Tough Girl Podcast

Adventure & endurance enthusiast, with a fondness for Type 2 Fun. Ski instructor and mountain leader. Happiest when outside, particularly in the mountains! Challenges include cycling LEJOG, NC500 and Tour du Mont Blanc, both ski-touring and running the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, and climbing Mont Blanc. In 2018 Emily completed Project 282: a 4-month self-propelled round of Scotland's 282 Munros (mountains above 3000ft) which involved cycling 2,600km, walking 2,200km on foot and crossing 3 waterways in a kayak. The total elevation gain was over 150,000m – all of this was self-supported. 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 Emily Being an adventure endurance junkie Her 2 buzz words for happiness are 'Outdoors and Active" Being on the support crew - Climate Relay from Scotland to Egypt What Emily was like as a little girl Breaking her arm and getting into running Doing her first marathon at 17 years old Running the Athens Marathon 2004 Transitioning from marathons to ultra running Preferring to run the longer distances Running the Dublin Marathon 2008 Going through a phase of running marathons Working in London and making some big changes Not feeling fulfilled and wanting to take some time off Becoming a ski instructor and doing a ski season in the Alps Project 282 Munro Challenge - where the idea came from and what was involved A 4-month self-propelled, continuous trip from North to South Scotland Being unsupported and the challenges The logistics of the challenge and putting a plan in place Being fully committed to the challenge The final few Munros Fuelling and nutrition while climbing big mountains Training programs? Feeling rested and getting a PB in the marathon distance Post adventure blues after the challenge Struggling with a lack of direction Spending approx £4k on Project 282 Plans for 2023 Connect with Emily Final words of advice Making yourself commit and taking the first step Cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats Social Media Instagram @adventure_scottie

Shilpa in her own words: "I'm a British Indian gal who is about to hit 60 and feel that I am really only just starting to explore the wonderful joy of outdoor adventures. I am happiest when I'm on the water on my paddle board, or cycling along a canal, or walking in the beautiful English countryside, or body boarding in Cornwall. I leaned to swim in my late 40's and this just opened up a whole new world of paddle sports. My biggest personal adventure was this summer (2022) when I paddle boarded on a SUP board from London to Nottinghamshire, some 165 miles (and 144 locks) along the vertical length of the amazing Grand Union Canal. This was such a joyful journey and revealed so much about myself that I had not been aware of - particularly how much I love to meet new people and how caring and kind strangers are. Since then I have been exploring SUP journeys where I carry my camping kit on my SUP board and I absolutely love doing this. I am extremely grateful to British Canoeing who accepted me as a #ShePaddles Ambassador and this really helped me to go out of my comfort zone and explore new adventures." 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 Shilpa More about her friends and family What Shilpa was like as a little girl Growing up in Africa until 8 years old Moving to the UK and the culture shock Finding a different type of entertainment Not having dreams or aspirations as a young girl Leaving school to study economics and accounting at University Retraining as a town planner Getting back into the outdoors and sports Meeting up with friends to go for walks in the local area Setting up a local walking group which has been going for over 20 years Building up her walking gear and kit Learning to swim in her late 40s Not having the opportunities when she was younger Learning how to cycle Going to adult only swimming classes to get coaching Doing wild swimming for the first time Getting into kayaking and water sports Her first experience on a paddle board Why she prefers paddle boarding Her adventure in Summer 2022 Becoming a British Canoeing #ShePaddles Ambassador Wanting to encourage more women to try water sports Deciding to do a long distance trip on the Grand Union Canal Knowing it was the right time to do the challenge Being honest with herself of what she could and couldn't do Doing it at her pace The planning and preparation for the journey Researching the route and figuring out distances and accommodation The Pirate Castle - boating and outdoor activities charity on the Regent's Canal in the heart of Camden Town, London Struggling with her back and recovering from injury Being helped and supported along the way The kindness of strangers and when strangers become friends Joining a gym and working out with a personal trainer Focusing on getting strong Dealing with injury Cupping Reflecting back on the journey Feeling more confident Plans for 2023 Learning new skills and becoming qualified as a coach Becoming a She Paddles Club How to connect with Shilpa Final words of advice - "you'll never know if you love it or not until you try it" Social Media Website https://sbcpaddlers.wordpress.com Instagram @sup.loving.shilpa

