Tough Girl Podcast Podcast By Sarah Williams cover art

Tough Girl Podcast

Tough Girl Podcast

By: Sarah Williams
Listen for free

About this listen

 The Tough Girl Podcast is all about inspiring and motivating YOU! I will be interviewing inspirational women from around the world, who’ve faced and overcome difficult challenges and situations, they will share their story, their knowledge and provide advice and essential tips for you to overcome your own personal challenges. Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Helen Ryvar – Running Through Grief, Finding Strength & Breaking Records | 1,000 Consecutive Half Marathons (May 2022 – Jan 2025) 🙌 Inspiring Others to Be Their Best ❤️

    Helen Ryvar – Running Through Grief, Finding Strength & Breaking Records | 1,000 Consecutive Half Marathons (May 2022 – Jan 2025) 🙌 Inspiring Others to Be Their Best ❤️
    Jun 24 2025
    What began as a way to cope with grief became a world record-breaking journey that’s taken Helen Ryvar across the globe — from sunrise runs in North Wales to volcanic trails in Fuerteventura and the ancient deserts of Petra. A single mum of three and a self-described non-athlete in her youth, Helen’s transformation into a Guinness World Record holder for running consecutive half marathons is nothing short of awe-inspiring. In this deeply personal episode, Helen opens up about the heartbreak that sparked her first streak, how running became her therapy, and the mental and physical resilience required to complete 1,000 consecutive half marathons — often starting at 4am. With races lined up from the Chester Ultra to international marathons in Malta and Brighton. If you’ve ever questioned what you’re capable of, or needed a reminder of the strength that comes from simply showing up — this is the episode for you. Tune in to hear Helen’s story of grit, growth, and running with purpose. 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 Helen44 years oldSingle mum to 3 children Living in Wrexham in North WalesGetting into fitness before covidStarting running and running 111 consecutive half marathons and becoming the GWR holder for the achievementRunning 1000 half marathons on her 2nd run streakHer early years and not being particularly sports and a little overweightBeing more into languages and artBeing punished and made to runJoining the cross country running teamReceiving bad newsFinding out her ex-husband had diedTelling her children that they would no longer be able to see their daddyBeing able to exercise and starting to runFinding her peace at 2 hrs - 2.15 mins running How the connection with nature saved herFinding a new rhythm and a way to clear her headBreaking the previous record of 75 half marathonsSharon Jesspo - South Africa (101 - half marathons) Submitting data to Guinness World Record for the 1000 half marathonsStaring her 2nd running streak on the 1st May 2022Being challenged to do a 2nd run streak by Mika Shevit Running for MIND Charity and raising £8,000 Running routes Running from 4am - 6am most morningsBelieving in green running and not leaving a carbon footprintGetting everything ready the night beforeOn and out in 15 minsThe 4am run clubHow her body has adapted to the daily millage over 3 yearsKnee issues Enjoying the routines and being grateful for getting up every morningLosing her dad and father in law50 mile Chester Ultra 50km London Ultra Running with Sean Conway Breaking down the running goals into mini milestonesRunning with other peopleMental tips and tricks for runningSleep, nutrition and routineWhat a typical day looks like Going to bed at 9pmThe importance of quality sleepWhat happens when the data gets corruptedGarmin watch GWR not accepting StravaFinishing the running streak on the 24th January 2024Missing the running and the adjustment period555 Challenge - Free challenge via FacebookCome down from big eventsThe adventure bluesDealing with the grief through running and feeling much stronger as a personNot being treated well by her ex-husbandBeing in an anxious, depressive stateHaving conflicted thoughts and feelings Being left in financial debt Identifying as a mother and not a runnerWeighting 17 stones and having low self esteemRunning all over the world and the logistic challenges involvedRunning in the heat and the darkRunning with @marathonwoman366 How to connect with Helen onlineFinal words of advice Social Media Instagram @helenryvar Facebook www.facebook.com/hmryvar53 Just Giving www.justgiving.com/page/streakwithhelen
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • Caroline Livesey – Extreme Triathlete and Elite Gravel Cyclist: Winning Races, Breaking Limits, and Giving Back

