Tough Girl Podcast

Shirin made history as Iran's first female triathlete to compete in a world championship. On 15 September 2013, Shirin represented Iran at the triathlon championship in London, wearing full Islamic dress.  Growing up, Shirin discovered her love for movement through activities like yoga, swimming, and running. Her passion for sports blossomed further during her university years when she decided to pursue triathlon. Despite initial fears, she pushed through, embracing the challenge with determination. After graduating from Durham University, where she studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, Shirin embarked on an internship with the United Nations. Throughout her academic and professional journey, she explored the complex interplay between human nature, societal expectations, and the realities of life. Shirin's participation in the 2013 Triathlon World Championship in London garnered attention worldwide. Donning full Islamic dress, she defied stereotypes and inspired women everywhere to pursue their athletic dreams, regardless of cultural or societal barriers. Beyond her athletic achievements, Shirin remains passionate about advocating for inclusivity and challenging societal norms. She actively engages in discussions about privilege, gender equality, and the importance of representation in sports. Join us as we delve into Shirin's remarkable journey, exploring the intersections of athleticism, philosophy, and social change. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of sport in transcending boundaries and fostering empowerment. Don't miss out on the opportunity to hear Shirin's final words of advice, as she shares her insights on resilience, determination, and the pursuit of one's passions. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.  By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement.  Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Who is Shiz Being based in London Not considering herself a tough girl  Being born in Iran and moving around a lot in her early years Being introduced to yoga and the mountains Getting into running and swimming at school  Getting into triathlon at university  The pros and cons of moving so much when she was younger Being in the right environment to do sports The power of movement and nature  How she defines being competitive  Being involved with many societies at university  Studying PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) at Durham University  Rowing at college College chat! Deciding it was now or never and getting into triathlon  Feeling scared and pushing on through Graduating from Durham and doing an internship with the United Nations (UN) Wanting to ride a rickshaw in London Exploring what is human nature in her dissertation Being told it wasn’t a safe environment for girls How theory is different from reality  Competing in a triathlon world championship in London 2013  The connection between your body and mind Don’t take your privilege for granted Flying to Iran to speak with the Iranian  Needing to dress modestly  What should women wear?  Being patronised while racing  Paris Olympics and the restriction on French women wearing a hijab  Being passionate about moving  Stepping back from social media Final words of advice    Social Media Instagram: @shiringeramitri

Beth is a traveler first and foremost. With 35 years of travel experience, each year she spends three to four months abroad, combining her love of adventure with vacation and business.  For 15 years she has been running WanderTours, focusing on women-only tours, where she encourages and inspires women to dive deep into cultures and to challenge themselves by getting out of their comfort zone. She recently discovered running and, at age 50, ran her first marathon. She then discovered ultra-running and has been using these as an excuse to explore remote destinations around the globe that few people ever see. Most recently she completed the Grand Slam Plus with Racing the Planet. This consisted of running five 250K stage races across four deserts: the Gobi in Mongolia, the Atacama in Chile, the Namib in Namibia, Antarctica and, the one non-desert race, a run across the country of Georgia.  While many people have completed these races, she is part of a small group of competitors (only seven women!) who have completed them in a year's time (OK, slightly longer due to Covid). *** We first spoke with Beth - Feb 11th 2020 - Running her 1st Marathon at 50, completing the Snowman Trek in Bhutan.  ***  Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.  By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement.  Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Who is Beth Whitman and what she does Speaking with Beth at the end of 2019 where she shared more about running her first marathon and completing the Snowman Trek in Bhutan.  Going back to the start of 2020 4 desert races - with Racing the Planet  Wanting to run these 4races in 1 year (Namib Race (Namibia), Gobi March (Mongolia), Atacama Crossing (Chile) and The Last Desert (Antarctica)) Continuing to run and train, even when races and borders were getting closed Not knowing what was going on, and continuing to hope that the race would go on.  