Episodes

  • Tiphaine Muller – Alps to Himalayas: Cycling Across Continents & Trekking the Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal

    Tiphaine Muller – Alps to Himalayas: Cycling Across Continents & Trekking the Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal
    Sep 23 2025
    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 guideHer coping strategies for trekking alone in high mountainsCultural highlights from cycling through Turkey and IranHow she funds her travels and balances life back home as a social workerHer 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 Tiphaine31 years oldLiving in Chamonix, France Travelling on and off for the past 10 years Going on 3 big bicycle trips1st Tough Girl Podcast episode - November 18th 20212nd Big Cycle Trip - Cycling from Mexico to AlaskaThis episode focusing on cycling from France to Nepal and hiking the Great Himalaya Trail Thinking about the next challengeHiking 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 seasonsStarting in March 2024The Route - Cycling Europe really fast in 1 monthGoing through the Balkan Countries, Greece then the ferry over to TurkeyAcross 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 savingsLiving 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 daysBusing 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 oneStruggling 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 routesFinding resupply and food on the trailThe challenges of cooking at altitudeStruggling to get the calories in and needing to focus more on foodNeeding to eat, even when not hungry Paying for food - and taking cash for 80 days…Coping with the altitude and the high passes over 5,000mHiking 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 DecemberDeciding to continue cycling for another 2 months and visiting China and Malaysia Writing another book?Focusing on film and ...
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    44 mins
  • Jenn Phillips - From Medical Menopause to Trail Leader: One Woman’s Journey to Outdoor Empowerment

    Jenn Phillips - From Medical Menopause to Trail Leader: One Woman’s Journey to Outdoor Empowerment
    Sep 18 2025
    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 20sGoing through an early menopause in her early 20sGaining weight very quickly Feeling very uncomfortable in her own bodyStarting walking and moving into swimming and yogaGetting into hiking and how her passion came alive Currently 39 years oldTalking 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 herLowland 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 groupWomen’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 lossWhat can women do, to manage the symptoms of peri-menopause Strong not skinny and the importance of keeping mobile Mental health and balancing hormonesHow the outdoors have helpedSolo 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 itAchieving 75km and not hitting the 100kmHaving to shift her mindset Learning grace for herself Practicing mindfulness on the trail Saxon Shore Way, KentThe power of natureWalking 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 UKFast packing and going from hotel to hotel, or from B&B to B&BDoing what works for youThe 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
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    51 mins
  • Hilde Dosogne – Marathon Woman 366: Running 366 Marathons in a Year at Age 55 to Break a Guinness World Record

    Hilde Dosogne – Marathon Woman 366: Running 366 Marathons in a Year at Age 55 to Break a Guinness World Record
    Sep 16 2025
    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 challengeHow she structured her days and managed recoveryThe highs and lows of running every single dayThe mental strategies that helped her keep goingHer thoughts on aging, performance, and redefining what's possible at 55The 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 HildeLiving in Belgium55 years oldMarried with 4 children aged between 18 and 26 years oldWorking in a chemical company and being passionate about runningBeing known as Marathon Woman 366Not growing up in a sporty family and not being encouraged to do sports when she was youngerGetting 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 2013How her running progressed and wanting to run more marathons and then wanting to run faster and then furtherGetting a lot of satisfaction from achieving her goals and pushing her limitsDeciding to run the coastline of Belgium - 74kmWanting 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 tentRunning Spartathlon Ultra Race Running from Athens to Sparta - having 36 hrs to complete the race Needing to qualify for the SpartathlonRunning 170km in 24 hrs in 2022Running the race again in 2023 and running 1 hr faster than the year beforeBeing inspired by Candice Burt running an ultra marathon everyday Realising that running an ultra marathon a day would take up too much time everydayDeciding to run a marathon everyday and break a world record Feeling that running a marathon everyday would be achievable while working at the same timeStarting 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 breakNeeding to have her days very strictly scheduled The time commitment of running, social media and the info for Guinness World RecordsThe mindset of taking on a daily challenge like thisHer resilience coming from having a strict childhood and being very disciplinedSeeing 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 weekBeing supported by her husband in the house Getting to the end of 366 marathonsRunning the last week in pain, due to a hamstring injury Preparing an event for the last dayHer body was telling her to stop running Stopping running on the 1st January 2025 Feeling very happy that it was over!Getting back into ...
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    40 mins
  • Dr. Rosa Vasquez Espinoza – National Geographic Explorer, Amazon Scientist & Advocate for Indigenous Wisdom and Biodiversity

