Tough Girl Podcast

Zoe Langley-Wathen - Walking Adventures include the South West Coastal Path, Wales Coast Path & Offa’s Dyke. Show notes Where her love of walking came from? Growing up without a car Going on night hikes Getting married young and having her daughter at 24 Wanting to do something bigger Letting her dreams stay dormant Fears? Are you sure you can do that? Don’t put yourself in a position where you will be disappointed The South West Coastal Path! Deciding to follow her dream How to celebrate her 40th birthday in 2011 Accountability Planning - and giving herself 7 months to sort it all out Did women walk the path on their own? Is it done? Dealing with short sharp shockers Her first lesson Egg holder, frying pans!!! Being on her own Wild camping V staying with friends Where was suitable to wild camp? Meeting people on the way The grief of leaving the trail Why did I waste so much time! Looking for the next challenge and how her life changed after the challenge Supporting Arry Berresford-Webb (Now Cain) Walking with other people The ultimate walk The Great Trail in Canada The Ridge way Walking around Dorset Advice and tips for getting out walking and why you can walk yourself fit   Twitter @WathWalk - https://twitter.com/wathwalk  Facebook @WathWalk - https://www.facebook.com/WathWalk/    

Anoushé is a champion for all those experiencing barriers and self-limiting beliefs. Born missing her right arm below the elbow, living with multiple health conditions, a cancer survivor, a Muslim and coming from an ethnic minority, Anoushé has never let what society or culture thinks she should do limit her or dictate the direction of her life. She is constantly breaking the mould and challenging not only her own beliefs about her own potential but also that of society and her own culture. She has become a role model to anyone facing a self-limiting belief or barrier and is sharing her journey to help others unlock their potential. Anoushé candidly talks about her life, how she has remained resilient in the face of huge obstacles and talks about issues that we as a society do not talk about enough. In particular, Anoushé highlights the plight of those stigmatised by society in order to change the misconceptions around these groups. She is heavily driven by teaching others learn to shed their self-limiting beliefs and help empower them to reach their potential. A policy advisor by day, Anoushé is currently ranked 2nd in the UK as a paraclimber in just a year of training. She is also an Ambassador for LimbPower, the leading charity for amputees and those with limb differences. Anoushé is the 2017 Asian Women of Achievement Award winner for Sport. ***************************************************** “Energetic, charismatic and overflowing with enthusiasm and a force for good. Anoushé Husain has overcome immense challenges of her own and yet she’s determined to have a positive impact on others.” Judges of the Asian Women of Achievement Awards ****************************************************** Show notes Who is Anoushé? - Living a diverse life! Being born in Luxembourg, speaking multiple languages and growing up sporty Dealing with heath issues, from being born with one arm, to have cancer and suffering from a genetic disorder Getting in contact with - Reach a UK based charity The concept of being different? Sports at a young age and their impact on self confidence Dealing with discrimination and being treated fairly  Getting diagnosed with cancer at 22 Entering a surgical cycle and the impact on her life Living in a cycle of fear and being afraid of what was going to happen next? How much worst is it going to get? The impact on her career and her Masters course Crossing the line and becoming a cancer patient Scanxiety Making the move to London  Where does her resilience come from? “If you fall - you get back up” Climbing & wanting to get to the top of the route Needing to find a way to get her arm better Let’s go try! Learning about the British Mountaineering Council - Para-climbing Series Being ranked 2nd in her category When there is pain there must be something you can learn from it Being able to forget the world and all her problems Getting over self-limiting beliefs Not wanting to rest Taking time off from climbing Blogging for - This Girl Can campaign Final words of advice     Visit her website to learn more! https://anoushehusain.com  

