Tough Girl Podcast

Ann Raiho and Natalie Warren are childhood friends who in 2011 became the first women to paddle from Minneapolis to Hudson Bay following the 2,000-mile route made famous by Eric Sevareid in his 1935 classic Canoeing with the Cree.    Natalie has gone on to write a book about this journey - Hudson Bay Bound - Two Women, One Dog, Two Thousand Miles to the Arctic.    Today we hear the story from Ann’s perspective.    Ann in her own words:   I grew up outside of St. Paul, Minnesota. While I was in high school, I went to a canoeing camp in the summer called YMCA Camp Menogyn. Natalie and I met the summer of 2007 on a 50-day canoe trip in Nunavut, Canada. Then, by coincidence, we went to college together at St. Olaf College in southern Minnesota.    I majored in mathematics with a minor in environmental studies. But, mostly I was interested in playing a lot of ultimate frisbee and worrying about climate change. Natalie and I were having trouble finding jobs after college. We decided that this would be the perfect time to go on a longer canoe trip.    In the summer of 2011, we paddled 2,000 miles in 85 days to Hudson Bay. During the trip, we both had a lot of time to think about what we wanted to do next. I decided to pursue a career as an ecologist and after the trip got my master's in ecology from Colorado State followed by my Ph.D. in Biology from Notre Dame.    My dissertation work focuses on connecting field-collected paleoecological data with predictive models. Currently, I am a postdoctoral researcher at Colorado State working for the National Park Service in Alaska. I use my skills in mathematics and statistics to understand nature's complexities. Specifically, I identify landscape types in Alaska that may be robust to accelerating climate changes.    My early experiences with long-distance canoeing have given me the ability to persist through hard research tasks and a passion for preserving the wilderness by improving our knowledge of the importance of nature.   New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Make sure you hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out.    The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. To find out more about supporting your favourite podcast and becoming a patron please check out www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.   Show notes Who is Ann Family life and growing up Spending time outdoors  Having access to a cabin in the wilderness Her dreams as a little girl and wanting to go on crazy adventures Getting into canoeing  Being inspired at YMCA Camp Menogyn Deciding to go on a big adventure and challenge January 2011 and graduating from college Planning and preparation for the trip Equipment and paying for the trip Building a website  Spending 85 days together on the river The biggest challenge on the expedition Resolving disagreements  Figuring out how to make decisions The plan for writing a book after the journey Sending the journals from the trip… Picking up a stray dog for the trip 2011 and recreating the journey and meeting people along the way Lessons learned from the adventure  How canoeing is still a part of her life Advice for other women who want to get into canoeing The power of believing in yourself   Social Media    Twitter @annraiho    Instagram @annraiho   Myhan The Canoe Dog @myhan_the_canoe_dog

Alina “Abstract” Drufovka is a Colombian-American painter and illustrator based out of Philadelphia, PA.  Alina has hiked the Appalachian Trail (2015 & 2017), the Pacific Crest Trail (2019) and the Israel National Trail (2018). Alina is an outdoor professional and hopes to inspire more women and people of colour to get outside and explore the trails!   Her Mission:  Help people reconnect with their journeys in wilderness through art.  Commemorate life on trail and the culture of long distance backpacking. Promote diversity in the outdoors.    “One of the most beautiful parts of creation is that an Artist has the freedom to not just recreate the world as we know it, but to craft a portal to a new world. Perhaps a better and more equitable one. And that is exactly my intention. “ — Alina “Abstract” Drufovka   New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss out.    The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. To find out more about supporting your favourite podcast and becoming a patron please check out www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.     Show notes Growing up as a city girl Going to a summer camp in New Jersey How her life changed Stepping foot on the Appalachian Trail Knowing that she wanted a life of hiking and adventure Getting into the book and the movie of “Into the Wild” Growing up artistic Not wanting to put herself out there in case she failed Heading to college in Colorado Getting injured on her fist attempted thru hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2015 Planning for the trip and taking a semester off college Her first trail name “Swol”  Walking 1200 mils and having to leave the trail Dealing with knee injuries  Getting through the tough time period of recovery Heading back to the trail in 2017 and feeling nervous Meeting her boyfriend of day 1 of the trail Wanting to hike solo Self reflection on the trail Having 6 months of freedom Getting though the not so good days Living