Tough Girl Podcast

Alexandra Garcia’s journey into the outdoors began in adulthood, after relocating from Puerto Rico to Virginia, USA. What started as a personal reconnection with nature quickly turned into a deep passion for endurance challenges that test both body and mind.    Since climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2017 and completing the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim in 2018, Alex has pursued adventures that push her limits — including backpacking rugged trails in Puerto Rico and continuously seeking what she calls “difficult pursuits.”   Now based in Western North Carolina near Pisgah National Forest, Alex is not only an outdoor athlete and writer but also a changemaker. She co-founded the AWE Summit Scholarship Foundation to increase accessibility and gender equity in mountain sports, helping women and girls around the world reach new heights — literally.   In 2025, Alex will travel to France to climb Mt. Blanc, and she’s also training for a Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempt on a challenging trail route.    Whether she’s writing, running, or leading with purpose, Alexandra is passionate about personal growth, emotional resilience, and helping others find the courage to take on their own version of hard.   ***  Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.    Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.    Thank you for your amazing support!   ***   Show notes Who is Alex Growing up in Porto Ricco - a small island in the Caribbean  Her childhood and early years  Spending time in nature from a young age Living in Western Northern Carolina, USA Spending time around the ocean  Swimming and respecting the water Her parents farm  Hiking with her family 2017 and deciding to climb Mt Kilimanjaro Looking for the next thing to work towards Pushing herself to achieve Difficult pursuits of the year Training physically and mentally for the challenge 2018 and doing the Grand Canyon - Rim to Rim Challenge  Keeping herself learning and engaged and wanting the challenges to be fun  Running…. Learning as she goes The importance of training Planning Approach Thinking of her own ideas for Difficult Pursuits Focusing on challenges in Porto Ricco  35 miles - Backpacking trail in Porto Ricco The power of visualisation The power of doing hard things Going through hard times Managing emotions while on challenges Letting emotions out and acknowledging them  Journaling and writing for outdoor magazines in the US The women who inspire Alex Being inspired by Sunny Stroeer  Co founding the AWE Summit Scholarship Foundation  Their mission to increase accessibility for women and girls and for gender equality in the mountains Offering scholarships to 25 women to climb mountains around the world  Her difficult pursuit in 2025 Heading to France in July and wanting to climb Mt Blanc Wanting to set a Fastest Known Time (FKT)  How to connect and support Alex Final words of advice for other women who want to take on difficult pursuits Find a community of people or women who can support your goals over a period of time.  The advice of ‘just do it’  Choosing what is difficult for you     Social Media   Website www.trailrunningpuertorico.com    Instagram @alexandramariagarcia_

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2013, Lis van Lynden has refused to let the condition define her limits. With no prior cycling experience or training, Lis set off in 2022 on a solo, unsupported ride around the entire coastline of Great Britain—covering 5,000 miles over seven months and raising over £13,000 for MS charities.  Her journey didn’t stop there. Lis went on to cycle the Irish coastline and most recently visited 12 of the UK’s national parks by bike, with plans to complete the final 3 in 2025.  Along the way, she’s faced physical challenges, experienced incredible acts of kindness, and become a passionate advocate for others living with MS.  Lis’s story is one of courage, conviction, and living life on her own terms—no matter the obstacles. *** Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.  Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! *** Show notes Who is Lis Half Dutch, Half British Growing up abroad Moving to London and training as a teacher Losing her brother in a sailing accident Losing her father to bowl cancer  Working in West Dulwich for 12 years  Thinking there must be more to life Being interested in adventure travel  Climbing Kilimanjaro and doing a mountaineering course  Slowing the group down  The first signs of having Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 2008 packing in her job and doing a history degree with the Open University  Losing her mother to lung cancer  Meeting someone and buying a house together Getting diagnosed in 2013 with MS  Going through a divorce  Heading to Svalbard in 2018 Reading “one man and his bike’ by Mike Carter  Book: One Man and His Bike: A Life-Changing Journey All the Way Around the Coast of Britain “Can I do this? Could this be my adventure challenge?” Having 100% conviction  Being inspired by and supported by Verdangi Kulkarni Being consumed by her dream  2020 and dealing with lockdowns 2022 7th May - Ready to start the journey! No training and doing 68 miles on the first day. Ripping up the rules…. 7 months, 3 days and 1 hour 1 month into the journey and how everything had changed  Going off medication and feeling free Heading to Northern Ireland  Meeting Ann Whatmore on the road (her episode on the TGP goes live on 5th June 2025) MS Symptoms and dealing with it on the road Wanting to make changes in her life and live life to the fullest  Trying to figure out a different way of earning income Movement, eating well and sleep  The power of helping ourselves and the importance of mindset Getting through the shitty days  Reframing  Next challenge How to connect with Lis on social media  Final words of advice for other women who want to take on a new challenge    Social Media Just giving: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lisvanlynden  Instagram: @coddiwomple2wander  Facebook:  www.facebook.com/lis.vanlynden Twitter: @LisvlTravels   

