Tough Girl Podcast

Captain Preet Chandi MBE is a world record breaking explorer, former British Army officer, and physiotherapist. She served in the Royal Army Medical Corps for 16 years before embarking on groundbreaking polar expeditions. In 2022, Preet became the ninth woman in history to ski solo to the South Pole, and the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition on the continent. Less than a year later, she set out on her next adventure, breaking two Guinness World Records for the longest solo unsupported one-way ski expedition, both for a woman and overall, covering 922 miles in 70 days. She returned to Antarctica in December 2023 to set her fourth world record: the female speed record to the South Pole, completed in 31 days, 13 hours, and 19 minutes. Preet's expeditions are driven by her mission to inspire others to push boundaries. She champions the message that everyone starts somewhere, and that no matter your background or starting point in life, you are capable of breaking barriers and redefining what's possible. In 2025, she established her Community Interest Company, Adventure is Ours CIC, which supports expeditions that promote education, inspiration, climate awareness, and diversity in exploration. Through the CIC, she also delivers outreach, mentorship, and school visits to empower people of all ages. In 2022, Preet started delivered her school talks across the UK, reaching more than 18,000 students. That same year, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen's Birthday Honours. Her achievements have been widely recognised: she received the 'Inspirational' and 'Woman of the Year' awards at the inaugural Women in Defence event in 2022, was named 'Explorer of the Year' in 2023, and in 2025 was awarded the prestigious Geographical Award by the Royal Geographical Society. Past TGP episodes July 8th 2021 - Preet Chandi - Army Physiotherapist, Ultra Runner, first solo unsupported expedition to South Pole! Feb 15th 2022 - Preet Chandi - aka Polar Preet - 1st woman of colour to reach the South Pole New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Preet Originally from Darby, but basically living everywhere Spending 16 years in the Army Chatting to Preet previously on the Tough Girl Podcast Making the decision to leave the Army Coming back in debt Getting straight back into work Starting the next fundraising cycle Trying to get unpaid leave Doing her 3rd expedition without telling anyone Trying to cross the landmass on Antarctica on her 2nd trip Not making it The voice in her head, telling her she had failed Feeling the relief when she finished Getting 2 records from the trip Why it's ok to fail Being slated by an article Feeling worried about what people in the adventure community would think of her Wondering if she could get the female speed record? (Needing to break 33 days) Why you don't need to be the best to succeed Learning as she goes on Why 2023 was a tough year and struggling The impact on weight loss on your brain Burnout Starting to feel recovered Wanting to train for the North Pole Having time off Losing her granddad and hearing the news after the trip Building momentum Getting to sleep 8 hrs per night Talking about failure Making mistakes and being able to pinpoint them Being nervous to get started Needing to get going and hitting some storms at the start The voice in her head - being scared to fail, and being called a failure Using her pain relief before she though she would need to Getting a polar thigh industry Starting to move more slowly towards the end Focusing on the next 2hrs Getting home Traumatic growth? The daily pain cave… Being made to slow down The costs of doing these trips Getting help and support Trip 3 - the women's speed record Dealing with the hunger The next big challenge - the north pole Why there is a high chance of failure You can not fail, unless you try Preparing for the misery and suffering The privilege of being on the start line of adventures Lying to herself Why not Preet! Needing luck on the next adventure Wanting to show show much than you can do anything You go and you try Why her trips are bigger than her Why adventure is for anyone Being very driven and being an encourager How to connect with Preet MBE and what it means What's been achieved in 4 years Why you do belong in every single room The importance of the first step Social Media Website: www.polarpreet.com Instagram: @polarpreet Facebook: @polarpreet

Robyn Godfrey is an accomplished runner, pacer, RRCA Certified Level 1 coach, and motivational speaker who began her running journey at the age of 47. What started as a personal quest to improve her health and overcome her relationship with alcohol soon evolved into a remarkable achievement: completing seven marathons, including the prestigious World Marathon Majors — London, Chicago, Berlin, Boston, New York, and Tokyo. A dedicated member of the Wilmington Road Runners Club since 2013, Robyn has made a significant impact by coaching and pacing runners, helping them unlock their potential and reach their goals. In addition to her coaching, she has volunteered with organisations like Girls on the Run, empowering young girls to grow both physically and personally through running. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Robyn Making a change in her life at 47 Starting running for 30 seconds on a treadmill Facing serious life hurdles over the years Reinventing herself Chasing after her dream Her early years and not being sporty The why before making the change Not being able to stop over indulging Continuing the journey Starting to run outside and why it was such a different experience Run the 10K Cooper River Bridge Run Training for a year to run a 10K Getting hooked on running Why motivation isn't enough Starting to think about taking on a marathon Running the London Marathon for her 50th Birthday Getting a place through a lottery ticket How the structure of marathon training fitted in well with her mentality Breaking down big challenges into smaller more manageable goals Not being a fast runner, but enjoying the process of marathon training Fitting in training around life and work Carrying a fork Being a party girl and drinking Being social and not needing to drink a lot of wine to do that The Tokyo Marathon Following strict cutoff times 27.8 miles…. Recovering after running Core work and conditioning Strength training for women The mental side of running Being a goal orientated person Run the mile you are in Keep going - things will turn around The lessons learned from running which can be applied to challenging situations Why running can't save you from everything Feelings of guilt Completing her goal of running all of the World Marathon Majors Training on trails and running a 50k at elevation Turning 60 next year Planning to run Sydney Marathon Writing her book How to connect with Robyn Wanting to inspire people to go after their dreams Final words of advice - on how to take the first step Why you can't just rely on motivation The power of community Social Media Website - www.worldmajormarathonfinisher.com Instagram @beachy_runner LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/robyngodfrey Facebook www.facebook.com/robyn.godfrey.3 Book: Running the World: A Runner's Odyssey of Struggle and Triumph in the World Marathon Majors

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm joined by the incredible Julie Weiss — also known as The Marathon Goddess. Julie's story is one of resilience, healing, and purpose. After losing her father to pancreatic cancer, she set out on an extraordinary mission: to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks, raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research along the way. Her journey captured hearts around the world — from the Today Show and O Magazine to countless finish lines across the US. But behind the medals and media attention is a woman who found strength, joy, and hope through running. Now in her fifties, Julie has completed over 118 marathons, raised more than $1 million for research, and continues to inspire others with her message that it's never too late to chase your dreams, honour your loved ones, and find purpose in every step. In this conversation, Julie opens up about: How running helped her heal from grief and depression The challenges and triumphs of running 52 marathons in 52 weeks What it takes to stay motivated and injury-free through massive goals Her empowering "7 C's to Defy Your Limits" — Create, Certainty, Connect, Commit, Consistent, Cause, and Courage Julie's story is a beautiful reminder that transformation begins with one small step — and that every mile can make a difference. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Julie Living in Santa Monica, California, USA Being known as the Marathon Goddess - Running 52 marathon in 52 weeks Raising over $1 million for charity Being excited to share the wisdom she has leaned from running marathons Her childhood and early years Being tall with long legs Starting running at 37 years Not being at athlete at school Taking a different path Becoming a mother at 18 Not doing a lot of exercise in her younger years Feeling at a very low point in her life Going for that first run on the beach Wanting to feel good Keeping on running Coming off anti-depressants Fitting running into her life and making it work for her Joining a running group LA Road Runners Connecting with other people Training for a triathlon first Running her first marathon in March 2008 How running makes her feel Her relationship with her dad Raising funds for Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research Taking 10 years to raise the funds Project Purple Deciding to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks The Marathon Guy Being determined Feeling overwhelmed at the start of the goal The start and the different steps involved Reaching out to charities, speaking to her boss The power of having purpose The physicality of the challenge Protein, stretching, foam rolling, strength training, rest, compression tights, physio The standout marathons from the challenge The Leadville Marathon and the challenges of running at altitude The Lake Tahoe Marathon The New York Marathon in 2012 - being cancelled Marathon proposal! Being coached by her husband Qualifying for the Boston Marathon Losing her dad 19th attempt of getting into Boston Marathon Making the decision to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks Not giving up The mental side of the challenge The importance of creating a goal that is important to you The 7Cs - Create, Certainty, Connect, Commit, Consistent, Cause, Courage Enjoying what you've accomplished Writing her book BOOK: The Miles and Trials of a Marathon Goddess: 52 Weeks, 52 Marathons Advice for deciding what to do? The importance of fun Chasing speed and wanting to quality for Boston again Running during peri-menopause and menopause Struggling with the lack of sleep and dealing with a lack of iron Compassion Reaching her 100th Marathon at the LA Marathon Needing to keep on going Being supported by her friends The importance of enjoying the journey and finding the joy How to connect with Julie Words by ― CS Lewis "You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream." Social Media Website: www.julie-weiss.com Instagram: @marathongoddess Facebook: @Julie-WeissMarathonGoddess