the dream and feeling very fortunate to be out there Feeling gratitude Doing art on the trail The end of the trail Heading to hike The Israel National Trail in 2018 Needing another goal in the diary Working for 6 months to save up the money Resupply, accommodation and water on The Israel National Trail The amazing network of trail angels Magical moments Hiking the PCT with her boyfriend The differences between the AT and the PCT Flip & flopping on the PCT and the frustrations Taking a step away from thru-hiking to focus on her art Blogging and sharing on social media  Wanting to be present on the trail  Nutrition on the trail Packing only 1 snickers! Finishing a hike and what happens next Writing a book! Wanting to share her experiences from trail The judgement on social media Becoming a full time artist Being stuck in Costa Rica at the start of the pandemic Building up her on-line business Connect with Alina and order her artwork Looking at a new stage of life Thinking about starting a family Motherhood and settling down Having a different dream to others Live your own life Accidental Van Life! Figuring out where home is going to be Wanting a simple life Final words of advice - “being one choice away from living a different life” The sliding doors moment by listening to a podcast and how it could change your life     Social Media   Website - www.thrudesigns.com    Instagram @abstract.hikes    Facebook @abstract.hikes

Sacha Dench (aka ‘the human swan’) is attempting something that has never been done before – a 3,000+ mile circumnavigation of Britain in a specially adapted, green electricity powered paramotor. Because she can take off and land almost anywhere, she and the team will be landing to recharge and rest with the interesting and inspirational people around the country, the ones can show us exactly how climate change is changing our country, but also show us what we can do about it.   The aim is to set and beat TWO official Guinness World Records    The first and fastest flight around Britain in a paramotor powered only by renewable energy. This is a record with real purpose. It shows Sacha is prepared to put skin in the game and push green technology to its limits, and proves that rethinking what is possible can be really exciting. The most pledges to act on climate change in 1 month via our global alliance with Count Us In. We need all ages involved, and this record helps us reach new audiences and provides another, clear, media hook. The global target for pledges is 1 billion people this decade and we want to get this off to a flying start!    Learn more about Sacha and the Round Britain Climate Challenge by listening to her story on the Tough Girl Podcast.    New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Make sure you hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out.    The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. To find out more about supporting your favourite podcast and becoming a patron please check out www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.     Show notes Who is Sacha  Why she is known as the “Human Swan” What Sacha has been unto since 2018 Setting up a charity in November 2019 Having a model of conservation and wanting to do more Becoming a UN Ambassador for Migratory Species Thinking about the issues the migratory species face The impact of climate change and its impact on the birds Being in Australia during the bush fires in 2020 How her mum lost her home and is now living in a caravan The Round Britain Climate Challenge  Coming up with the idea in September 2020 Count us In  How people are turned off by the message of doom and fear Being excited by the challenge message Flying a paramotor with a petrol engine - could it be powered by batteries? Wanting to speak with people on the journey around Great Britain Getting the project off the ground to start in May The challenges of the project Not earning an income for 20 months Needing self belief to continue Being supported by volunteers and supporters  The challenges of fund-raising  Collaborating with numerous organisations Struggling to get hold of the batteries needed Joanna Lumley Feeling excited about the challenge and starting in a few weeks The challenges of electric power - Charing the battery and waiting for it to cool down Starting in Glasgow and going anti-clockwise around the country G7 Summit Cornwall, from 11-13th June 2021  How individuals can get involved and support the campaign  Race to Zero  Planning a safe expedition with Covid Engaging with people while they are at home Starting on May 17th 2021 (maybe!) Planning for the expedition to take 6 weeks (maybe 8 weeks) The plan for the next 10 years The 2030 Global Challenge  What would success look like? Wanting to change the narrative around the climate challenge The Green Revolution led by the UK? Being inspired by the Orkney Islands  Advice and tips to encourage people to get involved with climate change The power of local solutions   Social Media   Website    www.sachadench.com  www.conservation-without-borders.org   Instagram    @sachadench  @conservation_without_borders     Facebook   @sacha.dench    Twitter   @sachadench  @C_no_borders    Crowdfunder Campaign for Round Britain Climate Challenge