Marta in her own words: "My name is Marta and I come from a small town in Poland called Pila. Growing up I was raised by a single mum; I had a good but humble upbringing, I always loved the outdoors and hanging out with my friends. My childhood in Poland was a happy time in my life, but after my first trip to London as a teenager it all changed. I realised very quickly that living in Poland wasn't for me anymore; I had big dreams and ambitions that I knew I couldn't pursue in my hometown. I spent one more year living in Poland, learning English and saving ready to finally enter the 'big world'… then I moved to London. Taking this chance opened up so many opportunities for me. I got a good degree, good job, I travelled the world and had some awesome adventures whilst doing so, that I've decided to share them here. So, here I am, writing my blog, hoping to inspire and invite you on my journey. My love for travelling has grown immensely over the years. The more countries I saw, the more countries I wanted to see. Along the way, my style of travelling changed; I had even bigger accomplishments on my agenda. So I set myself two goals: to climb to the highest peak on each continent, the challenge known as 7 Summits; and to reach the highest peak of each European country, which I call The Crown of Europe. Out of the 7 Summits, I've already completed 5 (the highest peak in Europe, Africa, North and South America, Antarctica) and I am getting ready to attempt another one later this year… Everest. I am extremely excited about it as this is also the last continent I still haven't seen. The second goal is to reach the highest peak of each European country, which I call The Crown of Europe There are 50 countries but 48 peaks and I have already completed 17 of them. However, this leaves plenty of adventure still ahead…" *This episode was recorded in 20th January 2022 - Marta summited Everest 6.25am on May 15th, 2022. 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 Marta Moving to the UK from Poland 17 years ago Her goal to climb the 7 summits Wanting to climb the highest peak in each European Country Growing up in Poland and what her early years were like Not being close to the mountains as a child Being inspired by her father who was very outdoorsy Getting use to the cold weather Her passion for travel Wanting more from travel and wanting to combine it with adventure Setting herself 2 BIG goals The Crown of Europe of Challenge Climbing Kilimanjaro first Climbing Mt. Blanc and then Elbrus. Climbing Aconcagua in South America Climbing Denali in North America which was the toughest climb she's done. Go to Antarctica to climb Vincent and why it was her favourite climb so far Taking on Everest in April 2022 Leaving Carstensz Pyramid until the end due to the political situation and the costs involved. Costs of climbing mountains and how she's paying for the adventures Going to Everest in 2021 and having her trip cancelled Funding her challenges Her fear of dying while in the mountains Dealing with the downtime and how she handled the waiting. Handling her period while in the mountains Using wet wipes to shower Stop taking the pill when you are at high altitude as it thickens your blood Wearing a nappy on the summit push? Trying things out in advance Dealing with stress diarrhea while climbing The mental side of the challenge Dealing with stress and anxiety How you can change your thinking Focusing on what she can control Visiting the Altitude Centre in London Getting physically strong and what training looks like this year Developing her own training plan and being flexible with what it looks like Stretching for recovery and eating well Being anaemic and feeling tired Feeling more relaxed and knowing what to expect this time around Being guided by Nirmal Purja team Elite Expeditions Being inspired by Martyna Wojciechowska How you can follow Marta Final words of advice and wisdom Being a normal person and making the decision to go for it. Social Media Website: www.tolivetotravel.com Instagram: @tolivetotravel Facebook: @tolivetotravel Twitter: @tolivetotravel

Tara in her own words: "I don't really think of myself as tough. I've always loved adventures. I did my first expedition when I was 18 and it ignited a passion. I am now a firefighter. I've represented Australia in my slightly crazy sport of surf boat rowing at the age of 47 and I cycled 5000 km's unsupported across Australia in 2021, yet I often think that the toughest challenges of my life have not been physical. Rather it has been the journey to heal the relationship with myself after a traumatic childhood that has been the toughest challenge I have undertaken. Writing my book 'Standing on my Brothers Shoulders – making peace with grief and suicide' was a huge part of that journey. It challenged me in every way possible but was also one of my greatest teachers and proudest achievements. Although I am a physiotherapist and firefighter, my book led me to work in the field of mental health and wellbeing. I am now nearing the end of a PhD exploring the impact of suicide on firefighters. In 2017, I was a finalist in the Rotary Inspirational woman of the year awards and in January 2022, as part of the Australia Day Honours, I was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), which recognises distinguished service by an Australian Fire Service member for my work supporting suicide prevention and mental health of firefighters. I think life is an adventure and it can take many forms!" 