Tough Girl Podcast

Purusha Gordon - mum of two, aged 43 is no longer a stranger to wild challenges after a change of mindset 6 years ago transformed her life. Having battled with depression and weight gain after the arrival of her children, Purusha realised something had to change. Approaching her 40's in the worst shape and health she'd ever been in, Purusha's mission became to create a healthy lifestyle, to rebuild confidence and self belief, living life for each day. After completing 40 challenges in her 40th year, the love and passion for living life healthy and well opened up an opportunity to take on the challenge to build a team and row unsupported across the Pacific Ocean in 2021. Purusha believes it is never too late to make a positive change to your physical and mental health and with a bucket load of determination and hard work, 6 years later she has set a new World Record, rowing across the Pacific Ocean as part of the Ocean Sheroes team. Pulling together a challenge of this enormity in a global pandemic took a big dose resilience and positivity to overcome hurdle after hurdle. Purusha now spends her time speaking about her journey to health and works under the umbrella of The Health and Wellbeing Expert. Using her experience in this field Purusha is passionate about helping individuals and organisations create healthier, happier and more balanced lives. 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. You can support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast and subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you. Show Notes Purusha, in her own words Purusha's journey to the Pacific Ocean Growing up as a sporty child Her fondness for water Having children in her mid-30s Smoking, drinking coffee, and weight gain What it's like to go on a five-day detox Experiencing postnatal depression Why did Purusha decide to go on a detox What she did to get back into fitness Losing weight and feeling better Signing up for Tough Mudder Completing 40 challenges in her 40th year Challenges in preparation for the Pacific race 18 months of preparation during the pandemic Finding a team to complete the race How the team came together during the global pandemic What motivates Purusha Feeling empowered and stronger Rowing the Pacific Ocean in 35 days, 14 hours and 32 minutes Everyone having a role to play on the boat Putting friendship at the top of priorities Living life in the present and in the moment Disengaging from technology and its beauty The magical moments she had while rowing the Pacific Ocean Some of Purusha's future plans and challenges Moving into the health and well-being space "It's never too late to do anything." The story behind her first name Final words of advice Social Media Website: www.thehealthandwellbeingexpert.com Instagram: @purusha.gordon Health & Wellbeing @thehealthandwellbeingexpert Twitter: @purushagordon In June 2021, Ocean Sheroes set off in The Great Pacific Rowing Race, a 2,700 mile row from San Francisco, California to Waikiki, Hawaii. Aiming to break the current female-four World Record of 50 days, 8 hours and 14 minutes, set in 2014, Bella Collins, Purusha Gordon, Lily Lower and Mary Sutherland set a NEW WORLD RECORD of 35 Days, 14 Hours and 32 Minutes Instagram: @oceansheroes

Rue founded Outdoor Afro as a social enterprise in 2009. The now national not-for-profit celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. Headquartered in Oakland, California, Outdoor Afro incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2015. Today, the staffed organization includes more than 100 trained volunteer leaders, led and designed by Rue to innovate not-for-profit as movements of change. International cruise line Hurtigruten Expeditions made cruise industry history with the creation of its Black Traveler Advisory Board. Hurtigruten invited Rue to become one of its founding members. Rue took an 18-day Antarctica voyage in February 2022 to help drive change and new opportunities for Black people in the adventure cruise industry, increasing visibility and inclusivity of Black travellers. When Rue shares stories from the land, people of all walks of life listen. She's served on national platforms with congresspeople, outdoor professionals, corporate partners, and global leaders. "Nature Swagger" is Rue's first book by American publisher Chronicle Books. This project is a beautiful combination of breathtaking photos and compelling stories of Black joy in nature. The book releases to the public Nov. 1, 2022. 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 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 Rue and what she does Living in Northern California Growing up between the city and a ranch Early childhood memories from spending time in nature The importance of hospitality Learning more about her family Having a natural curiosity for the environment The stories that weren't being told Sharing a new narrative of the Black experience The origin story of Outdoor Afro in 2009 Asking herself the question - what does she really want to do? Growing through outdoor experiences Being an early adopter of technology Growing a team of 120 Outdoor Afro Volunteer Leaders The joy of nature and the joy of being outside The importance of remaining a practitioner Her love of the water Spending time in Antarctica The importance of having the right gear Designing a new clothing collaboration with REI REI X Outdoor Afro Wanting to solve problems especially with fit