Rahema Mamodo is a mum of three, a passionate runner, and a trailblazer for women in sport. Growing up in Portugal and now based in Birmingham, Rahema discovered running later in life, starting with a simple couch-to-5k program. What began as a personal challenge has blossomed into a mission to inspire women—especially those who look like her—to break barriers, embrace fitness, and find joy in movement. Since her first hesitant steps on a treadmill, Rahema has run over 180 Park Runs in more than 50 locations, completed marathons, and even tackled ultramarathons like Race to the Stones. Along the way, she’s used her platform to share her journey, celebrate diversity in sport, and encourage others to believe in themselves. In this episode, Rahema shares how running transformed her life, the lessons she’s learned from pushing her limits, and her passion for inspiring her daughters and other women to chase their goals. From practical tips for getting started to her unforgettable experiences at marathons and ultras, Rahema’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and self-belief. Correction: In our recent podcast episode featuring Rahema Mamodo, we incorrectly stated that SheUltra was founded by Sophie Power. We’d like to clarify that SheUltra was actually founded by Huw Williams, a local man from North Wales who is currently living with terminal cancer. Huw has poured his heart and soul into creating and running this incredible event. Sophie Power is the founder of SheRACES, a separate initiative. To learn more about Huw and support SheUltra, please visit She Ultra's website or donate here. *** Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.  Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! *** Show notes Who is Rahema Growing up in Portugal and now living in Birmingham  Speaking 3 languages (Portuguese, English and Gujarati) What her early years were like  Not being into sports or any physical activities  Being a teenage girl  Being inspired to do a couch to 5k Using a treadmill at home and not wanting to run outdoors at first The benefits of joining a running group Her first Park Run and why she loves it  Wearing a hijab  How her running journey progressed 10k to Half Marathon  Being supported by her family  Wanting to inspire her girls to be active Increasing her distance every week  Using online programs and doing her best to get beyond the 5k distance Being a Park Run Tourist  180+ park runs in over 50 different locations Doing the A to Z of Park Runs  Finding a Z Park Run Highlights from running and running on sand Practical tips to encourage women to get involved in Park Run The benefits of finding like minded people to run Tracking her running with Garmin  Deciding to run Manchester Marathon as her first marathon  Hating the experience  Getting the chance to run the London Marathon  Learning a lot from the marathon experiences  Running for other people  Muslim Runners  Running 3/4 times a week 5 weeks to prepare for the marathon Race strategy and goals  Visiting the London Marathon EXPO  Connecting with people from social media Deciding to run an ultra - Race to the Stones - 50k  She Ultra  Sophie Power on the Tough Girl Podcast  Training for an ultra  No pressure, no cut off times and just smiles! Racing with her daughter in 2025 How to connect with Rahema online Being a cover girl! On the cover of Women’s Running  Wanting to inspire other women to go out and run The power of believing in yourself   Social Media Website www.rahema.co.uk/blog  Instagram @Rahema_m  Facebook @rahemasw   

Dee Anna's story is one of resilience, adventure, and refusing to let society define her limits.  Born with a genetic mutation that affected her mobility, she faced a lifetime of challenges—from intensive physiotherapy as a child to being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2022. Along the way, she also navigated severe autism, trauma, and life-altering setbacks that could have stopped her in her tracks. But instead, she turned to the outdoors. In this episode, Dee shares how thru-hiking the South West Coast Path became the turning point that changed everything. With no home, no job, and facing immense personal struggles, she took a leap of faith and embarked on a 71-day journey that helped her reclaim her life. We talk about the power of movement, nature’s role in healing, and why adventure should be accessible to everyone. Now, as a scientist, outdoor journalist, and founder of The Introvert Magazine, Dee is on a mission to inspire others to embrace nature, break barriers, and live life on their own terms. This is a powerful and deeply moving conversation about survival, self-discovery, and the courage to forge your own path. Don’t miss it!  *Please be aware that this episode contains discussions of suicidal thoughts, severe trauma, and sexual assault. *** Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.  Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! *** Show notes Who is Dee Disabled Adventuress, scientist, outdoor journalist, writer, naturalist and photographer  Living in South Wales, surrounded by wonderful nature Being born in Poland and growing up in Sussex Her early year and growing up with severe autism and being mute Not socialising with other people but spending time in the outdoors  Being interested in the natural world from a young age Feeling safe in nature  Studying biology and chemistry at a high level  Being born with a genetic mutation  Being severely disabled and going through intensive physical therapy to be able to walk  Building internal resilience and mental strength Her first big solo adventure in 2023 Walking the South West Coast Path  Dealing with severe trauma and complicated medical conditions Losing her job, her house and partner and having no where to go Wanting to end her life, after being sexually assaulted while at work Fighting to get her case heard Wanting to be alive Trying to fit in and realising that life hasn’t being build for her and deciding to live the life she wants to live Deciding to go for it and making a decision overnight  Focusing on a goal  Dragging herself to the train station to get to the start of the SWCP How her body started to become stronger while walking  Spending 71 days on the trail and why it was the greatest adventure of her life Why it was a healing experience  Movement, nature, animals and being exposure to nature Meeting good people on the trail  Walking every day and noticing the positive changes in her body  The theory that people who have ADHD are people who come from hunter gatherers  How the trail will provide Starting The Introvert Magazine  The impact of stress on her body Working on an Adventure Guide  Wanting the book to be as inclusive as possible Wanting to bring as many people as possible to experience nature Interviewing people and taking over 200 photos for the book Going snorkelling with the Scottish Wildlife Trust  Looking at it as a life project Having a shorter life span compared to others Wanting to work on projects that are a passion Embracing her life as a gift and a blessing  Wanting to be grateful for every moment Wanting to giveback to society  Building her instagram community  What can people expect from her social media Sharing her life as it is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion  You have to be tolerant with others but strict with yourself  - Marcus Aurelius  Feeling isolated and alone Advice for women with autism and ADHD Struggling to get outside and advice and tips to do so Meet ups? Women’s Safety  Planning or not planning for adventures  Being pulled in 2 different directions Allowing flexibility on the adventure  Finding out what works for you Women’s safety while on the trail  Her 10 year career in the police  Words of advice  Why its about believing in yourself  Don’t compare yourself to others Start small    Social Media Website www.deecrute.com Instagram @deedee.reporter Facebook @dee.crute YouTube  @dee.crute   

Sherry Cardona is an ultra-endurance cyclist, content creator, and adventure seeker who thrives on pushing her limits. Born in Colombia and raised in Spain, Sherry’s journey has been one of exploration, self-discovery, and resilience. From long-distance running to cycling, she’s always been drawn to endurance challenges—finding freedom and peace in the process. In this episode, Sherry shares how she transitioned into ultra-cycling, taking on some of the toughest races in the world, including Race Around the Netherlands, the Transcontinental Race, and the Transibérica. We dive into the mental and physical challenges of these events, the strange things that happen to your body during extreme endurance efforts (think hallucinations and swollen hands), and how she’s learned to adapt and grow with each race. We also talk about her life beyond cycling—moving to Amsterdam, growing her confidence through YouTube, and her passion for connecting with like-minded adventurers. Whether you’re an aspiring ultra-endurance athlete or simply love a good adventure story, this conversation is packed with inspiration, lessons, and valuable insights. Don’t miss it!  *** Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.  Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! *** Show notes Who is Sherry - Adventure cyclist and content creator Being based in Amsterdam in the Netherlands  Being born in Colombia and growing up in Spain Wanting to explore and see new places Not having as many opportunities in Colombia  Feeling lucky to be able to explore amazing places Using Youtube to connect with like minded people  Feeling misunderstood at school  Being able to express herself through YouTube  How her confidence grew  Moving to Spain at 9 years old Being into sports and long distance running  Meeting her husband in London and being introduced to cycling  Having her own coffee company and working as a freelancer in marketing  Running away from her problems  Having a sense of peace and feelings of freedom while running How her cycling journey evolved  Moving to Amsterdam during the pandemic  Race around the Netherlands (2,000km)  Training