Tough Girl Podcast

In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary life and inspiring journey of Risa August, a multifaceted individual based in Colorado, USA. Risa wears many hats - she's a Gestalt practitioner, a captivating speaker, an author, and a passionate patient advocate. Her story is one of resilience, marked by her decade-long battle with a pituitary tumour and a rare disease, Acromegaly. Risa shares candidly about her experiences, offering profound insights into overcoming adversity and embracing life with unparalleled vigour. Risa's journey into the realm of personal transformation began with her participation in Ironman races, a testament to her fierce determination and love for physical challenges. However, her path took an unexpected turn when she started noticing troubling symptoms, eventually leading to a diagnosis that altered her life trajectory. Despite facing daunting health challenges, Risa's spirit remained unyielding as she navigated through surgeries, treatments, and the complexities of managing a chronic condition. In her book, The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike, Risa eloquently chronicles her courageous cross-country bicycle journey, symbolising her refusal to let adversity define her.  Throughout our conversation, Risa reflects on how her perspective on life and adventure has evolved, emphasising the importance of embracing new experiences and pushing beyond perceived limits. Her insights into removing limiting beliefs and fostering a positive mindset resonate deeply, offering profound lessons for anyone navigating their own challenges. Join us as Risa shares her story of resilience, adventure, and the transformative power of embracing life fully, no matter the obstacles. Get ready to be inspired by her unwavering spirit and her profound wisdom gained through living a life unleashed. *** 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 Risa Based in Colorado, USA Working as a gestalt practitioner, speaker, author and patient advocate Her passion for learning ‘CANI’ - Constant And Never-ending Improvement  The connection with Tony Robbins  Growing up in Cleveland Ohio and her early years Taking herself on adventures  Being inspired by her dad and a buffalo head nickel How the meaning of adventure has changed over the years Why adventure means - learning and experiencing something new  Setting out a timeline 2011 - completing her first Ironman race  Starting to notice changes in her body  Fast forward 7 years and training for another Ironman. Not being able to recover and not being able to keep the weigh off Plus dealing with severe headaches and lack of sleep Pushing for an MRI of her brain Being diagnosed with an enlarged pituitary and a brain tumour  Looking at brain surgery and being diagnosed with a rare disease - Acromegaly. Processing and working through the diagnosis  Having a mindset of getting it done and moving on with her life Waiting 3 months for surgery  Acromegaly is a rare condition where the body produces too much growth hormone, causing body tissues and bones to grow more quickly.  Being very conscious of what goes into her body Radiation or medication? Feeling very lonely even while being supported Battling orthorexia in her 20s Not being able to exercise and spend time in the outdoors Deciding to ride her bicycle down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Looking back on her adventurous life and remembering what it felt like Starting to paint and how it became an outlet  Instead of focusing on what she couldn’t do - focusing on what she could do What can I do now? Small steps, one thing at a time. Stopping judging herself and blocking out the noise from other people Getting back to the CrossFit gym Acceptance around her identity and how it’s changed Signing up for a semi supported tour on the PCH SAG - Support And Gear Book: The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike  Reflecting back on the ride and some of the magical moments  Trying to control situation and outcomes and how the universe has a completely different plan for you Being open to what’s possible To be open to letting go of limiting beliefs  Why it was a massive learning experience  Being present and spending time in the moment Naming her brain tumour and the reason behind it Being kind to her body Louise Hay Book: Heal Your Body: The Mental Causes for Physical Illness and the Metaphysical Way to Overcome Them.  Adding humour to her situation and how it can change perspective - especially during dark moments Her prognosis and being on medication to control the tumour  Dealing with the uncertainty of her future  Making big changes in her life Divorcing after an 18 year marriage Letting go of people and things in her life, that no longer felt in alignment Creating a list of all the things she wanted to do, or try Stepping more into who she wants to be Being unpolished, unapologetic and unleashed  Getting up, getting back in the saddle and doing it.  Taking it each day at a time Choosing to cycle the Camino de Santiago in Spain The realities of the camino and why it wasn’t like she imagined Why it was a spiritual journey  Challenges on the journey and wanting to quit What do I need to do, to make this work Finding moment of joy even through she physically struggled  Wanting to be alive  Being realistic about adventures and challenges Handing the frustrations and challenges  The next adventure…. And having multiple options Recovery after the camino How to connect with Risa Final words of advice and wisdom for other women who are going through a tough time Ask yourself ‘what CAN (Capable - Able - Now) I do’   Social Media Website: www.risaaugust.com Instagram: @risaunleashed Facebook: @risaunleashed Linktree: https://linktr.ee/risaaugust Substack: @risaunleashed Book: The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike.  

