Episodes

  • Dena Lewis: Running for Resilience and Safety - Advocating for Women's Safety and Launching the Running Mate App.

    Dena Lewis: Running for Resilience and Safety - Advocating for Women's Safety and Launching the Running Mate App.
    Oct 1 2024
    In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we speak with Dena Lewis, a dedicated runner and advocate for women's safety based in Florida, USA. Dena shares her 20-year journey in running, which began as a way to manage stress after college and evolved into a lifelong passion. Dena's dedication to running is evident in her meticulous planning and commitment, including her morning routine of fasted runs, coffee, and early starts. Where she runs between 10 and 12 miles per day, 6 days a week. Safety has been a significant concern for Dena, who often runs in the early hours of the morning. She has faced harassment and assault while running, leading her to create Running Mate—an innovative app designed to pair runners with companions for safer runs. Launching in April 2024, Running Mate aims to make running safer for women across the U.S., with plans to expand globally. Dena’s experience with violence has driven her to become an advocate for women's safety, culminating in the creation of the Female Runner Safety Summit. Through her advocacy, Dena hopes to bring awareness to the dangers women face and foster a safer environment for her daughters and all women. Join us as Dena shares her story of resilience, empowerment, and her mission to make the world a safer place for female runners. Learn about her journey, the creation of Running Mate, and her advice for women looking to start their running journey. This episode has been marked as explicit. Please be aware that the topic of assault comes up during this conversation; while we don't discuss it in detail, some listeners may find it triggering. *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Being based in Florida, USA Being a runner for over 20 yearsMarried to her best friend and having 2 older daughter Looking for ways to deal with her stress and picking up running after college Getting into cycling after runningHow her fitness journey has progressed over the yearsRunning for health, fitness and wellbeing Learning what works for her with regards to runningNot being able to fit in run clubs Running all distances from 5k to ultra marathonsRunning between 10 to 12 miles per day, 6 days per weekHer favourite distance being a half marathonWear and tear, trainers, recovery, fuelling… Why 10/12 miles per day!Living with a certain level of pain at all timesBeing a consistent runnerNot liking to run on a treadmill and preferring to run outsideThe morning routineBeing a fasted runner and drinking coffeeLeaving at 5am and being gone for approx 2 hoursPlanning her day around her run Getting her blood checked on a regular basisEnding up in the ER with chest painsSeeing a heart doctor once a year to have a check upRunning in the early morning and experiences fearAm I safe - what’s around meBeing harassed while running on a regular basis and being assaulted twiceCreating Running Mate —an on demand running app (think of Uber for runners) How running mate worksHaving no experience in tech, finding a developer and starting to work on the project in April 2021Launching in April 2024 in 3 very specific cities in the USBeta testing since January 2024Running with other peopleFemale runner safety summit The running mates get paid Bringing awareness to the violence against womenWanting to make it a safer world for her daughterBrining companies together which has a mission to improve women’s safetyWanting to expand the app world wide within a yearFollowing and support running mate onlineFinal words of advice for other women who want to get out there and get runningTalk to someone and get help if you need supportOnly talking about the first assault recentlyChoosing not to report it Having the perpetrator show up on her door stepStopping runningLiving in fear and how it impacted her day to day life with her familyMoving away from the area and starting to feel safe againSharing her story to let other women know that they are not aloneBeing in denial for a whileWorking through PTSD, the trauma, the event and start seeing the other side Not becoming an advocate straight awayTaking time to focus on herself and her family Connecting with other women who had been through a similar thingGetting back to running again and feeling a sense of empowermentGetting angry when it happened a second time Why we need advocacy and change Social Media Website: www.getrunningmate.com Instagram: @getrunningmate ...
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    53 mins
  • Beth Rodden: Legendary Rock Climber and Trailblazer in the Outdoor Community. Sharing insights from her book: "A Light through the Cracks: A Climber's Story.

    Beth Rodden: Legendary Rock Climber and Trailblazer in the Outdoor Community. Sharing insights from her book: "A Light through the Cracks: A Climber's Story.
    Sep 24 2024

    Join Beth Rodden, one of the most best female rock climbers of all time and a prominent figure in the outdoor community, as she delves into her remarkable journey on the Tough Girl Podcast.