    Caroline Livesey – Extreme Triathlete and Elite Gravel Cyclist: Winning Races, Breaking Limits, and Giving Back
    Jun 19 2025
    Caroline Livesey is an adventurer, extreme triathlete, ultracyclist, elite gravel cyclist and triathlon and life coach. Caroline started her journey into triathlon while serving with the Royal Engineers in the British Army. After 10 years service she left as a Major in 2013 and pursued a career as a professional triathlete (while working full time as a geotechnical design consultant), originally in Ironman events. In 2019 circumstances conspired to throw her into her first extreme triathlon, Canadaman XTRI. Winning this event was the catalyst for her to work on her mindset and physical adaptations to take on the gruelling climate conditions which are typical for the Extreme Triathlons such as Norseman and Celtman. She has since won numerous extreme events, and has just returned from winning Patagonman in Chile for the second time. Caroline is also an elite gravel cyclist, competing for Team GB at the last two World Championships (where she thinks she was the oldest on the start line by some 20 years). She loves single day UCI gravel races but also ultra distance, and has competed at Badlands (3rd), finished Transcordilleras (Colombia), and completed coast-to-coast across Costa Rica in less than two days. She completed the 1000km Transcordilleras, an 8-day stage race, in February this year. Caroline's husband Mark is a documentary / film maker and they make films about their adventures (YouTube, Amazon Prime - The Brick Session). Their purpose is to provide information and inspiration to others so that they might break down their own false beliefs to take on their own challenges. Caroline and Mark have founded Peak Education Nepal - a charity bringing education to the children of poor families in Nepal who cannot afford to go to school. They became involved in this while in Nepal for an event in 2022, and plan to go back this year to develop the charity and do another mountain trail running adventure. 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 Caroline Scottish but now currently living in Majorca Having a background in endurance sportsProfessional Ironman athlete and now doing extreme triathlons Gravel cycling and endurance cycling Growing up in a sporty family and spending time outside Starting triathlon in her late 20sBeing a fit person overall Climbing (indoor and outdoor)Doing crazy things outdoors Going to Sandhurst and doing her army training Getting into triathlons Meeting her husband while in the armyThe changes in professional triathletesDoing her first pro year in 2015How the industry has change in the past 10 years Having a full time job and fitting in the training Not being able to make a living from it inCanadaman /woman Norseman Patagonman 2017 - having her breakthrough race in Texas Getting attacked while on her bike Breaking her pelvis and dealing with multiple stress fracturesNot being able to get back to the same level of performance Having her professional career cut shortHaving an opportunity to try other things Having a bad experience with the cold during a race Back to fitness in 2015 and looking at doing Ironman Ireland Deciding to go to Canada and do a warmer race in JulyWinning Canadaman Race and automatically qualifying for NorsemanCold weather and cold experiences Just because you are cold adapted doesn’t mean you don’t feel the coldLearning different ways to manage the coldThere has to be a way for me to physically adapt to the cold and getting onboard mentallyStarting to have cold showers Learning to breathe out as the cold hits youThinking about physically relaxing Learning that it’s ok to be cold Feeling invigorating after cold water swimming Experiencing Norseman (2022) and what it was likeFilm - Norseman - A day of extremes - available on Youtube The logistical challenges of the Norseman RaceBritta Sorensen (PHD) - research on pain and suffering in female endurance athletes. Race strategy and being self coached Being coached by her husband at the very startNot being very coachable Listening to her body and making decisions based on how she feels Taking it to the next level during a race and needing to push harderRacing against herself Extreme triathlon - being out front on the swim and the bikeWinning Canadaman by 12 secondsLyne Bessette Getting to the finish line and knowing she gave it everything she hadThe mental side of racing and why you need to practice itThe benefits of experience and being able to draw knowledge from itHow you can ...
    Show more Show less
    57 mins
  • Dr. Sheridan Lathe - Sailing the World to Deliver Veterinary Care to Remote Communities

    Dr. Sheridan Lathe - Sailing the World to Deliver Veterinary Care to Remote Communities
    Jun 17 2025
    In this inspiring episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we set sail with Dr. Sheridan Lathe, aka Dr. Sheddy — a wildlife veterinarian, sailor, YouTuber, and passionate advocate for both animal and human wellness. After years of working with domestic and exotic animals in Australia and rescuing bears in China, Dr. Sheddy took her expertise to the seas. Now based on her 37ft sailboat Chuffed, she delivers free veterinary care to animals in remote coastal communities across Central America and Mexico — reaching places where traditional care simply doesn’t exist. She funds her work independently through Patreon and YouTube while living full-time on the water with her partner Jim. In 2024 alone, Vet Tails helped over 450 animals across 13 communities, offering everything from vaccinations to life-saving surgeries. From sailing storms to working on polar bear rescues, dealing with typhoid, and building a life outside of convention — Dr. Sheddy is redefining what it means to live a life of purpose and impact. If you’ve ever dreamed of combining adventure, service, and personal freedom — this episode is for you. Tune in to hear her story, the lessons she’s learned, and how you can support her mission — or maybe even start your own. 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 Dr SheddyVeterinarian and living on her sailboat in MexicoDelivery veterinary care to remote communities Growing up in a small beach town in rural Australia Having an affinity for animalsWanting to be a vet from a young age Vet school in Australia Graduating high school at 17Becoming a vet at 23Being interested in birdsWanting to specialist in the animals that no one else is seeingWanting to focus on exotic animalsGetting into sailing later on ‘Chuffed’ the boat37ft mono hull, only 8 boats, made in 1990Paying for everythingPatreon and YouTube Funding via social media Animals on the boatWorking with local veterinariansSailing over the past few yearsSailing for 8 months of the yearDoing a major refit of the boat which took 2 yearsBuying the boat in Panama Meeting her partner - JimThe covid yearsWorking on a Polar Bear! (Mixed with a bit of grizzly - a golden bear!)Living and working in China at a bear rescue centreWhere to next?Working with local communities and setting up a longer term solutionWork life balance Working at a rural town in Australia Starting off as a new vet and the hours worked….Superhero cultureMoral injuryGiving the best care available Eating animalsGetting typhoid fever in MexicoNot being able to gain the weight backHeading to small remote islandsWifi and keeping connected VHF Radio for emergencyStarlink on boats and in remote communities How to support the work Dr Sheddy is doingFinal words of advice for other women who want to follow their passions and interestsWanting to live life on your termsUsing a Purpose Venn diagramThe plan for the next few yearsDreaming bigWanting to expand Social Media Website www.vettails.com Instagram @dr.sheddy_the.sailing.vet Patreon - www.patreon.com/ChuffedAdventures
    Show more Show less
    44 mins
All stars
Most relevant  
Very few podcasts can get me to laugh out loud. This was one. Thanks! Great !

I Relate To This Tough Girl!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.