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Bailey Seamer, an extraordinary individual who undertook a 14-month, 5,000km hike along Australia's East Coast, from Wilsons Promontory to Cape York, all in the name of mental health advocacy. Bailey's story is one of resilience, determination, and hope, as she uses her journey to raise awareness and support for mental health issues. Diagnosed with a major depressive disorder at just 14, Bailey has faced significant challenges, including managing an all-consuming mental illness and dealing with the impact of bi-polar disorder. Despite these obstacles, she found solace and strength in walking, which became a crucial part of her healing journey. Her decision to embark on this monumental hike was driven by a desire to advocate for mental health, share her story, and demonstrate that even in the face of adversity, one can achieve incredible feats. Throughout her journey, Bailey encountered numerous challenges, from managing her mental health on the trail to dealing with the physical demands of such an extensive hike. She shares insights into her experiences, the support she received from family and strangers alike, and the lessons she learned along the way. Bailey's journey is a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult the path may seem, there is always hope, support, and the possibility of overcoming life's greatest challenges. Tune in to hear Bailey's incredible story, learn about her mental health advocacy efforts, and be inspired by her unwavering determination to make a difference. *** 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 Bailey  Hiking the East Coast of Australia  Her mental health journey  Being diagnosed at 14 with a major depressive disorder  Being supported by her family Managing an all consuming mental illness  Having to leave university and move back home Bi-polar disorder?  Making the decision to go into a mental health hospital  Being in a really bad place  Walking home 30k from the hospital  Feeling proud of herself  Why walking became a really important part of her healing journey  ECT - Electric Convulsive Therapy  Having the idea to walk the East Coast Feeling a sadness and frustration and not knowing if she would be ok The Black Dog Institute  Sharing her ideas with people  Finding people’s criticism, very helpful in her planning process. Not being taken seriously at first and doing something about it Why it was such an important leaning stage Being taken seriously and starting to take herself seriously as well Managing her bi-polar disorder while on the walk Why medication is an important part of her health care routine Having a bad day and what that can look like Wanting to be able to pinpoint the problem  Dealing with a spectrum of emotions  Understanding the difference between, ‘I can’t’ and ‘I don’t want to’ Tantrum Time Out for 7 mins Putting small rocks in her shoes…. A physical way of reframing the situation Creating a pocket of pleasure in her day Being alone while on the walk Making a decision by yourself  Reflecting back on previous situations Paying for the challenge The kindness of strangers Reflecting back on the journey and some of the main memories from the experience  Waking up with a fox in her tent! Adventure blues  Planning a trip to Rio to go to Carnival  Not walking a huge amount  What she wanted people to take away from her walk Why you are not alone if you are suffering from mental health Letting people know that there is support available and that there is no shame in asking for help Breaking things down and taking it one step at a time How to connect with Bailey online and find out more about her journey  Final words of advice Why everything will pass Nothing in this life is permanent    Social Media Website: wandering-minds.org  Instagram: @wandering_minds_walk  Facebook: @wanderingmindswalk   

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we sit down with Shafeeqah Gordon, a passionate trail runner from Cape Town, South Africa. Shafeeqah shares her journey, from playing netball as a child to discovering the freedom and challenge of running through her university cross-country club. Over the years, running has become an integral part of her life, and she hasn’t looked back since. As a leader for Tuesday Trails, a group dedicated to the joy of trail running, Shafeeqah is all about building community and encouraging people to get outside. Her work as a mountain guide and sports scientist has equipped her with invaluable skills for tackling challenging terrains and pushing the limits in her races. From competing in prestigious races like the Ultra Trail Drakensberg 65km