Running every street in your city/neighbourhood   Having a purpose to get up every day and go running The rules of the ‘running every street’ The mental side of always being ‘on’ while running  The challenges of running a tour company during covid Dealing with uncertainty  Her first race - running Georgia (country) in 2021 Dealing with stress Using mediation and becoming more aware of her thoughts Needing to know what was happening and starting to doom scroll Becoming more aware of her habits Cutting back on caffeine and sugar Moving on quickly from each trip/race Needing to spend more time in reflection and appreciation for what’s been achieved Revenge travel Having 7 weeks between the Georgia race and the next ultra in Namibia Fuelling ultra marathons being a mostly vegan  Magical moments and highlights from running  Running in Antarctica and the challenges with the terrain and weather The mental struggle and thinking that she wasn’t going to be able to carry on while running in the desert What kept her going during the tough times How to find out more about Beth and her tours Being most active on Facebook Final words of advice Having something to look forward to  The power of making a plan  Why you are capable of so much more than you think    Social Media   Website: www.WanderlustAndLipstick.com  www.WanderTours.com    Instagram: @bethwhitwa @wandertours_pics   Facebook: @bethwhitwa

Hey Hey, it's Sarah Williams from the Tough Girl Podcast, and I'm thrilled to share with you my latest solo episode reflecting on my unforgettable journey hiking the 3,000km Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand. Sponsored by Zoleo #ChallengeWithZOLEO, this episode dives deep into the highs, lows, and everything in between of my epic adventure. Join me as I address questions from listeners about a wide range of topics, including solo hiking as a woman, hitchhiking, hygiene, nutrition, and more. I share it all. I'll take you on a journey through the stunning landscapes of both the North and South Islands, highlighting memorable moments like canoeing adventures and breathtaking views on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or dreaming of your first big adventure, this episode offers inspiration, practical advice, and a glimpse into the transformative power of outdoor exploration. Listen now and be inspired to take on your next personal challenge or adventure. *** Show notes Intro Sponsored by Zoleo #ChallengeWithZOLEO  Who am I?  The challenge - to hike 3,000km on the Te Araroa Trail Planning & Preparation episode 2nd November 2023 Why it’s not your typical wilderness thru hike North Island Stats  Questions from listeners, tribe members etc Safety for a solo women - men on the trail, wild camping, hitching Hitching Purist and EFK (Every F***king Km) Inov8 trainers - get a 15% discount here  Trail Angels V Trail Entrepreneurs  Koha V Donations Enjoyment of the North Island Canoeing  Highlights - Timber Trail, Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Colonial Knob Walkway Costs from the North Island  Reaching Wellington and having a Christmas break South Island 1st January 2024 - 6th March 2024 Planning…. Verses being spontaneous Breaking down the challenging days Rivers in New Zealand Hiking in Wales, Tryfan and Welsh 3000s  TA - Navigation and GPS Whittakers Creamy Caramel Chocolate  Food, resupply, bounce boxes, being gluten free Wildlife encounters, sandflies  Hygiene - Pee, Poo Periods Equipment - loves and hates Department of Conservation (DOC) Hut pass   Highlights from the trail Advice for hiking the trail TA Resources page on the Tough Girl Website  Final stats  Regrets Learnings What’s next    Social Media Instagram: @toughgirlchallenges   Facebook: @ToughGirlChallenges  Youtube: @ToughGirlChallenges   

In this episode, we explore Sophie Power's incredible journey from self-professed anti-runner to ultra-runner and advocate for women in racing. Despite her initial reluctance towards running, Sophie discovered a passion for it at 26, leading her to tackle challenges like the Marathon des Sables (MDS) with only nine months of training. Her journey wasn't without hurdles, especially as a mother of three. Yet, Sophie's dedication to running while pregnant sparked global attention, inspiring women everywhere.  Fuelled by her experiences, she founded SheRACES, aiming to make racing more accessible for women, advocating for pregnancy deferrals, and breaking barriers. Sophie's resilience shines through, overcoming setbacks like a coma and memory loss. Her story embodies the power of belief and perseverance. Listen to Sophie now to learn more about her remarkable journey. *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.  By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement.  Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Who is Sophie Being an anti-runner Not being sporty Discovering running at 26  Being a good hiker and doing kick-boxing Ready to take on a new challenge Having 9 months to train  Going from zero to ultra  The planning and preparation for Marathon des Sables (MDS) in 2010  Doing her own research and putting previous experience in planning and logistics to use.  Enjoying running and why she does ultras Looking to find herself again Starting to travel and do adventures at the same time Working long hours and running 20 miles max per week Running while pregnant and why it was different every time The photo that went viral UTMB  Not wanting to let her 3 year old down Not wanting other women to be in her position How She Races came about Why races should have pregnancy deferrals  Wanting to reduce the barriers for women to encourage more women to race Surveying over 2,000 women about their barriers and wanting to understand what events can change Coming up with guidelines for races Not having any free time How people can support the work that She Races is doing Also focusing on cycling and triathlon Why women and girls deserve better Running for Team GB and her ultra runner journey  Finding herself on the start line of the European championships in 24hr running Taking running more seriously after turning 40 and having 3 kids Training for a 24hr race The mental side of the challenge Recovery after races Nutrition and fuelling herself during races and recovery Being in a coma for 36 hrs Dealing with short term memory loss Going back to work too soon Running with a prolapse Mummy MOT Emma Brockwell - “why did no one tell me”  How to connect with Sophie Final words of advice  “Believe that you deserve it”    Social Media Website: https://www.sophiepower.com/  www.sheraces.com Instagram: @ultra_sophie  @she.races 

