Tough Girl Podcast

In this inspiring episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Naomi Rumble, a passionate triathlete, dedicated swimming coach, and advocate for breaking down barriers in sport. By day, Naomi works as a senior market researcher in London, but outside of her 9-to-5, she’s fully immersed in the world of swimming, cycling, and running. While sport has always been a part of Naomi’s life—from childhood swimming lessons and taekwondo to dabbling in netball, boxing, and archery—her relationship with consistent training truly solidified during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as a challenge to cycle from London to Brighton evolved into a love for endurance sports and, eventually, the bold decision to pursue triathlons. Naomi shares her journey of overcoming self-doubt, learning to embrace running despite initial resistance, and finding strength through community and connection. As the first sponsored triathlete for Fund Her Tri UK, she’s not only pushing her own boundaries but also paving the way for others to step into the world of triathlons with confidence. From cold-water swims and marathon struggles to managing self-talk and celebrating small wins, Naomi’s story is a testament to perseverance, courage, and the power of showing up for yourself. Tune in as Naomi opens up about her experiences, shares invaluable lessons learned along the way, and offers advice to anyone looking to start their own sporting journey. This episode is packed with inspiration, honesty, and actionable takeaways—you won’t want to miss it! *** Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.  Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! *** Show notes Who is Naomi Working in market research as a 9-5 job Supporting running and cycling clubs Teaching swimming twice a week Growing up in London as a city girl Being in sports from a young age Starting swimming at age 4  Doing taekwondo until 10 years old Trying to figure out what she likes; netball, basketball, shot-put, discus, boxing, archery, scouts. Never being fully consistent with sports all the way through  Being willing to try new things and wanting to have new challenges Role models and the women who have inspired her Leaving university and starting work and how sport drifted off Not liking running How things changed during covid Cycling from London to Brighton Getting involved in sport in a more regular way  How her view expanded on what’s possible Having the confidence and self belief to sign up to new challenges Being inspired to sing up for a Triathlon  Women of Colour Cycling Collective Meeting Bianca Fernandez-Clark @biancatriathlon Fund Her Tri UK  Becoming the first sponsored triathlete for Fund Her Trip UK Working towards a full distance triathlon  How training took a toll on her body  Needing to rest more and eat more protein  The discipline needed to do the training  The importance of discipline and dedication  Cold water swimming/open water swimming Not liking the cold What happens when things fall apart and everything goes wrong Needing to stop in the water and just breathe Concerns and fears before taking up triathlon  Not being a runner and not liking running  Not calling herself a runner and finding running difficult Not being a fast runner Struggling with the breathing and overheating Jeffing (run/walk/run) Running the London marathon and what the experience was like How new opportunities can change your thinking  Wanting to do an ironman  Persevering though the tough moments  Changing her tactics What her self talk looks like Managing negative thoughts The power of reflecting back Being her own worst critic Learning to celebrate the small wins  Goals for 2025 Team Outlaw  Fitting in exercise and training  Turning training into social events How to connect with Naomi  Final words of advice Find your group and your community  Don’t be afraid to ask for help Figure out what works best for you.   Social Media Instagram @nay.aminah   

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Caroline Soubayroux—Guinness World Record holder, full-time project manager, wife and mother. Caroline takes us on a journey through her life, from her early days learning to ride a bike in France, to cycling 18,000 miles around the world alongside her husband, and finally navigating the challenges of balancing fitness, family life, and a demanding career. You’ll hear about the highs and lows of life on the road, the realities of cycling over 100 miles a day, and how Caroline transitioned into running after becoming a mother. Her story is raw, honest, and deeply inspiring—perfect for anyone striving to balance big dreams with everyday responsibilities. *** Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.  Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! *** Show notes Who is Caroline Being from France originally but now living in London Working as a project manager for an investment bank Cycling around the world with her husband Her early years and learning how to ride a bike Getting into cycling after meeting her husband  Getting into running later on it life  Doing a run commute to work  Learning to be independent on the bike Her first race - Race Across France  How her confidence increased and why it was so transformative  Seeing an opportunity in 2019 to start planning a big cycle around the world Turning the dream into a reality  Wanting to follow/respect the Guinness world record rules Wanting to cycle 18,0000 miles  Trying to decide how long to take? Having to make compromises  Becoming very focused on the record Changing the start route and adapting to new rules and regulations regarding travel during covid Leaving from London and cycling west to east and flying on to Canada Deciding to cycle through Africa The realities and what is going on behind the scenes Stress Life on the road and cycling 100+ miles per day Cycling around the world and how it impacted on their relationship  Highlights and magical moments from the trip  Dealing with injury and illness Money and paying for the challenge The end of the trip and having mixed feelings Why it’s hard getting back into reality because no one cares! Wanting to have a family  Cycling and pregnancy  Deciding to stop cycling and take up running What it was like after birth and dealing with high emotions  Focusing on the baby and being off social media  Using a running pram  Wanting to go on bike packing trips with the family Fitting fitness and exercise into her life and what that looks like How to connect with Caroline  Advice for working mums who want to take on new challenges   Social Media Instagram: @caro_sbx   

