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  • Manika Gamble – Racing 155-Mile Desert Ultras & Chasing Bold Adventures

    Manika Gamble – Racing 155-Mile Desert Ultras & Chasing Bold Adventures
    2026/04/21
    In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Manika Gamble — an Atlanta-based trail runner who thrives on testing her limits in some of the world's toughest ultra races. Manika's running journey started with casual neighbourhood runs, but soon she found herself racing 155-mile desert ultras in Africa, tackling Mongolia's Gobi March, and pushing through multi-stage, extreme endurance events. She shares the highs, the lows, and the mental grit it takes to keep moving when every muscle is screaming. We dive into: Training by feel, without a watch or GPSFueling, hydration, and surviving the desert heatCoping with pain, blisters, and fatigue without relying on painkillersRecovery strategies, sleep, and balancing life with trainingThe mental challenges of multi-day ultra racesStaying motivated and tackling new adventures outside your comfort zone Manika's message is simple: don't let fear hold you back. Find what excites you, lean in, and see what you're capable of. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is ManikaBeing based out of Atlanta, USA Trail RunnerCurrently training for a race our in MoroccoRunning every since she was a child but being new to long distance runningAlways being an active child Going out for the track team and how it became her whole lifeFocusing on 100 m and 400 m hurdlesWanting to run furtherDreaming of the day she would be able to run casually Starting with 20 min runs throughout the neighbourhood Signing up for more and more races from 5k, up to Marathon distance Deciding to take on an ultra race Seeing a YouTube video of a man running in Namibia, Africa Signing up for the race and giving herself a 1 year time line to train for The running logistics and what her training looked like Being a laidback person when it comes to a training schedule Not running with a watch or gps tracking device Training based on feel and time Leaning about fuelling and nutrition and how to manage herself in the desertCarrying everything she needed on her back for 7 days while running through the desertLearning how to hydrate probably What worked well nutrition wise while racing Using Tailwind Powder The mental and emotional side of the challengeWhy it was so tough Why it was such a beautiful race Issues with her feet and dealing with blisters Dealing with pain and not being able to block it out Not being able to take pain medication - due to the heat and potential damage to organs Telling herself - you're not going to stop Trying to divert her mind from the pain Camp life Finishing the race and the thoughts running through her head Never Again….Sprinting V Longer RacesWhat does recovery look like?Incorporating creatine into her diet, resting more, prioritising sleep and taking on less races Taking 5g of creatine in the morning, and 5g in the eveningTaking other supplements, Magnesium, potassium and starting to take athletic green in the future Trying to have a well rounded diet based on feel with a focus on protein, fibre and carbsTrying the carnivore diet but not having the energy to runWaking at 4am - but staying in bed till 6am Not napping during the day Heading over to Mongolia to race the Gobi March (250km across the desert)Racing the Planet Racing on green trails through the Mongolian Desert Getting very tired of eating the same food day after day How things changed mentally having done the Nambia Race previously Getting bored of the green pastures - being ready for it to be over Feeling mentally drained on her 2nd Ultra Too much too soon? Racing in Mongolia only 6 weeks after Nambia Racing the Planet - Grand Slam Challenge Trying to raise funds to race an ultra in Antarctica ($14,100)Fitting training into her life and work Having a pretty flexible schedule and stating to work with brandUsing running as work Stone Everest, Atlanta Challenge (May 16th & 17th) Races for 2026Training for a team relay 100k challenge Running a Marathon in MoroccoRunning a 3 day stage race through Utah How to connect with Manika on social media Advice and top tips for other women who want to take on new challengesOutside of just do it Don't allow fear to rule youFind something that intrigues you and go with that Social Media Instagram: @manikaruns Youtube: @ManikaRuns
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    34 分
  • Lisa Jackson: Still Running After All These Tears — Grief, Running & the Triumph of Tenacity

