エピソード

  • Jennifer Doohan – Founder of The Adventure Wellness Club, Helping Women Challenge Themselves and Connect in Nature

    Jennifer Doohan – Founder of The Adventure Wellness Club, Helping Women Challenge Themselves and Connect in Nature
    2026/04/02
    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 ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    42 分
  • Marie "Lootie" Leautey – Solo, Unsupported & Fastest Woman to Run Around the World

    Marie "Lootie" Leautey – Solo, Unsupported & Fastest Woman to Run Around the World
    2026/03/31
    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...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    54 分
  • Stephanie Ho: Adventurer and Endurance Athlete Skiing Solo to the South Pole & Pushing Beyond Limits

    Stephanie Ho: Adventurer and Endurance Athlete Skiing Solo to the South Pole & Pushing Beyond Limits
    2026/03/24
    Stephanie Ho is a 24-year-old adventurer, endurance athlete, and exercise physiologist based on the Gold Coast, Australia. From rock climbing and ocean swimming to triathlons and mountain expeditions, Stephanie has always chased the outdoors — but her biggest goals lie in the polar regions. In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, Stephanie shares her journey from discovering hiking and camping as a teenager to trekking Everest Base Camp, running 43km a day for a week, and skiing 540km across Greenland. She opens up about the mental and physical challenges of polar expeditions, the lessons she's learned in extreme environments, and what it takes to keep motivation alive when the goal seems impossible. Stephanie is now preparing for a solo 1,200km expedition to the South Pole in 2026 — hauling a 100kg sled through temperatures as low as -50°C — a feat that, if successful, will make her the first Australian woman to achieve it. Along the way, she talks logistics, training, nutrition, dealing with fears and unsolicited advice, and the importance of listening to your body while chasing what sets your soul on fire. This conversation is a masterclass in mental toughness, gratitude, and stepping beyond your comfort zone. Stephanie's story will inspire you to dream big, push limits, and embrace adventure — no matter your age or background. 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 StephBeing based on the Gold Coast, Australia 24 years oldWorking as an exercise physiologist - both in the office and in a clinical setting Her love for any activity that is outdoors from rock climbing to hiking, cycling, ocean swimming, skiing and doing triathlons Her main goal is to train for big skiing expeditions and big mountain expeditions Her early memories and not being encouraged to be that active Growing up as an only child Wanting to do more runningHow things changed at 14 and going camping for the first time in her lifeFinding friends who wanted to go hiking and camping Heading over to Nepal to do the Everest base camp after graduating high school Wanting to spend some time alone reflecting on the past 18 years Having a good reset before starting university Why her trip to Nepal was so formative Trekking to Everest Base camp in Winter Getting up to 5,500 metresClimbing Kala Patthar, Nepal Enjoying being in the cold, remote environmentKnowing that her next big adventure was going to be Antarctica Starting to plan her training trips to Norway and Greenland Having everything put on hold until 2023Doing her Polar Training course in NorwaySkiing across Greenland in 2023Doing more solo expeditions in the polar regionsPlanning to head to the South Pole at the end of 2026Polar training and the lessons learned Being part of a team to do the Greenland crossing in May 202330 days on the ice - starting on the west coast and heading to the East coast Learning how to cope in the cold and the windDealing with polar thighWhy the journey has been rewarding and feeling a lot of pride with what's been achieved.Thinking about what's next and struggling to be satisfied with the achievements Running for 43k a day for 7 days…Learning how to suffer mentally while out on the iceStaying positive and the other lessons learned to help mentally Practicing gratitude and being grateful for where she it Keeping the motivation aliveThe logistics and finances to pay for the expedition Working with ALE Training and what that looks likeRecovery and paying more attention to nutrition Being vegetation, but eating some white meat, such as chicken and fishHaving cold showersConcerns and fears to mange before the tripManaging unsolicited opinions and advice How to connect with Stephanie Advice to motivate and inspire other women to step outside their comfort zoneDon't be afraid of what other people might think of you. Listening to your body and what you want to do Do something that sets your soul on fire Social Media Website: solosouth.com.au
    続きを読む 一部表示
    33 分
  • Birgit Hermann – Turning Extreme Endurance into Bolder Leadership for People and Planet

