• Lauren Roerick "Longway" – Thru-Hiking the World: PCT, HexaTrek & Te Araroa
    May 12 2026
    Lauren Roerick, known on trail as Longway, is a long-distance backpacker, filmmaker, and outdoor educator who has hiked across North America, Europe, and Oceania. From the Pacific Crest Trail to New Zealand's Te Araroa, and becoming the first North American woman to thru-hike France's 3,034 km HexaTrek, Lauren shares her adventures and the lessons they've taught her. In this episode, she talks about stepping into the world of long-distance hiking in her 30s, navigating challenges on remote trails, making decisions in the moment, and learning to trust herself. Through her storytelling and filmmaking, Lauren inspires women to build confidence, resilience, and a deeper connection with the outdoors—proving that it's never too late to take that first step. *** 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 LaurenLong distance backpacker and film makerCurrently in California, but normally based out of Vancouver, CanadaHer early year growing up in a small city in Southern Alberta called LethbridgeNot getting into backpacking until her 30sPlaying a lot of sports, being a gymnasts, playing rugby and doing jujitsu What changed in her 30sA walk in the books by Bill Bryson - the classic thru-hiker read Having the courage to take the step to make her dreams come trueWhy the first step is the hardest You get one life….Being willing to sacrifice the other things What's really important to youSupport from family March 2020 and being on the trail when the pandemic started Moving in with her mum in Southern California for 4 months Making the decision to leave the trail Why it wasn't an easy decision to make Heading back the following year (2021) and not knowing if she would get the chance to hike againBeing made redundant after 6 months Finding a southbound permit for the PCT at the end of June Being drawn to hike on long trails Making life long friendships and building community while hiking Starting to document her hikes as soon as she startedVlogging for THE TREKBeing a documenter - but not having experience in vlogging Her biggest challenge while being on the PCT The fires, the weather and needing to adapt to the trailMaking the decision to fly to Colorado to hike the Colorado Trail Doing back to back hiking since 2023Wanting to make a career out of this Needing to go all in Deciding that it was ok to be tiredHer love for the trailsTaking things a little slower when you need to Finding a balance that works for herDeciding to hike the HexaTrek Choosing a trail off the beaten track Not speaking French HexaTrek is a 3034 km hiking trail, connecting 14 of the most beautiful nationals parks and crossing France from the Vosges to the Pyrenees.The people on the trail Wanting to make more solo decisions and building those skillsMaking decisions when you don't have good options Trusting her gut and intuition Learning acceptance while on the trail Thoughts on the Hexatrek and why it's not a beginner trailSpending 4 months on the trail (121 days)Feeling strong and fit at the end of the trailHaving 3 months before heading out to New Zealand to hike the Te Araroa Trail Heading NOBO on the TA - starting in Bluff and heading to Cape Reinga (the non traditional way)Highlights from the trail and why it's such an interesting trail The hut system in New ZealandWhy it's not just about the hiking The logistics off the trail - and why it was frustrating The lessons learned from hiking the TA Changing from a purist hiker to a hike your own hike, hiker.Making it her own adventure, doing side quests and making the adventure unique to herSharing her stories online and hiking while being observed People expectations of her while hiking Figuring out what works for you Hiking in Georgia - and loving it!Transcaucasian TrailNutrition and food while on the trailEating the same food day after day and being ok with itWearing trainers on the trial Hiking Plans for 2026Hiking with a group of content creators - The Drakensberg Grand Traverse, South Africa Working with Jack Wolfskin The Wolf Trail Being booked out until October Feeing excited about the future Advice and tips for new hikers - the tropics that should be talked about meDon't get overwhelmed by the whole trailHow to connect with Lauren onlineFinal words of advice for women to step outside their comfort zone It's okay to want things for yourself. It's okay to prioritise yourself and your dream - even it that sometimes means putting them ahead of other people's ...