    Having started climbing at the age of 14, Beth quickly rose through the ranks, propelled by her passion and determination. From her awe-inspiring free climbs on El Capitan to her harrowing experience in Kyrgyzstan's Kara Su Valley, Beth shares the highs and lows of her climbing career with candid honesty.

    Tune in as she discusses her book, "A Light through the Cracks: A Climber's Story," and offers invaluable insights and advice for aspiring climbers.

    Discover the resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit that have defined Beth's climbing legacy and continue to inspire climbers worldwide.

    Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.

    By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement.

    Thank you for your invaluable support!

    ***

    Show notes

    • Who is Beth Rodden
    • Being a professional climber
    • Starting climbing at 14 which was part of the first generation of kid climbers
    • Getting into climbing after being taken with her dad to the climbing gym
    • How her climbing career progressed
    • Having professional climbers to look up to
    • Being inspired by female professional climbers
    • Making the transition from indoor climbing to outdoor climbing
    • 1999 heading off on an all female climbing expedition in Madagascar to establish new climbing routes and why it was a pivot point in her life
    • Being inspired by climber - Lynn Hill
    • Deciding to pursue professional climbing full time at 19
    • Being supported by her parents to follow her dreams
    • Free climbing the nose on El Cap in Yosemite National Park
    • Training and planning for a climb
    • Breaking it down into smaller sections
    • The difference between free climbing and free solo
    • Book: A Light through the Cracks: A Climber's Story.
    • Wanting to share her climbing story
    • Writing about the darker sides of climbing and the untold stories
    • 2000 - climbing in Kyrgyzstan's Kara Su Valley.
    • Being kidnapped and held hostage for 6 days by rebels
    • Managing to escape
    • Getting through the dark times and the trauma
    • Experiencing this at 20 years old
    • Processing the trauma and what support was available
    • Self talk while climbing
    • How climbing has changed over the past 20 years
    • Getting the balance right between climbing and having a family
    • The struggle of a working parent
    • How having children changed her views on risk and the type of climbs she wanted to do
    • Future climbs and climbs that inspire her
    • Having a love/hate relationship with social media
    • How you can connect with Beth
    • Advice for women who want to get into climbing
    • Advice for women who want to take their climbing to the next level

    Social Media

    Website: www.bethrodden.com

    Instagram: @bethrodden

    Facebook: @bethroddenclimb

    Book: A Light through the Cracks: A Climber's Story.

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    43 mins
  • Gina Atkinson: From Royal Signals Engineer to Inspirational Fundraiser and Adventurer