and the Ultra Trail Cape Town 55km, to conquering technical trails with a focus on strength and conditioning, Shafeeqah gives us insight into her training, race strategies, and the mindset needed to overcome physical and mental battles during ultra races. In this episode, Shafeeqah opens up about inclusion in the trail running community, the power of running to clear the mind, and her personal battles with self-doubt during tough moments in races. She also talks about her involvement in outdoor education through her Outdoor Education Hub, which will be relaunched in 2025 after a brief hiatus. Tune in to hear Shafeeqah’s thoughts on trail running, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and her final advice for anyone looking to take on their own running challenges! *** 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 Shafeeqah Gordon Group Leader for  Tuesday Trails IG @tuesdaytrails  Being sports and playing netball from a young age Getting into running via the cross-country club at university  How running became apart of her life Never regretting a run The difference between cross-country and trail running Mountain guide, outdoor educator and sports scientist Studying sports science at university.  Specialising in strength and conditioning for running and netball players The outdoor education hub Working a full time job in retail Getting qualified as a mountain guide Why the marathon distance is the sweet spot. 42km The Cape Town Skyrace - The Sky Running Series  Training for technical trails Bullet proof ankles Working with a strength and conditioning coach and a run coach Running mojo Calling a friend to schedule a run together Running the Ultra Trail Drakensberg (UTD) 65km Ultra Trail Cape Town 55k (UTCT)  The challenges of running further  Figuring out nutrition and fuelling for the longer runs Fitting in training around life  Recovery? Trying not to take running too seriously  Race strategy and wanting to get a better time than last year Future dreams and races Batrun Race Running thoughts - thinking about everything and nothing Being at war with herself during a tough race  Inclusion in trail running Outdoor Education Hub (on hiatus for the rest of 2024) but coming back in 2025 How you can connect with Shaf Final words of advice  Don’t listen to the demons Why it’s just important to get out there   Social Media Personal Instagram: @shafgordon Outdoor Education Hub - We're an initiative focused on equipping people with knowledge & educational tools for the outdoors - making it a fun & safe space for all to enjoy  Instagram: @outdooreducation_hub  

Join us on this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast as we explore the remarkable journey of Amanda Harris, an adapted cyclist and dedicated fundraiser who has embraced life's challenges following a spinal cord injury. Living in South Wales with her husband and two teenage children, Amanda's story is one of resilience, determination, and breaking down barriers. Originally from Devon and a law graduate from Cardiff University, Amanda has spent over 30 years in Wales. Her life took a dramatic turn after a serious bike accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury. Despite the life-altering event, Amanda's spirit remained unbroken. She spent nine months in the hospital, relearning basic skills and adapting to her new reality. Amanda's love for cycling was rekindled when she was gifted a recumbent bike, allowing her to take on new challenges and raise funds for charity. Her journey includes the ambitious goal of completing the Wales Coast Path (WCP) using a trike, wheelchair, and occasionally walking with crutches. Amanda's determination and adaptability shine as she navigates accessibility issues and relies on friends and family to assist with sections that are not accessible. In this episode, Amanda shares her experiences, from her early years in Devon to her life in Wales, her passion for cycling, and the various challenges she has undertaken. We delve into her methods for staying positive, setting tiny goals, and focusing on what she can achieve. Amanda's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of embracing life's challenges with a positive attitude. Tune in to hear Amanda's inspiring journey and her advice for women facing their own challenges. Discover how she continues to push boundaries and inspire others with her remarkable story of overcoming adversity and loving life. *** 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 Amanda Living in South Wales with her husband and two teenage children Originally growing up in Devon Studying Law at Cardiff University  Living in Wales for over 