    Dr. Rosa Vasquez Espinoza – National Geographic Explorer, Amazon Scientist & Advocate for Indigenous Wisdom and Biodiversity
    Sep 9 2025
    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 RosaCurrently living in BathBeing based between England and Peru Working as a Peruvian scientisticNational 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 grandmotherSpending time in the city and the mountainsBeing fascinated by the things she couldn’t understand Loving space and wanted to know everything about the planetHaving a fascination for scienceWanting 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 lifeBeing able to study traditional Chineses medicine in Beijing in her last year of undergradThe Amazon Boiling RiverTed Talk - Andrés Ruzo Book: The Boiling River (TED) by Andrés Ruzo Discovering new microbes in the riverBoiling 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 bookLearning expeditions skills later on in lifeLeading her first expeditionChapter 4 - Stingless Bees - the oldest bees on the planet Capacity building Partnerships with different indigenous groupsClimate challengesClimate AnxietyThe 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 easyBeing a voice with the international pressCreating space for female indigenous membersBeing a good team memberThe importance of community Current expeditions and plans for heading back to the fieldFunding expeditions Extreme climate explorersBBC - Documenting their work on stingless beesHow to find stingless beesSmelling fish in the jungle….Medicinial Honey?!Comparison to Manuka honey?Her Ayahuasca experienceThe ego death experience Chapter 11 - becoming a black jaguar How to connect with Dr RosaFinal word of advice for women who want to explore more and get into science and explorationFollow the questions that stay in your headYou never know where they may lead. Social Media Website: www.rosavespinoza.com Instagram: @rosavespinoza Facebook: @rosavespinoza9 TikTok: @rosavespinoza YouTube: @rosavespinoza
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    55 mins
  • Sophie Pierce - First person with Cystic Fibrosis to row an ocean

    Sophie Pierce - First person with Cystic Fibrosis to row an ocean
    Sep 2 2025
    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 Sophie32 years oldLiving in Pembrokeshire, West Wales Working as a social worker in fostering serviceLiving with a genetic health condition - Cystic Fibrosis (CF)March 2025 - becoming the first person with CF to row an oceanWhat is CFBeing 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 encouragedNot liking exercise as a childGrowing up knowing she had CF and why it was normalBeing empowered with CF and how her parents encouraged herHer 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 challengesExperiencing 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 inFeeling 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 hrsHow her life and lungs has changed Trustee for CF Trust Being asked to row an ocean Forming a crew of 4Stumbling blocks and being told no - by the World’s Toughest RowAtlantic Dash Securing the finances and managing the stress of getting to the start lineHer 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 dynamicsFinding their roles within the groupBeing the social secretary and bringing fun to the boatThe biggest lesson from rowing the oceanYou can do so much more than you think you can Being supported by the right people around youDealing with the adventure bluesHow life in weird after rowing an oceanBeing in a really exciting placeFuture challenges?!Words of advice from the CF perspective Learning to life with CFHow to connect with SophieYou are capable of so much more than you think you areLearn to reframe the negative voices in your head Social Media Instagram @sophiefpierce @cruisingfree2025
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    1 hr
  • Emma Wilkinson – Freelance Health Journalist, Ultra Runner & Co-Author of Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport

    Emma Wilkinson – Freelance Health Journalist, Ultra Runner & Co-Author of Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport
    Aug 26 2025
    This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, we welcome Emma Wilkinson—a freelance health journalist, ultra runner, mother of three, and co-author of the empowering book Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport. Emma’s journey into ultra running didn’t begin until her 40s, but once she discovered the joy of going long and slow, there was no turning back. In this honest and motivating conversation, Emma shares how she went from half marathons and road running to self-created 100K adventures in the mountains of Snowdonia. Alongside fellow runner and friend Lily Canter, she set out to research and write Ultra Women, a book that celebrates female endurance athletes and dives into the science, stories, and social constructs around women in ultra sport. Emma talks openly about what inspired the book, how she balanced full-time work, parenting, and running while writing it, and what she learned about the unique strengths women bring to endurance challenges—especially around fatigue resistance, pain management, and mental toughness. If you’ve ever doubted your capabilities, struggled with self-identifying as a “runner,” or wondered if your body was made for ultras—this episode is for you. Emma’s message is simple and powerful: don’t put limits on yourself—just give it a go. 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 EmmaJournalist and runnerCo-Author of a new book - Ultra WomenBook: Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport What Emma was like as little girlGrowing up in Bradford and not being massively sporty when she was youngerGetting into running in her later teensBeing far more active now than she was as a childIn her early 20s watching the London Marathon and wanting to give it ago Getting into half marathonsRunning the Sheffield Half Marathon and being sick at the end Starting to run faster and joining a running club to make new friendsDoing her first marathon just before she had children, just before turning 30Why she enjoyed running 2019 - meeting Lilly (co-author on the Ultra women book)Singing up for a 100k - 2 day eventFalling in love with ultra running - the slower, longer, adventureHer friendship with Lilly, doing their journalism MA together, 20 years agoTeaching Journalism at Sheffield University How the book came aboutWalking the hills What do you need to do, to get to the end. Needing to be able to tune into your bodyCreating their own 100K 2 days event - on the Snowdonia Slate Trail Surprising herself with what she was capable of Writing the book at the same time of doing full time work as a journalist while also looking after children and running Why are women so good at ultra endurance distances Coming from a science background and why the research was so interesting How women have more fatigue resistant musclesNot feeling in competition with other women Book: Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men The lack of research into sports science for womenHopefully the research is starting to turn a cornerWhy ultra running training plans are based on men Women have been deemed as to complicated to include in studies Fatigue resistant muscles research Wanting to learn more about recovery and how that applies to women specifically Training for ultrasWomen having to use a process of trial and error to figure out what works best for themPeriods and cycle tracking and feeling different at different times of the month and why the data can be confusing Learning more about oestrogen and how it affects enduranceHow the book came aboutGetting the book publishedAre women faster the longer they go?Freelancing for Journalists Lael Wilcox going after the mens’s around the world bike record in 2026 The motherhood perspective on runningSophie PowerShe Races Not running in pregnancy and chaining to walkingDealing with separated stomach muscles Needing to get back to running and needing time for herselfHaving a chapter on pregnancy in the book and why it’s not the same for everyonePain and women, and pain managementSexismCreating a manifesto and calling for actionDo you call yourself a runner?Confidence - women - runningSay yes for signing up for that ultraHow to connect with EmmaFinal words of advice Don’t put limits on yourself, if you want to do something, have ago.Women who just wanted to see if they could and they didWhy not give it ago! Social Media Website: emmawilkinson.net Instagram: @emmawjourno/ BlueSky: @...
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    52 mins
  • Lily Canter – Ultra Runner, Women’s Running Coach & Co-Author of Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport

    Lily Canter – Ultra Runner, Women’s Running Coach & Co-Author of Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport
    Aug 19 2025
    This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Lily Canter—an ultra runner, women’s running coach, journalist, and passionate advocate for gender equality in sport. As co-author of the groundbreaking book Ultra Women, Lily is helping to challenge outdated narratives and spotlight the women redefining endurance running. Lily didn’t grow up considering herself sporty, but after joining a triathlon club in her 30s, she discovered a love for running that quickly evolved into a passion for ultras. What began as a spontaneous 30-mile run turned into a deeper journey into the ultra world—culminating in a 250km multi-day race across Tanzania and a growing commitment to empowering more women through education, coaching, and research. In this episode, Lily opens up about the gaps she saw in female-specific training information, how she and co-author Emma Wilkinson tackled the research for their book, and why visibility, representation, and equity matter—on the trails and in the media. From coaching to kit, sports bras to science, Lily shares what still needs to change and how she’s pushing those boundaries herself. Whether you’re curious about tackling your first ultra or passionate about equity in endurance sports, this episode offers practical insight and powerful inspiration. 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 LillyJournalist who specialises in running and fitnessA female running coach Ultra runnerLecturer at university Running an organisation with Emma called; Freelancing for Journalists Her early years…Not coming from a sporty family Growing up in Guilford, SurreyPlaying netball consistently for most of her life Moving to Liverpool as a teenagerGetting into running in her 30sJoining a triathlon club in her mid to late 30sBeing inspired by an amazing running coach Running consistently for the past 7/8 yearsBeing busy… and how her career has changed a lot Getting bored very easily Going freelance 8 years ago and it giving her the freedom to do more things and pursue her different passions Getting better at running and starting to enjoy it more Varying the types of runs and where she ran Building her running confidence Trying different racesStarting to really enjoy runningHer first ultra which was an accident!Running 30 miles on a looped courseThe relaxed, chilled, approach to ultra runningSpeaking with Emma about doing an ultra togetherThe lack of information and resources especially women centric information Signing up to a multi-stage 100k race in Romania Having to figure out her training plan for herself Thinking about writing a book about running How the book came about and getting the book published Being inspired by the women winning races outright Wanting to understand why so few women were participating in ultra races Dividing up the research and why it was quite straightforward Being surprised by the records held by women in the swimming world.The mental side and the lessons that could be applied to her runningWhat does the scientific evidence say with regards to men and womenThe social construct of difference between men and womenThe importance of being prepared and having confidence in what you know works for youRunning 250km across Tanzania 2023 Why it was her favourite race Being more aware of the setup of races and how female friendly they areImages of women in marketing material, website etc The manifesto - call to action - wanting to drive change Focused on 6 key areas The importance of female specific sports researchWhat are women capable of?The importance of female specific training guides Kit which has been designed for women Sports bra testingMedia coverage and commentary of womenEqual prize money and sponsorshipWhy races should use the - She Races Guidelines Training for 2025/2026Wanting to test their limits Signing up for Equinox 24 - wanting to run further than they have run before (goals 65 miles +) She Trails race in the Peak District - August 2025 Heading oversees to race a 5 day race in the heat… depending on recovery Training programs and making running work for you Having a coach for the past 18 months and the difference it has made Being more competitive in races How to connect with Lily on social mediaFinal words of advice for other women who want to be a trail blazerWhy you need to believe in yourself Push your boundaries and try hard things Don’t be scared of challenging yourself Social Media Website ...
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    42 mins
  • Tania Carmona – First Mexican Athlete to Complete the 5 Deserts Grand Slam: Ultrarunner, Coach, and Podcaster