This episode was filmed live (via Zoom) on the 31st March 2021 at 8pm and was live on the Tough Girl Challenges Youtube Channel.   Thank you to all that attended the live event and to those who supported the 1000 Tough Women appeal!   This event has been organised to support PHASE Worldwide’s Start Strong UK Aid Match Appeal to support 1000 tough women in Nepal. The great news is that this means that any donations made to this page (until 25th June 2021) will be automatically matched by the UK government to support the Start Strong project!   The Start Strong appeal will fund a three-year project, starting in October 2021, which will improve maternal healthcare and increase the availability of high value foods. Through improving access to maternal healthcare and nutritional foods, whilst providing agricultural training for mothers, we can aim to ensure that children in Far West Nepal are given a strong start to life.    To make your donation to the Start Strong Appeal, please visit this page.    If you would like to find out more about the PHASE Worldwide Start Strong Appeal, you can do so via the Phase Worldwide website.   Show Notes Introducing Rosie Why Rosie is planning on going to Nepal Heading back to the UK  Running LEJOG Being inspired by her family Running 20,000 miles around the world Being heartbroken and struggling Being inspired by total strangers The amazing people “The impossible is possible” Speaking with Rosie in November 2019 Meeting Rosie in Turkey Slick Chick Wanting to run from Lands End to John O’Groats Running North The kindness of strangers! Getting a cheese boards at midnight! “You can always do something” Sleeping out at night Being inspired by England and Scotland! Her plans to reach Nepal The old planned route to Nepal Going back to Istanbul to run the marathon in 2023 Being a patron of Phase Worldwide Helping people to help themselves Maintaining her positivity  Being all alone and having to save herself Struggling to find food Almost drowning in a flash flood The power of thinking of lovely people Thinking of Clive Meeting the Guardians of the Road Wolves….. Thinking about her perspective on life 40 shades of silence….. Wanting to write a book from the heart Nepalese women Small beginnings…. Dealing with extreme cold temperatures  PHD designs   Breaking her hip a few years ago! Making sure you look after yourself  Shout out to members of the Tough Girl Tribe The biggest lesson that Rosie has learned  Feelings are not the same as facts NEVER GIVE UP Being worried about doing the podcast today Wanting to have fun for Clive Questions Loving Wales Getting through tough moments The power of stopping to breath and think My plans to visit Rosie in Nepal Final words of advice from Rosie Why 2021 is going to be a great year Only do things you love!!!     Social Media   Rosie Swale Pope   Website rosieswalepope.co.uk  Instagram @rosieswalepope  Twitter @RosieSwalePope   Facebook Rosie Swale Pope    Phase Worldwide - Changing lives in Nepal    Instagram @phaseworldwide    Donate https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/1000ToughWomen

Mariam is known as the @hijabi.hiker on instagram her bio reads - A hijabi hiking around the UK to be inspired and inspire. Part time writer, wannabe runner, coffee addict #DiversifyOutdoors   Mariam in her own words:   “I’m a hobbyist writer, avid hiker and tutor in my spare time, and work full time in Oncology research. A proud woman of colour, I’m excited about sharing my journey into the outdoors to encourage more diversity and healing from the world we all share.”   During this podcast Mariam shares more about her childhood and growing up, and how she got interested in the outdoors. Mariam talks about the challenges she has faced and how her confidence has increased by taking on new challenges from running her first 5k race to completing her longest hike to-date -30km through the Shropshire Hills.    Mariam shares more about how she took her first steps into the outdoors and gives top tips and advice to inspire you to take your first step.    On the 1st April Mariam is starting the #BeBraveChallenge. Listen to the Tough Girl Podcast to find out how you can get involved!    New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Make sure you hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out.    The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. To find out more about supporting your favourite podcast and becoming a patron please check out www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.     Show notes Who is Mariam Her childhood and growing up being active Being the youngest of 4 Getting into hiking Doing stuff with the Scouts and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Her role models Wanting to encourage more Muslim women to get into hiking Hiking solo at the start Feeling unsafe and scared Barriers to getting into the outdoors Not seeing women who looked like her The benefits of getting in the outdoors Feeling a sense of freedom when outside Being able to get perspective Feeling a sense of achievement when reaching the top Friends and family and what they think Building confidence in other areas of her life Taking on a 5k running challenge Advice for other runners Why it’s important to enjoy it The journey and the progression  30km hike through the Shropshire Hills Strive - Spring Charity Challenge  Not having much time to plan or prepare Concerns before the challenge Slowing down and enjoying the time out on the hills Magical moments from the hike Talking about gear when you start out hiking Looking after her feet and dealing with blisters April Challenge… #BeBraveChallenge  Final words of advice   Social Media   Website www.hijabihiker.com    Instagram - @hijabi.hiker     Facebook - @aHijabiHiker