    Gina Atkinson: From Royal Signals Engineer to Inspirational Fundraiser and Adventurer
    Sep 17 2024
    Join us on this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast as we delve into the extraordinary life of Gina Atkinson, a former Royal Signals engineer with a remarkable story of service and resilience. Gina's military career took her to 30 Signal Regiment, where she visited 35 countries during her first five years of service. Following a deeply personal loss in 2019, Gina embarked on a mission to honour her brother's memory by running/cycling 100 miles a week for a year, raising £10,000 for a local cancer charity and establishing an Art Foundation in his name. Her dedication did not stop there; Gina continued to raise over £250,000 for veterans' charities through a series of inspiring challenges and initiatives, including ultra races and solo adventures across Scotland. In this episode, Gina shares her journey of coping with grief through fitness and adventure, her experiences in the military, and her passion for supporting veterans and cancer patients alike. From riding across Death Valley to planning her next challenge of running from London to France in 2024, Gina's story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of adventure to heal and inspire. Learn how Gina's adventures and fundraising efforts have made a significant impact, and gain insights into her motivations, challenges, and the importance of mental health advocacy in her journey. Join us as we explore Gina Atkinson's inspiring story on the Tough Girl Podcast. *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Who is GinaBeing based on the Wirral, UKBeing a fundraiser for Veterans Charities Combining her fundraising with crazy adventures Growing up on the Wirral and why it’s an amazing locationHer early years spending time hillwalking in WalesJoining the army cadets at 13Deciding to join the army as an electronica engineer in the Royal Signals Being posted to 30 Signal Regiment nicknamed the ‘globe trotters’ Visiting 35 countries in the first 5 years Military memories from peace keeping missionsVolunteering at the orphanage in Bosnia Making the decision to leave the armyWanting to make a second career and experience something different Starting fundraising for veterans charities almost straight awayRiding across Death Valley in America Getting involved in ultra races and going to see places at the same timeThe Wall Ultra Race across Hadrian’s Wall Dealing with covid and losing her brother at age 52 to stage 4 bowl cancerComing up with the idea of doing 100 miles a week for 52 weeks - 5,200 miles in memory of her brother. Dealing with grief and needing a distractionCoping with stress and trauma by fitness and adventure in natureNot knowing the next stepsGetting post adventures blues at the end of the challenge/adventureBackdoor adventuresRaising funds for ssafa the Armed Forces charity Meeting veterans and sharing stories and memoriesBeing an advocate for mental health Raising over £250K for veterans charities and winning multiple awards300 mile solo adventure across Scotland (3 bucket list challenges in one) walking the West highland Way, paddling the Great Glen, and then walking back on the Great Glen Way to Fort WilliamGetting injured and needing to return in 2024 Not taking a dip in lock nessThe planning behind the challenge ideasTaking it from the idea to getting to the start line Sticking to the plan Using YouTube as a resource Testing your kit and making sure your food is nutritious and tastes goodKeeping positive while on adventures Motivation and discipline why you need bothQuote by D.H. Lawrence, “I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself.” Going back to your WHYMotivation from the GI Jane movie and Legally BlondeBeing inspired by the Queen The next challenge in 2024 - running to France from London!Maintaining fitness levels while not on adventures How to connect with Gina on social media Final words of advice for other women who want to do more adventures Starting on your own fitness journey Why consistency is the key for training for endurance eventsTry and enjoy it and remember why you are doing it Social Media Instagram: @goliveit.onelife Facebook: @GinaGinelli Military Memories is an anthology of poems from the force’s community.Profits go to Military Charities SSAFA & Sporting Force. Instagram @Militarymemories2021 Twitter @...
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    48 mins
  • Josie Fouts: Athlete, mentor, advocate, film maker and tread setter, Josie is trailblazing for mountain biking to be a Paralympic sport!

