Tough Girl Podcast

• Hillary Allen – Ultrarunner and Author of Out and Back: A Runner's Story of Survival Against All Odds

  Hillary Allen, famously known as the "Hillygoat," is a world-class ultrarunner celebrated for her fearless climbs on steep, technical terrain. But in 2017, at the peak of her career as the #1 ultrarunner in the world, Hillary faced a life-changing setback: during a race in Norway, she fell 150 feet off a ridge, breaking 14 bones. Doctors told her she'd never run again. Yet Hillary didn't just defy the odds—she redefined them. Today, she's back competing at the elite level and inspiring others to rewrite their own stories of resilience.  With a background in neuroscience and a master's in physiology and structural biology, Hillary combines science, grit, and empathy in her work as an author, coach, and speaker.  Her book, Out and Back: A Runner's Story of Survival Against All Odds, chronicles her incredible comeback. In this episode, Hillary shares: How her lifelong love of running and science shaped her journey The mental and physical challenges of recovering from a life-threatening fall Practical tips on mindset, self-belief, and self-compassion Why she believes your best athletic days can be ahead of you Whether you're an athlete, adventurer, or someone looking to overcome setbacks in life, Hillary's story is a powerful reminder that resilience, courage, and persistence can take you farther than you ever imagined. ***  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 Hillary Growing up in Boulder Colorado, USA Being an athlete all her life Coming from an outdoorsy, academic family Describing herself as a science nerd Currently in a Masters Program for Applied Sports Psychology Having an older sister Growing up camping with her family Her parents both being professors  Studying chemistry and neuroscience Not finishing her Phd Getting her first running sponsorship  Her running journey to get to being a sponsored athlete Starting running in graduate school  Needing an outlet to reset  Starting to run with a running group  Discovering the trail running scene  When things clicked after running a road marathon  Wondering if she could do it… Being drawn to running and feeling satisfaction in the challenge Working hard on her weaknesses  Working on her ability to run on technical trails and push herself when feeling tired Getting into skyruning  Being named the Hilly Goat! Why its a skill you need to practice The challenges of 2017 Heading over to Europe to race Tromsø Skyrace  Thinking she was dying Falling 150ft, breaking 14 bones, damaging ligaments and being lucky to be alive Book: Out and Back: A Runner's Story of Survival Against All Odds  Being depressed  Starting to think about running again Believe that your best athletic days are ahead of you  Helping her mindset and the mental side of the challenge Working with a counsellor Working past fear Breaking her ankle and dealing with another injury Going back to do the race again Getting her nervous energy out  Closing the chapter off Practical tips around mindset The power of self compassion and self belief The next plan/goals Signing up for a road marathon in January  Working on building up some speed Podcast - Trail Society  How to connect with Hillary  Final words of advice for other women  The importance of daily practices  Journalling  Mantra - believe your best athletic days are ahead of you Affirmations - I am statements "I am a runner" Start small, and start with self belief     Social Media Website www.hillaryallen.com  Instagram @hillygoat_climbs  Facebook @hillaryallenrunner  Podcast - Trail Society  

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• Lani Woods – Inspiring Women to Ride, Explore, and Belong Through Cycling Adventures