Adelaide suffered with moderately severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis - CFS/ME) for 3 years, along with other chronic conditions. Her life was transformed in 3 days with with the powerful combination of Neuro Linguistic Programming, life coaching and hypnosis. During this podcast we learn more about Adelaide and the personal journey she has been on to rebuild her life, and get back to full health and fitness. Adelaide has gone on to build her own adventure brand, and has started the podcast - The Lilly Wild Show where she interviews other adventurers, and game changers! This year she went on to complete her first Ironman - a gruelling test of endurance that pushed her both mentally and physically! Show notes Being ill for 4 years from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome  Being in a loop of tiredness Starting from zero Being an only child Sports at school Coming out into endurance sports… Where did the love of adventure come from Getting into the Arctic Explorers Connect The drive to recover Taking a gap year and spending time travelling in South America, India The mental toll of being ill Turning to alternative methods to get better What is the lightening process? Live a life you love! The power you have over yourself and the power of Du Becoming well again and how the people around her reacted Where the idea for an Ironman came from Getting her coach onboard The physical training Using the App - Training Peaks What she struggled with… Why nutrition is so important when training The mental preparation involved Her favourite thing about the brain Running with Rich Roll! Being super chilled at the start of the race! Doing affirmations Her first Ironman! Being able to draft during the swim Dark moments! Having her brain drained of energy Rocket Fuel!!! Waiting for it to sink in Will she do it again? Crazy Extreme Triathlons in 3 years time! The Lilly Wild Podcast - what you can expect Advice to getting back on your feet Starting with Google!

At the start of 2017 after feedback from the Tough Girl Tribe. I started 7 Women - 7 Challenges.   Throughout the year I will be interviewing 7 women as we follow them on their journey of going after their own personal challenges.   We will learn what really has to happen for people to achieve their goals, we will hear about their frustrations, disappointments, set backs, as well as their successes and achievements.   It is real stories, from real women, living real lives.   This is part 5   You can listen to Part 1 - Now! 1st January 2017     ​       You can listen to Part 2 - Now! 12th February 2017     ​     Listen to Part 3 Now! 2nd April 2017   ​       Listen to Part 4 Now! 28th May 2017   ​ SHOW NOTES Rachel Wise   From the slowtravelfamily.com Being in St Lucia in the Caribbean  Leaving Switzerland on the 2nd August The run up to getting on the road Dealing with bad news and being in limbo Saying goodbye to everyone Deciding what to do and figuring out what was best for everyone Heading to America for a road trip! Wild camping Why things started to change once they got to Utah Catching up with friends and homeschooling the girls How the girls are adjusting to life on the road How Rachel is finding it all… Being together all of the time Holiday or lifestyle? Money! Spending time with the family The main learning so far The plans for the next few months What a typical day is like Meeting people  Shout out to the blog! The website - slowtravelfamily.com   You can read about Rachel’s family’s adventures at slowtravelfamily.com!   Rae Read   Due date in 2 weeks!  Being pregnant over the summer! Exercising while pregnant? Loving walking! Getting a puppy! 7 minute HIIT training  Mental health? Disconnecting emotionally with the pregnancy Pregnancy depression  This is how I feel  Speaking to Matt about it all Making new friends Dealing with loneliness Are you sure that’s of for the baby? The pressure What she has learnt over the past few months? The plan over the coming weeks Blogging about her experience @ www.howdoesshedoitsite.wordpress.com   Laura Try     What a difference a couple of months can make Needing to raise the final £2,000  Making a video and sharing it on Facebook 16 hours to go!! Leaving the marina What’s going through her mind? Relax your mind The first few days… Being on the water for 56 days… Feeling uncomfortable at the start  A typical day.. starting from midnight Rowing for 2 hours on, 2 hours off every day The biggest challenge she had to face The day from hell Keeping a video diary What she enjoyed most? Why it was the best thing she has ever done Reality…. Why it was the people who made the challenge so incredible Laughing herself to happiness Getting off the boat What’s changed since the challenge? Depression Being Real - Laura is back Raising money for Centre Point Training to row across the Atlantic! Follow Laura on her social media channels @LTFactor    Connect with Laura - Facebook, twitter, Youtube, and visit her website     Jen Dyxhoorn   Running an ultra marathon in June Eventful and challenging few months Being humbled by the experience & why it was also a confidence boost The self talk… while running by herself The moments that stood out for her…. awful & amusing! Having a low key summer in preparation for LEJOG Getting to the start! Wild camping during the trip-the pro’s and the con’s Getting use to cycling the distances everyday What she learned on the way and the changes that needed to be made Having nothing left in the tank Cycling with her sister Comparisons is the thief of joy The Adventure Race! Everyday magic goals! Balance in her life? Getting back into her London life   You can follow Jen’s adventures at lovelyoutliers.com, or on Twitter @jendykxhoorn and Instagram @lovelyoutlier   Follow her Sister - Karen Dykxhoorn  on Instagram @hopefulgoat & twitter @hopefulgoat    Jo Jo Rogers   Catching up with Jo Jo The summer months spend working at a running camp Running with the children and having her training take a back seat Inspiring the girls who are new to running Coach - I want to get better, I want to become a better runner Tips and tricks for women who want to get into running Getting the shoes right! Recovering from injury Running a night time 50K in 102 degrees! Coming in 1st female! Dealing with bugs!! Update on goals Running the fastest 50K for women over 50 in the USA Focusing on core work The December race and why she’ll be giving it everything she’s got! Speed work! Meeting Jo Jo at the end of the Appalachian Trail Not knowing my tail name! Coming down the trail…. Crying on the trail!! Let’s just go! THANK YOU JO JO!!! Food & goodies!! Road trip to Boston Eating! 9th December! Why it is not about the goal      Georgie Akin-Smith   Being on the quest to complete 12 challenges in 12 months What she’s been up to;100k cycle ride with a friend, doing a Tough Mudder with her family, running a half marathon Making June into a recovery month and taking a few weeks off Changing her challenges and trying to still fit in work, friends and pay for them The pressure we put on ourselves Enjoying it more because the pressure was off Cycling 100 K with a friend and why it was a confidence boost Hot shower & tea! The family Tough Mudder challenge! Would she do it again?! Why you should give it ago! Marathon training… Working with a coach…. How she is feeling mentally about the marathon which is coming up 18 mile long run! Still enjoying herself? Future challenges to finish off the year Running or cycling? How is the blogging going? Having structure and focus during the year and why she’s liked it Georgie is blogging about her challenges at www.gwhodares.com      Gemma Smith   Everything and nothing has been happening! Forcing herself to leave work on time and saying no Wanting to do more training and more exercise  Dealing with housemate issues Understanding where her limits are by walking on the Thames Stone Path The climbing academy experience - what it was like Focus on high altitude medicine Gamal Bag Flying out to the Alps for 2 weeks 9 days with a guide Horrific weather…. Why there is no guarantee Money The unknown factors in adventures Getting through the disappointment Stepping stones and working towards bigger long term goals What she did with the guide £6k - £10K  Plans for the coming months… Working on her climbing grade - 6A - 6A+ Doing pull ups on rings Follow along on her blog - https://gemlaurensmith.com   Gemma is on Instagram @GemLaurenSmith & also on Twitter @GemlaurenSmith       Future Episode   Part 6 - 31st December     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.   

