Tough Girl Podcast

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by the incredible Rebecca Devereux — a dedicated mum, a vet, and a passionate trail and ultra runner. Rebecca shares her journey into endurance running, her training highs and lows, and what it took to place third in one of Britain’s most brutal races — the Montane Winter Spine Sprint, a 46-mile challenge across the rugged Pennine Way in the depths of winter. We dive into Rebecca’s approach to training and mindset, how she balances family life with her love for the trails, and her growing involvement with Black Trail Runners, a community breaking down barriers in the outdoors.  From road marathons to alpine trails, Rebecca’s story is one of resilience, preparation, and quiet determination — whether she’s running through snowstorms in spikes, racing in the Swiss Alps, or supporting others in their running journeys. If you’re looking for inspiration to start your own trail running adventure — or just want to hear how someone juggles it all and still finds joy in the challenge — this episode is for you.  Tune in now and get ready to be inspired by Rebecca’s grit, humour, and heart.   We first spoke with Rebecca December 28th 2023 - Listen to this episode here - Rebecca Devereux - Active member of Black Trail Runners (BTR)  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 Rebecca Mum, vet, and an ultra runner 3rd place in the Montane Spine Race (Winter Race)  Speaking with Rebecca on the TGP - December 28th 2023  The beginning of 2024 Training for the London Marathon  Her first road race UTMB Eiger   The difference between training for a road race compared to a trail race Black Trail Runners (BTR)  What race day like Running to Heart Rate Craving salt 30k in Wearing a running vest? Magical moments and the stand out bits Recovery after the marathon  Racing in Switzerland and wanting to be back in the mountains again Race strategy for UTMB Eiger and dealing with the killer climbs Taking a nasty fall and hurting her ankle    Losing her confidence on the downhill sections Heart rate and effort Wanting to involve her family in the racing Being a beacon runner BTR and having a 35% increase in members Hosting taste days and working with different partners  The Spine Race…. Could I do this? Getting on the waiting list… Being encouraged by Sabrina Pace-Humpreys  Winter Spine Sprint - 46 miles along the Pennine Way Peak Divide ONEr - 75 miles - during the day, a social run.  Running in the bad weather Running better in the wet and cold compared to running in the heat Planning race strategy and training with her coach - Sam Village  Living on the course and being able to do recce runs Planning and preparing for all eventualities  Being a prepper to help deal with anxiousness  Hill sprints and hill repeats  Snow…. Haworth Hobble Race  Anything else that could have been done to prepare for the race Shorts in winter…. Needing to believe in herself and her choices  Silence the noise - silence anything that is going to affect you in a negative way  Wearing spikes for running in the snow Yaktrax  Kahtoola Spikes  Having a goal of finishing the race Having the right mindset for when the racing is going slow due to the slow Having the aim of keeping moving forward and not getting frustrated with the speed of the race Being confidence on navigation  Catching up with the main group Getting into flow and everything feeling right Ambassador for TORQ Fitness UK  Having a caffeine hour  How the conditions helped her Making the right decisions and grinding it out The full Montane Spine Race (268 miles)  Challenger South - 110 Miles…  Having a massive respect for the race and not feeling ready to take on the full spine race Plans for racing in 2025 UTMB - OCC Running with 7 women from Black Trail Runners  How to connect with Rebecca and Black Trail Runners Final words of advice for other women who are on their trail running journey  “Turn up, do the sessions, and if you are consistent you will make progress” The importance of preparation.    Social Media Instagram: @rebecca_runs_wild Black Trail Runners - Campaigning charity promoting inclusion, participation & representation of people of Black heritage and people of colour in trail running Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/273210547440261  Instagram: @blacktrailrunners  