AN ADVENTURE STORY – WITH A DIFFERENCE Jessica Hepburn is an unlikely athlete. She hates exercise and believes the only reason to do it is for food, booze and box-sets on the sofa.  However, in her forties, following a succession of hard life experiences, she started to try and exercise her way out of heartbreak. She has now become one of the world’s most extraordinary endurance athletes.  The first and only woman on the planet to have completed the “Sea, Street, Summit Challenge” – which is to swim the English Channel, run the London Marathon and climb Mount Everest. And possibly the only woman to have listened to eighty years and over 3,000 episodes of her favourite radio programme – Desert Island Discs. Jessica joins us for the 3rd time on the Tough Girl Podcast, to share more about her new book. “Save me from the Waves”. Which shares more about her inspirational story of physical and mental endurance which starts on the streets of London and culminates in a life-threatening event on top of the world. During the podcast, Jessica share more about the challenges on the mountain, the lesson learns and provides advice and tips to encourage you to live big and bravely especially when life doesn’t go to plan. Previous TGP episodes with Jessica. 2nd October 2018 - Author of 21 Miles and The Pursuit of Motherhood. Swimming the English Channel. 8th February 2022 - Adventure Activist - Her journey to climbing Mt. Everest.  ***  Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.  By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support!   Show notes Who is Jessica Being an author Working in the arts Going through multiple rounds of IVF Experiencing multiple miscarriages Describing herself as an adventure activist Swimming the English Channel Her journey climbing Mount Everest Completing final training for Mount Everest Climbing Kilimanjaro immediately after the channel swim Realising the importance of mental and physical strength Realising she's not fit and fast enough Climbing massive mountains in her 50s is a significant challenge Discussing pushback when climbing Everest and feeling defensive Recounting a conversation with a stranger Limited window for climbing Mount Everest due to weather conditions Climbing to the top of the world while listening to her favorite radio program The reason why she writes her books Why she wouldn't change anything even after everything that has happened to her Feeling stronger and more confident on her second attempt to climb Everest Finding the Khumbu Icefall challenging Finding the summiting experience to be terrifying Not feeling the expected emotions on the summit Feeling exhausted and sick during the summit Having endurance and mental strength on the mountain Getting hit by a free-falling oxygen bottle, breaking her leg Sharing the details of what happened to her in her book Sharing her experiences with IVF and climbing Everest, hoping to provide solidarity and a survival guide for others What helped her process her thoughts and emotions during her fertility journey Creating playlists for various occasions and people in her life Composing a playlist for the child she never had Final words of advice   Social Media Website: www.jessicahepburn.com Instagram: @jessica_hepburn_ Twitter: @JessicaPursuit Facebook: www.facebook.com/jessicahepburnauthor

Celeste's love for hiking began in Maui, Hawaii, following a difficult breakup. The Lahaina Trail hike was transformative and made her feel empowered.  She quickly progressed in her hiking journey and decided to share her experiences on social media. To her surprise, she inspired other plus-sized individuals to explore the outdoors. In 2022, Celeste embarked on a mission to hike in every US state. Her dedication to this goal, despite being a non-planner, is truly inspiring. She encourages others to find gear that fits their body types and shares her inspiration from Fat Girls Hiking. Celeste's story is a celebration of confidence and happiness found in nature.  Listen in to learn about her magical moments while hiking and her valuable advice for women seeking joy in the outdoors. Please be aware: In this episode, there is a single use of strong language at the end. *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.  