and function Wanting to wear bright colours 2022 and what a year it's been Why Outdoor Afro has been a 13 year overnight success story Writing her book over the past 2 years Book: Nature Swagger Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors How to connect with Rue on the Socials Her plans/visions for 2023 Thinking about succession planning for Outdoor Afro Final words of advice Social Media Website ruemapp.com Instagram @ruemapp Facebook @RueMapp Twitter @RueMapp Book: Nature Swagger Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors. An exquisite combination of beautiful photography and compelling stories, this book from Outdoor Afro founder, Rue Mapp, celebrates Black joy in nature. Filled with breathtaking photography, inspiring stories, profiles, and spotlights from Outdoor Afro group members, prominent Black leaders in outdoor spaces, and other organizations, this book inspires Black communities to reclaim their place in the natural world. Interspersed throughout are essays from Mapp on the rich history of Black involvement in the outdoors, activism, and conservation, as well as resources for readers who want to deepen their own connection with the elements. A perfect blend of gorgeous photographs, awe-inspiring stories, and Black history, this collection is the perfect gift for anyone looking to heal in these sacred natural spaces. https://www.chroniclebooks.com/products/nature-swagger

Gill in her own words: "My name is Gill Castle, and in October 2011 I gave birth to my son, Sam, at 34 weeks gestation, a traumatic birth which resulted in a permanent stoma (colostomy). Over the following years I have set out to prove to myself, and others, what is achievable with a stoma, as initially I was presented with a lot of "no, you can't do that with one of those". I also wanted to overcome the trauma of the birth, which resulted in the loss of my job as a police officer, and which forced me to create a new identity for myself. On my website I signpost people to all the amazing organisations out there who can help, like the Birth Trauma Association, the Masic Foundation, Purple Wings, Samaritans, Colostomy UK to name but a few. Am I superwoman? Absolutely 110% not. Lots of women suffer like me and come out the other side ok. But when you are experiencing such a load of shite there is often no one who has made it out onto the other side who is shouting about the good life that is possible. I want to be that person. I want to show that girl who was living through hell that it can turn out ok in the end. How will I do it? Simply by my actions. I will gladly, happily, discuss people's trauma with them, and discuss my own, in PM, I understand that talking and discussing helps. But I want to just SHOW you by everything I do, every smile I have, that you can be happy, you can do things. The same for people with stomas. But, this is also true for ANYONE. I want to sweep people along with my enthusiasm for life and encourage you all to just get OUT THERE and TRY something. Anything! We all have our own desires and goals. So many people say to me that they would "love" to do something "but I'm too scared" . WAIT UP! Have you actually tried it? How do you know then? I understand trauma, I understand pain, I understand fear. But right now I understand HOPE and JOY. That's it really, just me, doing my thing, being happy, being active and encouraging people to do to the same." During this episode there is a lot of poo chat and very open and honest conversations about child birth injury and recovering from trauma. If you are not sure if you should listen to this episode- for what ever reason - I would encourage you to ask a friend to listen to it first to make sure it is suitable for where you are in your journey. The episode will always be here, so there is no pressure for you to listen to it now. 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 especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges. Sign up as a Patron - www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you. Show Notes Who is Gill? How animals and the outdoors are important parts of her life Starting to have sailing lessons at eight Enjoying sailing with her brother until seeing the film Jaws Not going back to the sea for about 30 years Her next big challenge in 2023 - swimming the English Channel Reasons for taking up the challenge What is a stoma and how it is formed Dealing with mental health issues How a stoma impacts Gill's life Feeling lucky and starting to embrace her life Saying YES to everything Doing her first sprint triathlon Doing Olympic distance and half Ironman Sharing her journey for the first time in public to raise awareness Raising over £5000 for the Birth Trauma Association Training and nutrition Biggest challenges and lessons that changed her life Gill's experience at a swim camp Why she doesn't want to watch Jaws again Overcoming her fear of open water Getting her slot in Dover to swim the English Channel Getting full sponsorship from Hollister Incorporated Planning and preparation for the event Getting a shoulder injury How she's getting back into training "The more miles, the better" Working on the mental side of the channel swim Struggling with relaxation Social Media Website www.stomachameleon.com Instagram @stoma_chameleon Facebook @StomaChameleon Twitter @GILLIANCASTLE3

