Sharon Evans – Walking New Zealand’s 3,000km Te Araroa Trail at 58 and Inspiring Women to Embrace Outdoor Adventure cover art

Sharon Evans – Walking New Zealand’s 3,000km Te Araroa Trail at 58 and Inspiring Women to Embrace Outdoor Adventure

Sharon Evans – Walking New Zealand’s 3,000km Te Araroa Trail at 58 and Inspiring Women to Embrace Outdoor Adventure

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 In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Sharon Evans, also known as the Free Wheeling Kiwi—a 58-year-old adventurer, storyteller, and passionate advocate for women embracing the outdoors, especially later in life. Sharon shares the incredible story of walking the full Te Araroa Trail, a 3,000km thru-hike stretching the length of New Zealand. Alongside her partner, she tackled harsh weather, blisters, foot pain, and relentless terrain—proving that age is no barrier to adventure. Five years ago, Sharon made the bold decision to walk away from her rural real estate career and pursue a life filled with purpose, exploration, and connection to nature. In this conversation, we explore her motivations, the magical (and muddy) moments on the trail, and her mission to empower women over 50 to step into the wild with confidence. Sharon also shares practical tips for low-cost adventuring, content creation on the go, and how she’s continuing her journey by heading to Australia’s rugged Larapinta Trail next. If you're looking for inspiration to follow your passion—no matter your age—this episode is for you. *** 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 Sharon Evans aka Free Wheeling Kiwi Based in New Zealand Going on adventures and telling stories Spending time in the outdoors - often being uncomfortable and wetSpending time at the beach Gen X, 58 years old Having a huge amount of freedom and spending time outdoorsHer passion for travelLiving in the jungle in Borneo, MalaysiaGrowing up without social media How technology has advanced Her first camera (film camera) at 15 years old Deciding what to do with her lifeBeing shy and introverted Where did the name/brand freewheeling kiwi come from Working as a rural estate agent Riding bikes Deciding to make a change 5 years ago Planning to go to Everest Base Camp How plans got derailed because of CovidMaking the transition and changing your career to follow your passionsPlanning…..Lowering her cost of living, being a careful spenderWanting to encourage more women to spend more time in the outdoors in nature Especially women over the age of 50Focusing on her whyTe Araroa Trail, 3,000 km, the long walk in New Zealand Being concerned about the coldStarting on the 2nd OctoberWalking with Andrew - as a coupleHaving their 1st anniversary on the trail in the Richmond RangersKeeping the pack weight downThe highlights, challenges and magical moments from the trail Not wanting to quitAdvice for new hikersKeeping costs down and sending resupply boxesBig food carriesThe extreme conditions and the impact on gear River crossings and being cautious Gusting winds and being blown off her feetWet feet…. Sand walking, mud walking, road walking Blisters…. Losing toe nailsGetting off her feet and dealing with unbearable foot painPalette fatigue with foodComing to the end of the journey and what it was likeCreating content and stories during the journey Creating a 1 min reel/tiktok every dayHow to connect with SharonFinal words of advice Believing in yourself and your abilities The next challenge and heading to Australia to walk the Larapinta Trail (230km trail through the outback) Social Media Website www.freewheelingkiwi.com Instagram @freewheelingkiwi/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/freewheelingkiwi Threads: @freewheelingkiwi TikTok: @freewheelingkiwi YouTube: @FreewheelingKiwi
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