Tough Girl Podcast

Felicity's Polar career began in the year 2000, when she travelled to Antarctica for the first time with the British Antarctic Survey as a Meteorologist. Aged just 23 she spent a continuous period of two and a half years (including two consecutive winters) at Rothera Research Station on the Antarctic Peninsula to monitor climate and ozone. Felicity went on to organise and lead numerous expeditions to remote places around the world, but particularly to the Polar Regions. Her expeditions have included the first British Women’s crossing of Greenland, a 6000km drive to the South Pole, a 36,000km drive to the Pole of Cold, and leading the largest and most international team of women ever to ski to the South Pole. Felicity continues to explore, specialising in new and exciting ways to communicate the expedition experience to the wider world. Her Kaspersky Lab Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition was the first to ‘Tweet to the Pole’ and material from her Pole of Cold expedition has been developed into a travelling art exhibition. She has written three books Call of the White: Taking the World to the South Pole (2011), Alone in Antarctica (2013), Chasing Winter: A Journey to the Pole of Cold (2014). Most recently she was behind, The Women's Euro-Arabian North Pole Expedition 2018. Which was an international team of women from across Europe and the Middle East who set out to ski the last degree to the North Pole in April 2018. The expedition faced many physical challenges – with temperatures down to -40°C, polar bears and shifting pack ice - but the core purpose of the expedition was to foster greater dialogue and understanding between women from Western and Arabian cultures. In addition, the expedition worked to inspire all women to reach beyond the expectation of others to fullfil their own ultimate life ambitions. Show notes First speaking back in November 2015! Putting together expeditions to visit very cold places Why the Arctic? Spending the summer on a Russian Icebreaker going back and forth to the North Pole Wanting to put together another expedition with a new set of challenges The new challenges in the Arctic! Her role on the icebreaker  The Women's Euro-Arabian North Pole Expedition 2018 Turning her idea into a reality Taking the first step in finding a team Putting it out on her website and getting over 1,000 responses! Meeting the team for the first time at a training expedition in September 2016 Teamwork and why it is so important for expeditions in the Arctic Trying to understand their motivation and why they wanted to do this challenge September 2016 and the first time the team comes together. Handing the cold and the extreme temperatures Dealing with a cold injury and having frostbite The expedition and what was involved Having to be prepared for Polar Bears while out on the ice and dealing with the cold! The journey to the pole - sponsorship, fitness and the costs involved. Training in the desert and why there was benefits especially in regards to navigation and team bonding The costs of the expedition & getting sponsorship  The challenges of having a large team of 12 Physical training…. and getting fit for the challenge Mental fitness - and not wanting to be over confident or complacent Leadership style and how Felicity leads and why she was not the guide  What Felicity learned from the expedition  Plans for the future Documentary and books! Advice for women who do want to step outside their comfort zone Why there is never a good time to do what you want to do The book she has been meaning to write for 10 years!! Social Media Website - http://www.felicityaston.co.uk  Twitter - @felicity_aston  _____________________________________________________ You can listen to the Tough Girl Podcast on the go via iTunes, Soundcloud & Stitcher! Feeling inspired week after week?  You can do 3 easy things to help me continue to grow the podcast! Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes, so you won’t miss a single episode If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a 5-star review on iTunes! I read every single comment! Share the podcast with your friends, especially if you think it could help them, and spread the #ToughGirlPodcast love.  Your support helps me continue to grow the podcast and do inspiring things in this space! Already done all 3? You’re a rockstar! Thank you! Want to do more? Please become a Patron and donate a small fixed amount every month to help fund the runnings costs.  https://www.patreon.com/ToughGirlPodcast?ty=h _____________________________________________________

During this podcast we do discuss content, that some listeners could find disturbing, although nothing explicit happens or is discussed, it is more around the fears that women have going on solo adventures, and the threats that they may come across, Olivia talks very personally about her fears and how they developed, and how she took steps to overcome them.  