30 years Meeting her husband at University  Bringing her children up in Wales  Still learning the Welsh Language  Her early years and spending lots of time outside  Not being particularly sporty or competitive Making walking plans for retirement Getting into cycling before her 40th birthday  Signing up for a charity cycle ride  Being in a bike accident which caused a spinal cord injury and multiple other injuries  Not being able to feel her legs and knowing something serious had happened Spending 9 months in hospital  Having to learn everything again How it changed her life  What’s happened since Deciding to complete the Wales Coast Path (WCP) by trike, wheelchair and occasionally a few steps  Being able to walk a few steps with crutches Why can’t I do this now Accepting that there are some parts which are’t accessible  Asking friends and family to walk that sections that aren’t accessible  Accessibility on the Wales Coast Path Research before taking on new sections  Why everyone has different needs when it comes to access and accessibility  The need for planning  Needing to walk the path around work and needing support from other people Completing approx 500 miles needing to do the North Wales Sections Raising funds for charity  Getting back into cycling and being gifted a recumbent bike  Being involved in different cycling challenges Winning a competition with - Spinal Injuries Association  Heading out to Portugal in May 2024 to ride 200 miles over 3 days! Having moments of doubt Not going into the dark place Focusing on the positives and what she can do  Giving things ago and saying yes to more things (such as doing this interview!) Wanting to take the tandem bike over to America to do a big ride with her husband How to connect with Amanda on line  Final words of advice for women who are going through a challenging time Not wanting to preach to people  Try and stay positive  Setting tiny, tiny goals in a notebook and how this helped during rehab Find out what works for you and focus on that    Social Media Instagram: @amandah_trike  Instagram: @amandascoastalchallenge   

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we speak with Dena Lewis, a dedicated runner and advocate for women's safety based in Florida, USA. Dena shares her 20-year journey in running, which began as a way to manage stress after college and evolved into a lifelong passion.  Dena's dedication to running is evident in her meticulous planning and commitment, including her morning routine of fasted runs, coffee, and early starts. Where she runs between 10 and 12 miles per day, 6 days a week. Safety has been a significant concern for Dena, who often runs in the early hours of the morning. She has faced harassment and assault while running, leading her to create Running Mate—an innovative app designed to pair runners with companions for safer runs. Launching in April 2024, Running Mate aims to make running safer for women across the U.S., with plans to expand globally. Dena’s experience with violence has driven her to become an advocate for women's safety, culminating in the creation of the Female Runner Safety Summit. Through her advocacy, Dena hopes to bring awareness to the dangers women face and foster a safer environment for her daughters and all women. Join us as Dena shares her story of resilience, empowerment, and her mission to make the world a safer place for female runners. Learn about her journey, the creation of Running Mate, and her advice for women looking to start their running journey. This episode has been marked as explicit. Please be aware that the topic of assault comes up during this conversation; while we don't discuss it in detail, some listeners may find it triggering. *** 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 Being based in Florida, USA  Being a runner for over 20 years Married to her best friend and having 2 older daughter  Looking for ways to deal with her stress and picking up running after college  Getting into cycling after running How her fitness journey has progressed over the years Running for health, fitness and wellbeing  Learning what works for her with regards to running Not being able to fit in run clubs  Running all distances from 5k to ultra marathons Running between 10 to 12 miles per day, 6 days per week Her favourite distance being a half marathon Wear and tear, trainers, recovery, fuelling…  Why 10/12 miles per day! Living with a certain level of pain at all times Being a consistent runner Not liking to run on a treadmill and preferring to run outside The morning routine Being a fasted runner and drinking coffee Leaving at 5am and being gone for approx 2 hours