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  • Margie Goldsmith – Becoming a Badass: From Fearful to Fierce at 81 – Adventures, Confidence & Living Life Boldly

    Margie Goldsmith – Becoming a Badass: From Fearful to Fierce at 81 – Adventures, Confidence & Living Life Boldly
    2025/10/28
    This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, I’m joined by Margie Goldsmith — an award-winning writer, journalist, and adventurer who proves that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself or chase new challenges. At 81 years old, Margie is still boxing, biking, climbing mountains, and living life with unstoppable energy. Her new book, Becoming a Badass: From Fearful to Fierce, shares her remarkable journey from a fearful young woman growing up in a dysfunctional family to a confident, adventurous storyteller who’s visited 150 countries and built a life full of courage and curiosity. In this episode, we talk about how Margie learned to turn fear into fuel, why Paris was the turning point in her life, how she’s stayed strong and active through the decades, and why movement, recovery, and mindset are key to living fully at any age. Tune in for a funny, fearless, and deeply inspiring conversation that celebrates the power of saying yes to life — no matter how old you are. 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 MargieLiving in New York CityWriter, journalist, novelist, essayist Her new book: Becoming a Badass: From Fearful to Fierce Visiting 150 countries Her early yearsComing from a dysfunctional familyBeing told she was not good enough Escaping by going into the woodsMoving all the time and having to make new friendsGetting into sports to make friends Proving that she was good enough, and not less than Being on her own from a young ageGraduating from college and seeing a flyer to go to Europe for the summerWanting to escape her mother Heading to Paris for the summer in 1965 Deciding to stay in Paris and beginning her grown up lifeHer transition to Margie the Adventurer 81 years old - boxing, riding her bike, moving,Climbing Mt Etna at 80 Moving from feeling fearful to fierce Why Paris was the turning pointNot wanting childrenMeeting an older man, (27 years older…)Smoking back in the dayTravelling in the 1960sDeciding where to go and what to doStarting her first novel (Screw Up)Working as an extra in filmsMeeting husband number 1!Pressure from family/society to get married?Learning to hold her ownMeeting husband number 2!Living the high life and getting bored How going rafting on the Colorado river changed things Trying things that scared herGaining new confidence Going to advance base camp at Mt. Everest Getting into marathon running!Trying a triathlon in CubaBeing diagnosed with a tumour in her pancreas Becoming a type 1 diabetic Getting through the operations Still feeling the feelings of fearWriting her book and why she loved itDeciding to give her body to scienceBeing in her 80s and moving towards the end stagesDoing everything she wants to do Living life day by day Keep doing the little adventures Talk yourself into things, not out of thingsWhy you don’t need to travel to find the fun and the adventure Keeping her goals inside herDoing everything she can to stay healthy and why it means physical movementThe trends of fitness and how they have changedMove it or lose itGetting weekly massages Aim Health - Treatments The importance of recovery How to connect with Margie Going on to TikTok! Advice for people who do feel/have felt less than Find a mentor who you trustListen to yourself and your gutGo find something to make you feel good Social Media Website: margiegoldsmith.com Facebook: Masters Of The Harmonica Book: Becoming a Badass: From Fearful to Fierce
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    46 分
  • Veronica White – PhD Student, Cycling 2,000 Miles Across England: Exploring the Future of Farming Through Women's Perspectives

    Veronica White – PhD Student, Cycling 2,000 Miles Across England: Exploring the Future of Farming Through Women's Perspectives
    2025/10/21
    This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm joined by Veronica White — a PhD student, photographer, and outdoor adventurer who is combining academic research with exploration in a truly unique way. For her final year at the University of Exeter, Veronica set out on an extraordinary journey: cycling more than 2,000 miles across England to explore how women envision the future of farming. Her Farming Futures Tour— meeting and interviewing 50 women along the way who are shaping the future of food and agriculture. Born in the US and raised in the Netherlands, Veronica's path into farming wasn't traditional. With a background in environmental science and food security, she's found her passion in connecting people, place, and purpose — and using adventure as both a research method and a personal challenge. In our conversation, we talk about how she planned and trained for the project, what it was like to balance the mental and physical demands of fieldwork on the move, and why she believes surrounding yourself with people who say "yes" can make all the difference. Tune in to hear how Veronica turned her PhD into a pedal-powered exploration of England's rural landscapes — and how adventure can open new ways of seeing, learning, and connecting. 