It is discussed in a very sensitive manor, but I just want to make you aware before you listen further that any women who has faced these threats, or been a survivor may not wish to listen to this episode. ************************************************** Olivia Round is a storyteller, artist, and cyclist currently living in Seattle, Washington, USA. Originally raised in the small town of Ketchikan, Alaska, Olivia enjoyed many grand adventures... and never stopped. In 2011, at the age of twenty two, she embarked on a 5,000 mile solo bicycle journey across the United States, in an effort to face her deep-seated phobia of men. Olivia is now writing a memoir of that transformative cross-country adventure. Learn more about her story, and the stories of other cycling women, at www.oliviaround.org. “Overcoming FEAR through ADVENTURE” Show notes Where Olivia is based Being a writer and a biker (bicycle!) Growing up in Alaska with only 40 miles of road, on a small island with only 12,000 people Christmas presents….. of flights & family holidays! Not talking about biking! Being inspired by her mum and wanting to be a wild eccentric! Thinking she would be the first woman to cross the USA on a bike If you can’t see it - how can you become it? Her secret - being afraid of men Where her fears came from and trying to understand them Feeling doomed and horrified about the world I was Olivia the little girl who was afraid of men Not wanting to let go of her phobia of men  Why it was more scary not to face this Tackling the phobia with a 5,000 mile bike ride! Wanting to figure it out for herself and why solo travel was the decision she made Heading to Chile for 3 months to volunteer on organic farms Where the idea came from for her big cycle ride The next step she took to make her dream a reality Research via the internet, the library and speaking to anyone who had a bike! Why she never thought that she’d be able to make it Why she decided to try Dealing with other fears before the start line Practising meditation and thinking about worst case scenarios and how to deal with them The logistics behind the journey Making use of warmshowers.org The start of the adventure! Having a spot tracker and why she was so glad she had it Routines while on the road The magic moments from her trip Wanting to quit many times! Getting to the end of the trip Missing out the last 15 miles! Taking the time to reflect back on her journey! Being inspired by Cheryl Strayed  Her book and looking for an agent!  New story on the Out There Podcast!    Social Media Website: www.oliviaround.org  Facebook:  @oliviaroundbikes  Instagram: @roundolivia   Twitter: @0liviaR0und  

Leanne was a City exec until March 2012, when she resigned after suffering from burnout and alcoholism. She spent a few weeks in rehab before coming out and redesigning her entire lifestyle at age 37. Leanne trained to be a personal trainer, and worked as a sole trader for a while before setting up her company Bodyshot Performance.  During that time, she build up a team and stepped away from personal training herself. She’s written two bestselling books, done a TEDx Talk, won a business award, contributed to Thrive Global and is paid to speak. Leanne, has run the London Marathon 4x, Completed the Scotland Coast to Coast Races 3x. Which involves – 105 miles across Scotland over two days via bike, foot and kayak. She’s also done, Man v Mountain – which is a 22 mile run up Snowdon and down via obstacle course. Leanne is currently training on roller-skis for the Arctic Circle Race for 2019 which is– a 160km cross-country ski race where participants are entirely self-sufficient (3 day event). Show notes Where Leanne is based, & her gorgeous dog! Who Leanne is ? Growing up and what life was like when she was younger Working in the city and balancing health and fitness Drinking, and having a party lifestyle in her 20s Deciding to leave the city and changing her life Giving up alcohol and deciding to do what she was passionate about - business and health Becoming a personal trainer and starting her company BodyShot Going to rehab for 6 weeks Not having a plan when she resigned from her job What she changed when she came out of rehab Doing her own personal challenges while being a PT Training for the London Marathon Her second marathon and the challenges she faced! Running in fancy dress, during the hottest ever London Marathon! Advice for other runners who want to do a marathon! Why having a coach is a good idea! Fundraising and fundraising fatigue Doing the Arctic Circle Race in 2019! Why she wanted to do this challenge!! Training via roller-skiing!! Planning as a pair for the Arctic Challenge Looking at funding and sponsorship The mental side of the preparation Fear… and why you have to be mindful of it - her tips and tricks for managing it Meditation and why having a daily session works for her Books  - Rise and shine & Remove the Guess Work Remove the Guess Work Podcast - what it is and who it is aimed for Being strong of mind, body and spirit Social Media Website - www.bodyshotperformance.com  Facebook - @BodyshotPT  Twitter @bodyshotpt  Instagram @bodyshotperformance  *********************************************** You can listen to the Tough Girl Podcast on the go via iTunes, Soundcloud & Stitcher! If you have questions about me, the podcast, what I’m doing… then please check out my website If you want to do more to help increase the amount of female role models in the media, please, subscribe to the podcast in iTunes, so you won’t miss a single episode. If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a 5-star review and share the podcast with your friends, to spread the #ToughGirlPodcast love.  ***************************************************** If you have questions regarding the Marathon des Sables - Please read  - Tough Girl Sahara Challenge  If you have questions regarding climbing Kilimanjaro - Please read - Kilimanjaro Tips for The Top ***************************************************** Want to do more? Become a Patron and donate every month to help fund my mission If you want to support the mission - you can also donate via PayPal  ***************************************************  