By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Who is Celeste Moving to Las Vegas in 2021 from California Why did she move to Vegas! Being born in El Salvador, Central America Her love for travel and living in different places  Her early years When her hiking journey started as an adult  Working at the airport in Maui, Hawaii  Coming out of a long relationship and feeling lonely and heart broken in 2013 Wanting to give hiking ago and deciding to hike the Lahaina Trail  Never seeing other plus sized people out hiking or represented in the media Not having the right gear and running out of water  The challenges of descending in the dark Why that hike changed her life Feeling empowered  Progressing in her hiking journey  Being connected in nature and feeling happy  Hiking for fun Wanting to move to the US mainland to pursue her passion for hiking  Wanting to share more of her journey on social media (2017) to document her journey for her Realising that by shaken her story on social media it was encouraging more plus sized people who looked like her to get outside and give hiking ago  Wanting to hike in every state in the USA and starting in 2022 Having a new mindset and making her hiking goal a priority  Not being the best planner and wanting to change that Finding gear to fit her body type Being inspired by Summer from Fat Girls Hiking  Her first time going camping as an adult  Why you deserve to be there (in the outdoors) How you can connect with and follow along with Celeste  Magical moments from hiking and spending time in the outdoors  Connecting with herself while hiking  Final words of advice for other women who want to experience joy in the outdoors Find out what makes you confident Why you deserve to be happy    Social Media Instagram: @Fatgirlforthefitsoul   

Meet Jacky Hunt-Broersma, a remarkable individual who's shattered expectations as an amputee ultramarathoner, endurance coach, dedicated mom, and cancer survivor. Recognised as the RRCA Road Runner of the Year, WRAL Athlete of the Year, and featured in Strong Fitness Magazine's Women to Watch in 2021, her journey is nothing short of inspirational. In 2016, Jacky embarked on her extraordinary running odyssey. Her path to greatness was marked by a profound personal challenge—losing her leg to Ewing Sarcoma. However, she didn't let this setback define her. Instead, she set out to build an impressive portfolio of "firsts" for female amputees in trail and ultra running, even securing several world records. She's on a mission to prove the naysayers wrong and carve a path for other adaptive athletes, especially women, in the world of trail running and ultramarathons. Among her numerous achievements, Jacky's incredible feat of running 104 marathons in 104 days stands out, raising an astounding $194,000 for Amputee Blade Runners. She's also set a new world record as the first amputee to complete a 100-mile run on a treadmill, doing so in under 24 hours (23 hours and 38 minutes). Jacky Hunt-Broersma's remarkable journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit to overcome obstacles and achieve the extraordinary. She's not only a trailblazer but a beacon of hope and inspiration for adaptive athletes worldwide. *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.  By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Who is Jacky Living in sunny Arizona, USA for the past two years Growing up in South Africa Moving to the Netherlands in her early 20s Being very sports orientated and spending a lot of time outdoors How things have changed in South Africa Leaving South Africa with two suitcases and living in a new country Struggling to learn dutch when in the Netherlands  Being diagnosed with cancer when living in Holland From diagnosis to the amputation of her leg  Hearing the news Figuring out the next steps and finding out what was going to happen Saying goodbye to her leg Getting to a place of acceptance Wishing she had taken up running sooner How running helped her to accept her body how it was  Going through denial Having a pity party and feeling that life was unfair  Wanting to be normal and not wanting any pity Dealing with anger Why it’s a process Becoming more open about her journey and her struggles  Taking up running and why it changed her life Wanting to encourage more amputees to run The expensive cost of a running blade ($10,000) Fighting the system to get funding for running blades  Wanting to make a difference and encourage more amputees to get out and active  Being surprised at how far she could push her body  Wanting to push boundaries and distances in running  Running 104 marathons in 104 days in April 2022 Being inspired by Alyssa Clark running 95 marathons in 95 days (2021)  Wanting to see if she could do it and not knowing how her prosthetic would hold up The metal side of the challenges Dealing with chin splits at the start of the journey  Getting through the tough days and taking the time to celebrate the milestones and live in the moment Having 3 different routes to choose from  The paperwork needed for the Guinness World Record   Being strict about recovery and following a routine Running 104 marathons and raising funds for Amputee Blade Runners  Running Boston Marathon - Para elite division  How to follow along with Jacky on social media Future running plans for 2024 Running a half marathon a day for Cancer Research (for 250 days)  Planning to run Comrades in South Africa  Final words of advice to inspire to you in your next challenge   Social Media Website: www.ncrunnerjacky.com  Instagram: @ncrunnerjacky Twitter: @ncrunnerjacky