and preparation  Taking it on as a personal challenge and wanting to see what she could achieve  Being the first woman across the line  Strange things that happen to your body when you take on long endurance based challenges  Dealing with a lack of sleep and hallucinations  Dealing with swollen hands and face due to electrolyte in-balances  Sherman’s Neck Lesson and learning for future events  The Transcontinental Race (TCR) - single stage race across Europe where cyclists cover around 4000 km  The importance of planning and preparations for ultra races and what it looks like  How your body starts to adapt during the race  Reaching the start of the race trained and ready but not overtrained  Using bike packing trips for training  Transibérica Race  The sleeping rule Bike set up for races and how it changes depending on the race How many bikes…. Racing in the Atlas.Mountains in Morocco and feeling nervous.. Managing in the heat Badlands Race  Recovery after a race and why it can take months  Buzzalong Cycling Podcast Sharing her stories on YouTube  Plans and races for 2025 Race Across Belgium  Wanting to do more Bikepacking instead of racing  How to connect with Sherry  Final words of advice Knowledge is power    Social Media Instagram: @sherry.cycling  Youtube: @Buzzalong.cycling   

Zoe Langley-Wathen is a writer, speaker, and adventure seeker who has spent over a decade inspiring others to embrace the outdoors. From solo-walking the South West Coast Path in 2011 to becoming the first woman to walk the Wales Coast Path in 2012, Zoe has continually pushed her boundaries—while navigating the realities of midlife, imposter syndrome, and solo adventures. In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, Zoe shares the journey behind her latest book, 630 Miles Braver: Mid-lifing on the South West Coast Path, which chronicles her transformative experience walking the iconic trail. She opens up about the challenges of writing, the joy of creative expression, and why she’s passionate about encouraging midlife women to step outside their comfort zones.  We also dive into her upcoming coastline walk of mainland Great Britain, the logistics of planning such a mammoth adventure, and her mission to prove that adventure has no age limit. Tune in to hear Zoe’s incredible story, her insights on bravery, and her advice on making adventure a lifelong pursuit. *** Listen to Zoe on previous episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast  Nov 7, 2017 - Zoe Langley-Wathen - Walking Adventures include the South West Coastal Path, Wales Coast Path  Aug 29, 2019 - Zoe Langley-Wathen - Her love for long distance walking, #100mappydays & Head Right Out   *** Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.  Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! *** Show notes Writer, speaker and adventure seeker Walking the SWCP solo in 2011 Becoming the first woman to walk the Wales Coast Path in 2012 Peri-menopause! From living in a house in Dorset to living on a narrow boat Living in Somerset and loving life and adventures Knowing Zoe since 2015  Women’s Adventure Expo in Bristol  Speaking to Zoe in 2017 on the Tough Girl Podcast  Starting her own podcast in 2021- Headrighout Speaking to midlife women who are pushing their comfort zone in the outdoors Wanting to promote adventure for midlife women  What happened in 2020 and 2021 The covid years…. Glamping in an empty house for 4 months The Yes Tribe  Saying yes to the book! Being inspired by The Salt Path  5,000 word chapter.. Seeing her words and drawings in print  Being a creative person and loving the creative process The biggest book of YES!  Her writing journey and putting her story down on paper Book: 630 Miles Braver - midlifing on the South West Coast Path Writing every morning  Connecting with the London writers salon  Discussing the book with Mike and reliving the memories  Book get published on the 15th April  25th April 2025 - The Salt Path movie goes live in the UK  Walking from her home in Somerset to Cornwall Saltlines Performance  Going walking solo again in 2024 (after 10 years) Re routing over Dartmoor, crossing flooded rivers and challenging walking! Making new friends and being invited to a wedding!  The next adventure….. Wanting to walk the coast of mainland Great Britain 1st October 2025….. The route and the plan  Walking anticlockwise from Poole Harbour to Brighton to London The rules… Daily distances… going for lower millage days Costs and estimated budget needed for the 2 of them over the 2 years 4 months Renting the house out and paying for the challenge The challenge of Scotland  King Charles 3rd Coastal Path  Snow or midgets - what’s the best time of year to be in Scotland  The right to roam in Scotland  John O’Groats Trail  The inlets in Western Scotland… Figuring it out when you get there  Don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you from enjoying the adventure  Raising funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance   Raising awareness about the positive benefits of adventure for any age Working as an Ambassador for Adventure Mind  Registering for a Guinness World Record How to connect with Zoe & Mike while they are on their adventures  Final words of wisdom and advice  Bravery and taking on new challenges The power of discovering that adventure has no age limit  Finding ways to step outside your comfort zone  Reading and listening to other people doing similar things  The power of writing things down  What do you want to do and how do you feel about it Keep a diary and a record of what you’ve done  Reflect back on the journey, what would you do again, what would you do differently?   Social Media Website www.headrightout.com  Instagram @headrightout  Facebook @headrightout  Head Right Out Podcast  Book: 630 Miles Braver: Midlifing on the South West Coast Path  Book: Biggest Book of Yes: 49 Short Adventure Stories (The Big Book of Yes 3)   