Mirna’s transformation into a long-distance runner happened slowly. It started with doing a mile at a time and then eventually she worked her way up to a 5-kilometer race. Then that led to a 5K, then a 10K, which led to a half marathon, which led to her first marathon in 2011. Mirna started her blog in 2011, Fat Girl Running while training for this marathon as a way to share stories with her friends and family. The blog is about being an active larger girl in a thinner world via the individual yet universal sport of running. Mirna, uses the blog to write about her training routines, race experiences and obstacles that she faces as "an active larger girl in a thinner world.” Her personal accounts have helped her become a source of inspiration for other female athletes. "People took comfort in the fact that I was experiencing the same things that they were but I was still out there running. It didn't stop me.” As her story grew, so did her running goals. Marathons turned into ultra-marathons. The longest race she has run so far is 100K; that's 62 miles. And she's not looking to slow down anytime soon. Mirna, continues to challenge stereotypes and inspires others to do the same. Mirna’s ultimate running goal, is the Trans Rockies Race, which is a multi-stage, 6-day, 120-mile run through the Rocky Mountains! **************************************************** "I think most people who are my size and in athletic pursuit, we exude something different. There is a joy in what we do and we love to spread that joy to other people. Especially if it motivates them and inspires them to be athletes." ************************************************* Show notes Being based in the North Georgia Mountains Preparing to move house back to New Jersey Growing up in NYC Being known as - Fat Girl Running & the Mirnavator Blogging about being a larger women who runs Representing plus sized women in athletics Being sporty as a child Why she started running in high school Why she loves running Making transitions from high school to college and from college to work Having her son and how it changed her life Being discouraged from sports by the adults in her life Going after her first marathon Starting the blog and wanting to share her adventures with her friends and family Not wanting to focus on weightless Training for the marathon while blogging Dealing with a fractured ankle Getting hooked on running and wanting to do more marathons Dealing with the physical pain while running Dealing with criticism about her size Deciding to go after her first ultra marathon in 2012 What her training looks like Working with a coach Being invited to run at the Boston Marathon Speed work! Her mantra - “small steps - big distance” The Boston Marathon - Taking it in 2 mile chunks  Fuelling her long runs and working on her nutrition  Dealing with chaffing How her running has impacted on her friends and family Spending time in Portugal doing a trail race Dealing with a DNF Dealign with the pressure of being a public figure while out running Wanting to run a stage race in Colorado! The Trans Rockies Race  Saying yes to new opportunities What’s she’s learnt from running these races and distances Advice for other women Why you should buy her book -  A Beautiful Work in Progress *********************************************** Social Media Blog - Fat Girl Running Instagram @TheMirnavator  Facebook - Personal Page  @MirnaValerio Facebook - Athlete Page -  Mirna Valerio - The Mirnavator  **************************************************** Feeling inspired week after week?  You can do 3 easy things to help me continue to grow the podcast! Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes, so you won’t miss a single episode If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a 5-star review on iTunes! I read every single comment! Share the podcast with your friends, especially if you think it could help them, and spread the #ToughGirlPodcast love.  Your support helps me continue to grow the podcast and do inspiring things in this space! Already done all 3? You’re a rockstar! Thank you! Want to do more? Please become a Patron and donate a small fixed amount every month to help fund the runnings costs.  ****************************************************    

Moire is a a bit of an extreme sports junkie. She’s been involved in the mountain running scene in Ireland for over a decade. In 2013, she got into a relatively new sport: multi-sport adventure racing, where individual races can involve disciplines such as biking, running, and kayaking, on both smooth road and rocky mountain surfaces. Moire has adventure raced the Quest Glendalough, Gaelforce West and Westport Sea2Summit. Moire ended up winning the Irish National Adventure Racing Series in 2014, 2016 and 2017. At the same time, her husband and her were starting a family, with her first son Aran being born in 2013 and her second son Cahal being born in 2015.  