At the end of 2024, I wanted to take a moment to pause, reflect, and share some personal insights from the past six months.  In this special solo episode, I open up about my experiences hiking the South West Coast Path, the lessons I’ve learned about health and fitness, and how I’m approaching financial planning and future adventures. From the challenges of dealing with health setbacks to the triumphs of completing tough hikes, this episode is an honest and raw look at my journey.  I also delve into thoughts on ageing, longevity, and the exciting plans I have for 2025, including more adventures, personal growth, and professional goals. If you’re curious about what goes on behind the scenes of Tough Girl Challenges or simply want some motivation to tackle your own goals, this episode is for you. Join me for an honest conversation about health, money, and embracing the adventures ahead! *** Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.  Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon!  Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! *** Show notes Welcome to the reflections episode  Recording in the dead time between Christmas and New Year Who am I? The mission of Tough Girl Challenges Making assumptions - that you know a lot about me! Setting the scene Focusing on the previous 6 months (August 2024 - December 2024) Home on the Wirral The restful, calm bedroom where I work from  Giant map of the World  Snake plant  Peace Lilly Plant  Living at home since 2014 Keeping structured and focused during the interview My early 30s, banking, stress, travelling for 2 years Spending time in South America and designing life I wanted to lead  How podcasting has changed my life Starting podcasting in 4th August 2015  Goodpods list  Previous adventures and challenges  Running challenges - Marathon des Sables  Cycling challenges - Cycling from Vancouver to Cabo san Lucas 2018 Hiking and thru-hiking  Question from Adele Vickers  How my adventures and challenges have evolved over time  Feeling like a failure on the Appalachian Trail  The importance of showing up even when you don’t feel like it Not enjoying the North Island of New Zealand (roads etc) Reflection on the Te Araroa Trail podcast episode  Enjoying spending time in the wilderness, solo Pursuing similar challenges in the future  Adventuring over the past 18 months none stop Achieving everyday and feeling like I’m making progress Working on balance  Documenting the journey so far Focusing on the South West Coast Path, health, fitness, financial goals, new job and future goals  Armchair Adventure Festival 2024  South West Coast Path (SWCP)  Zoe Langley-Wathen  Training and preparation for the SWCP  Dealing with severe anaemia and not going into the hike fully fit Documenting the trail daily and sharing on social media  Sponsored by ZOLEO #ChallengeWithZOLEO  Wearing INOV8 #gifted. Use TOUGHGIRL10 for a 10% discount  Tooth pain, teeth issues, visiting the dentist, needing a filling and root canal… Accommodation, distances, costs, walking with friends on the SWCP (James, Zoe, Gigi) Level of enjoyment (71%) fatigue (44%), ease of terrain (48%) Ankle issues, and focusing on bullet proofing my ankles going forward Overall throughs on the SWCP and why I highly recommend it as a hike  The reality of what people think thru-hiking is versus what it is actually like out on the trail The Salt Path - book & new film in 2025  Being home in September and focusing on health  Scientific research into ageing at 44 and me turning 44 in 2025  Caroline Paul: How Outdoor Adventures Improve Life as We Age - Lessons from 'Tough Broad’. Discover how embracing bravery and the outdoors can lead to a fulfilling and adventurous life at any age. Ageing and adventuring - 16 adventures over the next 16 years  6 years until I’m 50 (WTF) Health, wellness & longevity  Needing to put money into my SIPP (Private Pension - Self Invested Personal Pension) Needing to make more money, without losing my freedom  Patrons & Patreon  Getting back into strength training, working with Franco - https://www.humalforces.com/  Dr. Stacy Sims - Leading Global Expert on Female Physiology and Endurance Training. Author of ROAR.  Lifting heavy weights, getting my protein in (with Protein Rebel) AIM Health where cutting-edge medical science meets holistic well-being  Seeing Dr Cathy  Treatment - Cryotherapy, Red Light Bed, Rebalance Bed, Hyperbaric Oxygen and Hydrogen Therapy & Compression Therapy  Feeling Amazing!! What 2025 is hopefully going to look like…. Work at AIM until end of April 25 (also doing strength training, editing podcast and vlogs etc), Travel/adventure from May to early September, work at AIM until next April 2026.  Summary of financial goals  Editing the Vlogs for New Zealand (22 for North Island and 27 vlogs for the South Island) and why I’m happy with what I’ve created.  Sponsorship for 2025 - podcast & vlogs with  INOV8 & ZOLEO Question around the feeling of failure - my response with tips and advice to help you The power of REFRAMING  My failure in boxing  Plans for 2025 - English Camino in Spain, The Fisherman’s Trail in Portugal, spending time with Adelaide in Norway Not feeling excited about doing a long hike such as the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) GR10 - Through the French Pyrenees: Le Sentier des Pyrenees.  10 year anniversary of the Tough Girl Podcast!  