Vedangi Kulkarni was born and raised in India and currently lives in the UK. She's an adventurer, endurance athlete, writer, expedition/project manager and a business owner. She loves organising mountain biking and bike-packing events, managing a million projects simultaneously and talking to a ton of new people. In 2018, she rode 29,000km around the world in 160 days, mostly solo and unsupported, at the age of 19/20, becoming the youngest woman to circumnavigate the globe on bike. She's always keen for an adventure, be it cold water swimming, long distance hiking or cycling, climbing, mountain biking, skiing or travelling through remote places. On her most recent expedition, she skied across Svalbard. Her happy place is anywhere outside, in the wild, and on the move. She tells stories from her adventures both digitally (through her social media channels) and through in-person events. When she isn't out and about, you can find her reading non-fiction books or writing something in one of her million Moleskine notebooks. You can listen to Vedangi on the Tough Girl Podcast, new episodes 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 Vedangi Moving to Inverness in 2022 Cycling daily and taking up mountain biking Mountain biking and how it's helped with her confidence Imposter syndrome Blog post - "I shouldn't be here" Becoming more ambition especially in the world of adventure New book coming soon - why people need adventure Feeling selfish while doing adventures Book: SOLO: What running across mountains taught me about life By Jenny Tough Starting to organise adaptive mountain biking races in the UK Mountain Biking Race 12th - 13th November 2022 - "MTB4ALL" is a downhill race series where our aim is to make racing fun. Whether you're a first time racer or a pro, we've got something for you! Wanting to get more women racing mountain bikes Arranging a series of events in 2023 for women in mountain biking Wanting to help build women's self esteem in mountain biking Working on improving her mountain biking skills Heading to Svalbard in April 2022 The Trans Arctic Expedition Speaking with Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions Helen Turton - Newland Expeditions Visa challenges Sponsorship for Svalbard Sharing a tent with Helen & Ellen Piercy Reflections from the experience Dealing with the cold and learning patience Tent life The plan for the Trans Arctic Expedition Just Around The Corner — exploring the best of the South West by bike How to connect with Vedangi Final words of advice Social Media Website: https://vedangi.info Instagram: @thisisvedangi LinkedIn: Vedangi Kulkarni Twitter: @thisisvedangi Facebook: Vedangi Kulkarni YouTube: Vedangi Kulkarni Link to donate me a small amount: Buy Me A Coffee

Ellen started to get into adventure in her late 30s. By day she work as an engineering, by night, she dream of adventure. In 2017 she wanted a new, big, scary challenge and decided on an arctic expedition - crossing Svalbard. Ellen has never been anywhere that cold before and she didn't' know how to ski! She didn't know if the challenge that she had decided on would even be achievable. The Svalbard Expedition was meant to go ahead in 2020, when Ellen was 42. It was postponed from 2020 to 2021 and again to 2022. To keep herself motivated, during the delays and wanting to focus on building her endurance, she set herself a more local project – the Cheshire Challenge to walk all 25 long distance paths in Cheshire totalling 1,500km. In January 2022, Ellen had her sabbatical booked, and found out the Svalbard crossing would be going ahead in April. During this podcast Ellen shares more about the challenge, the lessons learned and provides top tips and advice to help you with your next adventure. 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 subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you. Show notes Who is Ellen? Age 45…. The concept of identity Describing herself pre and post Svalbard Calling herself a cold adventurer! Who is Ellen pre-expedition? Dealing with imposter syndrome How adventure has changed her life Not knowing if she would be able to do the challenge "Maybe I can do this sort of stuff" The mindset shift that has happened Dealing with setback after setback 42 the second, 42 the third etc Doing a polar training course in Norway Covid Times and being able to work from home What's your plan B….. The Svalbard Expedition April 2022 A 10 day crossing across the main island from the East to the most northerly town in the world The route - 130km/100 miles Being part of a team of 5, plus the guide The pulks and the kit Polar Bears, glaciers, mountain passes and an enormous ice cave Structure of the day and the daily routine (melting water, packing up, ski and break time, tent life) Thinking about doing her Mountain Leader Qualification Working towards her Chartered Engineer Qualification Tent mates, group dynamics and roles Peeing and pooping outdoors Fitness and training Costs Completing the challenge and what happened afterwards Reflecting on the challenge and having time to process Getting Covid and being knocked for 2 months Plans for 2023 Newland Expeditions Guided polar ski expeditions to North/South Poles, Greenland, Svalbard and Norway. How to connect with Ellen Final words of advice for working women who want to have more adventures Social Media Website https://randogirls.com Instagram @randogirl42 Facebook @EllenRandoGirl Twitter @RandoGirl42