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Susan Norman — a former National and World Champion in whitewater kayaking and rafting, hydrologist, coach, and now author of RISK: A Life Saved by the River. Susan's story is one of courage, flow, and resilience. From the roaring rapids of international whitewater competition to the quiet, uncertain waters of parenting her young nephew, she's navigated life's toughest challenges with the same instinct, grit, and grace that made her a world-class paddler. Now retired from her career with the U.S. Forest Service and living in Lake Tahoe, California, Susan reflects on how rivers shaped her identity — not just as an athlete, but as a woman learning to make her own risk assessments, trust her judgement, and face fear head-on. In this conversation, Susan opens up about: Finding belonging and strength in the early days of women's paddling The lessons whitewater taught her about resilience and decision-making Her journey into writing and how storytelling became an extension of adventure What it really means to take good risks — on the river and in life Get ready for a deeply thoughtful episode about flow, fear, and finding freedom through the wild power of water. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Susan Norman Living in Lake Tahoe, California Working for the US Forest Service Being retired for 7 years Starting her journey and learning new creative writing skills Book: RISK: A Life Saved by the River Her childhood (with her twin brother) and early years Her interest in rivers and how her father inspired her Her transition from teenager to adult White water paddling as an amateur sport Competing as a teenager Jamie McEwan Wanting to increase her skill set Going to high school in the early 1970s Not having many older female role models Dads and daughters on the river Forming a tribe and connecting with the other girls during her teenage years The relationship with her mum who was diagnosed with MS Being raised by a single father Replacing family with the paddling community Being part of the first wave of women getting into a high level of paddling Paddling amongst the best paddlers in the world Analysing and making decisions based on her own risk assessments Learning to trust her own judgement A life saved by the river Working with a writing coach Telling her story, while raising her nephew Taking her nephew on river trips Taking 6 years to write the book Trying to figure out how to raise a child Facing hard things and not being able to see a path through Not knowing how things will turn out and taking it one day at a time Taking challenging in small steps Giving an ultimatum to her partner Going through the teenage years Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) Adventuring with children and why you should go as soon as you can The power of outdoor adventure sports Managing fear while on adventure and parenting River boarding and learning about the flow of the river water How to connect with Susan Final words of advice with regards to risk and making tough decisions Find the good risk Social Media Website www.susannormanauthor.com Facebook: Susan Norman

In this candid and raw Tough Girl Podcast EXTRA episode, we reconnect with the unstoppable Vedangi Kulkarni — the youngest woman to have cycled around the world, who's recently returned from doing it again. Now based in Inverness, Scotland, Vedangi opens up about her second attempt at cycling around the globe — this time not just for the journey, but in pursuit of a Guinness World Record. From racing Lael Wilcox to navigating border delays, funding pressures, and the relentless physical and mental toll of riding across five continents, Vedangi doesn't hold back. This conversation is about pushing limits, embracing failures, and finding strength when things don't go to plan. Highlights from the episode include: Breaking a record in the Himalayas (Manali–Leh Highway) in 2023 Preparing to cycle the world again in 2024 — and finding sponsorship, gear, and coaching Struggles of travelling on an Indian passport and the challenge of visa logistics Being delayed at borders, detained, and ultimately forced to return to the UK mid-ride due to visa expiry Restarting in 2025, finishing the ride under the blazing Indian summer sun Dealing with the post-expedition blues and finding her footing again Vedangi's story is one of resilience, honesty, and fierce determination. Despite knowing she wouldn't get the world record, she kept going — driven by passion, grit, and the belief that stories worth telling are born from adversity. Now, she's looking ahead to her next expedition, ramping up her YouTube and Substack presence, and continuing to speak openly about the realities of life as a woman of colour in adventure sport. Heads-up: This episode includes some strong language. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Vedangi From India but currently based in Inverness, Scotland The Adventure Shed Coming back from her 2nd ride around the world Speaking to Vedangi in Sep 22, 2020 - Vedangi Kulkarni - The youngest woman to have circumnavigated the world on bicycle. Tough Girl Extra Oct 27, 2022 - Vedangi Kulkarni - Adventurer and endurance athlete moving into mountain biking and crossing Svalbard. The focus of this episode - what Vedangi has been up to over the past couple of years Deciding to cycle around the world again 2023 - visiting the Himalayas and going after a point to point record. GWR for being the fastest women to cycle the Manali-leh Highway Getting her win June 2023 - starting to be vocal about her goals in 2024 Getting the sponsorship and funding in place Needing £20k Working with Canyon Bikes Speaking to the bike experts Getting a gravel bike and specking it like a road bike Being an Ambassador for RAB Working with Tailfin - and having custom build gear 3D printed mounts Struggling to get sponsorship from Indian companies Getting only 1 Indian Sponsor at the last moment Training and working with Jon Fearne from E3 Coaching Following a training plan and putting in the best effort with it Applying for visas and planning the route with an Indian passport The challenges of getting to the start line Racing against Lael Wilcox (who was attempting the same record at the same time) "Why do I think I can do this? I don't stand a chance" Mental blocks and challenges The challenges of travelling on a weaker passport Having no room for errors - everything needs to go to plan Why it wasn't a level playing field Speaking with Lael before heading off - women supporting women Knowing that she wasn't going to get the record and keeping on going Having a good story to tell Dealing with setbacks and failures and keeping on going The route and how it was slightly different to the first time Starting on the East Coast of India Riding across Mongolia and then on to Australia Challenges with border crossings and getting detained and delayed Needing to fly back to the UK on Christmas Eve due to UK visa regulations Needing to stay in the UK for 2 months Getting back to India in March 2025 to finish the ride The challenges of the heat - going from Scottish winter to an Indian Summer Feeling satisfied once the ride was finally done. Adventure blues after the ride Planning her next record attempt and expedition. Wanting to push her limits further Why health isn't guaranteed One precious life and you've got to get out there and live it Balancing everything that's going on How to connect with Vedangi on social media Kickstarting her YouTube again Getting more active on Substack Final words of advice for women who want to push on through their barriers Embracing failure and not letting it dim your light - it's not always going to go to plan Be motivated to try your best The journalling process and how it can help mentally with self-esteem Social Media Website: vedangi.info Instagram: @thisisvedangi LinkedIn: Vedangi Kulkarni Twitter: @thisisvedangi Facebook: @wheelsandwords YouTube: @thisisvedangi Link to donate me a small amount: [Buy Me A Coffee]

In this Tough Girl EXTRA episode, we catch up with Tiphaine Muller, the intrepid French adventurer who continues to push her boundaries through long-distance cycling and remote, high-altitude trekking. Now 31 and based in Chamonix, France, Tiphaine has spent the last decade traveling the world by bike, exploring five continents. Her latest journey saw her pedaling from the Alps to the Himalayas before tackling one of the toughest and most remote treks on earth: The Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) in Nepal. This conversation picks up from where we left off in her first Tough Girl Podcast interview (November 2021) — where she shared her early adventures and passion for slow travel. This time, we dive deep into her 2024 journey: Cycling from France to Nepal through the Balkans, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and the Himalayas — all while managing extreme heat, border crossings, and a strict budget of €10/day. Hiking the Great Himalaya Trail solo (West to East), over 80 days, through towering 5,000m+ passes, remote villages, and ever-changing terrain — while battling physical exhaustion, route-finding issues, and high-altitude nutrition struggles. Tiphaine candidly shares: The logistics and challenges of arranging permits for restricted zones without a guide Her coping strategies for trekking alone in high mountains Cultural highlights from cycling through Turkey and Iran How she funds her travels and balances life back home as a social worker Her future goals — including film-making and another epic cycle across South America This episode is a deep, honest reflection on the highs and lows of big adventures and what it takes — mentally, physically, and emotionally — to keep moving forward when things don't go to plan. Don't miss this inspiring update from a woman who truly lives the spirit of adventure, one pedal stroke and step at a time. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Tiphaine 31 years old Living in Chamonix, France Travelling on and off for the past 10 years Going on 3 big bicycle trips 1st Tough Girl Podcast episode - November 18th 2021 2nd Big Cycle Trip - Cycling from Mexico to Alaska This episode focusing on cycling from France to Nepal and hiking the Great Himalaya Trail Thinking about the next challenge Hiking the High Route of the Pyrenees solo Joking about the Great Himalaya Trail Figuring out the visa and trying to plan for the trail Planning for 6 months and working out how to make it work with the seasons Starting in March 2024 The Route - Cycling Europe really fast in 1 month Going through the Balkan Countries, Greece then the ferry over to Turkey Across Georgia, Armenia, Iran and the Stan countries Highlights and magical moments from the cycle ride Why Turkey is one of her favourite countries Why Iran was really demanding The bike and gear setup for 6 months Dealing with extreme heat and needing to ride during the night to escape the heat Funding the trip and living off savings Living off a daily budget of 10 euro per person per day (while cycling) Earning money working as a social worker Day to day rhythm while riding on the bike Having a rest day every 10 days The Great Himalaya Trail and wanting to walk West to East Needing to go to Katmandu first to sort out all the permits Taking a rest in Katmandu for 10 days Busing to the start of the trail Having 80 days to walk the trail Why the first 2 weeks were super hard Getting lost of the trail; no signs, no gps on the phone, incorrect maps, not knowing which track was the correct one Struggling to stick to the schedule, due to the permits Not having a guide Dealing with problem after problem Walking in the high mountains Needing to have guides while walking in Nepal…. Going through a trekking agency - who will allow you to get the trekking permits without a guide The restricted areas close to the borders Mixing the high routes and the low routes Finding resupply and food on the trail The challenges of cooking at altitude Struggling to get the calories in and needing to focus more on food Needing to eat, even when not hungry Paying for food - and taking cash for 80 days… Coping with the altitude and the high passes over 5,000m Hiking without a guide Connecting with other hikers and Nepalese people What's app group for GHT preparation! Hiking or cycling?! Reaching the end of the hike in December Deciding to continue cycling for another 2 months and visiting China and Malaysia Writing another book? Focusing on film and making 2 videos - a bike film and a hike film! Plans for the future? Wanting to visit South America on the next big bike and cycle trip How to connect with Tiphaine on social media Final words of advice To do something big you need to start with something little Trust yourself Social Media Instagram @littlemisspedals

Jenn is a long-distance walker, community leader, and passionate advocate for women's wellbeing in the outdoors — especially during menopause. From battling endometriosis, PCOS, and the trauma of an early medical menopause in her 20s, she was once told she couldn't live the active, adventurous life she craved. She's spent the last few years since proving otherwise — one footstep at a time. What began as a personal outlet for healing has evolved into something much bigger: being able to connect women to their strength through hiking, movement, and community. Whether she's leading local walks, multi-day hikes, backpacking or pushing her own limits, she walks with the intention that creating space for people to feel heard, safe and be around nature is of the upmost importance. A qualified lowland leader, speaker, and founder of a thriving women's walking community in Kent, she brings insight, humour, and unflinching honesty to conversations about menopause, mental health, leadership, and what it means to feel powerful in your body again — especially when the world told you not to try. Through her trail stories — from ultra hikes to quiet woodland days — she shows that adventure isn't about speed or summits. It's simply about showing up. 🎙️ New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. 💪 Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. 🙏 Your support makes a difference. 💖 Thank you x Show notes Who is Jenn and running MJ Outdoor Adventures Her aim to get everyone outdoors, regardless of what stage of life people are at Her early years and not being sporty or outdoorsy Getting into fitness in her mid to late 20s Going through an early menopause in her early 20s Gaining weight very quickly Feeling very uncomfortable in her own body Starting walking and moving into swimming and yoga Getting into hiking and how her passion came alive Currently 39 years old Talking about perimenopause and menopause Reflecting back on what happened 20 years ago Only hearing from doctors, not hearing other voices or having other support available. Not having a clue what was happening Discovering hiking and her hiking journey Shifting the weight and starting to get more energy once she started walking Signing up for ultra challenges Adapting gear to make it work for her Lowland Leaders Taking a leap of faith and quitting her day job 3 months into the