Shannon Hogan is no stranger to pushing physical and mental limits. A seasoned ultra runner, mountain biker, and open-water swimmer, she has conquered some of the toughest endurance events on the planet. From setting records at the Pigtails Challenge 100K to tackling the gruelling Leadville Trail 100 and the Javelina Jundred, Shannon thrives in the world of extreme endurance sports. She’s even braved the icy waters of the Escape from Alcatraz swim and finished ten consecutive Boston Marathons—proving time and again that she’s built for the long haul. In this episode, we dive into Shannon’s journey—from her early days in San Diego to competing in elite endurance events around the world. She shares her insights on grit, resilience, and the mental strategies that help athletes endure the toughest races. We also talk about her new book, The Unforgiving Hours: The Grit, Resilience, and Perseverance at the Heart of Endurance Sports, which explores the deep mental and emotional strength required to push through extreme challenges. Shannon’s passion for endurance sports goes beyond personal achievement. She’s spent years supporting fellow athletes—whether it’s crewing ultra races, kayaking alongside swimmers in open water crossings, or inspiring the next generation of female endurance athletes. She believes in the power of women designing blueprints for each other in sport and life, breaking down barriers, and finding strength in shared experiences. This is an episode packed with wisdom, motivation, and a firsthand look at what it takes to embrace the toughest challenges. Whether you’re an endurance athlete or just looking for inspiration to tackle your own goals, you won’t want to miss this conversation! Tune in now and get ready to be inspired. *** Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.  Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! *** Show notes Who is Shannon Being a long time athlete of many different sports (trail running, mountain biking, cold water swimming Living in the Pacific North West of America Growing up in San Diego  Starting to race mountain bikes in New England Getting into running in Northern California Connecting with other runners  The trail running community  Being surrounded by role models  The women who have inspired Shannon in her life Being excited to talk about women designing blueprints for other women Having the opportunity to participate in a meaningful way in the outdoors Bicycles becoming popular and the impact on women’s lives The barriers to women to play sports and get involved in the outdoors Bigfoot 200 Race  The Arizona Monster - 300 mile race 170hr  cut off  The growth of long distance running over the past few decades MOAB 240  Courtney Daulwalter - winning the MOAB 240 outright!  Speaking to women to learn their stories  Grit, resilience, perseverance in ultra endurance sports Exceptional athletes and how they adapt as they go Being exceptional at remaining calm  Being able to suppress the flight or fight instinct (the para-sympathic nervous system) Being calm and able to perform at a higher level Keeping your head in the game. Falling into flow Remaining calm when things get difficult  Going on course while running and the mental impact on your race Leadville 100 Racing at elevation and the impact on your body Western States Endurance Run (100 miler)  Race to Alaska  Not letting setbacks impact you too much  Every event is a stepping stone to the next bigger thing because you learn so much Never worry alone and why it applies to long distance challenges Share the burden with your crew, a pacer or even a stranger Connections made during races Find a battle buddy, find your partner for the day What happens when things go wrong Being sidelined by injury  Being a volunteer and the benefits it can bring Book: The Unforgiving Hours: The Grit, Resilience, and Perseverance at the Heart of Endurance Sports  The time commitment while training for big events The pressure on women Being careful with their free time How to connect with Shannon Final words of advice for women who want to take their adventures and challenges to the next level Taking a long time to be an overnight success Be patient with yourself and not compare yourself with anyone   Social Media Instagram @the_unforgiving_hours  Bluesky - @unforgivinghours.bsky.social  Book: The Unforgiving Hours: The Grit, Resilience, and Perseverance at the Heart of Endurance Sports 