Melissa in her own words: “After connecting with my now husband on match.com 20 years ago, we realized we had one key difference: he wanted a partner to ‘Sail around the world’. I, on the other hand, wasn't an adventurer. I was a professional woman with a degree in Psychology, dedicated to non-profit work and healthcare. But my husband ignited a desire in me to embrace life's adventures while we were still healthy. The turning point came when he asked, ‘When are you going to quit your job and sail around the world with me?’ Despite my initial fears and attachments, I couldn't ignore the call to live life to the fullest. We set sail across the Pacific Ocean, and it changed me profoundly. We continued our adventures by buying an RV and exploring the US, Canada, and Alaska, much to the surprise of our family. These experiences made me resilient and fearless.  Returning from a sailing journey and hiking the John Muir Trail at age 62, I realized that the world was full of opportunities. I see people looking at me differently now, sensing my quiet confidence. My adventure started late, but it's proof that life-changing decisions can happen at any age. The question remains: “Do it now or not?””   *Content Warning: This episode contains an instance of strong/abusive language that some listeners may find offensive.  ***  Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.    By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Who is Melissa Living is San Diego, California  Not being born into an adventurous family  Her early years and feeling connected to her dad (who died when she was 4) Meeting her husband on match.com about 18 years ago Blending 2 families together  After 10 years of marriage starting to discuss the sailing adventure Being a career girl and not focused on adventure  Not having passion in her life Doing little adventures but not committing to the big adventure of sailing around the world Waiting for the kids to go to college  Making the commitment and putting a plan in place Getting the boat and needing to learn new skills Having a 5 year plan and changing everything about their life Not spending more that $25 unless speaking to another person Working as a team in a partnership  Having garage sales, saving money and making it happen Starting to change and starting to get excited about the future adventure Being called ‘Captain B*tch Slap’  Being a forgiving person Proving people wrong Noticing her confidence changing Dealing with tangled anchors while a storm is rolling in Stats from the trip - the boat (Island Packet 37) Starting in San Diego and sailing down to Mexico Stopping to take a 1,000 mile car tour throughout Mexico Pacific Puddle Jump from America’s to French Polynesia   Feeling done with sailing after 11 months and wanting to go home The challenges of getting the boat back from Hawaii to San Diego The dream vs reality  Magical moments while out sailing and the challenges while being out on the water Spending time on remote beautiful islands - the instagram moments When the autopilot stopped working and having to steer the boat in 2 hour shifts for 24/7.  Deciding what to do next and wanting to sell the boat, take the money and buy an RV and travel around the US, up through Canada and head up to the wilds of Alaska The challenges of RV Life and wanting to do ‘Boondocking’ Feeling numb after traveling and feeling lost  Having therapy and starting to feel again Getting into voice overs and having a way to start earning an income again  Learning to appreciate the little moments and the free moments Being done with the corporate world and being a different person Choosing to live a simple life and having more money than before, even though they’re earning less Renting out the RV Deciding to hike the John Muir Trail (211 miles) Planning and testing out all the gear  Why it was one of the toughest things she’s ever done Climbing Mt Whitney and the challenges with the elevation gain and loss Trying to get equipment and gear to fit her height at 4′ 11″ / 150 cm Ending up with an Osprey EJA 58  Trying to find trainers and shoes to fit  Watch the videos from the Pacific Ocean on YouTube Final words of advice  Why you need to take an honest look at yourself and where you are in your life Why you need to make a plan and get into the details Give yourself little mini milestones to work towards  Start by putting your plan down on paper   Social Media   Websites: www.theadventuretravelers.com melissaharlowvo.com Instagram: @theadventuretravelers Youtube: @theadventuretravelers

Join us today as we have a conversation with Dr. Katie Myint, an eye surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. Her journey takes us from her Midlands upbringing to becoming a doctor and the role running and exercise played in promoting mental well-being. Katie candidly shares her battle with depression during her second year as a doctor, shedding light on how exercise and medication became transformative tools for enhancing her mental health. As we explore her running journey and marathon experiences, one theme remains constant: the pure joy of movement. Throughout the episode, Katie discusses her marathon adventures, from running alongside her husband to using races as a gateway to explore the world. She passionately underscores the importance of running as a cherished hobby, never allowing it to encroach upon her daily life. Katie offers advice on motivation and self-compassion and encourages women to embrace exercise with the conviction that it can be an enjoyable endeavour. *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.  