Planning her day around her run  Getting her blood checked on a regular basis Ending up in the ER with chest pains Seeing a heart doctor once a year to have a check up Running in the early morning and experiences fear Am I safe - what’s around me Being harassed while running on a regular basis and being assaulted twice Creating Running Mate —an on demand running app (think of Uber for runners)  How running mate works Having no experience in tech, finding a developer and starting to work on the project in April 2021 Launching in April 2024 in 3 very specific cities in the US Beta testing since January 2024 Running with other people Female runner safety summit  The running mates get paid  Bringing awareness to the violence against women Wanting to make it a safer world for her daughter Brining companies together which has a mission to improve women’s safety Wanting to expand the app world wide within a year Following and support running mate online Final words of advice for other women who want to get out there and get running Talk to someone and get help if you need support Only talking about the first assault recently Choosing not to report it  Having the perpetrator show up on her door step Stopping running Living in fear and how it impacted her day to day life with her family Moving away from the area and starting to feel safe again Sharing her story to let other women know that they are not alone Being in denial for a while Working through PTSD, the trauma, the event and start seeing the other side  Not becoming an advocate straight away Taking time to focus on herself and her family  Connecting with other women who had been through a similar thing Getting back to running again and feeling a sense of empowerment Getting angry when it happened a second time  Why we need advocacy and change   Social Media Website: www.getrunningmate.com   Instagram: @getrunningmate  Facebook: @getrunningmate   

Join Beth Rodden, one of the most best female rock climbers of all  time and a prominent figure in the outdoor community, as she delves into her remarkable journey on the Tough Girl Podcast.  Having started climbing at the age of 14, Beth quickly rose through the ranks, propelled by her passion and determination. From her awe-inspiring free climbs on El Capitan to her harrowing experience in Kyrgyzstan's Kara Su Valley, Beth shares the highs and lows of her climbing career with candid honesty.  Tune in as she discusses her book, "A Light through the Cracks: A Climber's Story," and offers invaluable insights and advice for aspiring climbers.  Discover the resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit that have defined Beth's climbing legacy and continue to inspire climbers 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 Beth Rodden Being a professional climber Starting climbing at 14 which was part of the first generation of kid climbers Getting into climbing after being taken with her dad to the climbing gym How her climbing career progressed  Having professional climbers to look up to Being inspired by female professional climbers  Making the transition from indoor climbing to outdoor climbing 1999 heading off on an all female climbing expedition in Madagascar to establish new climbing routes and why it was a pivot point in her life  Being inspired by climber - Lynn Hill Deciding to pursue professional climbing full time at 19  Being supported by her parents to follow her dreams  Free climbing the nose on El Cap in Yosemite National Park Training and planning for a climb Breaking it down into smaller sections The difference between free climbing and free solo Book: A Light through the Cracks: A Climber's Story. Wanting to share her climbing story Writing about the darker sides of climbing and the untold stories  2000 - climbing in Kyrgyzstan's Kara Su Valley. Being kidnapped and held hostage for 6 days by rebels Managing to escape  Getting through the dark times and the trauma  Experiencing this at 20 years old Processing the trauma and what support was available Self talk while climbing  How climbing has changed over the past 20 years Getting the balance right between climbing and having a family The struggle of a working parent How having children changed her views on risk and the type of climbs she wanted to do Future climbs and climbs that inspire her Having a love/hate relationship with social media How you can connect with Beth Advice for women who want to get into climbing Advice for women who want to take their climbing to the next level   Social Media Website: www.bethrodden.com  Instagram: @bethrodden  Facebook: @bethroddenclimb Book: A Light through the Cracks: A Climber's Story.   

