Tough Girl Podcast

Zahra Rose, a brand ambassador for Sports Shoes and The North Face, and has achieved incredible feats such as trekking to Everest, Broad Peak, and K2 Base camps, as well as summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. In addition to her love for adventure, Zahra is an active member of the Muslim Hikers Community and uses her social media platform to promote representation of Muslim women in outdoor activities. Zahra is a strong advocate for breaking down stereotypes of the "Hijabi woman" and inspiring the next generation to pursue their dreams. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don't miss out. Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast Thank you. Show notes Who is Zahra Rose Being raised in Hastings, South England Having 2 younger sisters Feeling out of place Struggling to make friends locally Seeing people who looked like her for the first time Moving to London to study fashion design Feeling confident and knowing herself well Being inspired by her father who was a runner Getting involved in sports Wearing the headscarf at 14 Feeling the need to change her personality Feeling confident and self assured Representing her faith and feeling a sense of responsibly Starting travelling after university Why travelling is an important part of life Getting into hiking at 14 Her first charity trip to Snowdon The struggle of climbing her first mountain Wanting to encourage other muslim women to get outdoors Creating a vision board every year Connecting with Haroon Mota from Muslin Hikers Planning to go to Everest Base Camp, Nepal Training and preparation for the trip The importance of training your mind Starting her day with yoga The power of acceptance Checking in with yourself on a regular basis Spending time in Nepal The challenges on the hike to base camp Dealing with the adventure blues Planning the next challenge/adventure Needing something to look forward to Climbing Kilimanjaro - the highest mountain in Africa Summit night Praying while on adventure Heading to Broad Peak and K2 Base Camps The final push to get to base camp Being supported and encouraged at the the tough moments Being a member o fMuslim Hikers - Inspiring Muslims to get OUTDOORS. How to connect with Zahra Rose Final words of advice to motivate and inspire other women and girls to get active and spend more time in the outdoors Why nothing is beyond your limits Her plans to reach 40 countries Social Media Instagram: @ZahraRosea Muslim Hikers - Inspiring Muslims to get OUTDOORS. Website: muslimhikers.com Instagram: @Muslim.Hikers

Allie Mason is an autistic children's author and micro-adventurer who has just published her first book, The Autistic Guide to Adventure: Active Pursuits from Archery to Wild Swimming for Tweens and Teens. Allie lives in the English countryside with her partner and their beloved Labrador. The purpose of her writing is to give neurodivergent young people a place where they recognise themselves and feel that they belong. Allie in her own words: "When I was 23 years old, I was diagnosed as autistic. It was a bittersweet moment for me. On the one hand, it answered a lot of questions that had been accumulating since I was a child. On the other, it highlighted that a lot of the struggles I had faced when I was younger could have been avoided with the right support. I was (and still am!) an avid reader, but I never felt that I recognised myself in the pages of a book. The characters didn't face the same struggles as me, didn't think the same way, so as much as I tried to immerse myself in these fictional worlds, there was always something missing. Now, as an adult, I write books that neurodivergent kids and teens, like I once was, can see themselves in." *** About the book:The Autistic Guide to Adventure: Active Pursuits from Archery to Wild Swimming for Tweens and Teens. Outdoor adventuring can be life changing - it makes you physically and mentally stronger, takes you to new places and introduces you to new friends, as well as being an exhilarating challenge - but it can be stressful when there are unexpected social and sensory challenges involved. Allie Mason, autistic adventurer extraordinaire, is here to help. Join Allie as she introduces activities ranging from archery to stargazing, sailing to fossil hunting, snorkelling to nature-writing - and so much more. Each easily digestible factsheet comes with a short introduction, a summary of the sensory experiences involved, suggestions on approaching activities for when you're just getting started, as well as a handy budgeting system. With personal anecdotes and interviews with awesome autistic athletes, this book will give you the support you need to take on the great outdoors. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don't miss out. You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you. Show Notes Who is Allie Chilling with her dog at home Her early years growing up Being diagnosed as autistic at 23 (Feb 2020) Feeling strange from a young age and knowing she was different Feeling isolated and being bullied Why her diagnoses was liberating Understanding that she wasn't broken and that there is nothing wrong with her Her outlook on life Being trusting, truthful and taking things at face value Not understanding social etiquette very well Wanting to gentle educate people by just being herself Understanding different Neurotypes Getting an assessment done to diagnose autism Signing up for a roller-skate marathon in Berlin Training for 18 months and what that looked like Thriving on structure Raising money for charity - Ambitious About Autism Taking any reference to the roller-skate marathon out of the book What happened on the day of the marathon and why things didn't go according to plan Dealing with injury and still wanting to do the challenge Being told to get off the course after 5km The lessons learned from the negative experience Feeling emotions of frustration, resentment and feeling wronged How can organisers of the event could have handle having to take people off the course Support for autistic people who enter larger events Wanting to do the event again Equality and Equity Having the idea for her book while thinking about doing the roller-skate marathon New book: The Autistic Guide to Adventure: Active Pursuits from Archery to Wild Swimming for Tweens and Teens The contents of the book and how to use the guide Highlights from the Autistic and Adventure manifesto - "Trying the thing, asking for support, respecting your limits and being an adventurer" Top tips for "trying the thing" Not being afraid to fail Who the book is aimed at The importance of representation and sharing stories from autistic athletics Future projects in 2023 Working on book 2 Wanting to take a sensory space on tour around the UK How to connect with Allie Final words of advice Being inspired by Al Humphreys Social Media Website: www.alliewrote.com Instagram: @alliewrote TikTok: @alliewrote

A couple of years ago, Julia embarked on a solo hike along England's 630-mile South West Coast Path. Since then, she has cycled King Alfred's Way, a 217-mile mainly off-road cycle route in southern England, and walked the Camino Frances and Camino Portuguese! But Julia's adventures don't stop there. In between her travels, she's been busy writing about her experiences, hoping to inspire others to embrace their own bucket lists. During this process, she's discovered a love for hiking and is also writing walking guidebooks to encourage others to get outdoors and explore. Julia's story is a testament to the power of setting goals, pursuing your passions, and living life to the fullest. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don't miss out. To support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Sign up as a Patron - www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you. Show Notes Who is Julia Deciding to live her bucket list Living in South Wales by the sea Growing up in Surrey Her early years growing up Sticking to indoor sports Getting into the outdoors in her 50s Discovering a love of hiking Book: 500 mile Walkies - Mark Wallington Having a health scare in her 50s Wanting to get out there and do all the things she wanted to do Figuring out a new career Wanting to become an adventurer The South West Coastal Path (SWCP) Planning and preparation for the SWCP Getting fitted for a new backpack and upgrading her camping gear Thinking about the things that could go wrong Wild camping for the first time by herself The start of the walk and feeling terrified Thinking time while walking Book: Live Your Bucket List: Simple Steps to Ignite Your Dreams, Face Your Fears and Lead an Extraordinary Life, Starting Today Feeling safe while travelling Money - paying for and budgeting for adventures Deciding to walk the Camino Walking with an open mind Reflecting back on the walk and writing a book about it Becoming a writer and learning how to self publish Book: 15 Short Walks on the Malvern Hills Book: Top 10 Walks: Coastal Pub Walks – South Wales Coast Meeting on the Wales Coast Path - Vlog 42 The environment and sustainability Dealing with carbon guilt How to connect with Julia Final words of advice Social Media Website www.juliags.com Instagram @juliagsauthorspeaker Facebook @juliagsauthor Youtube @JuliaGSAuthorSpeaker Listen free of charge to the first three chapters of Live Your Bucket List: www.juliags.com/liveyourbucketlist Free Pilgrimage Planner pdf: www.juliags.com/camino Julia's books: www.juliags.com/writing 15 short walks on the Malvern Hills: www.cicerone.co.uk/short-walks-on-the-malvern-hills-first