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    43 mins
  • Paula McGuire – Stroke, Autism Diagnosis & Why She's Still Saying Yes to Adventure
    May 5 2026
    In this Tough Girl Podcast EXTRA episode, we catch up with Paula "Must Try Harder" McGuire — author, speaker, triathlete, wing-walker, double TEDx speaker, mental health ambassador… and proudly, a trier. Based just outside Glasgow, Paula has been adventuring since 2015 and has built a reputation for trying something new every day — including completing 366 new experiences in 2020. But the years since we last spoke have brought extraordinary challenges. Paula shares openly about being diagnosed as autistic at 44, having a stroke at the end of 2021 and developing epilepsy, going through a divorce after 15 years of marriage, losing her home to a flood, and navigating post-stroke fatigue — all while spending six months in enforced van life. We talk about how adventure supported her through the hardest moments, how her neurodivergent brain fuels her love of planning and trying, and why you don't need to be the best at something to enjoy giving it a go. Paula also reflects on writing her book Adventures for Bored Adults (commissioned by Penguin), rediscovering her love of swimming, and learning acceptance in the face of uncertainty. Honest, funny and deeply human, this conversation is about resilience, identity, and continuing to say yes — even when life doesn't go to plan. *** 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 PaulaBeing based just outside of GlasgowBeing adventuring since 2015TGP Episode Working as an electronic note taker and captioner for deaf peopleTGP Extra Episode 6 years since we last spoke How things have changed over the past few years in quite negative ways before eventually turning to a positive thing In 2020 trying something new every day 366 new things (leap year!)Starting off the year really positively How it became an adventure in creativityFeeling exhausted after the year was over What that the last few years have taught her Figuring out her place in the world of adventure Being ready to relax Social media not coming naturally to her Struggling with the negativity of social media Paula has tried hard enough - Paula is done.Being diagnosed with Autism at 446 months of enforced van life (November 24 - May 25)At the end of 2021 having a stroke and developing epilepsy Her husband leaving her after 15 years and going through a divorce Losing her house after a flood One thing after another Feeling that the universe had turned against herFeeling very luckyBrain tumour??Start to prepare for Paula last Christmas Moving on with a stroke and the potential for more strokes in the future How the adventures from before really supported herReminding herself of things she achieved, things that she'd failed at and survivedAdventure and acceptance Continuing to do fun things A to Z of AdventurePost stroke fatigue Not sticking to things - buying all the gearGetting the most mental stimulation in the trying Wanting to be the person who tries it all Her love for swimming and going back to it again and againHer neurodivergent brain - the planning, the execution, the reflecting Being butterfly minded Why you don't need to be the best at everything to enjoy having agoCoping with how your brain works How her entire life has become clear after her diagnosisAdvent(ure) Writing a book commissioned by PenguinBook: Adventures for Bored Adults: Games. Challenges. Activities. Treats.How to connect with Paula on social mediaSupporting people with mental healthAdvice for women going through lots of challenges Social Media Website: www.paulamusttryharder.co.uk Instagram: @pmusttryharder Facebook: @pmusttryharder
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    45 mins
  • Rebecca Dent: High-Performance Dietitian for Ultra Runners & Mountain Athletes
    Apr 28 2026
    Rebecca Dent is a high-performance dietitian specialising in ultra runners and mountain sport athletes — from passionate recreational runners to world-class professionals. Based in the Chamonix Valley for the past 10 years, she combines her expertise in performance nutrition with a life immersed in ski touring, trail running, mountaineering, and the mountains she loves. In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, Rebecca shares her journey from the Forest of Dean to the French Alps, balancing elite-level training with everyday life, and the nutrition strategies that help athletes optimise performance, recovery, and health — particularly for women navigating hormonal changes and perimenopause. We talk race day fuel, strength training, managing limiting beliefs, and why it's never too late to start a new adventure. Whether you're chasing your first trail race or aiming to summit Mont Blanc, Rebecca's insights will inspire you to push your limits while taking care of your body. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time). Support the Tough Girl mission via Patreon: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast *** Show notes Who is RebeccaWorking as a high performance dietician for 25 yearsStarting out in the NHS, before moving into elite sportFocusing on climber and ultra runnersMoving to the Chamonix Valley in the French Alps, 10 years agoTraining for an ultra race in SnowdonBeing passionate about ski touring, trail running, hiking, climbing and spending time in the mountains Growing up in the Forest of Dean in a little villageSpending a lot of time outdoors Starting trail running in her teenage years Always enjoying athletics and being inspired by the women on TV Doing GCSE PE and A'Level PEHaving fun doing sports in a team environment Deciding what to study at university Niching down in her careerBeing exposed in the NHS to different areas of health careStarting to enter trail races and pushing herself physicallyHer running journey and progression in the sportEntering into races for funFollowing a training plan for a 50k trail race in SnowdonUsing Training Peaks and working with a coachDoing approx 7hr of training per weekUsing sports drinks, gels, kindle mint cake, chews and jelly sweetsNeeding to get good at running up hillDoing 2, 1hr gym sessions per week46 years old and why it's so important to strength trainPerimenopause and changes in hormonesChanges in body composition and carrying extra body fatStarting to work with a personal trainer once a weekHow a change in hormones can affect your confidence and mood Feeling stronger and lifting heavierHow the extra's were creeping inEating well and focusing on things that were easy to changeFocusing on the protein What a typical breakfast, lunch, and dinner looks like Keep things simple and nutritiousDoing a recovery shake after the gymRace day nutrition - before, during and afterBeing guided (by her husband) up Mont Blanc - up and down in 1 dayStruggling with acclimatisation The mental side of running and climbing Reflecting and working on her limiting beliefs Being able to regulate thoughts that are't helpful Reframing thoughts Dealing with disappointment Being good at feeling your feelings Planning, logistics, and being organisedDeciding to pull back and focus on resting and recouping Doing an ultra every 2 to 5 years Being a procrastinator Having to make training a priority Why it is hard sometimes Needing to have a balance with lifeWhy some things do need to be delayed How to connect with Rebecca on social mediaFinal words of wisdom and advice It's not too late!!!!Find what it is you're interested in Social Media Website: highperformancedietitian.com Instagram: @high_performance_dietitian Facebook: @HighPerformanceDietitian
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    48 mins
  • Manika Gamble – Racing 155-Mile Desert Ultras & Chasing Bold Adventures
    Apr 21 2026
    In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Manika Gamble — an Atlanta-based trail runner who thrives on testing her limits in some of the world's toughest ultra races. Manika's running journey started with casual neighbourhood runs, but soon she found herself racing 155-mile desert ultras in Africa, tackling Mongolia's Gobi March, and pushing through multi-stage, extreme endurance events. She shares the highs, the lows, and the mental grit it takes to keep moving when every muscle is screaming. We dive into: Training by feel, without a watch or GPSFueling, hydration, and surviving the desert heatCoping with pain, blisters, and fatigue without relying on painkillersRecovery strategies, sleep, and balancing life with trainingThe mental challenges of multi-day ultra racesStaying motivated and tackling new adventures outside your comfort zone Manika's message is simple: don't let fear hold you back. Find what excites you, lean in, and see what you're capable of. *** 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 ManikaBeing based out of Atlanta, USA Trail RunnerCurrently training for a race our in MoroccoRunning every since she was a child but being new to long distance runningAlways being an active child Going out for the track team and how it became her whole lifeFocusing on 100 m and 400 m hurdlesWanting to run furtherDreaming of the day she would be able to run casually Starting with 20 min runs throughout the neighbourhood Signing up for more and more races from 5k, up to Marathon distance Deciding to take on an ultra race Seeing a YouTube video of a man running in Namibia, Africa Signing up for the race and giving herself a 1 year time line to train for The running logistics and what her training looked like Being a laidback person when it comes to a training schedule Not running with a watch or gps tracking device Training based on feel and time Leaning about fuelling and nutrition and how to manage herself in the desertCarrying everything she needed on her back for 7 days while running through the desertLearning how to hydrate probably What worked well nutrition wise while racing Using Tailwind Powder The mental and emotional side of the challengeWhy it was so tough Why it was such a beautiful race Issues with her feet and dealing with blisters Dealing with pain and not being able to block it out Not being able to take pain medication - due to the heat and potential damage to organs Telling herself - you're not going to stop Trying to divert her mind from the pain Camp life Finishing the race and the thoughts running through her head Never Again….Sprinting V Longer RacesWhat does recovery look like?Incorporating creatine into her diet, resting more, prioritising sleep and taking on less races Taking 5g of creatine in the morning, and 5g in the eveningTaking other supplements, Magnesium, potassium