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Tough Girl Podcast

Tough Girl Podcast

By: Sarah Williams
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 The Tough Girl Podcast is all about inspiring and motivating YOU! I will be interviewing inspirational women from around the world, who've faced and overcome difficult challenges and situations, they will share their story, their knowledge and provide advice and essential tips for you to overcome your own personal challenges. Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Lani Woods – Inspiring Women to Ride, Explore, and Belong Through Cycling Adventures

    Lani Woods – Inspiring Women to Ride, Explore, and Belong Through Cycling Adventures
    Dec 2 2025
    Lani Woods is a passionate cyclist, adventurer, and creative force behind a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts. Known for blending her love of cycling with a flair for design, Lani leads initiatives like Triple Crown Adventures to inspire others to explore the world on two wheels. Whether organizing group adventures in Hawaii or crafting unique cycling gear, she's dedicated to building an inclusive, adventure-loving community. * Marked as explicit — just one F bomb! *** 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 LaniBeing based in Hawaii Being a full time adventurerLoving to travel and exploreBeing a curious soulGrowing up in Southern CaliforniaNot being athletic when she was younger Getting into athletics in her 30sWhat happened in her 30s Having kids at a young age and being in a long term relationship Deciding to leave an abusive relationship Wanting to feel stronger and release the relationship stressGetting back into running and how it made her feel better Getting back into the gym and how it helped her mental health Deciding to try an obstacle course race Dealing with injury and needing to rehab after 3 surgeries Getting into bike ridingDeciding to ride 20 miles to the beach and backFeeling the rewards after doing something hardDeciding to ride a 100 milesBeing inspired by the Race Across America The self confidence piece Being attracted to challengeGaining new knowledge about cyclingHosting 2 podcasts :- Podcast - Unrelenting Humans Podcast - Black with Endurance Joining Major Taylor Cycling Club, Los Angles Riding from San Francisco to Los Angles Wanting to do more business with women Tripe Crown Adventures - where the name came from (the California triple crown, riding 3 double centuries in a year)Adventure Femmes Hosting her first event in HawaiiHonolulu Century RideLanikai Pillbox Hike New event happening in 2026Training….Working with different mentorsHow many bikes…Making the decision to move to HawaiiDealing with the heat in HawaiiBucket list racesBeing in a place where she knows what she's capable of and want she can accomplish Wanting to create her own challenges Wanting to create more than be apart of other people races and challengesHer love for road cycling Travelling in EuropeBike packing adventures?Lael Wilcox Jenny Graham Lael Rallies How to connect with LaniFinal words of advice for women who want to get into cycling and go on more adventuresStay curious, fail big and don't wait for anyone elseDon't be afraid to make your own way—do what you feel is right for you. Social Media Instagram @lanitheadventurer @triplecrownadventures @adventurefemmes
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    42 mins
  • Charlotte Fisher – From Zero Running Experience to Elite Ultra Runner

    Charlotte Fisher – From Zero Running Experience to Elite Ultra Runner
    Nov 27 2025
    From a council estate on the Isle of Wight to conquering some of Europe's toughest mountain ultras, Charlotte Fisher's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Less than three years ago, she had never run competitively. Today, she's a full-time ultra runner chasing elite races like UTMB and Western States 100, proving that it's never too late to find your path. In this episode, Charlotte shares how a charity ultra challenge sparked her running journey, the lessons learned from 50km races to brutal 100-mile mountain ultras, and how running transformed her mindset, confidence, and life. She opens up about the highs, the lows, and the mental toughness required to push through physical limits — from hospitalised near-sepsis to standing on podiums in Europe's toughest races. Whether you're a seasoned runner, an aspiring adventurer, or someone searching for purpose, Charlotte's story is a powerful reminder that mountains, miles, and mindset can transform your life. What you'll hear in this episode: How Charlotte went from zero running experience to winning her first ultraLessons learned from extreme races and mountain ultrasMental toughness, mindset shifts, and life transformation through runningTraining, fueling, and recovery strategies for endurance athletesWhy adventure, self-discovery, and community make ultra running so addictive 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 Charlotte? From the Isle of Wight, UK – where she now lives, works, and trainsRuns her own dog-walking businessOn a mission to become a full-time professional ultra runnerBegan running less than 3 years ago, starting with a charity ultra with no running experience Growing Up on the Isle of Wight Childhood on a council estate in a rural villageOutdoor play, but no sporting backgroundNo sailing or traditional Isle of Wight coastal sports experienceSchool pushed her toward law due to academic ability, despite being naturally creativeInitially chased a law career for financial security, not passion Leaving Home & Early Adulthood Moved to London at 19 for universityPivoted from law to Geography degree after a crisis of directionTook a gap year to travel and try to "find her path"Felt lost through early 20s — unsure of what she should be doing with her life How Running Entered Her Life Started running in Feb 2022, almost accidentallySigned up for a 106km Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge with zero running backgroundMotivation: Raise money for the hospice that cared for her Aunt Jane, and raise awareness for bowel cancerFirst ever long run attempt: a 35km treadmill run to "qualify" for a guided 50km group run From First 50km to Winning 106km – All Within 12 Weeks Completed first 50km guided run with a coach – extremely tough but gave her beliefDidn't run again for 6 months afterwards!Hired a coach and trained for 12 weeks for the Isle of Wight 106km raceWon the race on her ultra debut — a shock to herself and everyone elseImmediately hooked on ultras — discovered a talent for running "abnormally far" Rapid Rise to 100 Miles & First Big Reality Check Next challenge: 100-mile North Downs Way (Centurion) just 6 months into runningWon the race — but it was a harsh lesson in mental toughness and fuellingRan through Storm Anthony — torrential rain, strong winds and brutal conditionsSevere stomach issues, under-fuelled, no proper nutrition strategyLearned the importance of fuelling, hydration, and race strategy Becoming a Mountain Ultra Runner Stepped up to technical mountain ultras with Ultra Trail Snowdonia (UTS)Originally entered the 100-mile UTS (one of Europe's toughest races) with no mountain experienceOnly 50% finish rate – often as few as 8 female finishersMultiple recce weekends in Snowdonia to train – huge learning curve10 days before UTS she became seriously ill & hospitalised with suspected sepsisStill ran the race, finished near the back — emotionally tough but transformativeReturned the following year 13 hours faster, finishing 3rd and becoming the only woman to finish the UTS 100 twice Mindset & Transformation Through Running Running gave her purpose, discipline, and identitySober for almost 2 years — running helped her leave behind her old lifestyleMental health, confidence, and self-belief have skyrocketedFound something where hard work = reward — a completely new feeling after years of feeling lost Training, Fueling & Recovery – What's Changed? Then vs now: Early Ultras Now as...
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    56 mins
  • 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
    Nov 25 2025
    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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    55 mins
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