adventure Working in retail and making the transition Setting up her first walking group Women's Wellness Walks The power of women sharing their stories Peri-menopause - and how it's starting earlier and earlier 51 symptoms of menopause… Vitamin D and bone density loss What can women do, to manage the symptoms of peri-menopause Strong not skinny and the importance of keeping mobile Mental health and balancing hormones How the outdoors have helped Solo hiking and the power of spending time alone in the Highlands of Scotland Isle of Wright Ultra - 100km Wanting to prove to everyone that she could do it Achieving 75km and not hitting the 100km Having to shift her mindset Learning grace for herself Practicing mindfulness on the trail Saxon Shore Way, Kent The power of nature Walking as part of a group Community and friendships Learning how to be in the outdoors How it helps to build confidence Meeting Mike! The W trail in Patagonia (Feb 2026) The Greensand Way Working as an Ordnance Survey Champion North Down's Way Ambassadors The challenges of wailing in February in the UK Fast packing and going from hotel to hotel, or from B&B to B&B Doing what works for you The stats from the North Down's Way (National Trail UK) Being a woman in the outdoors industry How to connect with Jenn and sign up for her walks Final words of advice for other women who want to get outside more Finding your tribe and the right footwear!! Social Media Website: www.mjoutdooradventures.co.uk Instagram: @mjoutdooradventures

At age 55, Belgian runner Hilde Dosogne set out to break boundaries — and did just that. In 2024, she ran 366 marathons in 366 days, earning her the title of Guinness World Record holder for most consecutive marathons in a year. What makes Hilde's journey so extraordinary is not just the distance she covered, but the relentless dedication she showed while working part-time and managing her daily life with laser-focused discipline. Known as Marathon Woman 366, Hilde didn't grow up in a sporty family. In fact, she didn't seriously take up running until her 40s. But once she did, she never looked back — moving from her first marathon with her husband in 2013 to ultra events like the Marathon des Sables and the legendary Spartathlon in Greece. Inspired by endurance runner Candice Burt, who ran an ultra a day, Hilde set a goal that was bold yet (just) manageable alongside her career — a marathon every single day for an entire year. From battling injuries and illness, to running through Belgian storms and even dislocating a finger mid-run, Hilde's story is one of mental toughness, resilience, and unwavering self-belief. In this episode, Hilde shares: Why she decided to take on this incredible challenge How she structured her days and managed recovery The highs and lows of running every single day The mental strategies that helped her keep going Her thoughts on aging, performance, and redefining what's possible at 55 The deep sense of joy and freedom she finds in running Hilde's story is a reminder that it's never too late to start something extraordinary — and that the only limits are the ones we place on ourselves. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM UK time. Subscribe and be inspired by stories of women pushing their physical and mental limits across adventure, endurance, and exploration. Support the mission to increase the visibility of female role models in adventure and sport: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast Show notes Who is Hilde Living in Belgium 55 years old Married with 4 children aged between 18 and 26 years old Working in a chemical company and being passionate about running Being known as Marathon Woman 366 Not growing up in a sporty family and not being encouraged to do sports when she was younger Getting into running after her children were growing up Being focused on building up her career and raising her children Reaching 40 years old and wanting to lose some weight and deciding to run a marathon with her husband in 2013 How her running progressed and wanting to run more marathons and then wanting to run faster and then further Getting a lot of satisfaction from achieving her goals and pushing her limits Deciding to run the coastline of Belgium - 74km Wanting to know what else she could do Deciding to run the Marathon des Sables in Morocco Struggling with sleep in the open tent, and dealing with the sandstorm and the noisy people in the tent Running Spartathlon Ultra Race Running from Athens to Sparta - having 36 hrs to complete the race Needing to qualify for the Spartathlon Running 170km in 24 hrs in 2022 Running the race again in 2023 and running 1 hr faster than the year before Being inspired by Candice Burt running an ultra marathon everyday Realising that running an ultra marathon a day would take up too much time everyday Deciding to run a marathon everyday and break a world record Feeling that running a marathon everyday would be achievable while working at the same time Starting to plan for the event in summer 2024 - wanting to run with other people Applying to Guinness World Records and figuring out the logistics for evidence The time commitment involved and trying to run with other people Being commitment to the hours she was running The hard days, especially when she was feeling sick Dealing with stomach pain