Tough Girl - Meike Stones  “Powered By Me” - A year-long human-powered lifestyle adventure Mieke Stones, is a 32-year old female living and working in London and the creator of Powered by Me, a year-long lifestyle adventure where she is only using human-powered transport to get to wherever she need to go. She has been bloging, vloging and fundraising along the way, hoping to raise as much money for different causes and to inspire others to see active travel as a viable and sustainable way to get to places.  Her story so far is one of physical and mental endurance, trial and error, with some key learnings thrown in. But most of all her story is about doing what she can with what she has, and doing her bit for the environment. Making better choices and growing her skills and experiences along the way!   Show notes   Where the idea came from? Deciding on what the next challenge was going to be? Having a brain wave! The planning stage The rules Starting on the 1st January and raising money for a different charity each month Being able to commute to work Battling the elements Starting to tell friends and family  Starting a count down to the start The question’s she was being asked The start of the year - what it was like Being terrified at the start The mental challenge in the first week When it all started to become normal! What was the impact on her life Starting to feel more productive Having to change her nutrition needs The biggest challenges she’s had to face - the big journey’s Going through a divorce Cycling over to France for a wedding Looking for water in strange places! Getting to the 6 month marker! Starting to feel a little bit knackered  Plans for the rest of the year Advice for women who want to integrate running and cycling into their everyday routine   Website https://powered-by-me.com  