Moire has written two books, the first in 2011,  Mud Sweat and Tears and her second, Bump, Bike and Baby in 2018, where she shares more of her journey with having a family while juggling training and racing across the country! Show Notes Living in Northern Ireland Growing up in Derry  Being a juggler and balancing many different roles Being a mother, a runner, an adventure racer and author What she was liking growing up Living in Kenya for her 20s before moving back to Ireland in her 30s Getting into mountains running for the first time (both hating it and loving it at the same time) Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA) What she loves about mountain running and why she likes who she is while running Managing the fear of running down hill at speed The Wicklow Round - the history of the challenge and the planning involved for it 2008 giving it ago and learning huge amounts.. What if I…. Mentally getting over setbacks and making the transition to wanting to give it another go Why she doesn’t overthink challenges and focuses on breaking them down Training schedule and working with a coach Pregnancy, babies and the impact on her life and training Judgement about doing exercise (running, mountain biking weight lifting), while being pregnant  What it was like after having her first child… Susie Mitchell -Book “Pregnancy to Podium” and 4 months later winning a world masters track cycling title! Training for her next adventure race and breast feeding! Losing bladder control while racing and what you can do about it Having a 2 year old and a 4 year old Her love of bike rollers! The next challenge - Quest Wales (Adventure race!) The Dennis Rankin Round - the challenge, 24 hrs, 40 peaks and starting at 3 am Lets talk about pooing and getting your period while out running Books - Mud Sweat and Tears, Bump Bike & Baby    Social Media Twitter: @moireosullivan Blog: https://moireosullivan.com/  Books! Mud, Sweat and Tears Bump, Bike and Baby: 

Helen joined a running club four years ago mainly because she needed a new social scene that didn’t involve drinking! She threw herself in to the club scene, going to cross countries at weekends and it was a revelation. For a city girl like Helen, hanging out in a cold, muddy field on a Saturday and buying thermals and waterproofs was a complete change of life! At her first race she didn’t even own a backpack so carried kit in a designer tote bag! But each time she survived a day in the cold, it made her want to test more boundaries.  Helen, started road cycling, open water swimming and then triathlons. For two years she filled almost every weekend with a new endurance challenge - She did a 112 mile cycle through the Peak District, a 5km ocean swim between two islands in Greece, and spend two days of fell running in Isle of Wight. Two years later, she qualified for the age-group World Champs triathlon and got to go to Chicago and compete in GB kit. In her book she talks about how outdoor sport changed her life and outlook. Not only has it made her physically stronger but it also made her mentally tough, calmer and more patient. She stopped being a slave to glamour and feminine ideals, and made her appreciate what a beautiful country we live in and introduced her to a whole new wholesome social scene.  Her goals is to inspires more women to get into sport and she’s passionate about getting women to discover their adventurous side. Show notes Author, Journalist and producer working freelance This Girl Ran: Tales of a Party Girl Turned Triathlete is a memoir about ditching a glamorous city girl lifestyle,  toughening through outdoor sport, and two years later qualifying to be a GB age-group triathlete. Never seeing herself as sport but loving the outdoors Losing her love for the outdoors and becoming an indoors person Wanting to be fit and using the gym and being very image conscious. Fitness is not a chore and the realisation of what the body and mind can do Joining a local running club and discovering how much she loved it Why she wanted to make this change at 36 Making new friends and ditching drinking Deciding to run 10 miles on her first run with the running club Feeling a sense of achievement and getting hooked Buying a bike and cycling to running club    How it changed her life    Her first race and how it led to future challenges Signing up for a half marathon and going on a triathlon training holiday! The imposter syndrome and dealing with fears Being torn between the old person and the new person Her first triathlon race and why it stands out in her memory When Helen has learnt most from doing triathlons that she has applied to other parts of her life Qualifying for the age group world championships after 2 years of starting triathlon! (June 2015) Deciding on whether or not to get a coach What training looked like and being near breaking point Racing in Chicago! Being in GB Kit and getting to meet other athletes Feeling lonely at the race and feeling low at the end  Why she changed her attitude after the race and relaxed her regime  Cycling to Paris and planning to cycle the South Down’s Way Tips and advice for other women and why you have to know your reason why Why you just have to go - no thinking - just get up and go!   Social Media Website  - www.helencroydon.com   Twitter - @helen_croydon  

In the spring of 2010, Susan decided to take on the Inside Passage which is an extraordinary coastal route, with some of the most spectacular fjords and convoluted coastlines in the world. It’s a narrow artery that connects with and is part of the sixty-four million square miles that comprise the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most scenic and most challenging paddling trip in North America, it’s been touted as a holy grail for paddlers. Her journey, was a 1200 mile, mostly solo paddle adventure down the western coast of North America from Anacortes, Washington to Juneau, Alaska. During the 66 day she was out there, she experienced the astounding power and beauty of nature. She paddled in drenching rains, fierce winds, and violent seas. Susan had scaled her world down to an 18-foot sea kayak and started to run toward her dreams. Her dream wasn’t only to paddle the Inside Passage. It was also to challenge herself and see how she would handle adversity and discover