What began as a way to cope with grief became a world record-breaking journey that’s taken Helen Ryvar across the globe — from sunrise runs in North Wales to volcanic trails in Fuerteventura and the ancient deserts of Petra.  A single mum of three and a self-described non-athlete in her youth, Helen’s transformation into a Guinness World Record holder for running consecutive half marathons is nothing short of awe-inspiring. In this deeply personal episode, Helen opens up about the heartbreak that sparked her first streak, how running became her therapy, and the mental and physical resilience required to complete 1,000 consecutive half marathons — often starting at 4am. With races lined up from the Chester Ultra to international marathons in Malta and Brighton. If you’ve ever questioned what you’re capable of, or needed a reminder of the strength that comes from simply showing up — this is the episode for you.  Tune in to hear Helen’s story of grit, growth, and running with purpose.  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 Helen 44 years old Single mum to 3 children  Living in Wrexham in North Wales Getting into fitness before covid Starting running and running 111 consecutive half marathons and becoming the GWR holder for the achievement Running 1000 half marathons on her 2nd run streak Her early years and not being particularly sports and a little overweight Being more into languages and art Being punished and made to run Joining the cross country running team Receiving bad news Finding out her ex-husband had died Telling her children that they would no longer be able to see their daddy Being able to exercise and starting to run Finding her peace at 2 hrs - 2.15 mins running  How the connection with nature saved her Finding a new rhythm and a way to clear her head Breaking the previous record of 75 half marathons Sharon Jesspo - South Africa (101 - half marathons)  Submitting data to Guinness World Record for the 1000 half marathons Staring her 2nd running streak on the 1st May 2022 Being challenged to do a 2nd run streak by Mika Shevit  Running for MIND Charity and raising £8,000  Running routes  Running from 4am - 6am most mornings Believing in green running and not leaving a carbon footprint Getting everything ready the night before On and out in 15 mins The 4am run club How her body has adapted to the daily millage over 3 years Knee issues  Enjoying the routines and being grateful for getting up every morning Losing her dad and father in law 50 mile Chester Ultra  50km London Ultra  Running with Sean Conway  Breaking down the running goals into mini milestones Running with other people Mental tips and tricks for running Sleep, nutrition and routine What a typical day looks like  Going to bed at 9pm The importance of quality sleep What happens when the data gets corrupted Garmin watch  GWR not accepting Strava Finishing the running streak on the 24th January 2024 Missing the running and the adjustment period 555 Challenge - Free challenge via Facebook Come down from big events The adventure blues Dealing with the grief through running and feeling much stronger as a person Not being treated well by her ex-husband Being in an anxious, depressive state Having conflicted thoughts and feelings  Being left in financial debt  Identifying as a mother and not a runner Weighting 17 stones and having low self esteem Running all over the world and the logistic challenges involved Running in the heat and the dark Running with @marathonwoman366  How to connect with Helen online Final words of advice   Social Media Instagram @helenryvar  Facebook www.facebook.com/hmryvar53  Just Giving www.justgiving.com/page/streakwithhelen  

Caroline Livesey is an adventurer, extreme triathlete, ultracyclist, elite gravel cyclist and triathlon and life coach.  Caroline started her journey into triathlon while serving with the Royal Engineers in the British Army. After 10 years service she left as a Major in 2013 and pursued a career as a professional triathlete (while working full time as a geotechnical design consultant), originally in Ironman events.  In 2019 circumstances conspired to throw her into her first extreme triathlon, Canadaman XTRI. Winning this event was the catalyst for her to work on her mindset and physical adaptations to take on the gruelling climate conditions which are typical for the Extreme Triathlons such as Norseman and Celtman. She has since won numerous extreme events, and has just returned from winning Patagonman in Chile for the second time.  Caroline is also an elite gravel cyclist, competing for Team GB at the last two World Championships (where she thinks she was the oldest on the start line by some 20 years). She loves single day UCI gravel races but also ultra distance, and has competed at Badlands (3rd), finished Transcordilleras (Colombia), and completed coast-to-coast across Costa Rica in less than two days. She completed the 1000km Transcordilleras, an 8-day stage race, in February this year. Caroline's husband Mark is a documentary / film maker and they make films about their adventures (YouTube, Amazon Prime - The Brick Session). Their purpose is to provide information and inspiration to others so that they might break down their own false beliefs to take on their own challenges.  Caroline and Mark have founded Peak Education Nepal - a charity bringing education to the children of poor families in Nepal who cannot afford to go to school. They became involved in this while in Nepal for an event in 2022, and plan to go back this year to develop the charity and do another mountain trail running adventure.   