Christine and her husband Stephen, have always loved to cycle and cycling has played a huge part in their lives. During this podcast Christine shares more about how she got into cycling, why they decided to pack up and head off on an adventure of a lifetime! Show notes Why Christine reached out to me Why she started cycling Her first cycling adventure! Meeting her husband and their join love for cycling Starting to take regular cycling holidays Having children and going on holiday with them to Northern Europe The cycle holiday that stands out to her Getting the idea to cycle the world - how the idea first started.. Giving themselves 16/17 months to prepare Why the world! One year or two years?! Who they told first and their reaction! Her friends and what they said! “How are you going to manage being with your husband everyday?” Getting married in 1984  Did she have any fears/worries before the trip? Being - Flexible The planning…. The start and how she was feeling.. Getting into their routine by day 2! The challenges she faces… breaking her arm Taking a 5 month break Deciding where to go next… The challenges of cycling in New Zealand The daily routine while on the road The challenges of cycling in Japan Advice for women who want to go on a big cycling trip Deciding to come home Plans to head back to South America Settling back into home life! Blogging about their adventure! Final words of advice!     Blog http://www.christineandstephen.co.uk & on Twitter @CycleGBCoast  

Alex has always has a love for the outdoors and has always been fiercely independent. Her love of adventure began when she first went travelling in Africa.  In 2015 Alex hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2700 mile trail that starts at the border of Mexico and goes through America to the border of Canada. Returning to work was an impossible task and after 4 months back in an office she quit to become a permanent adventurer. First stop back to America, second stop New Zealand (with a few thousand miles of hiking in between). Listen as Alex shares more about her adventures on the Tough Girl Podcast Show notes Going back to her childhood and what she was like growing up Being inspired by her granddad Having a normal life! Spending 6 months over in Africa Questioning what she was doing and why she was doing Deciding to take a sabbatical from her job! Dealing with the obstacles….  & facing up to her fears Why she choose the Pacific Crest Trail? Taking us back to the start! Getting her tourist visa for America! Getting to America and what was happening in her head before she started The moment that stood out for her while on the trail Meeting Kat Davies while on the trail - Listen to her PCT hike here! Overcoming fears on the trail Finishing the trail on her birthday! Making the transition back to “normal” life and going back to work Heading to the Himalaya’s to climb Mera Peak (6,476m) Quitting her job and what she did next! The differences between walking North and South on the PCT Being under time pressure to get through the Sierra before the snowfall Having no responsibility and being free Her trail name! Dealing with the time pressure while heading Southbound What’s happening inside her head while being out in the woods Why she wasn’t trying to “find herself” Being able to share the trail with a friend How she’s funded these trips and how she funds her lifestyle Her monthly budget Learning more about Love her Wild - (You can listen to Bex on the Tough Girl Podcast as well!) Her cycle tour in Australia (Sydney to Darwin)- why she decided to do, what inspired her, planning the route, buying her bike! Having low points and how she handles it Being a hiker at heart What she’s learnt from leading this life Her beliefs The charities she supports   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.   

On Tuesday 16th May 2017, Mollie Hughes successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest from the North side. This was Mollie's second time standing on top of Everest having already summited the South side in 2012. Achieving this feat at 26 has made her the youngest woman in the world and the first English woman to successfully summit from both the north and south sides of the world’s highest mountain! Show notes Intro - how would Mollie describe herself Not climbing her mountain until she was 17 Growing up in South Devon Lacking confidence at a young age The stages she took to get to where she wanted to go Arriving back from Kenya and deciding on her next challenge Travelling at a young age Her journey to Everest When the seed got planted to climb Everest Her search for women who had climbed Everest Giving herself 12 months to achieve her goal Having the conversation with her parents…. The money.. A record to be had in 2012 - being the youngest women to summit Mount Everest from the UK Dealing with rejection week after week Getting herself fit and prepared for Everest Doing everything she could to raise the funds needed! Needing a killer auction prize Dealing with an expedition that’s gone wrong How to balance the risk and the rewards Her 2012 Everest expedition & how she felt about it Suffering for 2 months “seeing everyday as a success” Being able to separate your emotions 3 British Women all in their early twenties on the mountain Being interested in Tibet and wanting to explore the North side of Mount Everest How much it costs to climb Everest Her thoughts on reaching the top What she's learnt most from going on these expeditions What’s going to be next?! Top tips for resting and recovering after a big challenge?   Please find all my social media links below!   ✩ Twitter - https://twitter.com/_tough_girl  ✩ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toughgirlchallenges/   ✩ Blog/Website - https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/  ✩ FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/ToughGirlChallenges/   ✩ TRIBE  - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ToughGirlTribe/  ✩ Tumblr - http://toughgirlchallenges.tumblr.com   ✩ Pinterest - https://uk.pinterest.com/Tough101/    ✩ Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ToughGirlPodcast?ty=h  ✩ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaIVCwNIUk6qE5MnewKDCrQ  ****************************************************** 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 a small fixed amount every month to help fund my mission If you want to support my mission - you can also donate via PayPal 