India Pearson, is an Outdoors Advocate, Presenter, and Yoga Teacher based on the Kent coast. India's passion for wellbeing and nature has lead her to produce and host the podcast 'Start a Ripple ...' which celebrates the power of moving in nature for the mind, body and environment. Guests have included TV adventurer Ben Fogle, Olympian Michelle Griffith Robinson, BBC Spring Watch Presenter Megan McCubbin and Emmy Award Winner Doon Mackichan. You can also find India presenting in front of the camera, on the highly successful Youtube Channel Holiday Extras Travel Guides, which over the last 4 years, has taken her all over the world making documentary style videos on sustainable tourism. During her time with Holiday Extras India co-founded a sustainable travel podcast 'Green on the Go' which saw her speak to industry professionals and travellers about eco tourism. In 2019 India won the Holiday Extras Difference Award for her efforts to encourage customers and colleagues to travel and live more sustainably. As a lifestyle model India has worked with a variety of brands across different industries both nationally and internationally. India uses social media for discussions based around her passions and expertise in paddle boarding, yoga, environmental activism, and getting outdoors as a new mum to her daughter Malou. India has been featured in publications such as Women's Health and Women and Home, and is also also an ambassador for Gill Marine and Hatha Paddle Boards. When she's not presenting, India can mostly be found by the sea, either on her stand up paddle board or practicing yoga on the beach. In 2020 India founded Fin & Flow, a hub for like minded people to connect through wellbeing activities by the sea such as yoga, paddle boarding, and beach cleans. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don't miss out. You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you. Show Notes Who is India? Living in Kent with her partner and daughter Her love of the sea Working as a SUP and Yoga teacher Being an Outdoor Advocate and being passionate about the outdoors Having a very outdoorsy childhood Her podcast - 'Start a Ripple ...' which celebrates the power of moving in nature for the mind, body and environment. Wishing she learnt how to surf when she was younger Memories of playing in the waves Going to college and studying dance, before moving to London Dealing with anxiety and getting into yoga for the breathing Feeling the benefits and knowing that she wanted to teach it Doing the 200hr teaching training inThailand Doing a SUP/Yoga Teacher Training Course Doing a refresher water safety course What can people expect from a SUP/Yoga class The benefits of moving in nature and wanting to share it with others The ripple effect of spending time in nature Deciding to start the podcast and being on it's 5th Series Pregnancy and being active and spending time outdoors Dealing with Postnatel Anxiety Self care tips for new mums during stressful times of the year Why comparison is the thief of joy How her views of adventure have changed since having a baby Dealing with a change in her identify and how she viewed herself The challenges of going back to work after maternity leave Taking her daughter on adventures Future plans for 2023 Armchair Adventure Festival 2023 (Use TG10 to get a 10% discount) How to connect with India Final words of advice for new mums and parents Social Media Website: www.finandflow.co.uk Instagram @with_india The Start a Ripple podcast was founded on the belief that ripples are made when we connect movement with nature, not only for our mind and body, but also the environment too. Every episode India speaks to a guest who shares their story and approach to moving in nature, with the hope that these conversations will encourage you to get outside, move, dream big, and start making your own ripples. Listen here - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1718611

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Saanvi Sita Mylavarapu, a seasoned hiker, backpacker, rock climber, and youth advocate for the great outdoors. Since the age of six, Saanvi has been exploring the stunning landscapes of the United States, and has completed some of the most challenging hikes in the country, including Kala Pathar, Half Dome, and Mt. Whitney. She recently accomplished the feat of reaching the Everest Base Camp, and is now gearing up for a 120-mile trek across the Tour du Mont Blanc in Europe this summer. Saanvi has hiked over 800 miles and has visited more than 25 National Parks, making her a true champion of nature conservation. Her passion for the environment has been recognized by national media outlets, who have featured her on the front page of newspapers and in articles in major magazines. As a National Park Trust Ambassador, Saanvi has been supported by the National Park Service, renowned conservationists, mountaineers, and wildlife photographers. She is also the founder of 'Young Roots', an environmental and ecology club at Frisco ISD, and runs 'Nature Worthy', a non-profit organization that aims to raise awareness of the benefits of connecting with nature. Join us as Saanvi shares her insights on the transformative power of nature, and her vision for a more sustainable future. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don't miss out. You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you. Show Notes Who is Saanvi Moving from Dallas to Texas Planing to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc trek in Europe Turning sixteen Reflecting on her childhood and growing up Her first road trip at 6 years old and visiting the National Parks Her love for hiking and spending time outdoors Enjoying the peace and quiet Feeling under pressure at school Being self motivated and driven Being a National Park Student Trust Ambassador Going to the Junior Ranger Programs Climbing Mt. Whitney and why it was so strenuous Breaking through mental barriers Feeling mental drained and how to change her state Getting into rock climbing and what she enjoys Hiking and climbing Half Dome and why it was so tough Being inspired by her mum Hiking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal Wanting to climb the mountains in the future Dealing with cold hands and feet Using the phrase "you can do this" Future dreams and ambitions Preparing to hike Tour du Mont Blanc Doing high altitude running The Saanvi Speaker Series The importance of spending time in nature Founder of 'Young Roots', an environmental and ecology club Her views on carbon footprints and climate change The power of making little changes in their life Being inspired by Emily Harrington How to connect with Saanvi Final words of advice Social Media Instagram: @chalkbagsntents

Jen Price, is a former British Army Officer who spent the entirety of 2022 undertaking an extreme set of adventure and endurance challenges on behalf of the Veteran's Foundation. The solo challenge she set herself was to complete 12 challenges in 12 months, in quick succession. The challenges were multi-discipline and included the Devizes to Westminster international canoe race, an ironman, a multistage desert ultra-marathon, summit of Aconcagua, and a 1000 mile self supported Lands' End to John O'Groats cycle. None of the challenges were events she had attempted before and, in total, she covered over 3500km and climbed two of the Seven Summits. Jen has raised nearly £35,000 for the Veterans' Foundation and she continues to fundraise in her spare time by speaking about the challenges at schools, universities and business. She also has two outstanding challenges to go this year (replaced due to severe weather) which she will also fundraise for: paddle boarding across the English channel and climbing the famous Matterhorn. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don't miss out. You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you. Show Notes Joining the Army in 2012 Why she joined the Army Deciding to raise funds for the Veterans' Foundation Being inspired by the Tough Girl Podcast! Her role in the Army and being physical robust Doing cross country ski racing and competing for the Army Joining the cadets at university Deciding to leave the army after 10 years How the dream was turned into a plan - the practical steps that were taken Starting with the desert marathon and building the rest of the challenges around it Paying for the adventures and challenges Being able to borrow equipment to help keep costs down Being supported by her friends and family Being frugal to keep costs down The stress of planning and doing challenges throughout the year Training for the variety of challenges The challenges of the desert marathon (challenge 10) and feeling broken Self appreciation and not putting so much pressure on herself to achieve Dealing with the feelings of shame Her experience with climbing Aconcagua and the challenges she faced with the cold and the altitude 28% oxygen!! Doing a 1000 mile solo self supported Lands' End to John O'Groats cycle The 2 remaining challenges left for 2023 The lessons learned from the challenges Sharing more about experience addiction Taking a step back from adventuring and figuring out the next steps in her life If you're not on an adventure, you should be planning your next one" How to connect with Jen Wanting to write a book about the challenges Final words of advice for other women and girls Not caring what other people think and why it can be powerful Social Media Website: jennevolve.co.uk Instagram: @jennevolve Just Giving: https://www.justgiving.com/team/teamridge