and starting to take athletic green in the future Trying to have a well rounded diet based on feel with a focus on protein, fibre and carbsTrying the carnivore diet but not having the energy to runWaking at 4am - but staying in bed till 6am Not napping during the day Heading over to Mongolia to race the Gobi March (250km across the desert)Racing the Planet Racing on green trails through the Mongolian Desert Getting very tired of eating the same food day after day How things changed mentally having done the Nambia Race previously Getting bored of the green pastures - being ready for it to be over Feeling mentally drained on her 2nd Ultra Too much too soon? Racing in Mongolia only 6 weeks after Nambia Racing the Planet - Grand Slam Challenge Trying to raise funds to race an ultra in Antarctica ($14,100)Fitting training into her life and work Having a pretty flexible schedule and stating to work with brandUsing running as work Stone Everest, Atlanta Challenge (May 16th & 17th) Races for 2026Training for a team relay 100k challenge Running a Marathon in MoroccoRunning a 3 day stage race through Utah How to connect with Manika on social media Advice and top tips for other women who want to take on new challengesOutside of just do it Don't allow fear to rule youFind something that intrigues you and go with that Social Media Instagram: @manikaruns Youtube: @ManikaRuns
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    34 mins
  • Lisa Jackson: Still Running After All These Tears — Grief, Running & the Triumph of Tenacity
    Apr 14 2026
    Lisa Jackson is a hypnotherapist, running writer, Runner's World columnist, and the author of three bestselling running books, including Your Pace or Mine?, Running Made Easy, and her deeply personal latest release, Still Running After All These Tears – A Runner's Journey Through Grief. Originally from South Africa and now based in Worthing, UK, Lisa is a veteran of over 100 marathons and two 56-mile ultramarathons — despite often coming last. A proud reminder that endurance sport isn't about talent or speed, but about showing up, again and again. In this powerful and emotional episode, Lisa shares her journey into running, from hating sport as a child to rediscovering running at 30, navigating disastrous races, and learning to reset expectations through walk-run strategies. She opens up with raw honesty about her husband's terminal lung cancer diagnosis, how running helped her survive the darkest moments of caregiving and grief, and what it means to lose — and slowly rebuild — your running mojo. We dive into running through trauma, comfort eating and wine, the power of a ten-minute run, and why sometimes one mile is more than enough. Lisa also speaks openly about death and dying, dignity at the end of life, writing living wills, DNR decisions, death doulas, and how facing mortality can bring clarity, purpose, and peace. This is a conversation about resilience, realistic goals, choosing hope over fear, and why tenacity will always beat talent. Lisa's story reminds us that running doesn't need to look impressive to be meaningful — especially when it helps carry you through loss and into hope. *** 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 LisaWriter and Author of 3 running books Her latest book: Still Running After All These Tears – A Runner's Journey Through GriefBeing based in sunny Worthing Her early years and coming from a running familyHating sports at a young age Doing a 5k fun run when she was 10Not running again for 20 years Turning 30 and realising her life was at a crossroadsWanting to walk in the footsteps of her parentsBeing invited to a Race for Life event Being supported by other womenEntering the Great North Run Everything that went wrong!Being offered a place in the London MarathonWanting to do another marathon….Running the Edinburgh Marathon and having an horrendous experienceTrying a walk run strategy Her recovery after the Paris Marathon Writing her first book: Running Made EasyJeff Galloway Book: Your Pace or Mine?Having her husband diagnosed with terminal lung cancer Learning a lot about cancer, mindset and dealing with medical professionalsTurning wounds into wisdom How running played an important role during her husbands illnessDealing with her loss of running mojoGiving people a roadmap; through trauma, grief and through terminal illnessLife lessons for help in a challenging situation Running through trauma and grief Being a goal orientated personWanting to run 100 marathons and visit 100 countries Throwing her goals out of the window and focusing on keeping her husband alive for as long as she could Turning to comfort eating and drinking wine The power of a ten minute runRunning mojo - "Running will be your salvation" Being told to stop running Needing to reset and recalibrate her expectations for herselfSetting the target of running 1 mileRunning a park runRunning her first marathon in 7 years Peter RookBeing a cancer thrivers partnerWriting her book - running after all these tearsWhy it was the most difficult book she's written Feeling drained by the writingWhy the tears were healing and necessary Being a supporter for Dignity in Dying The realities of death What stage the bill (Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill) is at Talking about death and dyingMaking peach with our livesAnything that needs to change with our lives going forward Making the decision to live in hope not fearMarie CurieWriting a living willSigning a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) for her husband while he was in hospice.How to have a good deathLiving her life with a sense of purposeWanting to have someone hold her hand at deathHaving a death Doula Wanting to die at home in her own bedFuture plans in relation to running and travelThe importance of goals Why its the journey and not the destinationHeading to visit Libya Running the Brighton Marathon in 2026Wanting to 100 Park RunsWanting to run 100 Half Marathons Doing a half ironman…..Being inspired by IronGran Writing her ...