    Birgit Hermann – Turning Extreme Endurance into Bolder Leadership for People and Planet
    2026/03/17
    Birgit Hermann is a global leadership coach, speaker, executive leader, ocean advocate, professional freediver, and extreme endurance athlete who translates lessons from the edge into meaningful impact for people and planet. She supports purpose-driven leaders to turn bold challenges into grounded, values-led action. She has raced the Marathon des Sables, run a marathon in Antarctica, freedived beneath Arctic ice without a wetsuit, and cycled across the African continent — often as the only woman on the start line. Alongside these edge-tested experiences, Birgit brings over 20 years of leading and coaching teams across marine conservation, climate resilience, international development, and peace building in more than 20 countries. Based between Timor-Leste, Germany, New Zealand, and Egypt, she is the founder of Inspired by Nature and the author of B.O.L.D.E.R.™ — a leadership framework forged at the edge and built for real-world change. *** 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 BirgitGrowing up in GermanySpending a lot of her life in Asia- Pacific, specifically New ZealandConsidering herself a change maker Working in management positions in relation to climate change adaptions, marine conservation, supporting livelihoods and communities to make changes for the better Growing up sporty and active Becoming an outdoor lover after moving to New Zealand Being a competitive swimmer for many yearsTrying all sports from judo, to volleyball and cycling Being interested in different cultures and travelling Deciding to do her Masters Degree in New Zealand Deciding to take on Tour d'AfriqueCycling 12,000km from north to south AfricaFeeing unsettled and wanting more from life Getting her courage together to sign up for the challenge Planning and training for a 4 month challengeChanging her perspective on what's possible The physical achievement and trusting herselfRealising how all the small steps accumulate over time especially at the end of the journey and looking back on what's been achievedKnowing that there was more to what she believed she could achieve Deciding to spend more time in Africa Freeing herself up to be open to something new Testing herself in a new environment Making something close to impossible happenStarting to think and dream big Why the physical experience can change your mindset Knowing that the next step was the right step Why it wasn't easy Deciding to head back to New ZealandBeing a pioneer and looking to find a role model Continuing to take on big challengesLiving in Timor-Leste in 2016 Wanting to share her experiences of traveling the world while doing endurance challenges Her experience in Antarctica and wanting to raise awareness and funds for climate changeLearning how to free-dive and the benefits experienced The importance of relaxing - truly relaxingThe journey over the last 3 years and putting all the lessons togetherBoosting her confidence and starting to work for herselfDeciding to write her bookBeing a trail blazer, and shifting cultureThe lessons to be learned Inspire change, shift culture and build sustainable impact - without burnout! Who would benefit from reading from the bookWanting to make a positive change in the worldShout out for the Tough Girl Podcast!How to connect with BirgitFinal words of advice for other women who want to live bolder Talk about it!!Why it's the first step - talking about it out loud. There will be people who will support you. Social Media Website: www.birgithermann.com Instagram: @b_inspiredbynature Facebook: @b.inspiredbynature Youtube: @b.inspiredbynature Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/birgithermann Direct link to the book: www.birgithermann.com/bolder.html
    続きを読む 一部表示
    45 分
  • Amanda Duling: Endurance Sport After Gastric Bypass — Grit, Fueling & Radical Honesty