    Tania Carmona – First Mexican Athlete to Complete the 5 Deserts Grand Slam: Ultrarunner, Coach, and Podcaster
    Aug 12 2025
    This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Tania Carmona—a trailblazing ultrarunner, endurance coach, entrepreneur, and the first Mexican athlete to complete the 5 Deserts Grand Slam. From swimming as a national-level athlete in Mexico to conquering some of the toughest environments on Earth, Tania’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless curiosity. Based in Dubai and previously living in Scotland and the U.S., Tania shares her path into ultrarunning—from a reluctant marathon finisher to tackling self-supported races across the Gobi, Atacama, Namib, and Antarctica. We dive into her experience navigating extreme heat, physical stress, and the emotional highs and lows of ultra-endurance. Tania also opens up about the physiological toll of training, dealing with cortisol imbalances, the decision to undergo back surgery, and why she and her husband launched the Ultra Happy Podcast to bring more real, relatable stories to the running world. Whether you're chasing your own desert dreams or looking for inspiration to keep putting one foot in front of the other, this episode is packed with heart, humour, and hard-earned wisdom. 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 TaniaUltrarunner, coach and podcast hostBeing based in Dubai, born in Mexico and previously living in Glasgow, Scotland Growing up in Mexico City in a small family Being into swimming when she was littleBeing a national swimmer Deciding to stop swimming at 15 Moving to Chicago to do her MastersGetting into running in Chicago after being inspired by the Chicago Marathon Starting running with a free group 3x a weekFinishing her first marathon and deciding to never run again at 20Needing to make new friends after moving back to MexicoDeciding to give running another goA spartan race…. 2016Finding trail running!Hiring a coach Signing up for a 50kMeeting her Scottish husband, AndyMoving from Mexico City to Scotland!Deciding to sign up for longer, harder races and how her lifestyle started to changeThe 5 Desert Grand Slam Wanting to do Cocodona 250km race The 5 different, self supported racesDealing with the heatGobi Desert in Mongolia - more trails and more hard packed terrain - very similar to ScotlandRunning with really old shoesRunning in Antartica over 5 days - living on an expedition boat Atacama Desert in Chile and why it was one of her most favourite racesReducing those feelings of overwhelmFocusing on the first step firstTaking a year off to focus on running Working with a running coach Recovery runs and resting Dealing with gut issues and periods problemsThe impact on her body with spikes of cortisol Developing a cortisol hump on her backNot sleeping wellThe evening routines and life admin after a race Having surgery on her cortisol hump (7 cm by 1.5 cm deep) on her backDealing with more stress, by moving to DubaiUltra Happy Podcast Co-hosting with her husband AndyDocumenting the journey How to connect with TaniaMini films from each dessert available to watch on YouTube Final words of adviceLive your life with curiosity Don’t do it for the likes Think about what else you could do Social Media Website: taniacarmona.komi.io Instagram: @taniaruns_theworld TikTok: @taniaruns_theworld Youtube: @Tania_Carmona
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    50 mins