how that adversity would make her a better version of herself. It was about experiencing that heady sense of freedom that comes from being alone in the wilderness and making her own decisions, relying on her abilities, her strength and courage … Listen to the tough girl podcast, it’s pretty powerful stuff! Show notes Where Susan is based Who Susan is? Growing up on a farm in Upstate New York Getting into paddling and the outdoors Her passion for white water kayaking Starting her own paddle sports company What it was like becoming a guide and why she was terrified at the start Being taken by the solo experience The Inside Passage Her inspiration and the power of having someone believe in you Losing her father and going through a painful time Starting to make poor choices in her life Looking for a new goal and wanting to press that reset button Being prepared both physically, mentally, logistically and also on an emotional level Being a firm believer in positive visualisation 66 Days on the water Talking about fear and her fears before the journey started The first day of the challenge, what it was like When reality set in and the ‘challenge’ started Learning patience from the sea The magical moments verses the miserable moments Hitting the reset button and being able to centre herself The ultimate magical moment which sticks in her memory Having 15 miles left to go The inner and outer journey Reflecting back on the journey and what she’s learned on the way Why the sea can be such a good teacher Writing her book and reliving the memories Itching to do a new challenge - and setting a new goal! Get the book! Final word of advice and why you need to get clear on what you want to accomplish!   Social Media Website - www.susanmarieconrad.com   Twitter - @SusanMConrad  Instagram - @susanmarieconrad  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/susanmarieconrad/   

Hannah Engelkamp is a travel writer and ex-outdoor-magazine editor who bought a donkey, ‘the eccentric and handsome Chico’,  29 maps, and set off to walk the 1000-mile circumference of Wales. The journey took nearly six months, twice as long as her original estimate! During this podcast we talk more about her life, being involved in adventure,  why she loves small adventures in the UK. Where she got the idea from and why she decided to take on this challenge. For those who have recently had children Hannah also shared more about how her life has changed since and what the impact has been with regards to adventure and fitness. Show notes Growing up in Wales Being a magazine editor  and working in the adventure industry How adventure has played a role in her life and what has inspired her Where the idea first came from  Why she decided to tell people about her idea! The problems with stiles and kissing gates! Deciding to take a Donkey with her! Chico the donkey and why he was a special kind of donkey! Planning the trip Working as a freelancer in London Why it was easier to take off 3 months than 3 weeks Dealing with the extra logistics of travelling with a donkey! Her fears and worries before the trip started - and why they were mostly donkey related! The complex relationship with Chico  The life lessons she learned The challenges of route planning Knowing that she would next want to quit Making friends with Chico… Dealing with the hills and the magical moments  Being ready to finish the walk in November Adding another donkey into the mix for the final 40 miles! Why going on this adventure helped her with her first child What happened to Chico after the walk! The next challenge - walking to the town of Cardigan in Wales How has life changed after having a child The toughness of being a parent… Learn more about the book and the film! Final words of advice for new mothers who want to incorporate adventure into your life ***************************************************** Social Media Personal website - http://seasidedonkey.co.uk  Twitter - @hannahengelkamp   Facebook - @SeasideDonkey  ***************************************************** BONUS TRACK! With Lauren from Discover Outdoors! Why she loves the outdoors Climbing Kilimanjaro Discover Outdoors and why getting back to nature is so important Having a common friend - Adelaide Goodeve from the Wild Show Women in the Outdoors Week - how it started and why Empowerment, Education and Activation How it works Why you should come along! Get your tickets for Women in the Outdoors Week HERE! NYC - 11th June - 17th June *****************************************************

Sacha is an Australian-born conservationist, adventurer and motivational speaker. She works for the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) in the UK. Over the past 20 years, Berwick swan numbers have nearly halved with just 20,000 remaining in the wild but experts are unsure what is causing the population crash. Sacha had an idea to investigate the problem, which she though was crazy at first. However, after 18 months of planning in the winter of 2016, Sacha decided to followed their entire 7,000 km migration route from Arctic Russia to the UK. She did this by flying with the birds on a paramotor. Essentially hanging from a paraglider with a propellor on her back!  During this podcast, we learn more about her early life, growing up in Australia, before moving over to the UK. Sacha also shares more about her life as a champion free-diver! She provides advices and top tips that you’ll be able to apply to your next challenge or adventure!  