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 Veronica?Final year PhD student at the University of Exeter Cycling over 2,000 miles across England for her PhD fieldworkBeing born in the US and raised in the Netherlands Her interest in food and farming Studying environmental science for her undergraduate degree at the University of East Anglia Reading up more on food wasteDeciding to do a Masters in Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture Not having a background in farming, but doing volunteer work on farmsDoing cycling as a social activity Starting her blog during the pandemic in 2020Spending time exploring the South West Coast Path Naming her blog - Coves to Cliffs Using the blog to get away from social media Not getting sucked into the world of SEO and affiliate marketing Wanting the blog to be a collection of memories and stories and not just another marketing tool What The Farming Futures Tour is Speaking to 50 women on the tourThe reasons for cycling Being supported and encouraged by her supervisors Spending a year planning and training for the projectFinding the women to speak withWhat the fieldwork looked likeThe futures triangle Autoethnography method - reflecting on your own personal experiences - while cycling through the landscapes Planning and logistics for such a long tripReceiving funding from the Royal Geographical Society and a charity organisation, Act Big Live Small Setting off on the journey Balancing the mental and physical sides of the challengeDealing with fatigueFinding new strategies to cope with the work loadDoing voice notes instead of writing field notesThe bike and gear set up Off Cut Gear The highlights from the tripStill having to write the PhD!Food and farming Finding lunch in rural areasCycling hungerHow to connect with Veronica Planning the next adventure?Final words of advice Surround yourself with people who say yes Social Media Blog www.covestocliffs.com Instagram @farmingfutures_cycle Youtube: @veronicaa_white
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    42 分
  • Captain Preet Chandi MBE – Breaking Boundaries: World Record-Breaking Polar Explorer Inspiring the Next Generation

    Captain Preet Chandi MBE – Breaking Boundaries: World Record-Breaking Polar Explorer Inspiring the Next Generation
    2025/10/16
    Captain Preet Chandi MBE is a world record breaking explorer, former British Army officer, and physiotherapist. She served in the Royal Army Medical Corps for 16 years before embarking on groundbreaking polar expeditions. In 2022, Preet became the ninth woman in history to ski solo to the South Pole, and the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition on the continent. Less than a year later, she set out on her next adventure, breaking two Guinness World Records for the longest solo unsupported one-way ski expedition, both for a woman and overall, covering 922 miles in 70 days. She returned to Antarctica in December 2023 to set her fourth world record: the female speed record to the South Pole, completed in 31 days, 13 hours, and 19 minutes. Preet’s expeditions are driven by her mission to inspire others to push boundaries. She champions the message that everyone starts somewhere, and that no matter your background or starting point in life, you are capable of breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible. In 2025, she established her Community Interest Company, Adventure is Ours CIC, which supports expeditions that promote education, inspiration, climate awareness, and diversity in exploration. Through the CIC, she also delivers outreach, mentorship, and school visits to empower people of all ages. In 2022, Preet started delivered her school talks across the UK, reaching more than 18,000 students. That same year, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Her achievements have been widely recognised: she received the ‘Inspirational’ and ‘Woman of the Year’ awards at the inaugural Women in Defence event in 2022, was named ‘Explorer of the Year’ in 2023, and in 2025 was awarded the prestigious Geographical Award by the Royal Geographical Society. Past TGP episodes July 8th 2021 - Preet Chandi - Army Physiotherapist, Ultra Runner, first solo unsupported expedition to South Pole! Feb 15th 2022 - Preet Chandi - aka Polar Preet - 1st woman of colour to reach the South Pole 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 PreetOriginally from Darby, but basically living everywhereSpending 16 years in the ArmyChatting to Preet previously on the Tough Girl PodcastMaking the decision to leave the ArmyComing back in debt Getting straight back into workStarting the next fundraising cycle Trying to get unpaid leaveDoing her 3rd expedition without telling anyoneTrying to cross the landmass on Antarctica on her 2nd tripNot making it The voice in her head, telling her she had failedFeeling the relief when she finishedGetting 2 records from the tripWhy it’s ok to failBeing slated by an article Feeling worried about what people in the adventure community would think of herWondering if she could get the female speed record? (Needing to break 33 days)Why you don’t need to be the best to succeedLearning as she goes onWhy 2023 was a tough year and strugglingThe impact on weight loss on your brainBurnoutStarting to feel recoveredWanting to train for the North PoleHaving time offLosing her granddad and hearing the news after the tripBuilding momentumGetting to sleep 8 hrs per nightTalking about failureMaking mistakes and being able to pinpoint themBeing nervous to get startedNeeding to get going and hitting some storms at the startThe voice in her head - being scared to fail, and