    Lisa Jackson: Still Running After All These Tears — Grief, Running & the Triumph of Tenacity
    2026/04/14
    Lisa Jackson is a hypnotherapist, running writer, Runner's World columnist, and the author of three bestselling running books, including Your Pace or Mine?, Running Made Easy, and her deeply personal latest release, Still Running After All These Tears – A Runner's Journey Through Grief. Originally from South Africa and now based in Worthing, UK, Lisa is a veteran of over 100 marathons and two 56-mile ultramarathons — despite often coming last. A proud reminder that endurance sport isn't about talent or speed, but about showing up, again and again. In this powerful and emotional episode, Lisa shares her journey into running, from hating sport as a child to rediscovering running at 30, navigating disastrous races, and learning to reset expectations through walk-run strategies. She opens up with raw honesty about her husband's terminal lung cancer diagnosis, how running helped her survive the darkest moments of caregiving and grief, and what it means to lose — and slowly rebuild — your running mojo. We dive into running through trauma, comfort eating and wine, the power of a ten-minute run, and why sometimes one mile is more than enough. Lisa also speaks openly about death and dying, dignity at the end of life, writing living wills, DNR decisions, death doulas, and how facing mortality can bring clarity, purpose, and peace. This is a conversation about resilience, realistic goals, choosing hope over fear, and why tenacity will always beat talent. Lisa's story reminds us that running doesn't need to look impressive to be meaningful — especially when it helps carry you through loss and into hope. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is LisaWriter and Author of 3 running books Her latest book: Still Running After All These Tears – A Runner's Journey Through GriefBeing based in sunny Worthing Her early years and coming from a running familyHating sports at a young age Doing a 5k fun run when she was 10Not running again for 20 years Turning 30 and realising her life was at a crossroadsWanting to walk in the footsteps of her parentsBeing invited to a Race for Life event Being supported by other womenEntering the Great North Run Everything that went wrong!Being offered a place in the London MarathonWanting to do another marathon….Running the Edinburgh Marathon and having an horrendous experienceTrying a walk run strategy Her recovery after the Paris Marathon Writing her first book: Running Made EasyJeff Galloway Book: Your Pace or Mine?Having her husband diagnosed with terminal lung cancer Learning a lot about cancer, mindset and dealing with medical professionalsTurning wounds into wisdom How running played an important role during her husbands illnessDealing with her loss of running mojoGiving people a roadmap; through trauma, grief and through terminal illnessLife lessons for help in a challenging situation Running through trauma and grief Being a goal orientated personWanting to run 100 marathons and visit 100 countries Throwing her goals out of the window and focusing on keeping her husband alive for as long as she could Turning to comfort eating and drinking wine The power of a ten minute runRunning mojo - "Running will be your salvation" Being told to stop running Needing to reset and recalibrate her expectations for herselfSetting the target of running 1 mileRunning a park runRunning her first marathon in 7 years Peter RookBeing a cancer thrivers partnerWriting her book - running after all these tearsWhy it was the most difficult book she's written Feeling drained by the writingWhy the tears were healing and necessary Being a supporter for Dignity in Dying The realities of death What stage the bill (Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill) is at Talking about death and dyingMaking peach with our livesAnything that needs to change with our lives going forward Making the decision to live in hope not fearMarie CurieWriting a living willSigning a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) for her husband while he was in hospice.How to have a good deathLiving her life with a sense of purposeWanting to have someone hold her hand at deathHaving a death Doula Wanting to die at home in her own bedFuture plans in relation to running and travelThe importance of goals Why its the journey and not the destinationHeading to visit Libya Running the Brighton Marathon in 2026Wanting to 100 Park RunsWanting to run 100 Half Marathons Doing a half ironman…..Being inspired by IronGran Writing her ...
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    51 分
  • Dr. Erin Ayala – Psychologist, Mental Performance Coach & Endurance Athlete

    Dr. Erin Ayala – Psychologist, Mental Performance Coach & Endurance Athlete
    2026/04/07
    Meet Dr. Erin Ayala, a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant from Minnesota, specialising in supporting female endurance athletes. With over a decade of research and clinical experience, she's a published author, sought-after speaker, and advocate for mental health in sport. In this episode, Erin shares insights on: Building mental resilience for endurance challengesStrategies for coping with performance pressure and burnoutBalancing high-level competition with wellbeingLessons from her own journey as a competitive cyclist A must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their mind while chasing big goals. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Dr Erin - Licensed Psychologist and certified mental performance coach Being based in the twin cities, Minnesota, USAHer love for working with female athletesHer backstory and being a multi-sport athlete in High SchoolGetting to grad school and starting to get into running Joining a run club and getting the running bugWorking her way up to marathonsMeeting her spouse and getting into cycling, triathlons and doing IronmanMoving to Minnesota in 2016 Joining a cycling club and being encouraged to start racing bikesGravel racing for the past 10 yearsGrowing up in a small, midwestern town.Wanting to look after herself better Being a workaholic and not prioritising her health or wellness Stretching herself to thin and not feeling proud of what's going on insideBeing very achievement drivenNeeding to match the internal to external Being consistent with therapy since undergraduate Why running and riding can be therapeutic but it can never replace working with a licensed therapist. Thoughts while running and how they have changed over the years Being a smoker, waking up coughing and not feeling goodStarting running to be healthy and fit againWhy it became so much deeper so much quicker External motivation can only get us so far The internal motivation is what keeps us going How running helps her prioritise her "me" timeFiguring out the WHYWanting to get off Strava, not following anyone on it, and not worrying about the social comparison gameGetting sucked into the world of social mediaStarting with your WHY and what does that actually mean What words do you want people to use to describe you as a personSetting herself up for success Why her favourite clients are women in their 50sGetting the balance right between going after your goals and managing a relationship Being supported on her bike adventures, both on and off the road Doing really long road trips and going back country hiking together Doing 2 big events per yearPlanning a race strategy and what the mental side of a race strategy looks like Nothing new on race day and why the same applies to mental work and mental skillsIt's never too soon to start. Doing meditation every day via a free app3/4 weeks out and getting series about her race goals Being ready to reassess her goals based upon life circumstances Taking into account- life - when setting race goals Life gives us training scores tooTips and tricks while being on the start line to get into the zone.The cognitive piece and psychological piece Here are my pre-race jittersFeeling anxious at the start line e.g. going to the bathrooms multiple times before the start.Take a deep breath? Breathing The importance of low and slow breathing and how it helps to balance out the nervous system.The concept of the pain cave Courtney DauwalterTaking it to the next level- finishing strong - the final push over the finish lineFiguring out - What is the most difficult or most important part of the race?Visualising success…. Toxic positivity How am I going to respond once the feeling hits?If - then - situation Responding and dealing with failure and set backs Letting the disappointment settle in Reminding yourself that just because you didn't reach your goal didn't mean you are a failure and did anything wrong Doing everything right and still not hitting your goals Outcome goals are how we compare to other people Set process goals and why they are more effective than outcome goalsStarting a new podcast with Fiesty Media Focusing on what she can doThe noise on the internetThe Feisty Women's Podcast - January 12th 2026 was the launch date - with weekly episodes going forward.Women and sleep and why women are more efficient sleepers than menFocus on the basicsTaking on the more taboo topicsBook: The Stronger Sex: What ...
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    51 分
  • 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 ...
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    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...
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    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
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    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
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    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
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