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 Caroline  Scottish but now currently living in Majorca  Having a background in endurance sports Professional Ironman athlete and now doing extreme triathlons  Gravel cycling and endurance cycling  Growing up in a sporty family and spending time outside  Starting triathlon in her late 20s Being a fit person overall  Climbing (indoor and outdoor) Doing crazy things outdoors  Going to Sandhurst and doing her army training  Getting into triathlons  Meeting her husband while in the army The changes in professional triathletes Doing her first pro year in 2015 How the industry has change in the past 10 years  Having a full time job and fitting in the training  Not being able to make a living from it in Canadaman /woman  Norseman  Patagonman  2017 - having her breakthrough race in Texas  Getting attacked while on her bike  Breaking her pelvis and dealing with multiple stress fractures Not being able to get back to the same level of performance  Having her professional career cut short Having an opportunity to try other things  Having a bad experience with the cold during a race  Back to fitness in 2015 and looking at doing Ironman Ireland  Deciding to go to Canada and do a warmer race in July Winning Canadaman Race and automatically qualifying for Norseman Cold weather and cold experiences  Just because you are cold adapted doesn’t mean you don’t feel the cold Learning different ways to manage the cold There has to be a way for me to physically adapt to the cold and getting onboard mentally Starting to have cold showers  Learning to breathe out as the cold hits you Thinking about physically relaxing  Learning that it’s ok to be cold  Feeling invigorating after cold water swimming  Experiencing Norseman (2022) and what it was like Film - Norseman - A day of extremes - available on Youtube  The logistical challenges of the Norseman Race Britta Sorensen (PHD) - research on pain and suffering in female endurance athletes.   Race strategy and being self coached  Being coached by her husband at the very start Not being very coachable  Listening to her body and making decisions based on how she feels  Taking it to the next level during a race and needing to push harder Racing against herself  Extreme triathlon - being out front on the swim and the bike Winning Canadaman by 12 seconds Lyne Bessette  Getting to the finish line and knowing she gave it everything she had The mental side of racing and why you need to practice it The benefits of experience and being able to draw knowledge from it How you can watch the films / Documentaries  Doing what she loves  How to connect with Caroline on social media Visiting Nepal in 2022 to do a race (but not being able to race) Cost of education in Nepal - USD $350 to educate a child for a year (fees, uniform, books) Creating a charity - Peak Education Nepal  How the listeners can support the charity and donate  Final words of advice for other women who want to take it to the next level  Setting your mind to the challenge. What would be the process of getting there if you were going to do it.  Build your self-belief and push yourself forward   Social Media Instagram @caroline.livesey  Facebook @carolineliveseytriathlete  Youtube @thebricksession  Nepal fundraiser - Fundraiser by Mark Livesey : Help fund education for two children in Nepal   Peak Education Nepal  OSCR registered charity SC054049 Funding education in poor communities in Nepal. Education changes lives.   Charity - https://peakeducationnepal.com/ Instagram - @peakeducationnepal   

In this inspiring episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we set sail with Dr. Sheridan Lathe, aka Dr. Sheddy — a wildlife veterinarian, sailor, YouTuber, and passionate advocate for both animal and human wellness. After years of working with domestic and exotic animals in Australia and rescuing bears in China, Dr. Sheddy took her expertise to the seas. Now based on her 37ft sailboat Chuffed, she delivers free veterinary care to animals in remote coastal communities across Central America and Mexico — reaching places where traditional care simply doesn’t exist. She funds her work independently through Patreon and YouTube while living full-time on the water with her partner Jim. In 2024 alone, Vet Tails helped over 450 animals across 13 communities, offering everything from vaccinations to life-saving surgeries. From sailing storms to working on polar bear rescues, dealing with typhoid, and building a life outside of convention — Dr. Sheddy is redefining what it means to live a life of purpose and impact. If you’ve ever dreamed of combining adventure, service, and personal freedom — this episode is for you.  Tune in to hear her story, the lessons she’s learned, and how you can support her mission — or maybe even start your own.  