    Josie Fouts: Athlete, mentor, advocate, film maker and tread setter, Josie is trailblazing for mountain biking to be a Paralympic sport!
    Sep 10 2024
    Join us on the Tough Girl Podcast as we dive into the inspiring journey of Josie Fouts, an athlete, mentor, advocate, and filmmaker who is leading the charge to make mountain biking a Paralympic sport. Based in San Diego, California, Josie's story is one of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of her passions. Born in Seoul, Korea, and adopted at six months old, Josie grew up in Ohio, USA, before finding her true calling in cycling upon moving to San Diego. Known as "Ms. Stubbornness," Josie embraced cycling not just as a sport but as a means of redefining her capabilities, riding one-handed without adaptations and challenging herself to excel. Josie's journey took a pivotal turn when she decided to leave her job in 2018 to pursue full-time training for the Tokyo Olympics. Despite not making it to Tokyo, Josie found solace and newfound passion in mountain biking, discovering freedom and exhilaration on the trails. In our conversation, Josie shares her insights on adaptive cycling, the challenges she faced in rethinking her approach, and her advocacy to include mountain biking in the Paralympics. She discusses her role as an upper limb mentoring coach, her nutrition strategies for endurance challenges, and mental tips to overcome obstacles. Don't miss Josie's story of resilience, her groundbreaking work with Tread Setters to promote inclusivity in cycling through filmmaking, and her empowering advice for women looking to make a difference in the world. *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Who is Josie?Asian, American, Adoptee and AmputeeBased in San Diego, California Trailblazing for or mountain biking to be a Paralympic sport! Bio on Instagram - “Mad scientist on a mission to single-handedly save the world with cycling!”Why she’s known as Ms StubbornnessReinventing herself during the pandemicBorn in Seoul Korea, before being adopted at 6 months old and growing up in Ohio, USAGetting into cycling when moving to San Diego and using it to commute to work Riding one handed and not using any adaptations Changing her mindset Deciding to quit her job in 2018 and training full time for the Tokyo Olympics Looking into prosthetics and what would work with her and the bikeMaking the decision to quit her jobHaving an adapted mindset Wanting to get in the best shape of her life Feeling over worked and underpaid and taking a step backThe 3 red flags with her work and knowing she needed to make a changeBeing an athlete full time and why it was awesomeGetting multiple degrees in nutrition and putting her knowledge into action Working towards and end goals Funding and paying for a coach and training while not working Not making it to the Tokyo Olympics and why she’s grateful Having the pressure taken off and figuring out what she wanted to doFinding herself mountain biking and loving the freedom Starting to rethink her stubborn mindsetLimiting herself by not using a prosthetic Spending time on mountain biking trails in nature Why don’t the Paralympics offer mountain biking?Deciding to focus her time and energy on what she can control and changeBeing an upper limb mentoring coachMaking it up as she goesThe White Rim Trail Challenge Filming the adventure - Tread Setters - A group of para-cyclists attempt to ride the White Rim Trail through the heart of Canyonlands in one day with the hope of creating awareness around people with disabilities and growing a more inclusive cycling community.Tread Setters Film Nutrition and fuelling for challenges and why read food is so important Eating locally sourced and regenerative products Mental tips and tricks to push on through the hard times and why thinking about physics helpsWhy you create your outcomeThinking about what’s going to get her through the difficult sectionHow to connect with Josie onlineAdvice for women who want to change the world Social Media Instagram: @ms.stubbornness Facebook: @ms.stubbornness Movie: Tread Setters
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    41 mins
  • Jen Benson: Running Coach, Author, and PhD Researcher – The Stories Behind 'The Path We Run' and Her Ultramarathon Adventures

    Jen Benson: Running Coach, Author, and PhD Researcher – The Stories Behind 'The Path We Run' and Her Ultramarathon Adventures
    Sep 3 2024
    Jen Benson is a runner, writer, running coach and mum of two. Along with her husband, Sim, she has co-authored 10 books including Smart Running, The Camping Bible, Wild Running and The Adventurer's Guide to Britain. She has an MSc in sport & exercise medicine and is currently a PhD researcher exploring the phenomenology of running. Jen has run more than 50 marathons and ultras, including the 100-mile Arc of Attrition in 2024. Her new book on women in ultrarunning, The Path We Run, is out in September. *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! Show notes Who is Jen Intro to her life and workPublishing 3 books in 2024Book: Smart Running: The ultimate guide to becoming a fitter, stronger, more confident runner Book: The Camping Bible: The Complete Guide to Life Under Canvas Book: Great British Walkies: 100 brilliant dog walks through beautiful countryside (National Trust) First speaking to Jen - 23rd July 2019 - Adventuring with her partner and two young children, living in a tent for 18 months! What’s been going on since 2019 The wild year - spending 18 months in a tentHaving freedom from the monthly treadmill of paying rent and billsWriting their first book (Wild Running) and wanting to make writing a full time careerWriting their second book - Amazing Family Adventures: Fun days out and action-packed weekends.Being back in a proper house since 2016Son aged 10, daughter aged 13 Researching an alpine adventure book in the AlpsGetting back into running and starting to train for a 100 milerDocumenting her training for and attempting to finish her first 100 mile raceAlways being a runner and doing a MSc in Sports and Exercise Medicine specialising in distance running.How pregnancy impacted on her life and withdrawing from her PHDDeciding to go back and do a PHD at Liverpool John Moors University - wanting to look at the meaning of running for couch to 5k runners and ultra distance runners. The battle with negative troughs and how a lack of confidence impacted on her running.Signing up to do a mindfulness course and how it changed her life for the betterDeciding to train as a mindfulness teacherIdentifying the triggers for what causes the negative spirals The impact of tiredness and sleep deprivation Running through the dark and running through the night The dream of wanting to run 100 milesBook: The Path We Run: A personal history of women's ultrarunning Learning about the history of women in ultra runningTGP Episode Ann Trason (July 19th 2016) - American ultra runner who has broken 20 world records & won Western States a record breaking 14 times Barriers for women in ultra running Why running can be an expensive sportWorking with her partner to fit in training Being anaemic and how 50% of women/runners can have low ferritin levelsBook: Smart Running: The ultimate guide to becoming a fitter, stronger, more confident runner Why it was a dream book to write Book: The Camping Bible: The Complete Guide to Life Under CanvasTop tips for campingSome of the challenges from the past 5 yearsPlanning for work and family lifeGetting olderHow to connect with Jen onlineFinal words of advice “Just because something feels scary, that’s not a reason not to do it.” Taking the plunge and doing the scary thing Social Media Website: jenandsimbenson.co.uk Instagram: @jenandsim Facebook: @jenandsimbenson X: @jenandsim
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    52 mins
  • Jo Moseley - Sharing More About Her New Book: 'Stand-Up Paddleboarding in the Lake District: Beautiful Places to Paddleboard in Cumbria