being called a failureUsing her pain relief before she though she would need to Getting a polar thigh industryStarting to move more slowly towards the end Focusing on the next 2hrsGetting home Traumatic growth?The daily pain cave…Being made to slow downThe costs of doing these trips Getting help and supportTrip 3 - the women’s speed recordDealing with the hungerThe next big challenge - the north poleWhy there is a high chance of failureYou can not fail, unless you tryPreparing for the misery and suffering The privilege of being on the start line of adventuresLying to herself Why not Preet!Needing luck on the next adventure Wanting to show show much than you can do anything You go and you tryWhy her trips are bigger than herWhy adventure is for anyoneBeing very driven and being an encouragerHow to connect with PreetMBE and what it meansWhat’s been achieved in 4 yearsWhy you do belong in every single roomThe importance of the first step Social Media Website: www.polarpreet.com Instagram: @polarpreet Facebook: @polarpreet
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    56 分
  • Robyn Godfrey: Running the World: A Runner's Odyssey of Struggle and Triumph in the World Marathon Majors

    Robyn Godfrey: Running the World: A Runner's Odyssey of Struggle and Triumph in the World Marathon Majors
    2025/10/14
    Robyn Godfrey is an accomplished runner, pacer, RRCA Certified Level 1 coach, and motivational speaker who began her running journey at the age of 47. What started as a personal quest to improve her health and overcome her relationship with alcohol soon evolved into a remarkable achievement: completing seven marathons, including the prestigious World Marathon Majors — London, Chicago, Berlin, Boston, New York, and Tokyo. A dedicated member of the Wilmington Road Runners Club since 2013, Robyn has made a significant impact by coaching and pacing runners, helping them unlock their potential and reach their goals. In addition to her coaching, she has volunteered with organisations like Girls on the Run, empowering young girls to grow both physically and personally through running. 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 RobynMaking a change in her life at 47Starting running for 30 seconds on a treadmill Facing serious life hurdles over the yearsReinventing herselfChasing after her dreamHer early years and not being sportyThe why before making the changeNot being able to stop over indulging Continuing the journey Starting to run outside and why it was such a different experience Run the 10K Cooper River Bridge RunTraining for a year to run a 10KGetting hooked on running Why motivation isn’t enough Starting to think about taking on a marathon Running the London Marathon for her 50th Birthday Getting a place through a lottery ticketHow the structure of marathon training fitted in well with her mentalityBreaking down big challenges into smaller more manageable goals Not being a fast runner, but enjoying the process of marathon training Fitting in training around life and workCarrying a fork Being a party girl and drinking Being social and not needing to drink a lot of wine to do that The Tokyo MarathonFollowing strict cutoff times27.8 miles….Recovering after runningCore work and conditioning Strength training for womenThe mental side of runningBeing a goal orientated personRun the mile you are in Keep going - things will turn aroundThe lessons learned from running which can be applied to challenging situationsWhy running can’t save you from everythingFeelings of guiltCompleting her goal of running all of the World Marathon MajorsTraining on trails and running a 50k at elevationTurning 60 next yearPlanning to run Sydney MarathonWriting her bookHow to connect with RobynWanting to inspire people to go after their dreams Final words of advice - on how to take the first stepWhy you can’t just rely on motivation The power of community Social Media Website - www.worldmajormarathonfinisher.com Instagram @beachy_runner LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/robyngodfrey Facebook www.facebook.com/robyn.godfrey.3 Book: Running the World: A Runner's Odyssey of Struggle and Triumph in the World Marathon Majors
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    51 分
  • Julie Weiss – The Marathon Goddess: 52 Marathons in 52 Weeks for Pancreatic Cancer & a Legacy of Hope

    Julie Weiss – The Marathon Goddess: 52 Marathons in 52 Weeks for Pancreatic Cancer & a Legacy of Hope
    2025/10/09
    In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Julie Weiss — also known as The Marathon Goddess. Julie’s story is one of resilience, healing, and purpose. After losing her father to pancreatic cancer, she set out on an extraordinary mission: to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks, raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research along the way. Her journey captured hearts around the world — from the Today Show and O Magazine to countless finish lines across the US. But behind the medals and media attention is a woman who found strength, joy, and hope through running. Now in her fifties, Julie has completed over 118 marathons, raised more than $1 million for research, and continues to inspire others with her message that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, honour your loved ones, and find purpose in every step. In this conversation, Julie opens up about: How running helped her heal from grief and depression The challenges and triumphs of running 52 marathons in 52 weeks What it takes to stay motivated and injury-free through massive goals Her empowering “7 C’s to Defy Your Limits” — Create, Certainty, Connect, Commit, Consistent, Cause, and Courage Julie’s story is a beautiful reminder that transformation begins with one small step — and that every mile can make a difference. 