By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Working as an eye surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital, in London Her early years growing up in the Midlands  Being focused on academics  Learning how to swim with her dad Enjoying school and wanting to do well Finding her way into sports and exercise as an adult  Not enjoying sports at school  Dealing with depression in her 2nd year of being a doctor Feeling alone  Using exercise to improve mental well-being  Taking the first step to going out and doing exercise  Not recognising in herself that she had depression  Going to see her GP and being recommended exercise and medication  Going on her first run in winter in the rain and the dark Her running journey and what that looked like  Being a solo runner for a long time Running to help process her thoughts  Not having any running goals and using running to improve her mental well-being Working her way up to a half-marathon and marathon  Why it wasn’t about times or PBs but rather the joy of moving Running with her husband and using a marathon race as an excuse to go on holiday abroad  Fitting in running around her job and life Not following a structured running program  Wanting to keep running as a hobby  Doing 2 or 3 shorter runs throughout the week with one long run at the weekend Not letting running get in the way of life Magical moments while running Running the Barcelona Marathon, Spain  Marathon du Medoc, Bordeau, France  Managing the tough times in a race and how to mange that The race is just the final victory lap and the journey is in all the runs you’ve done before it.  Why it can be tricky between mile 16 and 18  Loving Park Run and starting Saturdays with a run followed by brunch  Getting involved in triathlon  Getting her first bike  Training solo or with her husband Doing her first triathlon and why it was a total wash out Taking the race at your own pace and not comparing yourself to others Being an Ambassador for ON  Advice for when you don’t want to go out running Remembering why you are doing it, but also being kind to yourself Stretching…. Race plans for 2024 Where Katie is most active on social media  Final words of advice to encourage more women to get exercise in their life Encouraging you to run for the love of it and that exercise can be fun!   Social Media Instagram: @katietriestorun   

Nicky is a self-confessed adventurer, loves a challenge, delights in cold shenanigans and is ready to embrace the next stage of her adventure life. Her super powers are making things happen and connecting people and she is the Queen of pushing herself out of her comfort zone. Nicky lives in Brighton with her husband, 2 teenage boys and Daisy the camper van.  At 52 her adventure journey has changed many times over the years, from a 20-year-old canoeing and sailing instructor, to a Mum with young children teaching them to embrace the outdoors through camping, building dens and cooking on open fires. Her boys are now in their late teens now and are slowly flying the nest, it is here she finds herself, ready to embrace the next stage of her adventure journey. Her adventures have included; fire walks, abseiling down castles, coast steering, a cross country ski marathon in the Arctic Circle, a wing walk and running a half marathon in Greenland which included training in an Environmental Cold Chamber at the University of Sussex at minus 20! ***  Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.  By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Her love of adventure How her adventure journey has changed as she’s gotten older Where her adventurous spirit came from  Being inspired by her dad Why you can have adventures on your doorstep What does adventure mean to Nicky Why adventure is so many things Why you can fit adventure around your life  Why adventure is there for the taking, but you may have to be creative. Her first job working in a water sports centre Working for World Challenge Having children and going camping with 2 young children  Making adventure part of family life Having to put solo adventures on hold with having a young family Parrot hunting on the Amazon (finding and taking photos) Going to the Artic Circle to do a cross -country ski marathon  Doing a big challenge every year from 40 - 50 to raise money for charity Being drawn to the cold  Needing to do the training to enjoy the experience  Planning future challenges Running her own business for 18 years  Deciding to go wing walking! Doing a fire walk  Feeling empowered after doing challenges and stepping outside her comfort zone Doing a half marathon in Greenland at 50 (a big, bold, cold, challenge) Deciding to step down from her business  Liking a spreadsheet and being organised with her training  Working with a specialist performance coach  Working with the Environmental Extremes Lab at Sussex University  Getting to experience minus 20 and the impact on her body Being set up for success and learning how to manage herself in extreme conditions Going to Greenland and why it was outside her comfort zone  Learning how to deal with panic on the start line  Turning panic into power Wanting to run a happy race and take it all in Dealing with the adventure blues Completing a 5k sea swim Working with Genny Brown and helping her with her social media  Looking at the North Pole Marathon  Svalbard?  Daisy #pinknicky  How to connect with Nicky on the socials Working with Outside & Active Doing an International Women’s Day Sea Swim with Land & Wave in 2024  Wanting to elevate women  Final words of advice for other women Make an Adventure Action List  Find people who inspire you Take mini steps    Social Media Website: pinknicky.com Instagram: @pinknicky1 Facebook: Pink Nicky's Adventures   Nicky runs an annual event in Brighton to celebrate International Women's Day (8th March), she organises a mega sea swim for over 500 "mermaids" supporting surfers against sewage.    Land and Wave are an Official Event Partner. Join her Saturday March 9th 2024