Final 2 questions - what have I changed my mind on in the last year and books I’ve been reading  Running a 100 miler… THANK YOU for listening and supporting the Tough Girl Podcast The 10 year anniversary, a change in branding and the next decade… My word of 2025 - Longevity Needing to put legacy plans in place  Connect with me and watch the vlogs on YouTube  Support the work I do via Patreon    Previous Reflections/Solo Episodes    Aug 1, 2024 - Sarah Williams: Reflecting on the Past 6 Months and Future Plans for 2024 – Insights, Challenges, and Adventures. Mar 14, 2024 - Sarah Williams - Reflections & Learnings from the 3,000km Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand. Nov 2, 2023 - Sarah Williams - Planning and Preparation for thru hiking the 3,000 km Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand. #ChallengeWithZOLEO Sep 10, 2023 - Sarah Williams - Solo Reflections: A Look Back at the End of 2022, Adventures and Challenges in 2023   Apr 26, 2016 - Sarah Williams - Shares her journey of getting to the start line of the Marathon des Sables (MDS) & running the toughest footrace on earth!   Sep 19, 2017 - Sarah Williams - Thru hiking the Appalachian Trail (2,190 miles) in 100 days!   Sep 4, 2018 - Sarah Williams - Planning and Preparation for the Pacific Coast Highway & the Baja Divide! Dec 25, 2018 - Sarah Williams - Cycling the Pacific Coast Highway & Baja Divide    Social Media Website: www.toughgirlchallenges.com Instagram: @toughgirlchallenges Facebook: Sarah Williams   

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Prue Young, a remarkable triathlete and critical care flight paramedic who exemplifies resilience and determination. As a proud warrior living with multiple sclerosis (MS), Prue has not only faced personal challenges but has also triumphed in the world of endurance sports. From her journey as an athlete to competing in the prestigious Ironman World Championships in Kona, Prue shares her inspiring story of perseverance. As a New Zealand representative, she has pushed through the barriers of her diagnosis to achieve incredible feats, including completing Ironman events and other endurance challenges.  Join us as Prue discusses her experiences in triathlon, the intersection of her career and athletic pursuits, and how she continues to inspire others in the face of adversity.  This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of chasing your dreams against all odds!   Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.  Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support!   Show notes Who is Prue Insights into her childhood in rural Dunedin, New Zealand Growing up with outdoor adventures like climbing trees, kayaking, skiing, and camping The influence of her parents in fostering her love for the outdoors Her involvement in sports during her school years, including water polo, hockey, and swimming Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh programme and how it introduced her to tramping and mountain biking Her early aspiration to become a doctor, inspired by a childhood incident Why she shifted her career focus from medicine to paramedicine How a suggestion to volunteer with St John Ambulance started her paramedic journey Prue’s path from volunteering to becoming a fully qualified paramedic The challenges of balancing work, study, and personal fitness while pursuing her paramedic degree How exercise became her outlet during busy and stressful periods Her initial exposure to triathlons during high school The role of a colleague in encouraging her to participate in a women’s triathlon Overcoming fears of road cycling and embracing triathlon training Completing her paramedics internship and rediscovering her love for sports Writing a bucket list and setting ambitious fitness goals Competing in New Zealand’s Coast to Coast multi-sport competition The components of the Coast to Coast event How Les Mills RPM classes rekindled her interest in biking Her journey from gym fitness to full Ironman triathlons Finding fulfilment in the outdoors through triathlons and endurance challenges How triathlons helped her manage stress and stay physically active The importance of community and support in her sporting and professional life The mental and physical challenges of transitioning to a high-intensity paramedic career Insights into balancing career demands with maintaining personal fitness Her reflections on resilience and adaptability through life’s challenges How her love for the outdoors continues to shape her lifestyle and career How she discovered her love for triathlons and embraced the joy of physical challenges Her first Ironman experience in March 2018 The balance between overcoming challenges and enjoying the process of competing The influence of her postgraduate studies to her training routine Reflections on her second Ironman and how pressure impacted her enjoyment and performance Balancing work, study, and training while managing life changes How she shifted her focus from Ironman to the Coast to Coast multi-sport event The new challenges she faced learning to kayak The unique blend of skills and fitness required for both triathlons and multi-sport events How Prue attempted to take on both the Coast to Coast and Ironman in 2021 The impact of COVID-19 restrictions on events and how they reshaped her plans How Prue’s journey took a major turn with the onset of symptoms leading to her MS (Multiple Sclerosis) diagnosis The early signs of MS that she experienced, including changes in sensation and strength Prue’s journey to understanding and managing her MS diagnosis The importance of finding joy in the process, even amid setbacks and challenges How Prue continues to approach life and sports with a positive and determined mindset Prue’s journey to the Ironman World Championships and overcoming challenges like injury and fatigue What it was like competing in Kona during COVID-19 Highlights of being part of an inspiring athlete ambassador panel The joy and energy of the Ironman check-in process and race day atmosphere Her experiences with the swim, bike, and run segments, including battling heat and headwinds Supporting fellow athletes during the marathon with advice and encouragement The emotional and unforgettable moments Prue’s victory dance at the finish line and the camaraderie with volunteers How she showed that hope and determination lead to incredible achievements Final words of advice   Social Media Instagram @ms_adventure_heli_medic