet Student & GB Dragon Boater | From Lockdown Workouts to the World Championships

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, I’m joined by Beth, a 22-year-old veterinary student and elite dragon boat paddler based in Nottingham. Beth shares how a simple home workout routine during the COVID lockdown sparked a journey into endurance sport—from running the Robin Hood Half Marathon to discovering dragon boating at university. Since then, Beth has gone from novice paddler to competing on the world stage, representing Great Britain at the 2023 Dragon Boat World Championships in Thailand. Now a coach, helm, and passionate advocate for women in sport, she talks about training, teamwork, and the power of inclusive communities. Beth’s story is one of grit, growth, and finding joy in pushing physical and mental limits. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Beth 22 year old Vet Student Final year of vet school, working on a placement year Working with small animals and horses Having a passion and love for animals Deciding to be a vet Studying; Biology, chemistry and maths at A’Level Hating sports at school Starting university in 2021 Soaring Dragons, based in Loughborough Starting to train with the team What Dragon Boat racing is The set up of the boat Getting started in Dragon Boat Racing The impact of covid on the Dragon Boat Club Learning the skills needed Being put into the boat straight away Training as much as she can The challenges of training while being on work placements and rotations Why its a good sport for involving everyone The stroke pair - being in charge of setting the rate Getting qualified as a helm Getting into race helming Competing at Nationals Great Britain Premier Squad The different categories BNTS Sessions - taster sessions where anyone from any club can try out the trainers and see what improvements can be made to their paddling Being a new paddler in 2021 Going away and doing her own training in 2022 Wanting to take it more seriously and getting into the squad in 2023 Committing to training weekend across the country Doing paddling and strength training Being part of the what’s app group and sharing training plans and sessions Team Dynamics of the crew Being very competitive with herself Wanting to be the best she could be Heading to the World Championships in Thailand in 2023 Racing in the 2k event Race strategy and how the race unfolded Taking a peek at the other boat! Dealing with an injury and not being able to paddle Drumming for another team - Three River Serpents Racing plans for 2025 Transporting the boat to different competitions Enjoying the 500m distance How to connect on social media Contact your local club and give it a go Racing as part of the women’s crew Commit to it - what you want Social Media Notts Anaconda - www.nottsanaconda.co.uk Instagram - @nottsanaconda THE BDA - the national governing body for Dragon Boat Racing throughout Great Britain. www.dragonboat.org.uk Facebook - www.facebook.com/britishdragonboatracing @gbpremierdragonboatteam

Jul 8, 2025 • 54min

Wander Women: Kristy & Annette — From Retirement to the Triple Crown of Hiking & a Life of Bold Adventure

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Kristy and Annette—two inspiring women who completely transformed their lives after retirement. In 2015, they sold everything they owned, bought an RV, and set out to live life on their own terms. What began as a “retirement gift” hike on the Colorado Trail quickly evolved into a bold new chapter of full-time adventure. Since then, Kristy and Annette have completed the Triple Crown of Hiking—the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail—and spend each year splitting their time between life on the road and life on foot. Together, they share their journey of choosing freedom, rejecting fear, and expanding the limits of what life after 50 can look like. This episode is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to chase your dreams, explore the unknown, and live life unapologetically. If you’ve ever felt the urge to change direction, embrace the outdoors, or reclaim your time and energy for what truly lights you up—this conversation is for you. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Annette - working as a teacher and school Librarian Deciding to retire in 2015 Doing a lot of backpacking trips before retirement Giving themselves the trip to do the Colorado Trail as a retirement present Getting hooked on long hikes Travelling and hiking full time since them Growing up in California and being outdoorsy, but not getting into travelling and hiking until moving to Colorado as a senior in high school Loving the South West of America Hiking the Appalachian Trail and having a blast! Meeting Kristy, born in Washington, USA before moving to Colorado at 8 years old Growing up adventuring and spending time in the mountains and woods Going to college on a basketball scholarship Always being active Really enjoying the backpacking and spending long periods of time in nature as she’s gotten older Working as a mental health therapist and working with children who had early trauma Making a change in 2015 and deciding to end that chapter Thinking that life is a gift and it goes by really fast and wanting to live it up while they can Wanting to do all of the hard things Wanting to write a new chapter and try new things Selling everything they owned and buying an RV Deciding to walk more long distance trails Wanting to hike the triple crown How Kristy and Annette met at a sweat lodge (sauna) in 2003 Meeting for a coffee and saying ‘wanting to walk the earth’ Starting to go on weekend trips Wanting to stay out in nature for longer Seeing a financial planner Starting to think differently Figuring out how to live the cheapest way and to do the things they love Starting adventuring 10 years ago full time at 51 and 57 Having a 5 year plan Completing the plan in 4 years Not caring about stuff and not being materialistic Loving this lifestyle Hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2019 How demanding it was (aged 62) Starting slow and building and seeing how their bodies held up for the long haul Having to change plans due to covid Starting the continental divide trail The amazing people met along the way The simplicity of life on the trail Sharing their dreams with family and friends Other people’s fears The dream verses the reality of this life Wanting to create her life how she wants it Planning for the year ahead Wanting to expand the confines of their life until they die Claiming space in the world and making it exactly how you want it Handling disagreements How plans evolve overtime Having low expectations and why it can be a key for happiness Planning a trip to South America Booking the hiking part of the trip and keeping the rest free Working within a framework Annettee doing the researching Creating the grand plans! Training and doing a marathon while selling the house! Getting into pack rafts Leaving the RV while hiking Making this life work The triple hike and the differences between the big three hikes Water carries, desert, hiking at elevation, sun levels, resupply Why the Appalachian Trail is a good beginner trail for newbies Watch the videos on YouTube Wanting to inspire people to get outside especially older people Words of advice for women listening Starting small and find what you love Building success into it Figure out what works for you Setting yourself up for big success Why life is a huge gift Don’t let it (life) go to waste Be in your power Social Media Instagram @wanderwomen_kristy_annette Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RVsters/ Youtube: @wanderwomenkristyannette5021

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