    Jo Moseley - Sharing More About Her New Book: 'Stand-Up Paddleboarding in the Lake District: Beautiful Places to Paddleboard in Cumbria
    Aug 27 2024
    Jo Moseley, a 59-year-old single mum of two grown-up sons, resides on the edge of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales. In 2019, she achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman to paddle-board 162 miles coast to coast from Liverpool to Goole, all while actively contributing to litter cleanup efforts and fundraising for causes close to her heart. Her remarkable journey inspired the creation of the film "Brave Enough - A Journey Home to Joy," masterfully crafted by award-winning filmmaker Frit Tam. This captivating documentary has garnered acclaim at prestigious adventure film festivals and consistently sells out online screenings. In 2022, Jo's debut book, 'Stand Up Paddle-boarding in Great Britain,' captivated readers with its stunning portrayal of scenic paddle-boarding spots across England, Scotland, and Wales, quickly ascending to bestseller status. Following this success, her second book, focusing on paddle-boarding in the Lake District, was published in May of this year. To further promote her latest literary endeavour, Jo eagerly anticipates embarking on summer adventures, including hiking, paddle-boarding, and indulging in the serene beauty of the Lakes #LakeDistrictBookRound initiative. Beyond her literary and paddle-boarding pursuits, Jo shares her passion for stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP) as the host of The Joy of SUP Podcast. Additionally, she embraces new challenges, such as learning to skateboard, and is poised to relaunch her newsletter, Fresh Starts & Sunrises, in the near future *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! Show notes Who is Jo Being a single mum of two grown-up sonsBased in Yorkshire Releasing her 2nd book on paddle boardingThe first time we spoke to Jo on the Tough Girl Podcast - May 19th Finishing 2019 on a highReflecting back to 2020 and what Jo’s been up to Officially being menopausal Sumer 2020 starting to think about writing a book about paddle boarding and the reason whySept/Oct 2020 - pitching her first book about paddle boardingWould she want to write a travel paddleboading book?Deciding to grab the opportunity and saying yes to writing a travel guideDeciding to start a podcast - The Joy of SUP PodcastConnecting with fellow paddle boardersMay 2021 and starting the research to write the book Visiting over 30 places around the UKBeing on a massive learning curvePutting the book together with Vertebrae Publishing Favourite places to visit in the UK to go paddle boardingSharing the joy of aging wellTurning 60 at the end of December Mentally preparing to turn 60 and wanting to embrace itDoing a headstand a day until turning 60Wanting it to be a positive new chapterNew Book: 'Stand-Up Paddleboarding in the Lake District: Beautiful Places to Paddleboard in CumbriaHow paddle boarding transforming changed her lifeWhy you can only paddle board on only 10 lakes in the Lake DistrictSewage in the water and what to do How to be environmentally conscious and what to look out forCheck - Clean - DryHow to go to the toilet, when there aren’t toilets aroundCold water and peeingPoo…. Pooing…If you show people a beautiful place, they will love it and look after itKnowing the wind speed that is safe for you to paddle inBeing made an Ordansury Survey Champion Fitting fitness and exercise into her lifeKeeping the kettle bell in the kitchenSnacking on exerciseTaking up skateboardingWhen was the last time you did something new for the first timeHow to connect with Jo onlineThe next adventure/challenge Walking from lake to lake and bookshop to bookshop in the Lake DistrictCampsites with Camp WildFinal words of advice for other women“Start exactly as you are, start today and start small”Build a community online Do it for you and do what’s important to you Social Media Website: www.jomoseley.com Instagram: @jomoseley Facebook: @joanna.moseley.77
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    45 mins
  • Theresa Frost: 68-year-old Ironman, European Aquabike Champion, smallholder, wife of over 40 years, mum of 2, and grandma to 3. Proving age and a double hip replacement are no reasons to slow down.

