This week on the show Kathryn and Kristi are chatting with French cyclist, Cécile Lejeune. Cécile grew up in the suburbs of Paris, and got her start in endurance sport in triathlon at age 12. She had quick success in the sport winning national titles in both triathlon and running. This success earned her a running scholarship at Arizona State University. But behind the scenes Cécile was struggling with an eating disorder and battling RED-S, and just one month into her collegiate running career she suffered a stress fracture that ultimately led to her being medically retired from running by the team doctors as ASU. Cécile speaks openly about her struggles with her eating disorder and RED-S, and how she has worked her way back to a more healthy view of fueling and training. She also tells us how leaving running allowed her to find her way into cycling and pursue the sport professionally. After a stint on some UCI road teams in Europe, Cécile moved back to the US and is now part of team CCB. This is her first year in the Life Time Grand Prix, and she is currently in 5th in the overall standings.

Follow Cécile on Instagram @cecilejeune

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On this week’s episode Kathryn welcomes back Jill Martindale, who was last on the show in 2021 after she won the 2020 Iditarod Trail 1000 Invitational. Recently, Jill set the FKT on the 300 mile Mega Midsouth route in November of 2025 despite chilly weather, lack of sleep, and being chased by guard dogs. Jill lives in western Michigan, and spends her winters outside on her fat bike in all kinds of weather. She gives some of her best tips on how you can dress and prepare yourself for outdoor riding all winter long no matter the weather. Jill will also be hosting a luminary bike ride on January 15th, 2026 as part of the Grand Rapids World of Winter Festival.

Follow Jill on Instagram @billfartindale

Listen to Jill's previous Girls Gone Gravel episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inspire-yourself-with-jill-martindale-episode-38/id1506779235?i=1000506607019

To learn more about all of The Cyclist’s Menu events head to https://www.ridebikeseatfood.com/

We’re back! And to celebrate, Kathryn and Kristi welcome back their friend and cycling guide extraordinaire Heidi Rentz. Heidi and her husband started The Cyclist’s Menu back in 2015 with their shared passion of adventuring by bike and eating delicious food. Fast forward 10 years of amazing trips, and the pair have guided countless cyclists on trips around the world, and have built their home base in the gravel mecca of Patagonia AZ. Planning for their 2026 trips is in full swing, and we are excited to announce that Feisty will be partnering with The Cyclist’s Menu for a trip to Mallorca! The trip will be held May 17-22, in the small town of Burger on the Island of Mallorca. Heidi and Zander have been hosting trips in Mallorca for many years, and Heidi shares what she loves most about the island. Heidi and Kristi will also be teaming up this winter on a new project called Training Grounds, a 5 day gravel training camp based out of Patagonia AZ coming up in February 2026.

To learn more about all of The Cyclist’s Menu events head to https://www.ridebikeseatfood.com/

Register for our 2026 Gravel Camp and Bike Mechanic School: https://feisty.co/events/gravel-camp-x-bike-mechanic-school/

Follow us on Instagram:

@feistycycling

@feisty_media

Girls Gone Gravel Website:

https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/

Support our Partners:

Previnex: Get 15% off your first order with code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL at https://www.previnex.com/