Emily is an adventurer, solo traveler, mountaineer, quote collector, and all around lover of things that get people out of their comfort zones. Put on her first international flight at 3 weeks old, she's been adventuring in one way or another ever since. From wandering the forests of Sweden alone at the age of nine, to solo trekking in the Himalayas of India, to joining the circus as a professional aerialist, Emily is a big fan of the "just get out there and do it" mentality. She considers it her mission in life to inspire others to go outside, travel, and get curious about everything. As John Muir so aptly put it, "going out is really going in." Emily is a columnist and longtime contributor to Outside. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, Adventure Journal, REI, and Backpacker, among others. Emily has visited every national park in the United States, and her book Feral: Losing Myself and Finding My Way in America's National Parks, came out in February 2023. About Feral: A bracing memoir about self-discovery, liberating escape, and moving forward across an adventurous and volatile American landscape. One year. One national park at a time. "After a decade as an assistant to high-powered LA executives, Emily Pennington left behind her structured life and surrendered to the pull of the great outdoors. With a tight budget, meticulous routing, and a temperamental minivan she named Gizmo, Emily embarked on a yearlong road trip to sixty-two national parks, hell-bent on a single goal: getting through the adventure in one piece. She was instantly thrust into more chaos than she'd bargained for and found herself on an unpredictable journey rocked by a gutting romantic breakup, a burgeoning pandemic, wildfires, and other seismic challenges that threatened her safety, her sanity, and the trip itself. What began as an intrepid obsession soon evolved into a life-changing experience. Navigating the tangle of life's unexpected sucker punches, Feral invites readers along on Emily's grand, blissful, and sometimes perilous journey, where solitude, resilience, self-reliance, and personal transformation run wild." We first spoke with Emily on 17th December 2019. You can listen to that episode here - https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/emily-pennington New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don't miss out. You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you. Show Notes Who is Emily Working as a journalist and writing for; The New York Times, The Guardian, Condé Nast Traveler and Lonely Planet Speaking to Emily on the Tough Girl Podcast - 17th December 2019. You can listen to that episode here Going back to early 2020 Saving up $30K for the adventure of a lifetime Having a goal to visit all 62 National Parks in the United States How Covid impacted her life and work as a travel journalist Having a home base in LA and quitting her job Starting her adventure on 6th January 2020 Living out of her mini van #VanLife and what life was really like while on the road Being mindful of climate change and the impact her travel would have The transition to full time travel and living in a different way Having anxiety about travelling especially solo travel Expectations verses reality The importance of having downtime while travelling Tips for managing her anxiety Leaning into meditation, online therapy, and medication Being caught in the smoke from the wild fires National Parks and the amount of people wanting to use the space The challenges of meeting people while being on the road and the challenges during covid Magical moments Adventuring with a partner and the impact on their relationship Spending time in Alaska Thinking about what home really means The writing experience and why it was like intensive therapy everyday for 6 months Reflecting back on the journey and the experience of writing the book The key takeaways from the experience The importance of rest and scheduling in downtime Getting comfortable sitting with discomfort Making better choices and having more compassion Wanting to travel to meaningful places and learn more about herself Deciding to move to Colorado and work full time as a writer Reflecting on her quality of life and wanting to spend more time in the mountains Plans for a second and third book How to connect with Emily Final words of advice for women who want to go on a big trip or take on a new adventure Social Media Website: www.brazenbackpacker.com Instagram: @brazenbackpacker Twitter: @BrazenBackpack Book: Feral: Losing Myself and Finding My Way in America's National Parks

Vivianette Ortiz is a Latina originally from Puerto Rico. She grew up in the beach and mountain town of Patillas, Puerto Rico. She grew up running the hills of her hometown, bodyboarding, loving the ocean, and playing hide-in-seek barefoot through the farmlands. Vivianette moved to North Carolina at the age of 17. She is a dedicated mother, daughter, and granddaughter. For a long time, she worked countless hours daily with 2 or 3 jobs at a time. Her adventurous soul went dormant for many years due to everyday responsibilities. Since arriving in North Carolina she has always gone back to the island to visit family and enjoy the feeling of freedom there. Going back to the island would help the homesickness she felt here on the mainland. Due to Covid restrictions, her traveling ceased for a while she found herself extremely homesick and depressed. Through social media, she found a North Carolina hiking group page. Discovering the outdoors again provided her with a connection to home. Her love for nature and the Latino community led her to be one of the founders of the group Latinos Aventureros en las Carolinas. She is proud to combine her love for the outdoors with her passion for the Hispanic community through her role as the Executive Director of Latinos Aventureros. She has completed over 130 hikes throughout the Carolinas in 2022, and 76 hikes in 2021. In 2022 was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of visiting Peru, and completing the Inca Trail. She hopes to start the Appalachian Trail by sections in 2023. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don't miss out. You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you. Show Notes Who is Vivianette Her passion for going outside and travelling Working as a disability rights advocate Growing up in Puerto Rico Being an ocean girl and her passion for the water Not being encouraged to spend time in the outdoors Being dedicated to work and working 2/3 jobs to support her family Being a single mother Moving to North Carolina at 17 years old The impact of Covid Being very depressed and looking for things to do Joining a social media friend for a hike Her first memorable sunrise hike on Roan Mountain The gradual change after going on more hikes Finding her passion of spending time in the outdoors Practical tips and advice Hiking with her children Starting Latinos Aventureros in October 2021 Building a camping gear closet Being able to take families out camping Doing the Inca Trail in 2022 Planning for 2 years The challenges of the trail Just keep going The mental side of hiking Why self motivation is important Plans for 2023 Finding education and training for the leaders The importance of resting and figuring out what your body needs Making time to go hiking on her own Hiking without an agenda Plans for section hiking the Appalachian trail in 2023 Support, sponsorship and funding for the Latinos Aventureros The Year of the Trail Disability rights and hiking The need for disability rights advocates Looking up trails on line to see if they are accessible All Trails App How you can use your voice How to connect online Advice for women who want to get out hiking and spend more time in the outdoors Why it's ok to ask for help Words of encouragement in Spanish Social Media Instagram @vivi.la.exploradora Facebook - Vivianette Ortiz Facebook Group - Latinos Aventureros en las Carolinas Linktree - https://linktr.ee/latinosaventureros

On 5th June 2022 Laura set off on the back of a tandem, with husband Stevie, from the Brandenberg Gate in Berlin... 180 days later she returned having circumnavigated the World and with a new Guinness World Record! But, the ride wasn't straightforward; with closed borders, sickness, monsoons, sub -10 degree temperatures and a motorcycle collision that nearly ended the trip it took everything to reach the finish line on target. Laura blogged and updated social media throughout the trip and relied on her skills in project management and from her ultra-distance background to make the trip a success, as well as the ultimate team work of surviving 6 months on a bike with her husband. We first spoke with Laura on 27th January 2022 - You can listen to that episode here. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don't miss out. You can support the Tough Girl mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media - especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge by signing up as a patron. www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you. Show Notes Who is Laura Spending 6 months cycling around the world on a tandem bicycle and breaking the Guin Stats from the challenge Starting on the 5th June 2022 Needing to cycle 18,000 miles Visiting over 21 countries Speaking to Laura previously on the Tough Girl Podcast - 27th January 2022 - You can listen to that episode here Getting to the start line and feeling ready? Planning for over 18 months to get to the start line Being in an accident 2 weeks before the start Dealing with the risks of cycling on the road Getting back on the bike - sooner rather than later The start line in Berlin Settling into a cycling routine What the daily routine looked like The challenges on the journey Day to day challenges - from logistics, navigation, accommodation, food Dealing with the ongoing pressure Boarder closures and being flexible with changing plans The crash in Malaysia and why it was a critical moment Not knowing if they wanted to continue Being open and honest with each other Being as prepared as possible Flying to Australia Impacts on their relationships Advice for couples/partners who adventure together Losing time and distance and getting behind schedule while riding in India Needing to make up 6 days and 600km How to up the pace? Highlights from the trip Riding through New Zealand in 8.5 days The route Finishing the trip - the challenges in the final days Getting back safely and doing what they said they were going to do The achievement….. Adventure blues and what happened next Recovering physically Quick Fire Questions Tough Girl Buffs (Black, Grey & White - Send me a DM £15 P&P UK Only) Tandem WOW - Catherine Dixon (Cat) and Rachael Marsden (Raz) cycling around the world to set a new tandem WR! How to connect with Laura Writing the book Final words of advice to motivate and inspire you with your next challenge Don't under estimate what you can do Why you might surprise yourself with what you can do Social Media Website: www.stelatandem.com Instagram: @stela_tandem Facebook: SteLa Tandem Round the World Record Twitter: @StelaTandem Youtube: SteLa Tandem