    Theresa Frost: 68-year-old Ironman, European Aquabike Champion, smallholder, wife of over 40 years, mum of 2, and grandma to 3. Proving age and a double hip replacement are no reasons to slow down.
    Aug 20 2024
    In this episode, we have the privilege of chatting with Theresa Frost, a remarkable 68-year-old athlete who shatters stereotypes and redefines what it means to stay active and competitive at any age. Theresa's list of accomplishments is as impressive as it is diverse, including: European Aquabike Champion 2023 Team GB Athlete Barcelona Ironman Finisher 2022 70.3 World Championships Competitor 2016 Theresa's journey is a testament to her incredible resilience and determination. A retired teacher and smallholder living in Cornwall, UK, she balances her athletic pursuits with her family life, being a wife of over 40 years, a mother of two, and a grandmother of three. In this episode, Theresa shares her fascinating life story, from her active childhood on a farm in Gloucester to her impressive achievements in the world of endurance sports. She talks about her initial foray into running after the birth of her daughter, Harriet, and how this led to her participation in multiple London Marathons and ultimately, Ironman competitions. Listeners will hear about Theresa's triumphs and challenges, including overcoming double hip replacements, her rigorous training schedule, and her philosophy on staying active and healthy. Whether you're looking for inspiration to take on a new challenge or tips on staying fit and motivated at any age, Theresa Frost's story is sure to captivate and inspire. Tune in to learn how Theresa continues to defy expectations and live life to the fullest, proving that age and obstacles are no barriers to achieving greatness. *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! Show notes Who is TheresaRetired teacher and small holder Being a GB athlete and competing in standard, middle and long distance Aquabike (Swim and bike of a triathlon)Being European Distance Champion for the 65- 69 age groupBased in Cornwall, UK68 years youngReflecting back on her childhood and growing up on a farm in Gloucester with her 3 siblings Doing all of the team sports at school, from hockey, netball, rounders, tennis and gymnastics. Outside of school, doing Judo, fencing and sub-aquaSpending time outdoors exploring, and playing in the woodsBeing inspired by her sports teacher at school in both sports and educationBecoming a PE teacher and meeting her husband at workBeing married to Peter for 41 years, having 2 children and 3 grandchildrenNot being active during her pregnancy's Getting into running after her daughter, Harriet was bornWhat her running journey looked likeStarting with 10ks and half marathons and entering the London Marathon in 1990Running London Marathon 5 times Deciding to take on a Ironman and not knowing if she had the potential to achieve itDoing an Ironman with HarrietHaving 2 hip replacements 14 years ago - August 2010Doing the London Triathlon in 2013 at 57Getting more confident and training better2015 doing an half ironman Finishing first in her age group to go to the World Championships in Australia Being retired and working on her smallholdingSpeaking with and working with a coach in 2021Deciding to commit and do a full Ironman in October 2022What a typical training week looks likeTraining 13 out of 14 days (not always taking a day off)Strength and conditioning class with Ruth Not being a fan of stretchingBeing a member of a running clubGLL Better Leisure Centres, CornwallSNUGGs WetsuitsLiking the thought of running Feeling pain while runningRunning on her terms What is Aquabike? https://www.aquabike.world/ The European Aquabike Championships in PortugalThe mental side of racesBeing inspired by the Eileen’s in her lifeThe distances involved and fuelling during the raceMaurten Food and meat from the small holding Needing to eat more proteinBeing a baker but not a cookerFood before a race and afterRecovery and not being a fan of stretchingDog walking and active recoveryNot being good at sitting down and doing nothingTurning 70 and looking forward to itHow to connect with Theresa on InstagramFinal words of advice for other women who are in their 60s and want to try new thingsStarting with one thing and why moving is so importantTake opportunities and try new things Social Media Instagram: @theresa.frost
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    36 mins
  • Kasia Piatek: Mum from Poland - Embracing Adventure, Overcoming Adversity, and Becoming a Mountain Leader and Rock-Climbing Instructor