    Amanda Duling: Endurance Sport After Gastric Bypass — Grit, Fueling & Radical Honesty
    2026/03/10
    Amanda Duling is an endurance athlete, writer, and founder of One Gear Short of Normal™. A post-bariatric, perimenopausal gravel cyclist and Ironman 70.3 finisher, Amanda uses grit, science, and unapologetic humour to tell the stories no one else is telling about endurance sports, women's bodies, and doing hard things later in life. Through her writing and community work, she challenges the "suffer in silence" culture of endurance athletics and advocates for smarter fueling, better hygiene, realistic training, and radical honesty—especially for women navigating menopause, major weight loss, and endurance sport at the same time. When she's not riding gravel roads or lifting heavy things, Amanda writes research-backed, laugh-out-loud essays on endurance life, parenting, and why choosing your hard matters more than perfection. *** 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 AmandaLiving in Kansas City, USAWorking as an IT professional during the dayMum to a special needs son Building a brand in relation to being a post-bariatric endurance athlete Publishing an e-book in relation to saddle sores Why reinvention is possible Growing up in a small rural community Being into reading, writing and artHaving a lot of anxiety about her body and body imageEnjoying being active Not having the confidence when she was younger Getting married and settling downHaving gastric bypass surgery in her early 40s Having an Roux-en-Y gastric bypass - having a large portion of her stomach removed along with a large portion of her small intestines Having the surgery at the beginning of COVID and being stuck at homeHer journey with food, health and fitness Going for walks with her husband Finding the motivation for the next stepFeeling uncomfortable wearing shorts and form fitting clothes Starting to walk a little quicker Hiring a personal trainer at the gym to gain some of the lost muscle backSeeing her strength coming back Thinking about doing a half marathon Finding a couch to 5k program Not making a lot of progress due to not being able to eat a lotStarting to work with a dietician Having to re-learn eating Passing out after exercise and having no energy Dumping syndrome - when the body is not able to process sugarUCAN and Waxy MaizeFinding support through community Joining a run club and meeting new people Being able to complete the half marathon Confidence and having confidence around her bodyBuilding her self confidenceWhen things started to changeShowing up to different racesDoing hard things Wanting to encourage individuals starting out to volunteer at a couple of eventsOvercoming a challenge during a raceGravel cycling/racing, and why it's the hardest disciple in endurance sportsUnbound Gravel Race Breaking down the challenge into smaller and smaller steps and grinding it outLogistics of gravel racing in relation to hydration and fuelling ElectrolytesUCAN Fuel— ucan.co Running on sheer grit What training looks like and why she needed a lot of structureTraining PeaksLearning about heart rate training Training in the morning and making training work for her and her familyThe importance of social interactions during workoutsBeing surrounded by the right people and how it can help with motivation How to connect with Amanda on social mediaHer love for writing and sharing her stories on SubstackFinal words of advice to motivate and inspire youThe importance of showing up Social Media Website: onegearshortofnormal.gumroad.com/l/prrdc thecookiewaitlist.com Instagram: @onegearshortofnormal Facebook: Amanda McMahon Substack: @onegearshortofnormal1 Youtube: One Gear Short of Normal
    続きを読む 一部表示
    40 分
  • Lyla "Sugar" Harrod – Triple Crown Hiker & Appalachian Trail Record Breaker

    Lyla "Sugar" Harrod – Triple Crown Hiker & Appalachian Trail Record Breaker
    2026/03/08
    Growing up near Boston, Sugar discovered hiking in her early twenties while exploring the White Mountains of New Hampshire. After getting sober at 30, she found herself with the clarity, time and capacity to pursue the life she truly wanted. What followed was a decision to live authentically, prioritise long-distance hiking, and become what she proudly calls a professional dirtbag. In 2021, Sugar set out on the Appalachian Trail. While she knew she was a strong hiker, she also faced the uncertainty of what it would mean to walk the trail as a trans woman. Feeling the isolation of not seeing many stories like her own pushed her to begin writing, speaking openly, and becoming someone other queer and trans hikers could reach out to. Since then, she has become the first known trans woman to complete the Triple Crown of long-distance hiking, founded TrailQTs – a free mentoring programme supporting first-time queer and trans thru-hikers – and in 2024 pioneered the Divide to Crest Route, a 3,000-mile backcountry journey from the Mexican border in New Mexico to the Canadian border in Washington. In 2025, Sugar set a new women's self-supported speed record on the Appalachian Trail southbound, breaking the previous record by more than a day and a half. In this episode, we dive into sobriety, transition, representation, burnout, post-trail blues, building community, and what it really takes to push the body day after day. Sugar also shares practical advice on training, fuelling on a budget, protecting your feet, and why big dreams are built through small, steady steps. This is a conversation about courage, visibility, and creating the path you wish had existed when you started. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time). Hit subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. 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: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is LylaUsing she/her programs From the North East of the USALiving in New HampshireWorking with kids and doing bar tending and other odd jobsGrowing up just north of Boston, on the North shore, about 3 hrs away from the Appalachian TrailPlaying team sports Getting into hiking in her early 20s, with the help of a friend Hiking in the White Mountains in New Hampshire Getting sober at 30 years old and being sober for over 8 years nowHow it changed her life, having more time and capacity to do more hikingSpending time exploring the local trails in the area Starting her gender transition Knowing she was trans in her late 20s but not having the capacity to do anything about itGetting sober and how it opened up lots of doors for herself Living her authentic life Deciding to leave her job, sell her car and go and hike the Appalachian TrailHiking the Appalachian Trail in late March 2021Spending the past 5 years making long distance hiking her priorityBeing a professional dirtbagChanneling all of her energy and resources into hiking Managing fears and concerns before taking on the Appalachian Trail Knowing she was a strong hikerHaving concerns related to being a trans woman on trail and what unique challenges she would faceTrying to learn more about other trans experiences on the Appalachian TrailFeeling a bit alone and not wanting others to feel the same wayDeciding to write for an outdoor website called the trekSharing more of her life onlineThe power of seeing trans people in the outdoors Speaking publicly and telling her authentic storyTrying to be someone queer and trans folk can reach out to Wanting to be accessible for other people Documenting and sharing her story while hiking Blog post - Trans competent on trail Magical moments while being on the trail Getting her trail name "Sugar"Suffering with burnout and adventure blues?Post trail depression and planning for it Mental health and the importance of spending quality time in nature Mental health habits and what's worked for herHaving a rich community of people in her support networkHaving people who understand where you're coming from Having good friends Spending time alongSelf supported FKT SOBO on the Appalachian Trail Pushing yourself hard while on the trailDay 1 of the project and why it was a year before starting on the trailThe first couple of weeks and the challenging terrain Why it's fun for herThe physical challenge for her body and thinking more about millage Wanting to know how much she could push her bodyThe planning and preparation before the start of the hike The Divide to Crest route Trying to figure out how to make it financially viable Looking for sponsorship from outdoor brandsPhysically training and breaking it down into 3 separate chaptersThe Arizona Trail Why your feet are ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    50 分
  • Sara Eydmann - Ultra-marathon runner on attempting to run 500 miles, mental health and changing the narrative