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    51 mins
  • Dr. Erin Ayala – Psychologist, Mental Performance Coach & Endurance Athlete
    Apr 7 2026
    Meet Dr. Erin Ayala, a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant from Minnesota, specialising in supporting female endurance athletes. With over a decade of research and clinical experience, she's a published author, sought-after speaker, and advocate for mental health in sport. In this episode, Erin shares insights on: Building mental resilience for endurance challengesStrategies for coping with performance pressure and burnoutBalancing high-level competition with wellbeingLessons from her own journey as a competitive cyclist A must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their mind while chasing big goals. *** 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 Erin - Licensed Psychologist and certified mental performance coach Being based in the twin cities, Minnesota, USAHer love for working with female athletesHer backstory and being a multi-sport athlete in High SchoolGetting to grad school and starting to get into running Joining a run club and getting the running bugWorking her way up to marathonsMeeting her spouse and getting into cycling, triathlons and doing IronmanMoving to Minnesota in 2016 Joining a cycling club and being encouraged to start racing bikesGravel racing for the past 10 yearsGrowing up in a small, midwestern town.Wanting to look after herself better Being a workaholic and not prioritising her health or wellness Stretching herself to thin and not feeling proud of what's going on insideBeing very achievement drivenNeeding to match the internal to external Being consistent with therapy since undergraduate Why running and riding can be therapeutic but it can never replace working with a licensed therapist. Thoughts while running and how they have changed over the years Being a smoker, waking up coughing and not feeling goodStarting running to be healthy and fit againWhy it became so much deeper so much quicker External motivation can only get us so far The internal motivation is what keeps us going How running helps her prioritise her "me" timeFiguring out the WHYWanting to get off Strava, not following anyone on it, and not worrying about the social comparison gameGetting sucked into the world of social mediaStarting with your WHY and what does that actually mean What words do you want people to use to describe you as a personSetting herself up for success Why her favourite clients are women in their 50sGetting the balance right between going after your goals and managing a relationship Being supported on her bike adventures, both on and off the road Doing really long road trips and going back country hiking together Doing 2 big events per yearPlanning a race strategy and what the mental side of a race strategy looks like Nothing new on race day and why the same applies to mental work and mental skillsIt's never too soon to start. Doing meditation every day via a free app3/4 weeks out and getting series about her race goals Being ready to reassess her goals based upon life circumstances Taking into account- life - when setting race goals Life gives us training scores tooTips and tricks while being on the start line to get into the zone.The cognitive piece and psychological piece Here are my pre-race jittersFeeling anxious at the start line e.g. going to the bathrooms multiple times before the start.Take a deep breath? Breathing The importance of low and slow breathing and how it helps to balance out the nervous system.The concept of the pain cave Courtney DauwalterTaking it to the next level- finishing strong - the final push over the finish lineFiguring out - What is the most difficult or most important part of the race?Visualising success…. Toxic positivity How am I going to respond once the feeling hits?If - then - situation Responding and dealing with failure and set backs Letting the disappointment settle in Reminding yourself that just because you didn't reach your goal didn't mean you are a failure and did anything wrong Doing everything right and still not hitting your goals Outcome goals are how we compare to other people Set process goals and why they are more effective than outcome goalsStarting a new podcast with Fiesty Media Focusing on what she can doThe noise on the internetThe Feisty Women's Podcast - January 12th 2026 was the launch date - with weekly episodes going forward.Women and sleep and why women are more efficient sleepers than menFocus on the basicsTaking on the more taboo topicsBook: The Stronger Sex: What ...