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 and pledge your support. Thank you. Show notes Who is Tara Her different jobs and interests Moving to Sydney in the mid 1990s Having a thirst for adventures Deciding to join Fire & Rescue in 2005 Going on her own healing journey Losing her mother to cancer at 13 Losing her brother to suicide at 17 Struggling to deal with the loss Writing her life story down Moving into the mental health space In 2018 starting her PHD looking at the impact of suicide on firefighters Making the decision to move to Australia What it was like joining the fire service 17 years ago Having mixed memories and feeling the need to prove herself to the men Starting her healing journey in her early 30s and what it looked like Starting to have compassion for herself How the outdoors have helped with her recovery Going on an expedition to Zimbabwe in 1989 and how everything changed Realising that she could be happy again Deciding to cycle across Australia Cycling with Sarah Davis Cycling from the most Western point of Australia over to Byron Bay the most easterly point. Being head of communication for the expedition The challenges of cycling on the roads with the road-trains Fears and concerns before the challenge How her perceptions of risk and adventure have changed Is the risk too much? Why it was such a rewarding experience Raising money for Lifeline in Australia Adjusting back to normal life Raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention Finding the right people who can hear you The power of writing and journaling and getting your feelings out of your body Doing her PHD and how it came about Applying for a Churchill Fellowship Making a contribution to the world and making it a better place Wanting to write another book - with a focus on the underlying concepts of her PHD How we can use our experiences in live to grow and become better versions of ourself. Dealing with injury and not being able to any sports that she loves Letting go of the identify of being an athlete and a firefighter Needing to reflect inwards and spending time on meditation How you can connect with Tara Final words of advice - Stay curious, with compassion for yourself. "Be driven by your passions and not your fears" Social Media Website: www.tarajlal.com Instagram: @tarajlal Facebook: Tara J Lal Twitter: @tarajlal YouTube: Tara J Lal Support Resources Australia: LifeLine You are not alone. We're here to listen. Every 30 seconds, a person in Australia reaches out to Lifeline for help. We are a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. We exist so that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone. Website - www.lifeline.org.au Call 13 11 14 UK: Samaritans Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Website - www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ Call Free - 116 123 America: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness. Call 988 - Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely. Website - 988lifeline.org

Lucy is attempting to become the first woman to walk the length of the world. She began at the bottom of Argentina in February 2017 and will cross 15 countries to reach the highest point of Northern America. She will travel only by foot, or when the terrain is impassable by kayak or swimming. In 2019, Lucy became the first woman to have hiked the length of South America (from Argentina to Colombia). Due to the pandemic, Lucy needed to pause her expedition and returned home to Australia in 2020 where she has been waiting for the travel bans and restrictions to lift. In December 2022 Lucy will be flying back out to Columbia to meet up with her beloved dog Wombat - she will then continue on her way. During this episode we catch up with Lucy to see what life has been like since we last spoke to her. Lucy shares more about the heartbreak of leaving Wombat behind when she needed to return to Australia. She fills us in on what she's been up to while her journey has been on hold. She shares more about the planning and preparation required to get back to Columbia to start walking again. We first spoke with Lucy on Jun 25, 2019 - Her Goal to be the first women to walk the length of the Earth! https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/lucy-barnard *** Lucy's career started with a science degree and specialisation in communications. She has been the chair of National Science Week NT, and worked extensively in aboriginal health research until moving to Geoscience Australia in 1016. She is passionate about culture and storytelling and aspires to become an ethnographic writer. Lucy has been awarded competitive grants for her work from the Australian Geographic society and The North Face, and has been nominated for an OAM from the Australian Government in recognition of her contribution to the outdoor industry. *** 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 Lucy Her goal to be the first woman to walk the length of the world Returning back to Australia in 2020 Speaking to Lucy in Year 2 of her journey when she had just crossed into Peru Being water poisoned Was she still enjoying the journey Meeting her family in Peru Having a shift in her attitude Leaving behind the desert and the heat and transitioning into the mountains The challenges of the desert and her strategy for getting through it Finding joy again Being followed by the police while walking on the highway How 2020 unfolded while walking through Ecuador Living the life she was meant to be living Crossing the border into Columbia Leaving Wombat with a friend Feeling adrift for the past 2 years Not wanting to talk about Wombat Transitioning back to life in Australia Being away for 3 years and connecting with old friends and family Losing a friend to suicide The emotional journey Running out of money and