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 Dr Sheddy Veterinarian and living on her sailboat in Mexico Delivery veterinary care to remote communities  Growing up in a small beach town in rural Australia  Having an affinity for animals Wanting to be a vet from a young age  Vet school in Australia  Graduating high school at 17 Becoming a vet at 23 Being interested in birds Wanting to specialist in the animals that no one else is seeing Wanting to focus on exotic animals Getting into sailing later on  ‘Chuffed’ the boat 37ft mono hull, only 8 boats, made in 1990 Paying for everything Patreon and YouTube  Funding via social media  Animals on the boat Working with local veterinarians Sailing over the past few years Sailing for 8 months of the year Doing a major refit of the boat which took 2 years Buying the boat in Panama  Meeting her partner - Jim The covid years Working on a Polar Bear! (Mixed with a bit of grizzly - a golden bear!) Living and working in China at a bear rescue centre Where to next? Working with local communities and setting up a longer term solution Work life balance  Working at a rural town in Australia  Starting off as a new vet and the hours worked…. Superhero culture Moral injury Giving the best care available  Eating animals Getting typhoid fever in Mexico Not being able to gain the weight back Heading to small remote islands Wifi and keeping connected  VHF Radio for emergency Starlink on boats and in remote communities  How to support the work Dr Sheddy is doing Final words of advice for other women who want to follow their passions and interests Wanting to live life on your terms Using a Purpose Venn diagram The plan for the next few years Dreaming big Wanting to expand    Social Media Website www.vettails.com Instagram @dr.sheddy_the.sailing.vet Patreon - www.patreon.com/ChuffedAdventures  

In this episode, we sit down with Tinuke Oyediran, an extraordinary adventure presenter and thrill-seeking daredevil who’s breaking barriers in the world of extreme adventure. You may recognise Tinuke from her recent stint on Survivor UK on BBC1, but her journey goes far beyond reality TV. Tinuke is on a mission to show that anyone, regardless of background, can embrace life’s greatest adventures and that the most rewarding experiences often come from stepping out of your comfort zone. From sleeping on the side of a mountain and walking the wing of an aeroplane to climbing glaciers, surviving alone in the wilderness, and achieving three Guinness World Records as a professional roller skater, Tinuke's fearlessness knows no bounds. She’s dedicated to representing diverse audiences in extreme adventure TV, proving that anyone can push boundaries and live life to its fullest. In this inspiring conversation, Tinuke shares her journey, her passion for adventure, and her dedication to showing the world that exploration is for everyone. Tune in to hear how she’s challenging perceptions and proving that adventure truly has no 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 Tinuke Professional Adventurer  Being based in London, but spending time trying to get away from London  Born and bread London Girl  No 1 daredevil  Lover of outdoor sports  Adrenaline junkie by nature  Getting out of her comfort zone is her favourite place to be Her early years growing up Being encouraged to spend time outdoors  Remembering a trip she did with her mum when she was 8 years old Being an adventure presenter and filming adventure vlogs Working as a professional roller skater Getting a couple of Guinness world records  Dealing with a lot of personal tragedy  Going into a dark hole for a couple of years Starting adventuring and getting outdoors Adventure healing  Getting through trauma Applying for Survivor (TV show UK 2023) What Survivor was like and why it was one of the most brutal things she’s done Training for Survivor? The 6 month audition process Psychological training - reading books on body language, interrogation techniques  Competitive?! Loving healthy competition  Being a very adaptable person  Coming out a tougher person Why the show is the show Planning and preparing for the future Manifesting  Having clear goals of what she wants to achieve in a short space of time Working on short term goals, so they happen within 6 months Having tunnel vision focus Taking time out to vision board and really focus on what the next 6 months will look like Needing reward  Why short term goals work for her Wanting to climb Kilimanjaro  Working with Intrepid Travel  Spending time in Belize  Working with the Noma Collective Writing a series of children’s adventure books  The Grand Canyon  Dealing with the cold - mind over matter Iceland Adventure in 2025 The Golden Circle in Iceland   Advice for people to step outside their comfort zone  Why the comfort zone is not your friend Why you do just need to start You have to do it! Dealing with failure and setbacks Not allowing herself to dwell to wallow  Being inspired by Ness Knight  DM Tinuke Adventure!  How to connect with Tinuke The meaning behind her name Spending time in Nigeria  Words of advice Start small Life is too short not to take the scenic route.  Life is for living  The only thing you are going to regret is not giving things ago   Social Media Instagram @tinuke_oyediran