  Lani Woods is a passionate cyclist, adventurer, and creative force behind a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts. Known for blending her love of cycling with a flair for design, Lani leads initiatives like Triple Crown Adventures to inspire others to explore the world on two wheels. Whether organizing group adventures in Hawaii or crafting unique cycling gear, she's dedicated to building an inclusive, adventure-loving community. * Marked as explicit — just one F bomb! ***  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Lani Being based in Hawaii  Being a full time adventurer Loving to travel and explore Being a curious soul Growing up in Southern California Not being athletic when she was younger  Getting into athletics in her 30s What happened in her 30s  Having kids at a young age and being in a long term relationship  Deciding to leave an abusive relationship  Wanting to feel stronger and release the relationship stress Getting back into running and how it made her feel better  Getting back into the gym and how it helped her mental health  Deciding to try an obstacle course race  Dealing with injury and needing to rehab after 3 surgeries  Getting into bike riding Deciding to ride 20 miles to the beach and back Feeling the rewards after doing something hard Deciding to ride a 100 miles Being inspired by the Race Across America  The self confidence piece  Being attracted to challenge Gaining new knowledge about cycling Hosting 2 podcasts :-  Podcast - Unrelenting Humans  Podcast - Black with Endurance  Joining Major Taylor Cycling Club, Los Angles  Riding from San Francisco to Los Angles  Wanting to do more business with women  Tripe Crown Adventures - where the name came from (the California triple crown, riding 3 double centuries in a year) Adventure Femmes  Hosting her first event in Hawaii Honolulu Century Ride Lanikai Pillbox Hike  New event happening in 2026 Training…. Working with different mentors How many bikes… Making the decision to move to Hawaii Dealing with the heat in Hawaii Bucket list races Being in a place where she knows what she's capable of and want she can accomplish  Wanting to create her own challenges  Wanting to create more than be apart of other people races and challenges Her love for road cycling  Travelling in Europe Bike packing adventures? Lael Wilcox  Jenny Graham  Lael Rallies  How to connect with Lani Final words of advice for women who want to get into cycling and go on more adventures Stay curious, fail big and don't wait for anyone else Don't be afraid to make your own way—do what you feel is right for you.   Social Media Instagram @lanitheadventurer @triplecrownadventures @adventurefemmes   

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• Charlotte Fisher – From Zero Running Experience to Elite Ultra Runner

  From a council estate on the Isle of Wight to conquering some of Europe's toughest mountain ultras, Charlotte Fisher's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Less than three years ago, she had never run competitively. Today, she's a full-time ultra runner chasing elite races like UTMB and Western States 100, proving that it's never too late to find your path. In this episode, Charlotte shares how a charity ultra challenge sparked her running journey, the lessons learned from 50km races to brutal 100-mile mountain ultras, and how running transformed her mindset, confidence, and life. She opens up about the highs, the lows, and the mental toughness required to push through physical limits — from hospitalised near-sepsis to standing on podiums in Europe's toughest races. Whether you're a seasoned runner, an aspiring adventurer, or someone searching for purpose, Charlotte's story is a powerful reminder that mountains, miles, and mindset can transform your life.  What you'll hear in this episode: How Charlotte went from zero running experience to winning her first ultra Lessons learned from extreme races and mountain ultras Mental toughness, mindset shifts, and life transformation through running Training, fueling, and recovery strategies for endurance athletes Why adventure, self-discovery, and community make ultra running so addictive  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes Who is Charlotte? From the Isle of Wight, UK – where she now lives, works, and trains Runs her own dog-walking business On a mission to become a full-time professional ultra runner Began running less than 3 years ago, starting with a charity ultra with no running experience Growing Up on the Isle of Wight Childhood on a council estate in a rural village Outdoor play, but no sporting background No sailing or traditional Isle of Wight coastal sports experience School pushed her toward law due to academic ability, despite being naturally creative Initially chased a law career for financial security, not passion Leaving Home & Early Adulthood Moved to London at 19 for university Pivoted from law to Geography degree after a crisis of direction Took a gap year to travel and try to "find her path" Felt lost through early 20s — unsure of what she should be doing with her life  How Running Entered Her Life Started running in Feb 2022, almost accidentally Signed up for a 106km Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge with zero running background Motivation: Raise money for the hospice that cared for her Aunt Jane, and raise awareness for bowel cancer First ever long run attempt: a 35km treadmill run to "qualify" for a guided 50km group run From First 50km to Winning 106km – All Within 12 Weeks Completed first 50km guided run with a coach – extremely tough but gave her belief Didn't run again for 6 months afterwards! Hired a coach and trained for 12 weeks for the Isle of Wight 106km race Won the race on her ultra debut — a shock to herself and everyone else Immediately hooked on ultras — discovered a talent for running "abnormally far"  Rapid Rise to 100 Miles & First Big Reality Check Next challenge: 100-mile North Downs Way (Centurion) just 6 months into running Won the race — but it was a harsh lesson in mental toughness and fuelling Ran through Storm Anthony — torrential rain, strong winds and brutal conditions Severe stomach issues, under-fuelled, no proper nutrition strategy Learned the importance of fuelling, hydration, and race strategy Becoming a Mountain Ultra Runner Stepped up to technical mountain ultras with Ultra Trail Snowdonia (UTS) Originally entered the 100-mile UTS (one of Europe's toughest races) with no mountain experience Only 50% finish rate – often as few as 8 female finishers Multiple recce weekends in Snowdonia to train – huge learning curve 10 days before UTS she became seriously ill & hospitalised with suspected sepsis Still ran the race, finished near the back — emotionally tough but transformative Returned the following year 13 hours faster, finishing 3rd and becoming the only woman to finish the UTS 100 twice  Mindset & Transformation Through Running Running gave her purpose, discipline, and identity Sober for almost 2 years — running helped her leave behind her old lifestyle Mental health, confidence, and self-belief have skyrocketed Found something where hard work = reward — a completely new feeling after years of feeling lost  Training, Fueling & Recovery – What's Changed? Then vs now: Early Ultras Now as an Elite Athlete No fuelling strategy Structured carb-based fuelling plan No gels, random aid-station food Precise nutrition to avoid GI issues Minimal recovery Dedicated recovery shakes & sports therapy Little mountain experience Regular training trips to European mountains Works with a sports therapist weekly during heavy blocks Body now adapts well to 100-mile training & recovery Enjoys the solitude, adventure, and freedom of trail running  Favourite Races & Future Goals Dream Races: UTMB – Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (secured elite entry for 2026) Western States 100 (USA) Confirmed Upcoming Races: UTMB Mallorca Arc of Attrition (January) Ultra Trail Snowdonia (May) UTMB Chamonix (August)  What Charlotte Loves About Ultra Running Adventure, exploration, and seeing the world on foot The community, the challenge, the self-discovery Prefers mountain ultras over flat/road or backyard ultras Loves the beauty, technicality, and grit of long-distance trail running  Where to Find Charlotte Instagram: @charlottefisher (shares training, races, and inspiration)  Key Takeaways from Charlotte's Story You don't need a background in sport to become an athlete It's never too late to discover what you're meant to do You can start from zero — and still reach elite level with dedication Mountains, miles, and mindset can transform your life   Social Media Instagram @charlottefisher  