and covid. Falling while running and dislocating her finger Dealing with bad weather especially at the start of the year Struggling with her sleep and feeling too excited from the running both physically and emotionally Sleeping during her lunch break Needing to have her days very strictly scheduled The time commitment of running, social media and the info for Guinness World Records The mindset of taking on a daily challenge like this Her resilience coming from having a strict childhood and being very disciplined Seeing her running as a job Feeling gratitude for while she was running Raising funds for breast cancer patients Being supported by the people who ran with her and also supported via social media Daily recovery strategies - having a recovery shake, baths, stretching and a massage 1x per week Being supported by her husband in the house Getting to the end of 366 marathons Running the last week in pain, due to a hamstring injury Preparing an event for the last day Her body was telling her to stop running Stopping running on the 1st January 2025 Feeling very happy that it was over! Getting back into running/walking 10 days later Wanting to do the Spartathlon for the 3rd time Becoming the 24hrs running Belgium Champion Listening to podcasts and music to pass the time Not experiencing many affects from perimenopause and menopause Nutrition and fuelling while running a marathon everyday Which is harder running a fast 5k or running a longer distance? Stretching, foam rolling, core stability exercises and bike riding The biggest lessons learned from taking on this challenge Why the human body can do much more than what we think Doing this challenge at 55 years old Running an average time of 4hrs 5 mins for each marathon Why you can start running at any age Training for the Spartathlon 2025 with a running coach Running coach Benny Fisher How to connect with Hilde on line Words of advice for runners The mind is stronger than the body If you think you can't anymore, you have to think you can do it. Even if you are at a low point in a race. You need to know that it can get better. Why the only reason to stop is if you have a serious injury. Believe that it can get better Think about how you will feel when you give up Think about the people that support you and they will be very happy that you finish and disappointed if you don't Do it for a charity, so you know you are not only doing it for yourself. You have to be strong psychically and mentally Prepare yourself for the difficult moments in the race and think through all the different scenarios that could happen Social Media Website: www.hildedosogne.be/en Instagram: @marathonwoman366/ Facebook: @marathonwoman.2024 Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/51029211

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we journey into the heart of the Amazon and the mind of a remarkable woman pushing the boundaries of science, culture, and conservation—Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza. Rosa is a Peruvian chemical biologist, National Geographic Explorer, UN Harmony with Nature Scientist, and the founder of Amazon Research Internacional. Splitting her time between Bath, England, and the Peruvian rainforest, Rosa blends cutting-edge research with ancestral knowledge to protect biodiversity and uplift indigenous communities. Her journey—from a curious child growing up in Peru to leading expeditions in the Amazon, researching the legendary Boiling River, studying stingless bees, and authoring The Spirit of the Rainforest—is nothing short of extraordinary. Rosa shares how she learned expedition skills later in life, why documenting indigenous science is crucial, and what it means to be a female scientist navigating international platforms like the UN and COP16. This conversation is packed with insight into climate resilience, overcoming self-doubt, and the healing power of nature, science, and community. Rosa's message is a powerful call to action for women everywhere: follow the questions that stay in your head—you never know where they may lead. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Dr Rosa Currently living in Bath Being based between England and Peru Working as a Peruvian scientistic National Geographic Explorer Leading science and conservation efforts in the Amazon Rainforest Having a deep connection to her indigenous roots Her early years living in Peru and relationship with her grandmother Spending time in the city and the mountains Being fascinated by the things she couldn't understand Loving space and wanted to know everything about the planet Having a fascination for science Wanting to dedicate her life to the Amazon Getting her PhD in Chemical Biology from Michigan University Taking a year off to get more work experience and reconsidering her whole life Being able to study traditional Chineses medicine in Beijing in her last year of undergrad The Amazon Boiling River Ted Talk - Andrés Ruzo Book: The Boiling River (TED) by Andrés Ruzo Discovering new microbes in the river Boiling mud Book: The Spirit of the Rainforest: How indigenous wisdom and scientific curiosity reconnects us to the natural world What you can expect from the book Learning expeditions skills later on in life Leading her first expedition Chapter 4 - Stingless Bees - the oldest bees on the planet