Shandi's love of running began when she was very young, and throughout her life, it was something that always helped her to cope with stress and anxiety. However, as she got older, she became consumed with the idea of proving something to others, and the pressure of the pursuit caused her to have a nervous breakdown during the 2013 Boston Marathon. During this episode Shandi shares more about how she got into running, how running the NYC Marathon changed her life, especially the second time she ran it, when she ran a Boston qualifying time of 3 hours and 12 mins. After qualifying for Boston, she set herself the goal of breaking a 3 hour marathon. Shandi put a lot of pressure on herself to perform well. Unfortunately things did not go to plan, she realised early on she wasn't going to hit her goal, but she still managed to cross the finish line, where she was immediately ushered to the medical tent. Her body had finally given in and later on she would find out that she had had a nervous breakdown. *Please be advised that in this episode, we will be discussing the Boston Marathon bombings, which took place on April 15, 2013. This event resulted in the tragic loss of three lives and injured hundreds of others. We understand that this topic may be sensitive and triggering for some listeners. Our guest, Shandi, will be sharing her personal experience of being at the 2013 Boston Marathon, and the impact it had on her mental and physical health. If you feel that this topic may be difficult for you, we encourage you to prioritise your emotional well-being and listen at your own discretion. Shandi shares more about the aftermath, how she needed to heal her body and mind. She did this by making big changes to her life; from leaving her job as a television producer and moving to be closer to the mountains. She also started to freelance as a creative producer. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don't miss out. Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you. Show notes Who is Shandi Working as a producer Being based in Salt Lake City, Utah Having a passion for the outdoors Getting into running at a young age Feeling good while moving her body Growing up in Canada and being taught to ski by her mum Switching to snowboarding in college Being drawn to the snowboarding lifestyle Starting her career and making big changes Work for ESPN (Entertainment & Sports Programming Network) in Bristol, Connecticut Studying broadcast journalism at college How her career goals have changed Finding a love for editing Figuring out what she wanted to do Advice for women who want to get into production Find people who want to support you Get experience and keep going Being away from the mountains and spending more time running Deciding to do her first marathon Running NYC Marathon and loving the experience How the race changed her life What running the NYC Marathon is like The power of putting your name on your shirt The amazing support from the crowds Wanting to qualify for the Boston Marathon (3hr 35) and following a training plan Shaving 30 mins of her marathon time and running 3hr 12 mins Tactics to running a fast marathon Breaking up and feeling depressed Respect and love to the past boyfriend Having a year and a half to train Working with a run coach and wanting to break 3hrs Having lots of goals and wanting to do well Dealing with severe anxiety and not being able to sleep Not being well on the finish line at Boston Marathon 2013 Being in the medical tent when the bombs went off Going though a nervous breakdown Managing to find her dad What happened afterwards Going on medical leave for 6 months Being in the "push through" mentality Needing to make big changes in her life Healing her body and mind Deciding to move to Seattle and become a freelance producer Using Yoga to help heal her nervous system Her mentality now being more attentive to her mental health Why nothing is more important than her health Figuring out what is the most important to you What do producers do? Being a creative producer Outessa Summit Mini documentary with Rachel Collet - Reflect and Reset. Watch on YouTube How to connect with Shandi Needing to update her website with her latest projects #InItTogether Plans for 2023 Final words of advice Social Media Website www.shandikk.com Instagram @shandikk