    Sara Eydmann - Ultra-marathon runner on attempting to run 500 miles, mental health and changing the narrative
    2026/03/02
    In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we're joined by Sara Eydmann — ultra-marathon runner, counsellor and therapist based in Edinburgh, Scotland. At 30 years old, Sara is no stranger to pushing her limits. From attempting to run 500 miles to taking on the North Coast 500, her journey into ultra-running has been anything but straightforward. But behind the miles is a powerful and deeply honest story about mental health, identity, resilience and learning to change the narrative. Growing up as an only child, Sara was always active — until an eating disorder at 14 forced her to stop exercising completely. Years later, she found her way back to running, initially using it as a way to control her weight. During lockdown, her running became increasingly intense, driven and compulsive. With the support of therapy and a coach, she began learning how to train with more structure, balance and self-awareness — eventually making it to the start line of her first marathon in 2023. Shortly after, she signed up for her first ultra. In this episode, Sara shares her experience of being late diagnosed with Autism at 27 and ADHD at 29 (AuADHD), and how that diagnosis helped her better understand herself, her anxiety, and the way her brain works — particularly in high-stress, high-performance environments. We dive into: Attempting to run 500 miles — and the reality of getting injured 256 miles inManaging anxiety at the start lineWorking with a crew and handling the overwhelming admin side of big challengesDealing with a stress fracture and the emotional fallout of stoppingThe mental battle of ultra-distance running — self-talk, fear, surrender and staying rationalThe financial and logistical realities of funding endurance challengesHaving her dad there for supportTrusting the process instead of fearing the outcome Sara speaks candidly about what it feels like to "lose your head" mentally during a challenge, the lessons she's taken from injury, and how she's learning to run from a place of curiosity rather than compulsion. Now preparing to move to France for a year to focus on training, immerse herself in the culture and learn French, Sara is continuing to explore what's possible — on her own terms. This is an episode about endurance, identity, healing, and redefining success. Trust the process. Don't fear the outcome. *there is mention of eating disorders and running for weight loss - we do not go into specifics *** 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 Sara; 30 years old, Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, Moving to France later on in the yearUltra runner and working as a counsellor and therapist as a day job Mum to 2 cats Late diagnosed with Autism (27 years old) and ADHD (29 years old) (AuAHDH)Growing up as an only child and doing lots of sports at a young age Needing to stop exercise at 14 due to an eating disorderGetting back into running over the past few yearsTraining for her first marathon and managing the driven compulsion Listening to her coach, not overtraining and being more structured in her training Doing therapy throughout the yearsOnly running to control her weight How running got very intense over lock down Making it to the start line of her first marathon in 2023Signing up for an ultra distance on a loop course on the month after.Her journey with anxiety and getting to the start line of racesGetting to a point of just wanting to do - wanting to try and see Shifting her mindset by surrendering to what could happenReflecting on her first marathon in ScotlandBeing diagnosed with AuADHD and how it changed things Muddling through life and finding school really difficult Building her confidence to voice her needsLearning to understand herself moreRunning the North Coast 500Dealing with a stress fracture in her kneeWanting to take on this challengeDealing with the admin side of the challenge and why it was so stressful Making the best of the situationRoad running and your bones…Getting injured 256 miles in….The lessons from the experienceFiguring out the financials to fund a challenge like this with AuADHDWanting to focus on the running Being in a high stress, high performance situation Running strategy for the challenge Working with a crew and how it would work All of the issues and challenges that came alongThe mental side of the challenge and what's going on inside her headSelf talk - you've got this - keep goingNot hitting the wall, but mentally losing her head and not being ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    41 分
  • Starre Vartan: The Stronger Sex — Women's Bodies, Endurance, and the Science We've Been Missing