Join us on this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast as we delve into the extraordinary life of Gina Atkinson, a former Royal Signals engineer with a remarkable story of service and resilience. Gina's military career took her to 30 Signal Regiment, where she visited  35 countries during her first five years of service. Following a deeply personal loss in 2019, Gina embarked on a mission to honour her brother's memory by running/cycling 100 miles a week for a year, raising £10,000 for a local cancer charity and establishing an Art Foundation in his name. Her dedication did not stop there; Gina continued to raise over £250,000 for veterans' charities through a series of inspiring challenges and initiatives, including ultra races and solo adventures across Scotland. In this episode, Gina shares her journey of coping with grief through fitness and adventure, her experiences in the military, and her passion for supporting veterans and cancer patients alike. From riding across Death Valley to planning her next challenge of running from London to France in 2024, Gina's story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of adventure to heal and inspire. Learn how Gina's adventures and fundraising efforts have made a significant impact, and gain insights into her motivations, challenges, and the importance of mental health advocacy in her journey.  Join us as we explore Gina Atkinson's inspiring story on the Tough Girl Podcast. *** 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 Gina Being based on the Wirral, UK Being a fundraiser for Veterans Charities  Combining her fundraising with crazy adventures  Growing up on the Wirral and why it’s an amazing location Her early years spending time hillwalking in Wales Joining the army cadets at 13 Deciding to join the army as an electronica engineer in the Royal Signals  Being posted to 30 Signal Regiment nicknamed the ‘globe trotters’  Visiting 35 countries in the first 5 years  Military memories from peace keeping missions Volunteering at the orphanage in Bosnia  Making the decision to leave the army Wanting to make a second career and experience something different  Starting fundraising for veterans charities almost straight away Riding across Death Valley in America  Getting involved in ultra races and going to see places at the same time The Wall Ultra Race across Hadrian’s Wall  Dealing with covid and losing her brother at age 52 to stage 4 bowl cancer Coming up with the idea of doing 100 miles a week for 52 weeks - 5,200 miles in memory of her brother.  Dealing with grief and needing a distraction Coping with stress and trauma by fitness and adventure in nature Not knowing the next steps Getting post adventures blues at the end of the challenge/adventure Backdoor adventures Raising funds for ssafa the Armed Forces charity   Meeting veterans and sharing stories and memories Being an advocate for mental health  Raising over £250K for veterans charities and winning multiple awards 300 mile solo adventure across Scotland (3 bucket list challenges in one) walking the West highland Way, paddling the Great Glen, and then walking back on the Great Glen Way to Fort William Getting injured and needing to return in 2024  Not taking a dip in lock ness The planning behind the challenge ideas Taking it from the idea to getting to the start line  Sticking to the plan  Using YouTube as a resource  Testing your kit and making sure your food is nutritious and tastes good Keeping positive while on adventures  Motivation and discipline why you need both Quote by D.H. Lawrence, “I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself.”  Going back to your WHY Motivation from the GI Jane movie and Legally Blonde Being inspired by the Queen  The next challenge in 2024 - running to France from London! Maintaining fitness levels while not on adventures  How to connect with Gina on social media  Final words of advice for other women who want to do more adventures  Starting on your own fitness journey  Why consistency is the key for training for endurance events Try and enjoy it and remember why you are doing it   Social Media Instagram: @goliveit.onelife Facebook: @GinaGinelli Military Memories is an anthology of poems from the force’s community.Profits go to Military Charities SSAFA & Sporting Force. Instagram @Militarymemories2021 Twitter @militarymemos Book: Military Memories: Military Memories is a anthology of poems written by the forces community. The poems illustrate the journey taken by those who join ... families’ lives and also the trauma we face.  