Show notes Who is Sacha Dench? Growing upon Sydney and spending a lot of time outdoors Moving to the bush with her mum, having a very basic upbringing  Getting comfortable being out in remote places How she got to school! Moving to the UK Never really being into sports Working out that she was very good at holding her breath! Free diving and how it came about.. Free diving in the UK?  Understanding more about Free Diving - what it is and what it’s like being under the water Learning to understand how your body behaves while doing ‘breath holds’ Learning how to stay calm and to keep adrenaline under control The transferable skills of free diving - such as mind control and keeping calm The Flight of the Swans...  The reason - Declining swan numbers making the migration from arctic Russia to northern Europe. From 29,000 in 1995 to just 18,000 in 2010. How the idea started to form….and why she sat of the idea for a couple of months. Having 18 months to plan and prepare and why she really needed another year to plan and prepare The challenges she had to face and overcome Dealing with the negativity and criticism for her idea The power of connections and why one person can make a difference Doing her research in Russia and developing local partners! The start, heading up to the Arctic! The call of the swans and being accepted as a lead bird What is it like flying in a Paramotor?  What was learned about the decline of the swans and the exciting discoveries made along the way The kindness of strangers and the impact Sacha was having by meeting individuals on the journey Being the first women to fly over the English Channel! The next challenge (Spring 2019)- planning to fly around the UK and maybe Ireland! A book and film is on the way!   Social Media Website - http://www.sachadench.com  Instagram - @sacha_dench  Twitter - @sachadench    *************************************************** The Tough Girl Podcast has also been nominated for the Women’s Sport Trust #BeAGameChanger Award - which is fantastic news and really shows what an impact the podcast is having. However, I’m up against some massive organisations - Manchester City, Channel 4 and Sky Sports!!! I would be very grateful if you could take a moment, to vote (every vote really does make a difference!) http://www.womenssporttrust.com/bagc2018/ *** Stacey Copeland is also up for individual role model of the year.*** Voting ends on the 13th May and the awards night is the 24th May. **************************************************  

Kiko a former teacher, now turned SUPer and adventurer, at 36, rowed 3,000 nautical miles from Gran Canaria to Barbados in 49 days! Gaining a new Guinness World Record in the process! Solo and unsupported, she was rowing for up to 16 hours a day, sleeping in two-hour shifts. What makes this story even more incredible is that in 2009, Kiko, was diagnosed with Cushing's disease, a rare condition that made even walking up the stairs impossible. The tumour on her pituitary gland also caused severe memory loss, psychosis, diabetes, osteoporosis, insomnia and muscle wastage. In order to give back Kiko stated fundraising for Kings College Hospital Charity, who helped save her life. Whilst in the middle of her training to row the Atlantic, she was diagnosed with a second tumour which was successfully removed in August 2017. In March 2018, she smashed the previous record or 56 days and in the process motivated and inspired others to challenge themselves to do the unthinkable.  During this podcast we learn more about Kiko; her life, the decisions she’s made and the challenges she’s overcome, what she has learnt on the way and why she wants to continue to inspire and motivate others. She also give a few hints about her next challenge! Show notes Thinking about her recent achievement! Wanting to move on and focus on the next thing When the dream for rowing the Atlantic came about Growing up as one of 4 children Adventures growing up, travelling and taking gap years Driving to Cape Town from the UK in a team of 4 over 6 months What she learnt on this adventure… Learning to speak honestly to people and to be honest to herself Being diagnosed with Cushing Disease in 2009 Why you have to let go of the things you can’t control and focus on what you can control The recovery process…over 18 months Going off her medication and the negative impact… Trying to find her passion Learning to stand up paddle board on the Nile Wanting to do paddle board life coaching in the future Telling her friends and family about her Atlantic Rowing Challenge! Not having the support from her family  Doing the planning at the start Deciding to do women only funding Having to deal with her tumour coming back Why it was a relief to start rowing the Atlantic Being closest to a person in space rather than on earth! Never feeling lonely or alone What a typical day was like on the water - her routine and day to day habits How she entertained herself while on the boat & getting obsessed with the data The last day and the finish Knowing her life was going to change after getting the world record What she’s learnt from this experience The next big challenge! Final words of wisdom… Where her name - Kiko came from Social Media Personal Website - http://www.kikomatthews.co.uk  Twitter - @Kikomatthews  Instagram @kikomatthews  Donate here  to help raise funds for Kings College Hospital Charity -  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kikomatthews   ************************************************ I'm excited to be up for an award at this year’s @womensporttrust #BeAGameChanger Awards! Please vote for me here - http://www.womenssporttrust.com/bagc2018/ *************************************************