Capacity building Partnerships with different indigenous groups Climate challenges Climate Anxiety The importance of indigenous science and making sure that it is documented Being motivated to write the book COP16 in October 2024 in Colombia Dealing with self doubt and why the work is not easy Being a voice with the international press Creating space for female indigenous members Being a good team member The importance of community Current expeditions and plans for heading back to the field Funding expeditions Extreme climate explorers BBC - Documenting their work on stingless bees How to find stingless bees Smelling fish in the jungle…. Medicinial Honey?! Comparison to Manuka honey? Her Ayahuasca experience The ego death experience Chapter 11 - becoming a black jaguar How to connect with Dr Rosa Final word of advice for women who want to explore more and get into science and exploration Follow the questions that stay in your head You never know where they may lead. Social Media Website: www.rosavespinoza.com Instagram: @rosavespinoza Facebook: @rosavespinoza9 TikTok: @rosavespinoza YouTube: @rosavespinoza

In this deeply moving and inspiring episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we're joined by Sophie Pierce, a 32-year-old social worker from Pembrokeshire, West Wales, who made history in March 2025 as the first person with Cystic Fibrosis to row an ocean. Diagnosed at just 3 months old, Sophie has lived with the challenges of a genetic condition that affects her lungs and digestive system and once carried a life expectancy of under 30 years. But Sophie's story is not defined by limitation—it's a bold testament to resilience, courage, and the power of hope. From working in fostering services to hiking the Welsh coast with her dogs, swimming in cold water, and sleeping in her campervan—Sophie has never shied away from living life on her terms. In this episode, she opens up about the life-changing impact of the Kaftrio drug trial, how she overcame mental health struggles, and what it truly meant to embrace life beyond the horizon by rowing across the Atlantic. She shares the highs and lows of the row: the months of preparation, team dynamics, magical moments at sea, and how it feels to return to "normal life" after an extraordinary adventure. Sophie's message is powerful and universal—you are capable of so much more than you think. If you're looking for inspiration, perspective, and an honest exploration of living—and thriving—with a life-limiting condition, this episode is not to be missed. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Sophie 32 years old Living in Pembrokeshire, West Wales Working as a social worker in fostering service Living with a genetic health condition - Cystic Fibrosis (CF) March 2025 - becoming the first person with CF to row an ocean What is CF Being born with it and getting diagnosed at 3 months old Having a shorter lifespan How CF affects her lungs and digestive system Living with reduced lung function Her younger years and how she was treated Why exercise and being out in the fresh air is actively encouraged Not liking exercise as a child Growing up knowing she had CF and why it was normal Being empowered with CF and how her parents encouraged her Her mum reminding her to stay as well as she could for as long as she could, so she could benefit from treatments in the future. Learning about her shorter life expectancy and managing those feelings Adopting a positive attitude - being determined to live her life and not letting CF hold her back Wanting to make the most of her time Understanding that time is precious Not needing a pension, savings or need to put down roots The help and support available to help manage the mental and emotional challenges Experiencing panic attacks while her health was declining Working with a psychologist Using tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Feeling frightened of letting the big feelings of sadness in Feeling so sad about living with CF The drug trial - 5 years ago Taking the Kaftrio drug The challenges of winter for CF patients 'The Purge' - coughing for 24 hrs How her life and lungs has changed Trustee for CF Trust Being asked to row an ocean Forming a crew of 4 Stumbling blocks and being told no - by the World's Toughest Row Atlantic Dash Securing the finances and managing the stress of getting to the start line Her biggest fear and worrying about staying well enough to do the row Getting out on to the ocean. Having electrical issues with the boat Name of the boat - The Spirit of Bluestone Magical moments on the Atlantic Ocean Day 46 coming to the end of the row Rowing schedule and needing to get extra sleep during the night The challenges of team dynamics Finding their roles within the group Being the social secretary and bringing fun to the boat The biggest lesson from rowing the ocean You can do so much more than you think you can Being supported by the right people around you Dealing with the adventure blues How life in weird after rowing an ocean Being in a really exciting place Future challenges?! Words of advice from the CF perspective Learning to life with CF How to connect with Sophie You are capable of so much more than you think you are Learn to reframe the negative voices in your head Social Media Instagram @sophiefpierce @cruisingfree2025