In May 1985, when Tania was 18 years old, she cast off from the docks of South Street Seaport in lower Manhattan and sailed 27,000 miles around the world—alone—on her Contessa 26, Varuna.    Concerned about her lack of ambition, her father offered her this opportunity as an alternative to a college education, and she took him up on it. With just a cat for company, she crossed the Caribbean, the South Pacific and Indian Oceans, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, and the North Atlantic, stopping in 23 countries along the way. In November 1987, at 21, Tania Aebi returned to New York City, a solo-circumnavigator.   She spent the following year reliving the trip in words, writing her bestselling book, Maiden Voyage, a personal account describing her coming of age odyssey and dramatic childhood.   Nowadays, as her boys turn into young men, she continues to write, runs her businesses, and is working on her next book—in between keeping the paths shovelled and wood fires stoked in the winter, the gardens planted, weeded and productive in the summers.   New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Make sure you hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out.    The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. To find out more about supporting your favourite podcast and becoming a patron please check out www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.   Show notes Sailing solo around the world when she was 18 Living in the countryside  Getting into sailing when she was a teenager Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean with her dad How she gained her sailing skills Reflecting back on her teenage years How the opportunity came up to sail around the world Leaning new skills along the way Sailing to Bermuda Trying to figure out how to fix the engine and how to navigate Figuring out that she was ok being alone on the ocean  Having to learn how to sail better Being sad that the adventure was over What happened next after arriving back in NYC Sitting down to write the book Going back to university 10 years later Figuring stuff out while writing about her experience of sailing around the world Having a cat on the boat Introducing her 2 sons to the world of sailing Romance while sailing! Doing a big sailing trip with her boys Feeling protected and looked after while being a solo female sailor Being fuelled by the negative comments Being inspired by Laura Dekker  Ignore the negativity and do it Not being active on social media   Social Media    Website www.taniaaebi.com

Shadi is co-founder of a community interest company SHAPE Hampshire which provides Mind, Body and Education support to Hampshire Schools.    Shadi is the founder of Team GC, leading expeditions and challenge experiences which have enabled her to raise thousands of pounds for charitable causes.    Shadi has a passion for education and loves working with children, sharing tales of her remote adventures.    She runs a series of inspirational talks to schools, communities and businesses. Shadi is a fellow of the Royal Geographic Society.    Future challenge - The BIG North Pole Sea Ice Research expedition 2022    “Every experience provides us with an opportunity to grow and make a difference”. — Shadi Ganjavian-Connor    New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Make sure you hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out.    The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. To find out more about supporting your favourite podcast and becoming a patron please check out www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.   Show notes Living in the South Coast of England Her former life Wanting to make a change in her life Discovering her passion for the outdoors Living with the Bedouin for 6 years Having 2 children  Undertaking personal challenges which push her limits Growing up and being a rule breaker Living in multiple countries while growing up Being able to make friends easily and learning how to fit in and adapt to new situations  Having a supportive family and a safety net Being encouraged to go for it Wanting to take more risks in her life Being scared of the ocean and facing her fear Learning how to scuba dive in Egypt Starting a family and having to re-evaluate life How having children impacted on her desire to go on adventures Wanting to be a role model for the children Doing expeditions for charity  Getting into mountaineering Climbing Mount Blanc Figuring out what to do next Loving the mental side of the challenge Her routines and habits and setting herself up each day Working with a sports psychologist Being vulnerable and relying on other people Needing to know what is going on Dealing with exhaustion  The BIG North Pole Sea Ice Research expedition 2022 Her plans for dealing with the cold weather The cost of the expedition and finalising the funding Training and getting physical ready for the challenge Role models and being inspired by her friends Going with the flow…. Why the first step is saying YES!! Final words of advice to motivate and inspire you   Social Media   TeamGC - Educate, Collaborate and Dare to be Different. Collaborating with schools, charities and ethical partners. Inspiring others to push their personal safety barometer a few degrees and living on the edge of their comfort zone.   Website www.teamgc.co.uk   Instagram @ganjavianconnor    Facebook @teamgc.co.uk