In this episode, we’re joined by the fearless Ann Whatmore, an adventurer who proves that asthma doesn’t have to set limits on what you can achieve. Ann has faced numerous health challenges, but rather than letting them hold her back, she’s embraced adventure in a big way.  In May 2024, she cycled over 3,000km across the UK on her recumbent e-trike, “Bob,” completing a solo journey from Land’s End to Orkney before speaking at Yestival. This was no easy feat – Ann had only a sixth of her lung function available and had to rely on determination, resourcefulness, and a supportive community to make the journey possible. In this episode, Ann shares how she turned her dream into reality, navigating the ups and downs of planning such a massive adventure. She talks about the emotional and physical struggles of living with asthma, how she managed her condition on the road, and the lessons she learned along the way. Whether you’re living with a chronic condition, longing for adventure, or simply looking for inspiration to push through your own barriers, Ann’s story is one you won’t want to miss.  Tune in to hear how Ann turned her “limitations” into an opportunity for growth and exploration, proving that the only true limits are the ones we place on ourselves.  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 Patron! 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 Ann  Having numerous health issues Being based near the Jurassic Coast, UK Living by the sea Not being able to explore the landscape as much as she would like Deciding to get a 3 wheeled e-trike (called Bob) Wanting to say yes to adventure  Getting asthma problems after the age of 18 Being able to manage her condition at 19  Her early years growing up, being very sporty and outdoorsy  Having horses and enjoying riding  Getting covid on 21st march 2020 and how it impacted on her lung function Not being able to walk up stairs Being on high dose steroids and inhalers The mental challenges of dealing with health issues Grieving for the person she was Finding out her lungs have been damaged and developing breathing pattern disorders   Joining adventure book clubs and listening to podcasts Bringing the adventures to her  Finding positivity in other people adventures  Looking for glimmers of hope  Say Yes More Tribe Yestival - Dave Cornwaithe  Losing her balance and co-ordination ability  Finding out about trikes Free trike rehabilitation in Exeter  Finding ways to fund her trike The price to have independence outside Bike to Work Scheme (UK)  Having a bike fit check  Going for short, local rides on flat ground Finding a little route and going out with her partner to gain confidence  The plan for the adventure  Taking a year to plan and how the journey changed BOOK: Britain Best Bike Ride: The ultimate thousand-mile cycling adventure from Land’s End to John o’ Groats - Hannah Reynolds & John Walsh  Planning to cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats Wanting to see Skara Brae in the Orkneys  Making herself accountability and standing up on stage at Yestival to announce her challenge Deciding to finish the challenge at Yestival  Committing to the 2,000 mile adventure!  Figuring out how to charge her bike battery Not being able to wild camp and always needing to find a plug each day The reality of the challenge, compared to what she expected Having a supportive and encouraging partner  Being able to enjoy it more Loving the highlands  How her perception changed of what she could do  Dealing with the hills… The feelings of ‘awe’ Focusing on the next goal, and breaking down the challenge The kindness of strangers when you were at your lowest Big Sky Hideaway  Adjusting back to normal life - after spending 50 days on the road Packing up her e-trike to go home and heading back to work Having 121 support  The next challenge…. Chase the Sun - 205 miles in 1 day  The lessons learned from the experience  Being vulnerable and asking for help when needed Fundraising for Asthma + Lung UK  Sea Swimming  Ice mile swim… Social media… How to connect with Ann Find your community  Figure out what you can do  Learning how to ask for help Saying yes to adventure and finding that support Find your tribe, say yes more   Social Media Website www.wanderingwhatmore.com  

In this powerful episode, we meet Aisling Byrne — an international showjumper, successful businesswoman, and an extraordinary example of resilience in the face of life-altering adversity. After a devastating horse riding accident left her with multiple broken bones, internal injuries, and the prognosis that she would never walk again, Aisling refused to accept defeat. Over the course of a gruelling three-year recovery, she not only walked again — she returned to the international showjumping circuit, proving that mindset, grit, and determination can overcome even the most impossible odds. In our conversation, Aisling shares her journey from a small-town Irish girl discovering horses for the first time to the elite competitive showjumping stage, and the mindset strategies that carried her through her darkest moments. We also dive into her life as a business owner, how she balances her entrepreneurial ventures with her sporting goals, and her advice for women navigating setbacks of any kind. Whether you’re facing a personal challenge, working toward a big goal, or simply in need of some serious inspiration, this episode will remind you of what’s possible when you choose to keep moving forward — no matter the obstacle.  