Dr. Caitlin Massone, ultra-runner, mountaineer, neurologist, and first-time author, sharing the story of her 14-year battle with eating disorders, and how she recovered in an unconventional way through finding endurance sports and nature. Her book, "Running from Perfection," comes out this spring (April 26th 2025).  Part memoir, part neuroscience, her story delves into the neurobiology of eating disorders, how our brains form habits and addictions, and how nature and exercise can help us heal from mental health disorders such as eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. Since regaining her health, Caitlin has run numerous marathons and ultramarathons, including a 50 mile race on the Mountains-to-Sea trail, and recently completed the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier (93 miles in three days). She has also embraced mountaineering, summiting Mount Rainier and Mount Baker, and is planning to climb Denali in 2026. Her story is about perseverance, overcoming mental health obstacles, and finding passion in sports that have transformed her from a 100-pound girl with anorexia to a strong, 150-pound athlete who is ready to take on new challenges!  Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about eating disorders, mental health challenges, and recovery. Please listen with care, and reach out for support if needed. *** Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.  Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! *** Show notes Who is Caitlin  Being based in New Jersey Working as a practicing neurologist Working 7 days on and 7 days off Developing new interests, in running, hiking, backpacking and mountaineering  Writing about her long term eating disorder and how she found ultra endurance sports What a neurologist does  How her working schedule came about Her path from medical school, to residency, and completing her fellowship Her early years growing up in New Jersey Loving soccer (football) from 5 years old and playing varsity  Losing her love of sports and nature at 16 Nature and nurture in the formation of eating disorders  Being abandoned by her father Little Miss Perfect…. Dealing with pressure Type A personality and how they turned against her What people don’t know about eating disorders Starting to binge eat  Balancing it out with exercise  Taking a job in Colorado  Being exposure to nature at it’s best Quitting cold turkey Doing short hikes and runs outdoors Getting to the top of her first 14,000 ft Seeking professional help and working with a therapist Keeping her eating behaviours very private Good or bad habits… Habit formation in the brain and the role that exercise plays  Exercise junkie  Not being preoccupied with food  Having a better outlook on it  The battle going on inside your brain Primitive urges and self talk Mantras - Powerful and perseverance  Running her first half marathon while in medical school Her running journey being slow and gradual Starting running ultra marathons in 2020 Race strategy and getting use to time on feet and breaking it down into small chunks of time Spacing out nutrition throughout the race Fuelling and attitude to food during races Working with a running coach for the past 2 years Trying to keep things easy  Getting into mountaineering International Mountain Guides  Planning to climb Mt Denali The use of oral contraceptive pills past the age of 35 Building the mental resilience  Eating Disorder Survivor Symbol  Getting her tattoo done  Social media…. Not being hugely active  Women in Mountaineering  Sunny Stroeer New book goes live April 26th 2025 Final words of advice  Finding someone to listen The power of talking and opening up to people   Social Media Book: Running from Perfection: My Journey from Eating Disorders to Endurance Sports--And the Neuroscience Behind It   

Sophie Etheridge is redefining open water swimming. A marathon swimmer, coach, and disability advocate, she made history in 2023 by becoming the first person with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome to swim the English Channel solo—setting a World Record for the longest English Channel Swim at an astonishing 29 hours and 4 minutes. In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, Sophie takes us behind the scenes of her record-breaking swim, sharing the physical and mental challenges she faced during nearly 30 hours in the water. From training and preparation to the unexpected obstacles that tested her resilience, Sophie’s story is a testament to determination, adaptability, and the power of a strong support team. She also speaks about her work in making swimming more accessible, advocating for better opportunities for disabled swimmers, and why she believes everyone should have the chance to experience the freedom of open water. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, pushing boundaries, and the true meaning of endurance. *** Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.  Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! *** Show notes Who is Sophie  Ultra marathon swimmer and adaptive athlete. Previously peaking to Sophie on the Tough Girl Podcast (TGP) in August 23rd 2022  Being the founder of ADOWS - Adaptive and Disabled Open Water Swimmers  What we talked about the first time we spoke on the TGP What was happening in 2022 The English Channel Relay Swim  Marathon Swimming Federation  Thinking about doing a solo English Channel swim  Swimming Teachers Association (STA) Conference  Wanting to complete the original swimming triple crown as a disabled person Getting sponsored to swim the English Channel  What changed going forward  Needing to have a medical and do a qualification swim  Wanting to learn as much as she could about swimming the English Channel solo Going on a swim camp in Wales by herself and travelling solo  Why 2023 was a very quick year, but took a long time Sharing her goal of a solo swim  Having 8 months to train  Starlight - shining a light on disability swimming  Up-skilling swimming teachers and training them how to teach disabled people how to swim  Having no doubts and the power of words and language  Not being able to tread water and how that changed the feeding process The multiple challenges that Sophie would have to face during the swim  Having a great crew and team around her  Going on a spring tide and getting the last slot available to swim the channel  The fear of getting out of the water at the end of the swim and not being able to use her legs… Expecting to do the swim in 18/19 hours The strategy and the plan for the swim Night swimming  Swimming sideways for 7 hours and not being able to make any progress forward 29hrs 4 mins…. Swimming!  