Liv (pronounced ‘leave’) is a Norwegian educator, cross-country skier, adventurer, guide, and motivational speaker. Liv led the first unsupported women’s crossing of the Greenland Ice Cap in 1992. In 1994, she made international headlines becoming the first woman in the world to ski solo and unsupported to the South pole – a 50-day expedition of 745 miles (1,200 km).   A self-proclaimed “keen” but not fanatical outdoors enthusiast, Liv is most interested in the development of adults and children. Through her diverse roles as a polar explorer, educator and motivational leader, Liv ignites passion in others to reach beyond their normal boundaries and achieve their dreams by sharing her own stories about exploring some of the most remote places on earth.   MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS February 2001 — Arnesen and American polar explorer Ann Bancroft become the first women in history to sail and ski across Antarctica’s landmass — completing a 94-day, 1,717-mile (2,747 km) trek. 1996— Arnesen climbs the north side of Mount Everest, getting to within 6,200 ft (1,900 m) of the summit before altitude sickness forces her to descend. 1994 — Arnesen makes international headlines by becoming the first woman in the world to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole — a 50-day expedition of 745 miles (1,200 km) 1992 — Arnesen leads the first unsupported women’s crossing of the Greenland Ice Cap. Take a listen to Liv as she shares more about her life and adventures on the Tough Girl Podcast.   New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Make sure you hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out.    The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. To find out more about supporting your favourite podcast and becoming a patron please check out www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.   Show notes Who is Liv What Liv is up to at the moment Her childhood dream of skiing to the South Pole Growing up in the outskirts of Oslo and loving the outdoors Their religion was Mother Nature Being divorced with 3 girls and 6 grandchildren  Her dreams when she was younger “That’s a boy’s dream” Being inspired by other women in the world  Doing the first unsupported women’s crossing of Greenland Ice Cap Getting the funding together for the South Pole crossing  Not being able to get any Norwegian sponsorship Having to take out a personal loan to pay for the trip When her dream became a reality  Why it felt like a holiday! Being scared of the crevasses  Staying for an extra 10 days in the South Pole and working washing dishes Adventure blues? Wanting to combine adventure and education  Doing a Master of Management Teaming up with Ann Bancroft Creating a program called ‘Dare to Dream’ Visiting Ann in the USA Finding her ‘Sister Soul’ Risk management in extreme situations  How the world of adventure has changed over the past 30 years Feeling very privileged What adventure means to Liv The Access water project  Mental resilience  Mastering patience Wanting to paddle down one river on each continent  Being a Wings Fellow  Quick Fire Questions Final words of advice   Social Media    Website - www.livarnesen.com    Facebook  - Bancroft Arnesen Explore @BancroftArnesen    Instagram  @livarnesen_com    Twitter @LivArnesen

Winnie shares her story in such a joyful and happy way, you can’t help but smile listening to her talk. You can hear the passion she has for getting outside and getting in the water.    Winnie starts by taking us back to her childhood in Pointe noire, in the Republic of Congo, where she was the second eldest child of eight. Winnie talks about spending her early years playing outdoors, however, she was not allowed to swim in the sea which was seen as a taboo by her family and the local community.    During this episode Winnie goes into more detail about her life, and how she ended up living in the Lake District, 10 mis from Lake Windermere. You will hear how she learned to swim and how it has helped her to mange her mental health. Winnie, provides great advice and top tips which will inspire you to step outside your comfort zone and to give open water swimming a try.    New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Make sure you hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out.    The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. To find out more about supporting your favourite podcast and becoming a patron please check out www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.   * Please note during this episode we talk about depression and mental health   Show notes Growing up in a big family Living by the sea Spending a lot of time in the outdoors Not being allowed to swim in the sea Why the sea was taboo Black people not being able to swim Growing up in a close community  Not being academic Not knowing what to do with her life Being bullied at school Going to college and learning English Being send to South Africa to study in 1997 Moving to Manchester, England with her partner Deciding to move to the Lake District Suffering with deep depression Ensuring her daughters could swim Being taught by her girls Being scared to go in the deep end at the swimming pool Wanting to jump in! All you have to do is blow bubbles Wanting to go and swim in the lake Going through a tough time in 2018 Deciding to go swimming in winter! Thinking she was going to die Finding peace in the lake Being part of a friendly and supportive community Advice for women who want to get into outdoor swimming Wanting to inspire other Black women to get into swimming Not getting hung up on hair Her journey of self care and self love Putting herself first What she does to make herself feel better The benefits of swimming Encouraging other women to love themselves Sharing a happy memory - going Ice swimming Her role model in swimming The power of a hello Coping during Covid Meeting awesome women swimming  Meeting Eden - The Transgender Swimmer & Rhiane from Black Girls Hike Let’s do a Swim meet! Final words of advice to encourage other women to get into swimming  Top tip - "Once you are in, it’s a Win”     Social Media   Instagram @winniepoaty     Business ILOVEMEMOST   Website - www.iluvmemost.com    Instagram @iluvmemost     Facebook @iluvmemostboutique

Marie in her own words:   Hi there, my name is Marie and I'm based in the North of England in Sheffield after moving from London in November 2019.  Having spent most of my working life as a Consultant in the big smoke, I decided after 15 years it was time for a change.  Whilst I still work as a Client Relationship Manager for a Sheffield SME 4 days a week, the move has allowed me to be much closer to the hills (timely with the current Covid pandemic) giving me the opportunity to spend so much more of my time getting outdoors and enabling me to achieve the sense of work-life balance that I was craving in the City.   I describe myself on my Instagram bio as a skier, hiker and runner, but perhaps it would be more accurate to describe me as an avid outdoor and adventure enthusiast!  I have been incredibly lucky to be able to ski and go on expeditions around the world.  But I am conscious that not everyone has necessarily had that opportunity.  I am also acutely aware that the outdoor sports and adventure world has typically struggled with a lack of diversity and whilst it's been great to see moves in a positive direction to redress the balance, it has been really great in the last year to be working with a team of others from Kit Collective, all passionate to be working on initiatives to help reduce some of the barriers facing people getting into the outdoors.   After years of excitement of being on expeditions - searching locations, planning them, packing for them and then eventually going on them - this has led me to set up my own adventure expedition company, Three Peaks Adventures.  We started in 2017 so are still in the early and growth stages of the company, and have like others in the travel industry, been particularly hit by Covid.  But we're busy planning for the end of 2021 and going forwards so watch this space!   I think it's incredibly important for people to be able to see other normal people, people with normal jobs and who try to squeeze getting outdoors into every available spare minute that they have, going out and doing lots of different things.  Things from their doorstep but equally things that push them outside of their comfort zone.  And that is what I hope to try to strive for in my roles as a Salomon Ambassador, Ordnance Survey #getoutside champion, Duke of Edinburgh supervisor and trainee assessor as well as part of my training to be a mountain leader.  If people can see ordinary people like myself getting out there, hopefully it can give someone a bit of encouragement to just get out there and go for it!   New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Make sure you hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out.    The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. To find out more about supporting your favourite podcast and becoming a patron please check out www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.     Show notes Who is Marie Growing up and not spending time in the outdoors Her first charity challenge Climbing Kilimanjaro  The slow burn of the outdoors Reaching Gilman’s Point Wanting to do more hiking Signing up to do the Inca Trail in Peru Deciding to go and climb Mount Blanc Doing courses at Glenmoore Lodge in Scotland   The importance of having the right group Having a back up plan in place Starting to hike more in the UK Learning more about the UK Mountain Leader Award (ML)   Starting to make decisions about what she wanted to do Liking her job….. Escape the City   Deciding to run her own expedition company 3 peaks in Tanzania  Creating a film with Iona Rendall Doing courses Learning how to navigate The importance of logging everything in your log book for the ML Being an Ordnance Survey Get Outside champion   Final words of advice to encourage you to spend more time in the outdoors   Social Media   Website threepeaksadventures.com    Instagram   @mariecheng27  @threepeaksadventures