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 Aisling Born and raised in Ireland  Being passionate about showjumping  Running a funding company and a travel company  Growing up in Ireland Having 1 brother and supportive parents  Not growing up around horses Going to the local equestrian centre Riding the neighbours ponies Getting her own pony at 11 Transitioning from riding ponies to horses Enjoying the partnership with the horse How showjumping works Competition time and doing a course walk  What does it take to make a great show jumper Needing determination and tenacity  The ability to work hard and learning from different people  Building a partnership with a horse Figuring out what makes your horse tick Making your horses as happy as possible  Having a near death experience  Breaking multiple bones and damaging internal organs Being in a Portuguese hospital and people not realising the severity of the injury Bleeding internally Being able to detach herself from the situation  Calmness during emergency situations Being very practical and level headed The recovery journey - 3 years Taking a long time to get off crutches Staying positive (even if you have to fake it) How mindset can speed up your physical recovery Practical tips to manage levels of positivity so not to go to a dark place Walking for the first time Going to a specialist sports physio Being told she would never be able to ride a horse again First time getting back on a pony after the accident in 2018 Being lifted onto the pony with a forklift truck Getting back into showjumping and competing again Not sweating the small stuff Not looking for perfection and how everything goes a little bit smoother How the travel company works Lending money to law firms Advice for women who want to get into the world of showjumping  Wanting to get back to world ranking jumping  No age limit on showjumping How to connect on social media  Words of advice for women who are dealing with a setback  Staying positive for others Not having to do things - but getting to do things   Social Media Instagram: @aislingbyrne1 TikTok: @asheyb1  

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Pamela Lee, a professional offshore sailor from Ireland who’s breaking records and barriers in one of the most extreme, male-dominated sports on the planet. Now based in Brittany, France—the heart of short-handed offshore racing—Pamela has carved out her path with grit, determination, and a clear vision for empowering women through sailing. Pam shares her journey from growing up beside the sea in Ireland to becoming the first Irish woman to skipper the Transat Jacques Vabre Race, setting three world records sailing around Ireland, and now training for the 2026 Route du Rhum, one of the toughest solo ocean races in the world. We dive deep into her early influences, the realities of offshore racing, learning French to break into the French sailing scene, and the financial, emotional, and physical challenges of pursuing elite-level sailing. From boat borrowing to breaking glass ceilings, Pamela opens up about the power of visibility, representation, and believing in your own potential—no matter how big the dream. Whether you're interested in sailing, women in sport, or chasing bold goals, this is an empowering and eye-opening conversation not to miss. ***  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 Pamela Living and working in Brittany, France Professional Off-shore Sailor  Living in the mecca of off-shore sailing  What short-handed sailing is Speaking French and sailing in French  Studying French at school and doing a French exchange  The challenge of learning French  The power of emersion when learning a language  Growing up in Ireland (south of Dublin, on the South East Coast) beside the sea  Having a dad who is a sailing fanatic  Family holidays camping and sailing  Opportunities to become a professional sailor? Adapting her mentality on how she wanted to live her life Knowing that a 9-5 job was not for her Living in Sydney, Australia and wanting to sail Sydney Hobart offshore sailing race  Finding a boat to sail on  Wanting to travel and to sail more  Wanting to make a change Considering the possibility of becoming a professional sailor  Getting her Yacht Master Qualification  Getting the opportunity to move to France Wanting to learn more skills and not getting to do those positions  Reaching a glass ceiling and not seeing how to get to the next level Looking for the next opportunity and heading back to Ireland to figure it out Discussion around the Olympics and sailing (double handed offshore racing)  Being part of a mixed