needing to get a job Going back to work Getting ready to head back out to Columbia The planning and preparation before heading back Her dream of wanting to become an ethnographic writer in the future Wanting to produce more content in YouTube Saying goodbye to friends and family The plans for the first few weeks Being able to get a 2 year visa for Columbia Making a decision about the route through Columbia How can you support Lucy while out on the road Buy audio books for Lucy Having a library membership with Borrow Box Library App Book recommendations: A Gentleman in Moscow What Lucy is reading How you can connect with Lucy Final words of advice Social Media Website: tanglesandtail.com Instagram: @tanglesandtail Facebook: www.facebook.com/tanglesandtail Twitter: @tanglesandtail Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LucyBarnard

Annijke (she/her) is a new adaptive mountain biker and athlete. In 2021, Annijke sustained a spinal cord injury in a horrible downhill mountain biking accident. In 2022, Annijke is back to sport and is learning how to live as a full time wheelchair user. Outside of loving mountain biking and being outdoors, Annijke also is passionate about making the outdoors and mountain biking a safe space for all. 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 Annijke Starting mountain biking in 2019 Learning how to live as a full time wheelchair user Returning to sport and mountain biking What Annijke was like as little girl Starting ballet at 3 years old Having a keen interest for the arts Starting to interact with the natural world Being exposed to the outdoors through her Girl Scouts Troop Being adopted at 2 months old Going to college and taking a step back from dance Wanting to try new things in the outdoors Studying environmental studies with a concentration on political science Getting into mountain biking Moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico Buying her first bike - DiamondBack HardTail Being intimidated by other mountain bikers Falling in love with the sport and why she loves it Enjoying the community and being supported Riding a BowHead Reach Bike - full suspension, all-electric off-road adaptive trike that has two wheels in front, and one in back 2022 - Getting back to sport and why it's been so fulfilling The incredible amount of support through her community Being a sponsored Athlete - with PEARL iZUMi High Fives Foundation Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association Adaptive Mountain Biking advocacy, trails, programming and rentals in British Columbia and beyond. Bike Instructor Certification Program (BICP) What does advocacy look like in this space Being intentional about what she does "I want to be on an adaptive mountain bike and this is what I want my life to look like" Going after a Para FKT on the White Rim Trail in Oct 2022 Josie Fouts - Mad scientist on a mission to single-handedly save the world with cycling! IG: @ms.stubbornness National Abilities Centre Outride Foundation 100 mile desert ride in Canyonlands, National Park, Moab, Utah. Trying not to get too attached to the outcome Dealing with mechanical issues Broadening the conversation about access and opportunity in the outdoors Tread Setters is a film project that highlights 5 para-cyclists riding the White Rim Trail while balancing the mental, emotional and social aspects of advocacy. Is the White Rim Trail Accessible? Why it's yes and no. Needing people to support her due to the nature of the trail and the remoteness Why being outdoors might look a little bit different Wanting to become an Adaptive Mountain Biking Coach - (BICP) Adaptive Level 1 Fundamental Skills Instructor Wanting to share mountain biking with others and create a welcoming environment Plans for 2023 Sea Otter Classic Mountain Biking Race, Monterey, California, USA Connect with Annijke Where does her Instagram handle come from What is a Geospatial Professional? Final words of advice and wisdom Social Media Website annijkewade.com Instagram @geodesicdome

In late summer 2021 Abbie Barnes cycled from Dunnet Head and John O Groats to The Lizard Point and Lands End, via each of the UK's 15 National Parks and their highest peaks. This epic 55 day expedition saw Abbie and her partner Anna (who drove the support van) travel over 2,000 miles and battle mental ill health, chronic pain, and a number of unanticipated life-challenges along the way. Yet the duo completed this life-changing venture and now have a 3-part film series on YouTube following the highs and lows of their journey. We first spoke with Abbie Aug 26, 2021 - Founder and director of Spend More Time In The WILD, an organisation that seeks to inspire and empower individuals to get outside. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Make sure to 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 Abbie and what she does We first spoke with Abbie Aug 26, 2021 - Founder and director of Spend More Time In The WILD, an organisation that seeks to inspire and empower individuals to get outside. What is Abbie Bikes Britain? Expectations verses reality Having 3 months to plan The logistical nightmare Figuring out things as they went Developing a mindset of curiosity Learning the lessons when things don't go to plan Dealing with chronic pain during the cycle ride What being an advocate for mental health and chronic pain Not being willing to sit still and suffer Being crushed by the pain Why pushing your body can be a fun experiment Day to day life on the road Mental health while on the road Being in love with life and feeling so happy Finishing the journey Not having the time to digest what she'd achieved Finishing on the 22nd October 2021 What the remainder of the year looked like Having an on season (March - Oct) and an off season (Nov - Feb) Having the time to think and reflect Implementing changes in 2022 Being a public figure and feeling burnt out Spending time in the panic zone and wanting to get back to the comfort zone Getting her Mountain Leader Qualification Doing her Hill and Moorland Qualification Doing her ML assessment in Snowdonia in April 2022 Plans for 2023 How to connect with Abbie Watch me & Abbie while climbing Snowdon Abbie meeting me in Rhosneigr while I was on the Wales Coast Path - vlog 11/50 Final words of advice to encourage you to get outdoors Social Media Website: www.spendmoretimeinthewild.co.uk Patreon: www.patreon.com/spendmoretimeinthewild/about Instagram: @abbiebarneswild Facebook: @spendmoretimeinthewild Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ekNjZZWhx7NG2zHmG7IEA

Adriana in her own words: "My aim is to become the youngest person to complete all 14 8000m peaks. The current record is 30 years 166 days, held by Mingma "David" Gyabu Sherpa, an absolute legend with whom I got to climb on both K2 and Everest. My plan would be to summit all 14 in 3-4 years meaning I would be 23 years old when I complete my mission. In 2021 I summited three of them, Mt. Everest, Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Manaslu all within 6 months. This is a challenge of both mental and physical resilience, power and grit. High altitude mountaineering is one of the deadliest sports in the world, this doesn't scare me. It ignites a fire of passion inside me." "Be the trailblazer of your own life" 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 Adrianna Being a full time mountaineer Living between London and Nepal Starting to climb at 9 years old Doing the 3 peaks challenge in 24hrs and becoming the youngest person to complete the challenge (this record has since been broken) Getting into endurance events with her dad Role models in the adventure/mountaineering world The why behind climbing Everest Wanting to be unique and different Feeling under pressure to go to University Why university wasn't for her and quitting after 3 months Trying to make a living from mountaineering Having Nimsdai Purja as her guide Paying for expeditions Being supported by her parents Reaching out for sponsorship The work that goes on behind the scenes Connecting with the North Face Taking on the Welsh 3000ers in 24hrs at 16 years old Starting at 3am on Crib Goch a grade 1 scramble Climbing Aconcagua - her first taste of altitude and why it was a boring climb The hardest part of the climb Coping with the down time, dull days The mental side of mountaineering Learning the art of patience Facing and dealing with fear in the mountains Letting the negative thoughts in and not being able to think straight How things can change in minutes Trying to stay calm Magical moments in the the mountains Being inspired to take on the 14,000 project Training and fitness to take on the 8,000m peaks Plans for 2022 and the next few years March - May 2022 - Kangchenjunga (Summited May 17th 2022), Lhotse (Summited May 22nd 2022), Makalu, (Summited May 28th 2022) Flying to Pakistan for K2 and BroadPeak (Both Submitted July 2022) How climbing with her guide works - Gelje Sherpa IG @gelje_sherpa_ The current record for climbing the 14, 8K peaks is 36 for a woman - Adrianna would be 23 (she has 4 more mountains to climb) Connect with Adrianna (see below) Final words of advice Social Media Website: www.adrianabrownlee.com Instagram: @adri.brownlee Facebook: @adriana.brownlee

Carla is a Clinical Psychologist, queer vegan and a lover of all things outdoors; adventurer, runner, endurance cyclist and lapsed climber based near the Peak District in the UK. She is an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities taking up space in the outdoors and is a committee member with the awesome Peak Queer Adventures (PQA) based in Sheffield and member of the Women of Colour Cycling Collective (WCCC). Carla's love of the outdoors started from an early age, however gender roles and expectations sadly stopped her from fully embracing that love as a teenager. She reconnected with the outdoors and solo adventures after moving to North Wales to undertake her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in her mid-twenties, and hasn't looked back. She was awarded the Ultra Distance Scholarship in 2021, which is aimed at increasing representation of BAME cyclists in ultra distance cycling and getting them to the start line of an ultra distance race, a typically overwhelmingly white and male niche of cycling. This amazing opportunity has been life-changing and she's gone from not being confident at all in her cycling abilities, to cycling 500km off road from Edinburgh to Manchester, her longest, hardest ride to date. She's met the most amazing people, grown in confidence and felt like she's found her people. She started an Instagram account after winning the Scholarship, to document her journey from (almost couch) to 2000km with the hope of inspiring queer people and people of colour, particularly black womxn, to get on their bikes and enjoy nature. You can find her at @acurlyoutdoors; check out Peak Queer Adventures at @peakqueeradventures and the Women of Colour Cycling Collective at @wccc_uk. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Hit the subscribe button 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 and support. Thank you. Show notes Who is Carla What she loves Being based in the Peak District, UK Wanting to encourage others to take up space in the outdoors Her early years and growing up with a passion for the outdoors Getting to explore in the woods Her love of nature and wanting to protect the environment Not feeling comfortable in secondary school with her body and spending time in the outdoors Training to be a Clinical Psychologist in North Wales Going out early in the morning to avoid people Spending time in the mountains Feeling the fear and doing it anyway The Devils Kitchen - located behind Llyn Idwal nestled within Cwm Idwal in the Ogwen Valley, Snowdonia National Park. Gaining new skills and knowledge Feeling brave Thinking about becoming a Mountain Leader (ML) but not seeing herself represented and not feeling comfortable Recording good quality mountain days and keeping a track of what she was doing Getting new gear Looking for opportunities in the mountains Getting into wild camping, trail running and climbing Finding community and connecting with other people who are interested in the outdoors Enjoying spending time on her own Meditation through movement Getting into cycling and connecting with the cycling community The Ultra Distance Scholarship An initiative increasing diversity and representation within ultra distance cycling and racing Being inspired by Vera Ngosi-Sambrook The power of taking action The reality of taking on an ultra cycling challenge Focused training from November 2021 - August 2022 Dealing with injuries and saddle sores Wanting to do long rides with other people Using instagram to reach out and connect with people Learning how to cycle off road The Pennine Rally - 100 riders, 500 kilometres and five days of testing off-road riding from Edinburgh to Manchester down Britain's backbone. Fuelling as a vegan Outdoor Provisions make Natural Energy Bars & Nut Butters - Use code TRYOP for 25% off Starter Packs Accidental vegan food Being on the start line and what the rally was like Cycling approx 100k per day The impact on her confidence after completing the rally Dealing with the low points and self doubt Mental resilience and the mental challenge of taking on a challenge Drawing on her skills and knowledge from working as a Clinical Psychologist Using the grounding technique The power of music to change your mood Dealing with her nerves Being optimistic and calm Giving herself permission to get off and push if she needed to Taking the pressure off Plans for 2023 and wanting to do an ultra cycling race How to connect with Carla Her beautiful bike - "Betty" Frame bag by Wizard Works Final words of advice The power of finding your people, your tribe and your community Sharing your passion with other people Getting into climbing via taster days Social Media Instagram @acurlyoutdoors @wccc_uk @peakqueeradventures

Shona's most herself when she's moving outdoors - paying attention to and connecting with beauty. She works as a counsellor and a life coach. She lives a simple and contented life in the highlands of Scotland, sprinkled with adventures. Shona has shared her passion for the outdoors on previous episodes of the tough girl podcast. You can listen to those episodes here. Jul 9, 2019 - Taking on new challenges at 40 & her preparation for thru hiking the Pacific Crest Trail Dec 26, 2019 - Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail - 2,650 miles SOBO from Canada to Mexico! New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Make sure to 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 Shona Living in Inverness Woking as a counsellor and a life coach Her passion for connecting with other people and the natural world First speaking with Shona on Jul 9, 2019 - Taking on new challenges at 40 & her preparation for thru hiking the Pacific Crest Trail Catching up with Shona after completing the PCT - Dec 26, 2019 - Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail - 2,650 miles SOBO from Canada to Mexico! Catch up - what's been going on Reflecting back on 2020 Making a commitment to herself to work as a counsellor again Getting out of her own way 2020/2021 - deciding to take on a new challenge Deciding to climb all 282 munros across Scotland in 282 days Climbing Suilven with Shona - watch the vlog The challenges of mountaineering in the winter Not knowing if she could do it Starting to think what's possible When things don't work out how you planned Dealing with the difficult days Why it's about the journey Planning the adventure Embracing flexibility Doing the Highland Wilderness Journeys - with Anna Danby Anna Danby Wild Roots Highland Guiding Walking the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand Winding down life in Scotland Renting out her house while she's away Getting the right gear - new rucksack and sleeping bag RAB Mythic 400 Road walking and hitchhiking Wanting to enjoy photography and wiring while in nature Giving herself permission Living a life of adventure and living a life of freedom Connecting to people through her work Saying no to things Documenting the journey while on the TA How to connect with Shona Inviting people to get curious - what do they want? How do they want to live? Being inspired by Mary Oliver - "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Social Media Counselling - http://shonacounselling.co.uk Life Coaching - www.shonafitness.co.uk Instagram - @walkwildcoach