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 JulieLiving in Santa Monica, California, USABeing known as the Marathon Goddess - Running 52 marathon in 52 weeksRaising over $1 million for charity Being excited to share the wisdom she has leaned from running marathonsHer childhood and early years Being tall with long legsStarting running at 37 yearsNot being at athlete at schoolTaking a different pathBecoming a mother at 18 Not doing a lot of exercise in her younger years Feeling at a very low point in her lifeGoing for that first run on the beach Wanting to feel goodKeeping on running Coming off anti-depressants Fitting running into her life and making it work for herJoining a running group LA Road RunnersConnecting with other people Training for a triathlon first Running her first marathon in March 2008How running makes her feel Her relationship with her dadRaising funds for Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer ResearchTaking 10 years to raise the funds Project PurpleDeciding to run 52 marathons in 52 weeksThe Marathon GuyBeing determined Feeling overwhelmed at the start of the goalThe start and the different steps involvedReaching out to charities, speaking to her bossThe power of having purpose The physicality of the challengeProtein, stretching, foam rolling, strength training, rest, compression tights, physio The standout marathons from the challenge The Leadville Marathon and the challenges of running at altitude The Lake Tahoe MarathonThe New York Marathon in 2012 - being cancelled Marathon proposal!Being coached by her husbandQualifying for the Boston MarathonLosing her dad19th attempt of getting into Boston MarathonMaking the decision to run 52 marathons in 52 weeksNot giving up The mental side of the challengeThe importance of creating a goal that is important to youThe 7Cs - Create, Certainty, Connect, Commit, Consistent, Cause, Courage Enjoying what you’ve accomplishedWriting her book BOOK: The Miles and Trials of a Marathon Goddess: 52 Weeks, 52 MarathonsAdvice for deciding what to do?The importance of funChasing speed and wanting to quality for Boston againRunning during peri-menopause and menopauseStruggling with the lack of sleep and dealing with a lack of ironCompassionReaching her 100th Marathon at the LA Marathon Needing to keep on going Being supported by her friendsThe importance of enjoying the journey and finding the joyHow to connect with Julie Words by ― CS Lewis “You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream.” Social Media Website: www.julie-weiss.com Instagram: @marathongoddess Facebook: @Julie-WeissMarathonGoddess
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    50 分
  • Susan Norman – A Life Saved by the River: Risk, Adventure, and the Power of Trusting Yourself

    Susan Norman – A Life Saved by the River: Risk, Adventure, and the Power of Trusting Yourself
    2025/10/07
    In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Susan Norman — a former National and World Champion in whitewater kayaking and rafting, hydrologist, coach, and now author of RISK: A Life Saved by the River. Susan’s story is one of courage, flow, and resilience. From the roaring rapids of international whitewater competition to the quiet, uncertain waters of parenting her young nephew, she’s navigated life’s toughest challenges with the same instinct, grit, and grace that made her a world-class paddler. Now retired from her career with the U.S. Forest Service and living in Lake Tahoe, California, Susan reflects on how rivers shaped her identity — not just as an athlete, but as a woman learning to make her own risk assessments, trust her judgement, and face fear head-on. In this conversation, Susan opens up about: Finding belonging and strength in the early days of women’s paddlingThe lessons whitewater taught her about resilience and decision-makingHer journey into writing and how storytelling became an extension of adventureWhat it really means to take good risks — on the river and in life Get ready for a deeply thoughtful episode about flow, fear, and finding freedom through the wild power of water. *** 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 Susan NormanLiving in Lake Tahoe, CaliforniaWorking for the US Forest ServiceBeing retired for 7 years Starting her journey and learning new creative writing skillsBook: RISK: A Life Saved by the River Her childhood (with her twin brother) and early years Her interest in rivers and how her father inspired her Her transition from teenager to adult White water paddling as an amateur sport Competing as a teenager Jamie McEwan Wanting to increase her skill setGoing to high school in the early 1970s Not having many older female role models Dads and daughters on the river Forming a tribe and connecting with the other girls during her teenage years The relationship with her mum who was diagnosed with MS Being raised by a single father Replacing family with the paddling community Being part of the first wave of women getting into a high level of paddlingPaddling amongst the best paddlers in the world Analysing and making decisions based on her own risk assessments Learning to trust her own judgementA life saved by the