sex duo  Being invited to train for the Irish team for this potential event Heading to France to trail for this type of racing  Being exposed to the French offshore racing world  Deciding to stay in France 2019 - 2020 Setting 3 world records by sailing around Ireland and how the goal came about  Fastest sailing around Ireland in a boat of 40ft or under Setting the record for double handed and the women’s record for racing around Ireland  The covid years and going back and forth between France and Ireland  Personal inner ambition and wanting to know what  she could do  Needing to get a boat Borrowing a boat and starting to train with it for racing around Ireland Spending several days at seas and racing 700 nautical miles in approx 3-4 days Funding for sailing Making a big media splash and getting your name out there with the record  Getting women’s stories in main stream press Women’s voices and the progress being made in women’s sports and how they are represented  The push towards progress The Route du Rhum a transatlantic single-handed yacht race, which takes place every four years in November.  Racing from France to the Caribbean solo - the longest and toughest trans-atlantic race  Being the first Irish female to do the race Needing to qualify for the race (based on miles raced) Needed to race and train before Starting the project and finding their founding sponsor - DFDS  Funding costs via sponsorship  The dream budget and costs involved  The stress of getting sponsorship and maintaining the relationship  Filming a documentary with Musto (Sailing clothing brand)  The importance of visibility and representation  Being inspired by the sporting women in the Olympics  The importance of PERSONAL challenges  How to connect with Pam  Words of advice for other women who want to go after their own goals  Encouraging women to go after big goals and building a step by step progression plan Lisa - Life & Business Mindset Coach Building your confidence along the way Giving yourself credit and the belief to tackle big things    Social Media Website www.pamelaleesailing.com  Instagram @pamybefree   

Bianca Fernandez-Clark is a 7x Ironman finisher, Chair, and co-founder of Women in Tri UK, a charity on a mission to bring more women into triathlon and break down barriers in the sport. With no background in sport, Bianca laced up her trainers at age 29 to tackle a 10km as a way to manage her mental health. From there, she progressed to marathons and, in 2016, took on the challenge of learning to swim and cycle to complete her first triathlon. As a Black/mixed-race woman, Bianca has been vocal about the lack of diversity in triathlon, especially at long-distance events, and has worked to highlight the barriers faced by the Black community in accessing swimming.  In 2022, she co-founded Women in Tri UK, and the organisation has been growing ever since, working hard to make triathlon more inclusive and accessible for women everywhere. By day, Bianca works full-time in the financial sector, but every spare moment is dedicated to continuing her own triathlon journey and supporting the work of Women in Tri UK. ***  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 Bianca Being based in London Being serious about the sport of triathlon Staring running at 29 and then moving into triathlon  in 2016  Working full time in the financial services Founding Women in Tri UK - which aims to break down barriers and make the sport more accessible for women Being at advocate for women, especially women of colour  Building a community to support women in the sport  Growing up in the Dominican Republic  Not being encouraged in sports from a young age Dealing with curly, afro hair  Having zero background in sports Not being naturally good at sports What changed at 29  Living in Spain to study for her Masters How running gave her a life line Going from the couch to 5k  Crossing the finish line of her first 10K race Feeling alive again Not falling in love with running straight away Going on a journey of self discovery Deciding to sign up for her fist Marathon  Discovering the group - the running bug in the UK Meeting a guy who could give her advice… Being with her partner for 10 years Being a part of the running community  Not being very fast and being more suited for endurance  Getting into triathlon Signing up for swim classes and learning to ride a bike for the first time Doing her first triathlon which was a women only event.  