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• Paula Ralph – Cycling Solo from Cape Town to Nordkapp: 12,290 km Across 17 Countries - When Everything Seemed Impossible

  What happens when a dream is so big, so audacious, that you commit to it long before you have the skills, money, or confidence to make it happen? For Paula Ralph, that dream was to cycle from Cape Town, South Africa to Nordkapp, Norway— a 12,290 km journey across 17 countries. What began as a Guinness World Record attempt soon transformed into something far more powerful: a test of courage, resilience, and self-belief. Paula set off with one goal — to become the fastest woman to complete the route. But along the way, reality hit hard. Injuries, financial setbacks, fear, loneliness, and a traumatic collision with a truck in Zambia forced her to confront a heartbreaking truth: the record might no longer be possible. At this crossroads, Paula had a choice — stop, or redefine what success looked like. She chose to keep going. In this episode, Paula shares the raw truth behind the miles: the moments of doubt, the joy of human connection, the quiet sunrises that kept her pedalling, and the inner strength she discovered when everything else was stripped away. Her story is not just about endurance on a bike — it's about holding on to your "why" when the original plan falls apart. If you've ever had a dream that felt too big, or found yourself at the edge of giving up, Paula's journey will remind you that progress isn't always measured in records — sometimes it's measured in courage, growth, and the refusal to quit.  This episode is for you if: You're chasing a big goal or adventure You've experienced setbacks or self-doubt You want inspiration to keep going when life gets tough You love stories of resilience, solo travel, and human grit Ready to be inspired by what's possible when you simply refuse to stop? Hit play and let Paula take you on the road with her.  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Paula Doing the Long Ride - Cape Town to Nordkapp, Norway Being based in the UK  Growing up in South Africa in the middle of nowhere Not being very adventurous  Getting sporty in her adult years  Getting married and putting on weight Deciding to join a gym to lose weight in  Paying a Personal Trainer  How her outlook on fitness changed  Wanting to encourage other people to live a healthy life Getting into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Becoming a sports therapist in 2009  Going into retail after college  Getting her personal training qualifications  Advice and tips for women who aren't feeling comfortable in their body Encouraging women to find something they'd enjoy  Getting the idea for the ride in 2020 Being inspired by the longest walkable road in the world - from cape town to a tiny town in Russia Sharing her dream on Facebook  Giving herself 4 years to plan and train Deciding to do a cycling camp in Italy  Meeting her coach - Ian  Deciding it was now or never and starting the ride The challenges of getting to the start line Getting divorced in 2012 and not having children  The challenges of being self employed Struggling financially Creating a go fund me, to fund the challenge Wanting to start a foundation to help children in disadvantaged communities  Needing to take a little diversion to get back on track The start line of the long ride Being driven to the start line at 5am Dealing with the nerves at the start Wanting to beat the record and complete the challenge in 72 days Not having a support crew anymore due to the sponsorship falling through  Having an 8kg pack on her back while cycling  Crossing the border into Botswana Her cycle route through Africa The anxiety heading up to the Ethiopia border Border crossing  Heading through the Middle East and making it to Europe Mental resilience during the ride Reflecting on each day, how the day went and how she was feeling  Why the only way is forward Smiling through the pain Being on the bike and where her focus was Getting hit by a truck in Zambia  Needing to set the world record aside  Feeling overwhelmed and not wanting to continue the ride - being completely done  The end of the journey and knowing the end was insight Feeling proud of herself  Going live on Instagram to thank everyone  Adjusting back to life after the trip Leaving everything in the UAE Heading back to the UK after the ride Finding a contract job Trying to enjoy the downtime after the ride and struggling with not moving forward How to connect with Paula on social media Having her first account hacked on Instagram Fail to plan - plan to fail Why its all in the planning  Be prepared to be adaptable Forge forward    Social Media Instagram: @thelongridec2c.2   