    Kasia Piatek: Mum from Poland - Embracing Adventure, Overcoming Adversity, and Becoming a Mountain Leader and Rock-Climbing Instructor
    Aug 13 2024
    Kasia wears many hats: a Mountain Leader, Rock-Climbing Instructor, and an aspiring alpinist. But above all, she's a lover of adventure. Her story began in 2008 when she left Poland in search of a better life. Little did she know, this journey would lead her to incredible heights—both literally and metaphorically. Life in a new country wasn't easy. Kasia had to work hard, raise a child alone, and worry about making ends meet. But through it all, her passion for the mountains burned bright. Despite the demands of her daily life, Kasia couldn't ignore the call of the wild. So, she took a leap of faith. She left behind the security of her job to pursue her love for climbing full-time. Her greatest adventures awaited in the Himalayas, where she tackled peaks that few had ever dared to climb. But for Kasia, the thrill of exploration doesn't end there. Her dream is to keep discovering new corners of the world, to seek out untouched landscapes and experience the beauty of the unknown. *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! Show notes Who is KasiaMoving to the UK in 2008 at 20 years oldNot being outdoorsy while growing up in PolandThe challenges of first moving to the UKLearning the language and the culture The challenge of finding her first job Getting a job in a chicken factory for 2 yearsNot having the energy to spend time outdoors Work - home - work - homeBecoming a mother in September 2009 Wanting to do more with her lifeApplying for new jobs every 2 yearsDoing qualifications Going through a divorce and why it was so chaotic for a few yearsGetting her driving licence at 26 years oldStarting to explore the surrounding mountains in Herefordshire Being invited to a local climbing centreStarting with bouldering Spending time outdoors with her young daughterGetting new gear and finding an outdoor instructor to learn more skills in the outdoorsSharing her dreams of becoming a member of mountain rescue Speaking with a mountaineering instructor and receiving advice about how to startHow to get registered with Mountain Training Providing evidence of her experience in the mountains and building her portfolio QMDs - Quality Mountain Days Doing her ML Training in 2020Passing her Rock Climbing Instructor in 2021 Giving herself between a year and 18 monthsGetting qualified and the next stepsBeing supported by her partner Wanting to gain experience with Raleigh International in a volunteer position Having no job and no experience as a mountain leaderGoing through a very stressful time, not knowing what was next Using FB groups to get work Working with the British ArmyGaining confidence and new skills working as an outdoor instructor Managing stress and uncertaintyGoing with the flow and why the journey is so importantNot wanting to feed the negative thoughts, or overthink thingsWanting to share her passion for the outdoorsInspiring other to follow their outdoor dreamsDealing with Imposter syndrome while working in the outdoorsWorking towards her Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Having her assessment booked for May 2025The preparation for her assessment and getting in enough rock climbing experience The sacrifices that need to be madeThe struggle of finding people to climb withEnjoying the process and meeting so many like minded people who have similar interests and passionsHow her love for the mountains has grownStarting to climb in the AlpsSpending time in the Himalayas in India Joining the Alpine Club Learning new skills Wanting to climb higher and go on expeditions Womens Trad Festival Reflecting back on the progress she’s made over the past 3 yearsHow to connect with Kasia on InstagramFuture goalsFinal words of advice for other women who want to make a career changeIgnore the negative opinions of the people around you Keep working hard if you want to achieve your goals. Social Media Instagram: @mtns_and_me
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    34 mins