Paula Ralph – Cycling Solo from Cape Town to Nordkapp: 12,290 km Across 17 Countries - When Everything Seemed Impossible cover art

Paula Ralph – Cycling Solo from Cape Town to Nordkapp: 12,290 km Across 17 Countries - When Everything Seemed Impossible

Paula Ralph – Cycling Solo from Cape Town to Nordkapp: 12,290 km Across 17 Countries - When Everything Seemed Impossible

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 What happens when a dream is so big, so audacious, that you commit to it long before you have the skills, money, or confidence to make it happen? For Paula Ralph, that dream was to cycle from Cape Town, South Africa to Nordkapp, Norway— a 12,290 km journey across 17 countries. What began as a Guinness World Record attempt soon transformed into something far more powerful: a test of courage, resilience, and self-belief. Paula set off with one goal — to become the fastest woman to complete the route. But along the way, reality hit hard. Injuries, financial setbacks, fear, loneliness, and a traumatic collision with a truck in Zambia forced her to confront a heartbreaking truth: the record might no longer be possible. At this crossroads, Paula had a choice — stop, or redefine what success looked like. She chose to keep going. In this episode, Paula shares the raw truth behind the miles: the moments of doubt, the joy of human connection, the quiet sunrises that kept her pedalling, and the inner strength she discovered when everything else was stripped away. Her story is not just about endurance on a bike — it's about holding on to your "why" when the original plan falls apart. If you've ever had a dream that felt too big, or found yourself at the edge of giving up, Paula's journey will remind you that progress isn't always measured in records — sometimes it's measured in courage, growth, and the refusal to quit. This episode is for you if: You're chasing a big goal or adventureYou've experienced setbacks or self-doubtYou want inspiration to keep going when life gets toughYou love stories of resilience, solo travel, and human grit Ready to be inspired by what's possible when you simply refuse to stop? Hit play and let Paula take you on the road with her. 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 PaulaDoing the Long Ride - Cape Town to Nordkapp, NorwayBeing based in the UK Growing up in South Africa in the middle of nowhereNot being very adventurous Getting sporty in her adult years Getting married and putting on weightDeciding to join a gym to lose weight in Paying a Personal Trainer How her outlook on fitness changed Wanting to encourage other people to live a healthy lifeGetting into Brazilian Jiu-JitsuBecoming a sports therapist in 2009 Going into retail after college Getting her personal training qualifications Advice and tips for women who aren't feeling comfortable in their bodyEncouraging women to find something they'd enjoy Getting the idea for the ride in 2020Being inspired by the longest walkable road in the world - from cape town to a tiny town in RussiaSharing her dream on Facebook Giving herself 4 years to plan and trainDeciding to do a cycling camp in Italy Meeting her coach - Ian Deciding it was now or never and starting the rideThe challenges of getting to the start lineGetting divorced in 2012 and not having children The challenges of being self employedStruggling financiallyCreating a go fund me, to fund the challengeWanting to start a foundation to help children in disadvantaged communities Needing to take a little diversion to get back on trackThe start line of the long rideBeing driven to the start line at 5amDealing with the nerves at the startWanting to beat the record and complete the challenge in 72 daysNot having a support crew anymore due to the sponsorship falling through Having an 8kg pack on her back while cycling Crossing the border into BotswanaHer cycle route through AfricaThe anxiety heading up to the Ethiopia borderBorder crossing Heading through the Middle East and making it to EuropeMental resilience during the rideReflecting on each day, how the day went and how she was feeling Why the only way is forwardSmiling through the painBeing on the bike and where her focus wasGetting hit by a truck in Zambia Needing to set the world record aside Feeling overwhelmed and not wanting to continue the ride - being completely done The end of the journey and knowing the end was insightFeeling proud of herself Going live on Instagram to thank everyone Adjusting back to life after the tripLeaving everything in the UAEHeading back to the UK after the rideFinding a contract jobTrying to enjoy the downtime after the ride and struggling with not moving forwardHow to connect with Paula on social mediaHaving her first account hacked on InstagramFail to plan - plan to failWhy its all in the planning Be prepared to be adaptableForge forward Social Media Instagram...
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