Join us on the Tough Girl Podcast as we dive into the inspiring journey of Josie Fouts, an athlete, mentor, advocate, and filmmaker who is leading the charge to make mountain biking a Paralympic sport. Based in San Diego, California, Josie's story is one of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of her passions. Born in Seoul, Korea, and adopted at six months old, Josie grew up in Ohio, USA, before finding her true calling in cycling upon moving to San Diego. Known as "Ms. Stubbornness," Josie embraced cycling not just as a sport but as a means of redefining her capabilities, riding one-handed without adaptations and challenging herself to excel. Josie's journey took a pivotal turn when she decided to leave her job in 2018 to pursue full-time training for the Tokyo Olympics. Despite not making it to Tokyo, Josie found solace and newfound passion in mountain biking, discovering freedom and exhilaration on the trails. In our conversation, Josie shares her insights on adaptive cycling, the challenges she faced in rethinking her approach, and her advocacy to include mountain biking in the Paralympics. She discusses her role as an upper limb mentoring coach, her nutrition strategies for endurance challenges, and mental tips to overcome obstacles. Don't miss Josie's story of resilience, her groundbreaking work with Tread Setters to promote inclusivity in cycling through filmmaking, and her empowering advice for women looking to make a difference in the world. *** 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 Josie? Asian, American, Adoptee and Amputee Based in San Diego, California  Trailblazing for or mountain biking to be a Paralympic sport!  Bio on Instagram - “Mad scientist on a mission to single-handedly save the world with cycling!” Why she’s known as Ms Stubbornness Reinventing herself during the pandemic Born in Seoul Korea, before being adopted at 6 months old and growing up in Ohio, USA Getting into cycling when moving to San Diego and using it to commute to work  Riding one handed and not using any adaptations  Changing her mindset  Deciding to quit her job in 2018 and training full time for the Tokyo Olympics  Looking into prosthetics and what would work with her and the bike Making the decision to quit her job Having an adapted mindset  Wanting to get in the best shape of her life  Feeling over worked and underpaid and taking a step back The 3 red flags with her work and knowing she needed to make a change Being an athlete full time and why it was awesome Getting multiple degrees in nutrition and putting her knowledge into action  Working towards and end goals  Funding and paying for a coach and training while not working  Not making it to the Tokyo Olympics and why she’s grateful  Having the pressure taken off and figuring out what she wanted to do Finding herself mountain biking and loving the freedom  Starting to rethink her stubborn mindset Limiting herself by not using a prosthetic  Spending time on mountain biking trails in nature  Why don’t the Paralympics offer mountain biking? Deciding to focus her time and energy on what she can control and change Being an upper limb mentoring coach Making it up as she goes The White Rim Trail Challenge  Filming the adventure - Tread Setters - A group of para-cyclists attempt to ride the White Rim Trail through the heart of Canyonlands in one day with the hope of creating awareness around people with disabilities and growing a more inclusive cycling community. Tread Setters Film  Nutrition and fuelling for challenges and why read food is so important  Eating locally sourced and regenerative products  Mental tips and tricks to push on through the hard times and why thinking about physics helps Why you create your outcome Thinking about what’s going to get her through the difficult section How to connect with Josie online Advice for women who want to change the world    Social Media Instagram: @ms.stubbornness Facebook: @ms.stubbornness Movie: Tread Setters

Jen Benson is a runner, writer, running coach and mum of two.  Along with her husband, Sim, she has co-authored 10 books including Smart Running, The Camping Bible, Wild Running and The Adventurer's Guide to Britain.  She has an MSc in sport & exercise medicine and is currently a PhD researcher exploring the phenomenology of running.  Jen has run more than 50 marathons and ultras, including the 100-mile Arc of Attrition in 2024.  Her new book on women in ultrarunning, The Path We Run, is out in September. *** 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 Jen  Intro to her life and work Publishing 3 books in 2024 Book: Smart Running: The ultimate guide to becoming a fitter, stronger, more confident runner  Book: The Camping Bible: The Complete Guide to Life Under Canvas  Book: Great British Walkies: 100 brilliant dog walks through beautiful countryside (National Trust)  First speaking to Jen - 23rd July 2019 - Adventuring with her partner and two young children, living in a tent for 18 months!  What’s been going on since 2019  The wild year - spending 18 months in a tent Having freedom from the monthly treadmill of paying rent and bills Writing their first book (Wild Running) and wanting to make writing a full time career Writing their second book - Amazing Family Adventures: Fun days out and action-packed weekends. Being back in a proper house since 2016 Son aged 10, daughter aged 13  Researching an alpine adventure book in the Alps Getting back into running and starting to train for a 100 miler Documenting her training for and attempting to finish her first 100 mile race Always being a runner and doing a MSc in Sports and Exercise Medicine specialising in distance running. How pregnancy impacted on her life and withdrawing from her PHD Deciding to go back and do a PHD at Liverpool John Moors University - wanting to look at the meaning of running for couch to 5k runners and ultra distance runners.  