After a lengthy battle with a rare brain disease, Crystal Gail Welcome came to recognize the healing power of nature. She now uses her intersecting identities; Black, disabled, lesbian to break down barriers so more people can access the outdoors. Crystal is an experiential educator, author, storyteller, activist, backpacker, and Black outdoor leader. She chooses to speak out against racial injustice in the United States by hiking and giving voice to her experiences. 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 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 Crystal Gail Living in Minnesota Turtle racing! Growing up in Florida Where Minnesota is located in the States Not being exposed to the outdoors Not thinking the outdoors was for her Her first visit to a National Park Visiting the birth home of Martin Luther King Junior in Atlanta, Georgia Learning about the National Parks Feeling connected to Nature Feeling a sense of belonging and wanting to spend more time in nature Continuing her journey and connecting with nature Going out to live life and getting back into running Her desire to go backpacking and wanting to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Hiking 600 miles on the PCT Learning about her capabilities Her love of the outdoors and the power of connecting with nature How hiking improved her health Why nature is a wonderful place to be Her experience on the PCT Trail culture and trail families Needed to recharge her batteries every 7-10 days for 1.5 days Connecting with new people and the kindness of strangers Her trail name "The Giver" Book: "The Giver" by Lois Lowry After the death of George Floyd Protesting in the way that she knows Her reason for hiking the Superior Hiking Trail The Great Western Loop - is a 6,875-mile footpath that links together five existing long-distance trails — including the Pacific Crest Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, and Arizona Trail — and a trail-less segment through the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts. Hiking until her body tells her body it's time to stop How her disability effects her hiking and how she adapts her hiking to suit her Needing to keep her base weight at 10lbs /4.5kg and having to forgo luxury items (apart from her tent!) Structuring her day while hiking Listening to podcasts and music while being on the trail Listening to true crime while being out in nature The music to power her up the hills - Eminem - fight song Being inspired by Harriet Tubman Learning about adventure therapy and going on to study it at Prescott College Sharing more about restorative narratives The power in the stories we tell ourselves Plans for 2023 How Crystal Gail afford to backpack Writing a book of poetry when she was first diagnosed with a rare brain disease Being published in an anthology "Crossing Paths" How to connect with Crystal Gail (see links below) Social Media Website: footprintsforchange.com Instagram: @footprintsforchange Facebook: @crystalgailwelcome Twitter: @awesomewelcome TikTok: @footprintsforchange

Jennifer Strong McConachie is a life-long outdoor adventure athlete. She has traveled the globe, raced an ultramarathon on five of the seven continents, swam the Hellespont from Europe to Asia, escaped Alcatraz, climbed several of the Seven Summits, and conquered an American epic by running across the Grand Canyon and then back again. For more than 30 years, Jennifer has competed in running, swimming, triathloning, and adventure racing as part of her global endurance sporting lifestyle. She also trains for various kinds of paddling sports and mountain ascents around the world. When not tackling tough adventures, Jennifer is an award-winning marketing executive based in the US, with more than 15 years of experience working with local, regional, national, and global firms. Jennifer most recently became a Fellow in the Royal Geographical Society after writing her first book, Go Far: How Endurance Sports Help You Win At Life. https://amzn.to/3ciFo4O 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. You can 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 subscribe - super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you. Show Notes Who is Jennifer Being able to do all kinds of endurance sports Running at a young age Getting into mountaineering, climbing, and wild swimming Putting all of her endurance sports experience into her book: Go Far: How Endurance Sports Help You Win At Life Getting into new adventures with kids Dedication to endurance challenges and writing a book Growing up in a sporty, outdoorsy family Having fun as a child triathlete in the 90s Being on a rowing team back in college Getting into ultra running and marathons in her 20s Travelling the world with her family Choosing her own unique life path Having a female role model Going on adventures with her dad What does adventure mean to Jennifer Her secret to exploring the adventure mindset Making the most of what you have to be the best you can be Reading books about places and feeling energized Magical moments from her adventures and challenges Motherhood and how her adventure has changed over the years Creating physical and mental space for her recovery Having her team as her recovery tools Getting into more details about therapy and recovery Running the length of the Grand Canyon and back What inspired Jennifer to write the book Final words of advice Social Media Website: jenniferstrongmccon.com Instagram: @jenstrongmccon Facebook Author Page: @JenniferStrongMcConachieAuthorPage Twitter: @jenstrongmccon Book: Go Far: How Endurance Sports Help You Win At Life.