    Starre Vartan: The Stronger Sex — Women's Bodies, Endurance, and the Science We've Been Missing
    2026/02/24
    In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm joined by Starre Vartan — science and environment writer, author, and lifelong question-asker whose work sits at the powerful intersection of the human body and the natural world. With a background in geology and biology, Starre began her career as an environmental geologist before pivoting into journalism to tell the stories behind the science. Over the past 15+ years, she's written for publications including National Geographic, Scientific American, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and New Scientist, becoming known for her ability to make science both rigorous and deeply human — especially when it comes to women's bodies. We dive into Starre's latest book, The Stronger Sex: What Science Tells Us About the Power of the Female Body, a myth-busting, research-driven celebration of women's endurance, longevity, adaptability, and strength. From the messages girls receive about their bodies at a young age, to puberty, bone density, menopause, and why women often excel in endurance sports, Starre unpacks the science that has been overlooked — and what it means for women's health, sport, and everyday life. We also talk about Starre's upbringing between Australia and the U.S., the influence of her formidable grandmother, growing up active and outdoors, and how reconnecting with strength training later in life has left her feeling more powerful than ever. This conversation is about listening to your body, trusting its wisdom, and reclaiming strength — physically, mentally, and scientifically. If you've ever been told women are the weaker sex, this episode will change how you think about the female body forever. *** 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 StarreWorking as a scientist journalist focusing on women's health recently Being based in a beach town south of Sydney, Australia Growing up in NYCBeing a dual citizen with Australia and America Book: The Stronger Sex: What Science Tells us about the Power of the Female Body The dedication to her grandmother -the strongest women's she's ever known Growing up with her grandmother Doing her age appropriate chores; stacking wood, working in the garden, being involved and active in the running of the house The messages that young girls receive about their bodies from a young ageHeading off into the woods to go on adventures The lessons learned from her grandmother Muscles and bone density for women and why puberty is such an important age for girls Puberty in girls and athletics The knowledge gap for women in sportsWomen, endurance and the longer racesDifferences between all human beings The science and muscle and getting surprising resultsWomen's body fat and location Visiting Japan to research longevity How women's body handle diseasesThe risks that men take Finding purpose in life and figuring out your life goal Making changes in her own lifeStarting to weigh lift 3 years agoCan you grown bone once you are at the stage where you have more extreme bone lossBone loss in women during menopauseProf Belinda Beck Feeling empowered by lifting heavy weightsBecoming a stronger runner and dancerStarre's ultimate life goal and purpose Using AI in scientific waysWanting to be as strong as her grandmotherHow to connect with Starre online Starting a new newsletter—Palimpsest of FleshVodcastWords of advice and wisdom for the stronger sex Reflecting back on life in her 20sListen to your body and the wisdom it holds Social Media Website: starrevartan.com Instagram: @starrevartan Bluesky: @starrevartan.bsky.social Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/starrevartan/membership
    続きを読む 一部表示
    52 分