The battle with negative troughs and how a lack of confidence impacted on her running. Signing up to do a mindfulness course and how it changed her life for the better Deciding to train as a mindfulness teacher Identifying the triggers for what causes the negative spirals  The impact of tiredness and sleep deprivation  Running through the dark and running through the night  The dream of wanting to run 100 miles Book: The Path We Run: A personal history of women's ultrarunning  Learning about the history of women in ultra running TGP Episode Ann Trason (July 19th 2016) - American ultra runner who has broken 20 world records & won Western States a record breaking 14 times  Barriers for women in ultra running  Why running can be an expensive sport Working with her partner to fit in training  Being anaemic and how 50% of women/runners can have low ferritin levels Book: Smart Running: The ultimate guide to becoming a fitter, stronger, more confident runner  Why it was a dream book to write  Book: The Camping Bible: The Complete Guide to Life Under Canvas Top tips for camping Some of the challenges from the past 5 years Planning for work and family life Getting older How to connect with Jen online Final words of advice  “Just because something feels scary, that’s not a reason not to do it.”  Taking the plunge and doing the scary thing   Social Media Website: jenandsimbenson.co.uk Instagram: @jenandsim  Facebook: @jenandsimbenson X: @jenandsim 

Jo Moseley, a 59-year-old single mum of two grown-up sons, resides on the edge of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales. In 2019, she achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman to paddle-board 162 miles coast to coast from Liverpool to Goole, all while actively contributing to litter cleanup efforts and fundraising for causes close to her heart. Her remarkable journey inspired the creation of the film "Brave Enough - A Journey Home to Joy," masterfully crafted by award-winning filmmaker Frit Tam. This captivating documentary has garnered acclaim at prestigious adventure film festivals and consistently sells out online screenings. In 2022, Jo's debut book, 'Stand Up Paddle-boarding in Great Britain,' captivated readers with its stunning portrayal of scenic paddle-boarding spots across England, Scotland, and Wales, quickly ascending to bestseller status.  Following this success, her second book, focusing on paddle-boarding in the Lake District, was published in May of this year. To further promote her latest literary endeavour, Jo eagerly anticipates embarking on summer adventures, including hiking, paddle-boarding, and indulging in the serene beauty of the Lakes #LakeDistrictBookRound initiative. Beyond her literary and paddle-boarding pursuits, Jo shares her passion for stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP) as the host of The Joy of SUP Podcast. Additionally, she embraces new challenges, such as learning to skateboard, and is poised to relaunch her newsletter, Fresh Starts & Sunrises, in the near future *** 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 Jo  Being a single mum of two grown-up sons Based in Yorkshire  Releasing her 2nd book on paddle boarding The first time we spoke to Jo on the Tough Girl Podcast - May 19th  Finishing 2019 on a high Reflecting back to 2020 and what Jo’s been up to  Officially being menopausal  Sumer 2020 starting to think about writing a book about paddle boarding and the reason why Sept/Oct 2020 - pitching her first book about paddle boarding Would she want to write a travel paddleboading book? Deciding to grab the opportunity and saying yes to writing a travel guide Deciding to start a podcast - The Joy of SUP Podcast Connecting with fellow paddle boarders May 2021 and starting the research to write the book  Visiting over 30 places around the UK Being on a massive learning curve Putting the book together with Vertebrae Publishing  Favourite places to visit in the UK to go paddle boarding Sharing the joy of aging well Turning 60 at the end of December  Mentally preparing to turn 60 and wanting to embrace it Doing a headstand a day until turning 60 Wanting it to be a positive new chapter New Book:  'Stand-Up Paddleboarding in the Lake District: Beautiful Places to Paddleboard in Cumbria How paddle boarding transforming changed her life Why you can only paddle board on only 10 lakes in the Lake District Sewage in the water and what to do  How to be environmentally conscious and what to look out for Check - Clean - Dry How to go to the toilet, when there aren’t toilets around Cold water and peeing Poo…. Pooing… If you show people a beautiful place, they will love it and look after it Knowing the wind speed that is safe for you to paddle in Being made an Ordansury Survey Champion  Fitting fitness and exercise into her life Keeping the kettle bell in the kitchen Snacking on exercise Taking up skateboarding When was the last time you did something new for the first time How to connect with Jo online The next adventure/challenge  Walking from lake to lake and bookshop to bookshop in the Lake District Campsites with Camp Wild Final words of advice for other women “Start exactly as you are, start today and start small” Build a community online  Do it for you and do what’s important to you   Social Media Website: www.jomoseley.com Instagram: @jomoseley Facebook: @joanna.moseley.77