On the 3rd June I started my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, 2,190 miles in 100 days.  This was a dream I had last year, and if you've been following my daily podcast you'll know the challenges I've faced to get to the start line.    During this podcast I’m being interviewed by my awesome sister, Caroline Wellingham. We discuss in detail the challenge, what it was like every day, how I dealt with the high points & low points, what I loved, what I learned and why I won’t be doing the trail again! Show notes Starting at the beginning  - why did I want to walk the Appalachian Trail? Learn more about my preparation  How I was feeling at the start Day 1 of the trail - 3rd June Getting into routines How I coped physically at the start Key milestones The kindness of strangers Meeting members of the Tough Girl Tribe Meeting Stan the Man Reaching the half way point at Harpers Ferry Dealing with the pressure of the challenge Emotional vlogs! How I kept myself motivated during the challenge Mantras Thinking about life A quick fire round of questions! Food on the trail…. Being inspired by the women on the trail Crossing state lines Being miserable on the trail Sleeping at high altitude Embracing the suck Highlights from the trail Trail magic & animals on the trail Dealing with bears and snakes on the trail Mental preparation and training - “what if” One of my best decisions I’d made on the trail Bad decisions.. Blister watch! The final week! Meeting Jo Jo at the finish Not quite believing it’s done Missing the trail?     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.  Listen to the podcast You can listen to the Tough Girl Podcast on the go via iTunes, Soundcloud & Stitcher!   Please find all my social media links below! ✩ Twitter - https://twitter.com/_tough_girl  ✩ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toughgirlchallenges/   ✩ Blog/Website - https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/  ✩ FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/ToughGirlChallenges/   ✩ TRIBE  - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ToughGirlTribe/  ✩ Tumblr - http://toughgirlchallenges.tumblr.com   ✩ Pinterest - https://uk.pinterest.com/Tough101/    ✩ Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ToughGirlPodcast?ty=h  ✩ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaIVCwNIUk6qE5MnewKDCrQ   

Caroline has spent over 10 years working in ski  patrol rescue and most recently as a SAR  (Search and Rescue) dog handler. She is passionate about ski touring and generally being outside in nature.  She enjoys sharing her professional experience with others, helping to train adults and youngsters in snow awareness so they can go out and enjoy the mountains to the full. During this podcast we will learn more about Caroline and how her love for skiing grew and what path she choose to get to where she is now, from training over in the Southern Hemisphere in Australia, to following a man to France where she is now based, and doing what she loves.  Caroline talks about her passion for the mountains, and what her role is like on a day to day basis, as well as the emotional toll working search and rescue can have. Caroline is also working on getting the message out regarding health and safety on the mountains and provides tips and advice to help you when you’re over there.  Show notes Being based in the Pyrenees Her job titles Her dog Fjord How she got to France Spending time in an Australian Ski Resort Having to get re-qualified in France Learning to ski when she was 10 years old Her love of skiing Going to study Germany and being a freestyle skier Breaking her leg in Austria and not being put off Working in Austria as a ski instructor Dealing with her fear of going skiing again What she loves about skiing Why she wanted to become part of the ski rescue team What it’s like on a day to day basis Being trained in snow observations Bombing the slopes Dealign with avalanches Being caught in an avalanche Working with her dog Fjord Why she decided to call her do Fjord What they will do, if there is an avalanche  How she stayed focused while working in high stress situations Dealing with the emotions both positive and negative and why sometimes you need to take a step back Her pet hates on the mountains Advice and tips for the mountains Why it’s important to know your own level Follow your gut instinct Working in a male dominated environment Why she is moving into the educational side  Teaching children safety in the mountains How she has developed her own mental resilience Taking her ski test What she has leant over the past 10 years being a female and a foreigner  French men…   Social Media  Website - www.fjordsar.weebly.com Twitter - @FjordSar  Twitter - @Caroline64SAR   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.