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• Sharon Jessop – Ultra-Endurance Runner & Conservationist: Running 3,500 Miles Across Africa for Rhino Conservation

  This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm joined by Sharon Jessop — an ultra-endurance athlete, conservationist, keynote speaker, and serial entrepreneur whose running adventures are driven by a mission to protect rhinos in Africa. From growing up barefoot in the South African bush to covering over 3,500 miles across some of Africa's wildest landscapes, Sharon has used her extraordinary endurance to raise awareness and funds for rhino conservation. Her journey is as inspiring as it is challenging, blending adventure with purpose. In this episode, Sharon shares how she turned her love of running into a powerful tool for wildlife conservation, the highs and lows of multi-day expeditions, and the unforgettable encounters she's had along the way — from navigating tough terrain to seeing Africa's incredible wildlife up close. We also explore her personal story, the losses that have shaped her, and how she finds motivation and meaning in every mile.  Whether you're drawn to ultra-running, conservation, or simply pursuing your passions with purpose, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight.  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes Who is Sharon Living in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape of South Africa  Her passion and obsession with rhinos  Running for Rhinos Growing up barefoot in the brush Being 16 and her first experience seeing a rhino Deciding to study law…. Hosting a television show Going back to conservation Making changes to her life at 48 Always being a runner Discovering her ability to run long distances day after day  Losing her dad and good friend to cancer in 2017 Running from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth  How one running expedition led to the next  The mental side of running and why its super important  Doing the running expedient in her mind, before she even starts Her motto - Failure is not an option  Running multiple half marathons (2020) for rhino conservation  What have I committed to? Having a really big WHY And why it makes it easier  Not wanting to let the rhinos down  Planning and logistics for the expeditions  Having the accommodation and food sponsored  Travelling with a small team 2022 adventure  Recovery each day Not being a big supplement taker Believing in real food  Trying to stay away from processed food  Taking electrolytes The importance of hydration and fuelling your body The importance of sleep and its impact on recovery  The magical moments while out running  Being scared of ostriches and baboons  The 5 animals - Lions, Elephants, Rhino, Buffalo and  Leopard The adjustment back to 'normal' life Starting training for Comrades Marathon in 2026  Row for rhinos  Ted X talk in San Diego - The Race for Green Spaces and Wild Places  Where do the funds raised go Self funding her running expeditions  Future projects for the Rhinos  The Great World Race - 7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 7 Days  How to connect with Sharon and her projects  Final words of advice  Using affirmations and why we need more women doing these adventures  Be Brave, Be Fearless, Be Bold.   Social Media Website: www.sharonjessop.com  Instagram: @runwildwithsharon  Facebook: @sharon.jessop1  YouTube: @sharonjessop1  

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