river Working with a writing coach Telling her story, while raising her nephewTaking her nephew on river trips Taking 6 years to write the book Trying to figure out how to raise a child Facing hard things and not being able to see a path through Not knowing how things will turn out and taking it one day at a timeTaking challenging in small stepsGiving an ultimatum to her partner Going through the teenage yearsOppositional defiant disorder (ODD)Adventuring with children and why you should go as soon as you can The power of outdoor adventure sportsManaging fear while on adventure and parenting River boarding and learning about the flow of the river waterHow to connect with Susan Final words of advice with regards to risk and making tough decisionsFind the good risk Social Media Website www.susannormanauthor.com Facebook: Susan Norman
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    55 分
  • Vedangi Kulkarni - Round the World (Again): Records, Setbacks & Resilience on Two Wheels

    Vedangi Kulkarni - Round the World (Again): Records, Setbacks & Resilience on Two Wheels
    2025/09/30
    In this candid and raw Tough Girl Podcast EXTRA episode, we reconnect with the unstoppable Vedangi Kulkarni — the youngest woman to have cycled around the world, who’s recently returned from doing it again. Now based in Inverness, Scotland, Vedangi opens up about her second attempt at cycling around the globe — this time not just for the journey, but in pursuit of a Guinness World Record. From racing Lael Wilcox to navigating border delays, funding pressures, and the relentless physical and mental toll of riding across five continents, Vedangi doesn’t hold back. This conversation is about pushing limits, embracing failures, and finding strength when things don’t go to plan. Highlights from the episode include: Breaking a record in the Himalayas (Manali–Leh Highway) in 2023Preparing to cycle the world again in 2024 — and finding sponsorship, gear, and coachingStruggles of travelling on an Indian passport and the challenge of visa logisticsBeing delayed at borders, detained, and ultimately forced to return to the UK mid-ride due to visa expiryRestarting in 2025, finishing the ride under the blazing Indian summer sunDealing with the post-expedition blues and finding her footing again Vedangi’s story is one of resilience, honesty, and fierce determination. Despite knowing she wouldn’t get the world record, she kept going — driven by passion, grit, and the belief that stories worth telling are born from adversity. Now, she’s looking ahead to her next expedition, ramping up her YouTube and Substack presence, and continuing to speak openly about the realities of life as a woman of colour in adventure sport. Heads-up: This episode includes some strong language. 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 VedangiFrom India but currently based in Inverness, Scotland The Adventure Shed Coming back from her 2nd ride around the world Speaking to Vedangi in Sep 22, 2020 - Vedangi Kulkarni - The youngest woman to have circumnavigated the world on bicycle. Tough Girl Extra Oct 27, 2022 - Vedangi Kulkarni - Adventurer and endurance athlete moving into mountain biking and crossing Svalbard. The focus of this episode - what Vedangi has been up to over the past couple of yearsDeciding to cycle around the world again2023 - visiting the Himalayas and going after a point to point record. GWR for being the fastest women to cycle the Manali-leh Highway Getting her win June 2023 - starting to be vocal about her goals in 2024Getting the sponsorship and funding in place Needing £20k Working with Canyon Bikes Speaking to the bike experts Getting a gravel bike and specking it like a road bikeBeing an Ambassador for RAB Working with Tailfin - and having custom build gear 3D printed mounts Struggling to get sponsorship from Indian companiesGetting only 1 Indian Sponsor at the last momentTraining and working with Jon Fearne from E3 Coaching Following a training plan and putting in the best effort with itApplying for visas and planning the route with an Indian passport The challenges of getting to the start lineRacing against Lael Wilcox (who was attempting the same record at the same time)“Why do I think I can do this? I don’t stand a chance” Mental blocks and challengesThe challenges of travelling on a weaker passport Having no room for errors - everything needs to go to planWhy it wasn’t a level playing field Speaking with Lael before heading off - women supporting womenKnowing that she wasn’t going to get the record and keeping on goingHaving a good story to tellDealing with setbacks and failures and keeping on going The route and how it was slightly different to the first timeStarting on the East Coast of IndiaRiding across Mongolia and then on to Australia Challenges with border crossings and getting detained and delayed Needing to fly back to the UK on Christmas Eve due to UK visa regulations Needing to stay in the UK for 2 months Getting back to India in March 2025 to finish the ride The challenges of the heat - going from Scottish winter to an Indian SummerFeeling satisfied once the ride was finally done. Adventure blues after the ridePlanning her next record attempt and expedition. Wanting to push her limits furtherWhy health isn’t guaranteed One precious life and you’ve got to get out there and live itBalancing everything that’s going on How to connect with Vedangi on social media Kickstarting her YouTube againGetting more active on Substack Final words...