Why it became more of a mental challenge  Aiming to swim for 24hrs! Setting 3 world records and not knowing until back on the boat Reaching France  Getting back on the boat and heading back to England Not celebrating straight away  Getting a huge amount of press Raising over £6,000 for STA  Fundraising for Level Water  How to connect with Sophie and follow along with her challenges Final words of advice Find out the starting point  Give yourself permission to let go and to try new things Why you never know where the journey is going to take you    Social Media Website/Blog: sophie-adaptive-athlete.com  Instagram: @sophie_adaptive_athlete Facebook: @sophie_adaptive_athlete  

Dr. Elisabeth Ogbonmwan is a powerhouse—sports and exercise medicine doctor, triathlete, and new mum. Just nine weeks postpartum, she joins me on the Tough Girl Podcast to talk about the realities of balancing training with a busy career and family life. Lis shares her journey into sports, from loving swimming as a child to discovering running in her late 20s and ultimately embracing triathlon. She opens up about training while pregnant, navigating body image changes, and how she’s approaching her return to sport after giving birth. We also dive into her passion for female athlete health—why it’s so important for women to fuel properly, listen to their bodies, and have access to the right medical support. Plus, she shares practical advice for new mums who want to get back into movement without guilt. This is an insightful and inspiring episode for anyone juggling sport, work, and family—don’t miss it!  *** Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.  Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! *** Show notes Who is Lis Having her daughter 9 weeks ago  Being a busy mum, triathlete, doctor Having a sporty childhood Loving swimming from a young age Balancing sport and studying Travelling an hour to and from her 6th form  Not doing as much sport at university as she wanted  Getting into triathlons in 2020/2021 Finding running in her mid to late 20s Starting to swim while rehabbing injuries  Swimmers who transition into running  The impact of running on ankle joints for swimmers Volume of training to keep injuries at a minimum  Getting into strength and conditioning later on  Working as a General Practitioner (GP) and Sports Medicine Doctor  Going back into training again  Working with a variety of different people Wanting to set up a paediatric sports medicine clinic in Manchester  Wanting to work with women who take part in exercise at any level  Wanting to encourage women to participate in sport  Training and doing sports medicine part time while working as a GP Training and balancing it with work and children  Finding a coach that she trusted Fitting in training and making it work for her life  Being use to having full and busy days  Planning in time for recovery and what that looked like  Not training to her menstrual cycle  The importance of fuelling and what worked well for her Meal prepping and needing to up her protein  Having a recovery shake after every session  Using gels from Protein Rebel  Competition day and what race strategy looks like Being on the start line of a race and what’s going through her head Doing races for fun Having a “process goal” - especially for triathlon races Training throughout pregnancy and what that looked like  Feeling very tired during the first trimester and needing to reduce training volume down Needing to let training take a back seat while studying and taking a consultancy exam  Loving her training while pregnant  Having a baby girl and wanting to show her what women are capable of  Pregnancy and body image  Being body conscious and having your body on show when you are an athlete  Feeling proud of her body and having a deep appreciation for what her body is capable of  Being a new mum on maternity leave Getting back into training and racing but not knowing what that would look like at the start Feeling guilt for leaving her baby  Knowing how important it was for her mental health to get that time for herself  Being a better mum and feeling more confident  Using her support network  Stomach and pelvic floor recovery  Moving Medicine - Post Natal Guide Wanting to encourage people to be more active and how women can get back to running and impact activity after having a baby  Barriers for entry for women to get back in exercise, sports and movement and how those barriers can increase after having a baby How to connect with Lis online  Final words of advice and wisdom for other new mums  Don’t feel guilty    Social Media Instagram @the_running_medic  Moving Medicine - Post Natal Guide