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    51 mins
  • Jennifer Doohan – Founder of The Adventure Wellness Club, Helping Women Challenge Themselves and Connect in Nature
    Apr 2 2026
    Jennifer is an adventurer, wellness professional, and founder of The Adventure Wellness Club, helping women connect with nature, challenge themselves, and build lasting friendships through experiences grounded in the 3 Cs: Challenge, Connection, and Community. She designs international hiking adventures and UK-based experiences that blend movement, mindfulness, and wellness. Her work spans everything from planning logistics and designing programs to facilitating group hikes, yoga, sauna and ice-bath sessions, and breath work. Jennifer lived in Trentino, Italy for four years, where she learned to speak Italian and fell in love with the mountains and the sports within them, including ski touring. Over time, she has also run ultra marathons and bike packed long distances. Adventure is what makes her feel alive! As a late-diagnosed ADHDer, her adventures are rooted in wellness and informed by research like the 3 Day Effect, showing that just three days immersed in nature can boost attention, creativity, and emotional resilience — benefits especially meaningful for neurodivergent women. Each international trip ends with a sauna experience, which she considers essential for physical and emotional wellbeing. Her experiences encourage women to step outside their comfort zones while feeling supported, mindful, and fully present. Through adventure, movement, and shared experiences, Jennifer helps women slow down, feel capable, and reconnect with themselves and each other. *** 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 JenniferOriginal from Manchester, but now based in SheffieldWhen her running journey startedMaintaining a good level of base fitnessRunning 50k in January Feeling the need to go for a runGetting into ultra running Supported a guy who did the Bob Graham Round and running one of the legsIf he can do it - I can do it toKnowing that she was capable of achieving Breaking down the goal Seeing the behind the scenes of planning a run and how it inspired herThe Japanese Odyssey Doing the next best thing - signing up to a race in Italy Being supported by people along the way Running the Edale Skyline with Barefoot John Digging into the planning and learning new planning skillsBeing impulsive and spontaneous Being determined enough to do it Why it's not just about the planning, but also about the execution Coming up with a rough plan Planning, hormones, structure Not having the energy for hill reps and feeling fatiguedBeating herself up for not achieving itHaving to reframe the situation The night before the race and doing a race strategy with Chat GPT Working with a coach - S&C and following a 12 week running plan Why there isn't a right and a wrong - why it's what works for youLooking at the training plan and listening to her body Running the ultra marathon while menstruating Fitting training into life and work Running to her cleaning job Starting a marketing contract for 4 days a weekHaving a rest day on MondayBeing forced to find the timeCombing running with life Starting with a running coach and training for a 50k in April in Wales (She Ultra) The Ultra Race in Italy - being the only British women running Her aim for the raceWhy it's not about the other people racing - it's about youTreating it as a fun day out - chatting to people in the mountain huts, changing her top, taking things steadyTeaching herself that she could do itSprinting towards the end, just trying to get there Gaining new experience SheUltra Race Wanting to build her confidence in her physical abilities Getting into plyometrics - for building bone density Founding the Adventure Wellness Club and what it's goals areWanting to bring people together to share her passion Being diagnosed with ADHD and starting to understand how her brain works and working on her self confidence Pushing herself out of comfort zone with travel and adventureDelivering her first trip in 2025Teaching herself that you can make your idea a reality Ending each trip with a sauna and spa experience The "3 Day Effect" - spending 72 hours disconnected from technology and surrounded by nature has a breadth of benefits for your mind.Why adventure is key to wellnessLooking at herself with more compassionWhy it's not just a focus issueWhy a diagnosis does change everythingTrying medication and working with a nurse practitioner Starting to realise how awesome she isSeeing yourself in a different way Issues with ADHD, perimenopause and mental health ...