Wanting to take on an ironman  The stress of cutoffs  The time commitment involved in training  Making training work for her lifestyle  Doing the best training that she can with the time she has Having a goal of finishing the race Making training part of her lifestyle  Hair advice and tips Alice Dearing Hairstyles for women in triathlon Black women role models in the triathlon space  Sika Henry  The lack of swimming lessons for children  How Women in Tri UK came about Heading to Kona, Ironman World Championships  Using lockdown for fitness and training more  Women in Tri, First sponsored Athlete - Naomi Rumble  Coaching programs and having realistic training plans for women  Speaking with British Triathlon  Advocacy work and partnering with SheRaces  Barriers for women in triathlon and writing a detailed 63 page report   Making sure the sport also changes  The plans for Women in Tri over the next few years  Partnering with Cycle Sisters  The diversity of Women in Tri  Wanting to remove financial barriers Working with brands Working on her personal goals and wanting to go back to Kona Recovering from a broken foot How to connect with Bianca Women in Tri US - being closed Final words of advice for women who do want to take on a triathlon  “Women in Tri, Made me do it!”   Social Media Website  www.womenintriuk.org  Instagram  @biancatriathlon @womenintriuk   

Harriet Frost is a force of energy, endurance, and entrepreneurial grit.  From completing the notorious Arc of Attrition 100-mile ultra twice, to directing multiple trail races, to co-founding a menstrual cup company focused on sustainable period care for athletes — Harriet is redefining what it means to pursue hard things, in business and on the trail. In this episode, Harriet shares her journey from growing up in Cornwall to discovering a love of endurance sport later in life — despite hating running at first. With no formal coaching, she’s built her own training strategy based on experience, discipline, and gut instinct — and it’s taken her to the finish lines of some of the UK’s most brutal ultra events. We also dive into the founding of Sea+Flo, a period care company created by women, for women, aiming to empower people to better understand and manage their menstrual health during sport. Harriet speaks candidly about the mental strength required to train alone, run in the dark, and manage periods while racing, as well as her mission to bring more female voices to the forefront of adventure and endurance media. This is a conversation about grit, vulnerability, and showing up — again and again — even when the path ahead is long, muddy, and uncertain.  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 Harriet? Completing her 2nd Arc of Attrition 100 mile ultra Race Director to 2 current races and soon to be a 3rd Running her own business called, Grit Culture - focused on business management  Launching a menstrual cup company called Sea+Flo in 2024 with her best friend Dog mum to November Being surrounded by an amazing network of friends and family How things connect together Speaking with Harriet mum, Theresa Frost on the Tough Girl Podcast  Having parents to everyone  Childhood and growing up in Cornwall Learning resilience and grit from a young age Being supported by her parents Loving school and heading off to University in Southhampton to study fashion and journalism Not really knowing what she wanted to do Travelling and working on super yachts  Heading off to London for 3 years  Spending time in Australia for 2 years, and New Zealand for 2 years, before moving back to Cornwall Hating running…. And finding running really hard  Living in London and doing her first triathlon in 2012/2013 Doing her first marathon during her first 100k Race to the Stones 2017  Doing her next ultra in 2023 - Isle of Wight in April  Arc of Attrition on the South West Coast Path. 100 miles.   Entering the race The Plague 64 miles race (toughest races she’s ever done)   Planning her own training and talking things through with her mum Going on how her body feels and past experience  Working backwards from the race start date Focusing on back to back runs The mental toughness of training and training solo Out and back runs and the mental challenge Knowing there is still more in her Fitting running into her life Training in winter and in the dark  The stress of running in the dark as a female and the wasted energy Why it’s discipline over motivation Recovery…. And what it looks like Having big toe strain Why the Arc was different in 2025 after being taken over by UTMB  Feet and blisters Nutrition, food, fuelling  The struggle of eating food Practicing eating on 20 milers  Training and periods  Sea + Flo reusable menstrual cup company Which menstrual cup? How using a menstrual cup came about Putting herself out there a bit more Women doing amazing things and not getting enough airtime Nikki Love breaking the women’s record for running across Australia   “It’s not about beating the men it’s about winning for the women” - Hannah Paradise  Jasmine Harrison - swimming the length of Great Britain and not being able to to get a book deal -   The lack of stories of women in the news  The women who inspire Harriet  Lucy Gossage - “It’s a privilege to choose to suffer”  How to connect with Harriet online Final words of advice for women who want to pursue endurance sports Being inspired by Sarah Wilson Building your resilience  in sport or physical challenges and how it can help you in your everyday lives    Social Media Website grit-culture.com seaandflo.com Instagram @harriet__frost @grit.culture  @seaandflo