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    53 分
  • Tiphaine Muller – Alps to Himalayas: Cycling Across Continents & Trekking the Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal

    Tiphaine Muller – Alps to Himalayas: Cycling Across Continents & Trekking the Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal
    2025/09/23
    In this Tough Girl EXTRA episode, we catch up with Tiphaine Muller, the intrepid French adventurer who continues to push her boundaries through long-distance cycling and remote, high-altitude trekking. Now 31 and based in Chamonix, France, Tiphaine has spent the last decade traveling the world by bike, exploring five continents. Her latest journey saw her pedaling from the Alps to the Himalayas before tackling one of the toughest and most remote treks on earth: The Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) in Nepal. This conversation picks up from where we left off in her first Tough Girl Podcast interview (November 2021) — where she shared her early adventures and passion for slow travel. This time, we dive deep into her 2024 journey: Cycling from France to Nepal through the Balkans, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and the Himalayas — all while managing extreme heat, border crossings, and a strict budget of €10/day. Hiking the Great Himalaya Trail solo (West to East), over 80 days, through towering 5,000m+ passes, remote villages, and ever-changing terrain — while battling physical exhaustion, route-finding issues, and high-altitude nutrition struggles. Tiphaine candidly shares: The logistics and challenges of arranging permits for restricted zones without a guideHer coping strategies for trekking alone in high mountainsCultural highlights from cycling through Turkey and IranHow she funds her travels and balances life back home as a social workerHer future goals — including film-making and another epic cycle across South America This episode is a deep, honest reflection on the highs and lows of big adventures and what it takes — mentally, physically, and emotionally — to keep moving forward when things don’t go to plan. Don’t miss this inspiring update from a woman who truly lives the spirit of adventure, one pedal stroke and step at a time. New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x Show notes Who is Tiphaine31 years oldLiving in Chamonix, France Travelling on and off for the past 10 years Going on 3 big bicycle trips1st Tough Girl Podcast episode - November 18th 20212nd Big Cycle Trip - Cycling from Mexico to AlaskaThis episode focusing on cycling from France to Nepal and hiking the Great Himalaya Trail Thinking about the next challengeHiking the High Route of the Pyrenees solo Joking about the Great Himalaya Trail Figuring out the visa and trying to plan for the trail Planning for 6 months and working out how to make it work with the seasonsStarting in March 2024The Route - Cycling Europe really fast in 1 monthGoing through the Balkan Countries, Greece then the ferry over to TurkeyAcross Georgia, Armenia, Iran and the Stan countries Highlights and magical moments from the cycle ride Why Turkey is one of her favourite countries Why Iran was really demanding The bike and gear setup for 6 months Dealing with extreme heat and needing to ride during the night to escape the heat Funding the trip and living off savingsLiving off a daily budget of 10 euro per person per day (while cycling)Earning money working as a social worker Day to day rhythm while riding on the bike Having a rest day every 10 days The Great Himalaya Trail and wanting to walk West to East Needing to go to Katmandu first to sort out all the permits Taking a rest in Katmandu for 10 daysBusing to the start of the trail Having 80 days to walk the trail Why the first 2 weeks were super hard Getting lost of the trail; no signs, no gps on the phone, incorrect maps, not knowing which track was the correct oneStruggling to stick to the schedule, due to the permits Not having a guide Dealing with problem after problem Walking in the high mountains Needing to have guides while walking in Nepal….Going through a trekking agency - who will allow you to get the trekking permits without a guide The restricted areas close to the borders Mixing the high routes and the low routesFinding resupply and food on the trailThe challenges of cooking at altitudeStruggling to get the calories in and needing to focus more on foodNeeding to eat, even when not hungry Paying for food - and taking cash for 80 days…Coping with the altitude and the high passes over 5,000mHiking without a guide Connecting with other hikers and Nepalese people What’s app group for GHT preparation! Hiking or cycling?!Reaching the end of the hike in DecemberDeciding to continue cycling for another 2 months and visiting China and Malaysia Writing another book?Focusing on film and ...
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    44 分