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    42 mins
  • Marie "Lootie" Leautey – Solo, Unsupported & Fastest Woman to Run Around the World
    Mar 31 2026
    In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we're joined by Marie "Lootie" Leautey, the second woman in history to run around the world solo and unsupported — and the fastest woman to do it. Lootie's journey began in France, far from the running world. A former smoker and corporate finance professional, she swapped cigarettes for daily runs at 25, building up to her first marathon in just eight months. That spark turned into an audacious dream: to run across the globe — 26,000+ km, across four continents, relying entirely on herself. Starting her run in Europe in December 2019, Lootie faced deserts, mountains, and long stretches between resupply points, carrying only a 12–15kg stroller packed with her essentials. Along the way, she experienced the kindness of strangers, the thrill of new cultures, and the incredible mental discipline required to run a marathon every day for years. Beyond the physical feat, Lootie shares how her journey is rooted in purpose: raising funds for Women for Women International, honouring her grandmother's legacy, and inspiring women to ask themselves, "Why am I doing this, and is it aligned with who I want to be?" This is a story of grit, adventure, and the extraordinary power of chasing your own path — a reminder that there's very little you can't achieve once you set your mind to it. *** 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 LootieBecoming the 2nd woman to run around the world - solo and unsupportedFastest women to run around the world Her early years growing up in FranceComing from a sporty family but not being interested in runningHer love for team sports Being a smokerBeing out of shape at 25/26 years oldSwapping her cigarettes for a run ever dayHer wake up call in Greece while learning how to windsurfBuilding up to a marathon distance- 8 months laterLeaving France when she was 20 - working in finance for big corporates Having the idea to run around the worldGoing on Google - has anyone run around the world beforeThe World Runners Association (WRA) Her route and the rules and how they gave her structure Needing to cross a minimum of 4 continents, and run in one continuous direction Running a minimum distance of just under 30,000 km (The runner must cover a total of at least 26,232 km on foot)Making the decision and the commitment Understanding her WHY and having it at the forefront of her mind Self financing the challenge Deciding to run a marathon per day Taking 2 years in the planning and preparation Running without time pressureThe daily thoughts, the novelty of running Never thinking of giving up as this is exactly what she wantedHer running set up - and keeping it as light as possible (12 - 15kg)Researching with google maps - trying to figure out her location every 40kmThe longest distances without resupply - and knowing she would need to camp and to be self sufficient. Having a stroller with waterproof bags The mental side of the challenge while running Having a sensory experience while running Not being bored on any of the days - even while crossing the desert in AustraliaSpeaking French, English, German and GreekStarting her run in Europe and why it was such a challenge (covid)Starting 6th December 2019After leaving Europe and heading to America (Getting an exception from the WRA)Arriving in New York in Mid November 2021What daily life was like on the road Starting running at dawn and being done by lunchtime What the afternoons would look like Carrying 2 GPS trackers - and updating the info daily (or as often as possible when wifi was available)Going to bed by 9pm and sleeping very well throughout the challenge - going from sleeping 5hrs a night to 9/10 hours of sleep at nightEating what you find, eat until you are not hungry anymoreNot being dependent on certain types of food, drinks, gels, supplements etcRunning in South America (her first visit was on the run), starting in Patagonia Running up to 4,000m of altitude Being inspired by her Grandmother who was the director of the first feminist library in France Being taught the differences between the treatment between men and woman Being encouraged to do what ever she wantedWanting to use her voice to share that message with women Running for Women for Women International Wanting to rise $1 per km run The challenges of running in Australia: - road trains, distances between resupply pointsThe kindness of strangers Running in Australia between May and August - which is Autumn time...
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    54 mins