Julie Bradley was born with adventure genes and shares her passions in her books "Escape from the Ordinary" and "Crossing Pirate Waters". Both are true stories about an 8 year adventure of sailing around the world with her husband, Glen. After twenty years in the Army as a Military Intelligence Officer she traded her uniform and worldly possessions to pursue the dream that had inspired her to keep going through the long separations of military deployments. During those years her stack of Cruising World, Sail and Latitude 38 magazines grew to hoarder proportions until the big purge of all belongings to buy their new home: a French built Amel blue-water sailboat. Julie shares more about her passion for adventure and sailing and what it was like selling everything she owned to sail around the world. 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. *Content Warning - during this episode - addiction to alcohol is talked about. Show Notes Julie in her own words Living out on the water with her husband Joining the army after high school Getting hooked on an adventure Julie's decision to leave the army after 20 years Sailing around the world with her husband for eight years Not worrying about the money Julie and her husband's background in sailing Delivering a friend's boat Being a company commander and sailing at the same time Selling everything and buying a sailboat Sailing in the South Pacific What it was like to sail through the storm How did they spend their days on the boat Writing her books Escape from the Ordinary (Escape Series Book 1) and Crossing Pirate Waters (Escape Series Book 2) How she lost control of her addiction to alcohol Keeping a close relationship with her husband Deciding to stop sailing Final words of advice Social Media Website: www.juliebradleyauthor.com Facebook: @julie.bradley.798 Twitter: @redjuliebradley Books: Escape from the Ordinary (Escape Series Book 1) Meet Glen and Julie, sailors who follow their dream and discover that reality can be even bigger than imagined. From Force 10 storms in the North Atlantic to the crystal blue waters and native dancers of French Polynesia, Escape from the Ordinary (book 1 of the Escape Series) opens a window to adventures in extraordinary places not found in travel brochures. Told with keen observations and sparkling with wry humor, Julie describes the terrors and pleasures of living a life of total independence on a sailboat where even simple decisions can have big consequences. This exhilarating, true story will thrill those planning to sail off into the sunset as well as armchair adventurers. Escape from the Ordinary reminds you of the unlimited possibilities in life and offers inspiration to go "all in" on your own dreams. Crossing Pirate Waters (Escape Series Book 2) You don't have to know a spinnaker from a mainsail to enjoy this adventure book. Join Glen and Julie as they continue around the world through less traveled, dangerous areas on the far side of the world. Turmoil in the Mideast convinces Glen and Julie to linger in the South Pacific visiting primitive villages on remote islands. But hang on tight, because to finish their voyage they must leave friendly shores and navigate through trouble in the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea before arriving in Europe. Full of dry wit and compelling descriptions, Julie takes the reader along for the ride of a lifetime in this sequel (book 2 of the Escape Series) to her previous bestseller, Escape from the Ordinary.

Molly Huddle is an American long-distance runner who competes in track and cross country running events. Molly has won 28 USA titles, held six American records, looked down the start line of two Olympic finals and four major marathons. Molly set the American record in the 5000 m at the 2014 Herculis Diamond League meet in Fontvieille, Monaco (14:42.64). She also set the American record in the 10,000 m at the 2016 Olympics, with a time of 30:13.17. Molly lives and trains in Providence, Rhode Island. Molly has recently co-authored "How She Did It", with college coach Sara Slattery.The book is the ultimate roadmap for female distance runners—featuring 50 candid interviews with women who've made it The book begins with key information from the professionals who help make athletic excellence possible: trainers, physicians, nutritionists, and sports psychologists. Then, you'll hear the first-person accounts of fifty women who've done it themselves. From the pioneers who fought tirelessly for women's inclusion in the sport to the names splashed across headlines today, featured athletes include: Joan Benoit Samuelson • Patti Catalano Dillon • Madeline Manning Mims • Paula Radcliffe • Deena Kastor • Brenda Martinez • Shalane Flanagan • Emma Coburn • Raevyn Rogers • Molly Seidel • and more With Molly and Sara guiding the way, these athletes share their empowering stories, biggest regrets, funniest moments, and hard-won advice. Collectively, these voices are the embodiment of strength, meant to educate, inspire, and motivate you to see how far—and how fast—you can go. Learn more about the book and Molly on the Tough Girl Podcast. New episodes go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don't miss out. You ca support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Show notes Who is Molly Her job as a professional distance runner Having her first baby and entering her 3rd trimester Running while pregnant Reducing her average weekly miles down from 90 miles to 40 miles. Learning more about her childhood and her younger years Her journey into running Not thinking about becoming a professional athlete Her senior year of high school and wanting to qualify for the National Cross Country Championships Quitting basketball and focusing on running all year Setting a new national record in high school for the 2 mile distance Running with professional runners Dealing with big failures and figuring out how to bounce back Tools and strategies for mindset The power of writing down goals and journaling Having a mantra and using powerful words - STRONG Loving the 5k distance and finding it fun Running the London Marathon in 2019 and getting a Personal Best Wanting to run a sub 2.25 marathon Figuring out her race strategy for a marathon Having faith in how you are feeling and going with your own plan Releasing her new book: How she dit it - A high performance guide for female distance runners with stories of women who've made it. By Sara Slattery and Molly Huddle. Wanting to write a resource for young female runners Writing the book and speaking to 50 women about their running experiences Speaking with Dr. Stacy Sims (Author of ROAR) and working with the female body The new developments with maternity cover for professional athletes since The Dream Maternity Campaign organised by Alysia Montaño The NY Times Article - Nike Told Me to Dream Crazy, Until I Wanted a Baby - Alysia Montaño Contracts and being away from the track and the impact on the financials The running woman emoji Creating the Keeping Track Podcast Wanting to share athletes stories who don't get exposure via the main stream media Particular highlights from the podcast - Racing for Representation Reflecting back on finishing her first marathon in 2016 Advice for women who want to get into running How to connect and follow along with Molly Final words of advice for women who have lost their running mojo Social Media Personal Instagram @mollyhuddle Keeping Track Podcast - A podcast built to elevate. Inspiring athletes & figures in sports, lesser known stories, & complex topics of Women's sports ALL IN ONE PLACE! Podcast: Instagram @keeptrackmedia Website: https://keeping-track.com Book: How she dit it - A high performance guide for female distance runners with stories of women who've made it. By Sara Slattery and Molly Huddle. A book of interviews with elite female distance runners on what they've learned along the way & words from experts in the endurance sports world. Instagram: @howshediditbook Website: www.howshediditbook.com

Anyika 37, is a retired British sprint track and field athlete who competed in the 100 metres, 200 metres and 400 metres, and also the 4×100 metres relay and 4x400 metres relay. Anyika is one of the few GB athletes of the past 20 years to achieve a full set of major medals.She has won medals at the Olympic Games, the world championships, Commonwealth Games and European championships. Anyika has published a book about her life called - My Hidden Race. "My Hidden Race is the story of Olympic medallist Anyika Onuora, who stood on the podium at every major championship in athletics. This book won't go into detail about the technicalities of her sport or the beauty of the Olympic spirit however. In the era of the Black Lives Matter and Me Too, this is an unflinching testimony of what it takes to pursue your dreams as a Black British woman against all odds. This three-time Olympian will lift the lid on the reality of life as a black female athlete in Britain in a way that nobody else has done before her. Nothing is off the record. She is revealing her life for the first time in this book with complete fearlessness. There have been far too many years of silence caught in a system. Now Anyika is determined to make up for lost time and use her story to inspire and heal others. My Hidden Race will take you into a world that often takes place far from the spotlight of the Olympic torch and shines an intense light on the brutal reality of professional sport for many black females." Listen to Anyika on the Tough Girl Podcast, new episodes 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 Anyika and what she's achieved Working as a consultant and sharing more about her new book Living between Liverpool and London Her childhood and early years Growing up in a sporty, competitive family Being inspired by her older brother Realising that she was good at running Her dreams and ambitions as a little girl The dream of becoming a professional athlete Being shy and ambitious How you progress to the professional level in athletics Getting a degree while also competing as a full time athlete Any regrets over missing out Working hard for everything she has Getting to the senior level and being consistent in performance Competing at her first senior championships in Melbourne, Australia Learning from her peers The lessons learned from failure Mental health and support and how it's changed over the past 17/20 years The lack of support to help with changes and transitions Feeling disposable as an athlete The pressure to perform and to be consistent How expectations can weigh you down Blocking out the pressure and working with a psychologist Smiling and laughing to release the pressure Getting into flow and what it's like The struggles 10 months before the Olympic games in Rio Contracting malaria and ending up in hospital Getting back to full fitness and getting ready for the Olympics Focusing on getting the job done What it was like winning a Bronze Medal in the 4x400m Fitness and sport now Making the transition to the next stage of her career Figuring out what's next Getting qualified in Corporate Governance Role models and the women who have inspired Anyika Advice for women and girls who want to get into running Figuring out your why Remembering to have fun Looking after her Olympic Medal The shrine! Book: My Hidden Race Social Media Instagram @anyika Twitter @annyonuora Book: My Hidden Race