Jacquetta Megarry didn't grow up in the outdoors, and she certainly didn't see herself as an adventurer—or a publisher. But turning 50 sparked a journey that would transform her life. From walking the West Highland Way with friends to summiting Mt Kilimanjaro, Jacquetta discovered the power of pacing yourself, listening to your body, and building unshakeable self-belief.

Her adventures inspired her to found Rucksack Readers, a guidebook company that helps hikers navigate trails around the world. Over 25 years later, Jacquetta shares stories from her experiences—from hiking in the UK during Storm Amy, to trekking the Inca Trail, to exploring Antarctica—along with lessons on making mistakes, learning from them, and embracing challenges at any age.

In this episode, Jacquetta shares how stepping outside your everyday life can open doors to new passions, transform confidence, and even create a career doing what you love. She offers practical tips for hikers, insights into publishing, and encouragement for women ready to explore the world on their own terms.

This episode is for you if you:

• Want inspiration to start a new adventure at any age
• Dream of hiking, trekking, or exploring the outdoors
• Are curious about publishing guidebooks and sharing your knowledge
• Believe it's never too late to embrace challenges and grow

Ready to be inspired? Hit play and let Jacquetta take you on a journey of mountains, maps, and life-changing adventures.

***

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 Jacquetta
• Growing up in London and going to school there
• Living all her adult life in Scotland
• Living in Edinburgh
• Founding Rucksack Readers a guidebook company
• Not being sporty or into the great outdoors at a young age
• Turning 50 and deciding to go and walk the West Highland Way with 4 female friends to celebrate 200 years of womanhood
• Feeling dissatisfied with the official guidebook
• This frustration lay dormant for 18 months
• Heading off to climb Mt Kilimanjaro for the first time and why the altitude was a great leveller
• How climbing Kilimanjaro gave her the self belief in order to make a career change
• Going from working in IT to starting a guidebook company
• The importance of pacing yourself and listening to your body
• Building self belief on the mountain
• How only 9 out of the 16 made it to the summit
• Feeling health, taking photos and enjoying the experience
• Doing something so far outside your normal everyday life and how it can make you think differently about life
• Becoming a publisher and having the confidence to think you can write a guidebook after one experience
• Deciding to do the Inca Trail in 2001 and the challenges involved in gathering the info for a guidebook
• Why would you not want the paper to be rainproof?
• Hiking the Dales Way during Storm Amy
• Creating little map booklets for hikers (waterproof)
• Apps verses Guidebooks
• Planning a walk with ChatGPT
• The structure of the guidebook
• Mapping and keeping route information updated
• Being a volunteer - on the Xtreme Everest Project
• Dealing with altitude sickness - keeping well hydrated and monitoring her heart
• Maintaining a base level of fitness…
• Celebrating 25 years of Rucksack Readers
• Writing about the mistakes made in publishing
• Talking about failure and mistakes and the lessons made
• Visiting Antarctica and wanting to go sea kayaking and see the emperor penguins
• Dealing with the cold and the conditions on the ship
• How her hiking has changed now entering her 70s
• The joy of being a publisher and being able to follow her passions
• Future challenge and revisiting the Dales Way
• Succession planning for Rucksack Readers
• Having a year of consolidation and looking after the future
• How to connect with Jacquetta and Rucksack Readers
• Discount code for the listeners of the Tough Girl Podcast—use toughgirl for a 20% discount of all books
• Final words of advice for other women who want to go on more adventures and challenges around the world
• Mistakes and being afraid of getting it wrong.
• Get out there, make the mistakes, and be sure to learn from them.

Social Media

Website: rucsacs.com

• use toughgirl for a 20% discount off books - valid until 20th January 2027

Instagram: @rucksack_readers

Facebook: Rucksack Readers

Sabrina Pace-Humphreys is back on the Tough Girl Podcast for her third appearance, sharing her incredible journey as a runner, coach, and advocate for representation in trail running. From being a mum of four and grandmother of three, to taking on some of the toughest ultramarathons in the world, Sabrina's story is one of resilience, community, and the relentless pursuit of goals.

In this episode, Sabrina reflects on her time at the UTMB, the challenges of race preparation, and the lessons learned when things don't go to plan. She also shares updates on her work with Black Trail Runners, supporting women and runners of the global majority, and gives a sneak peek into her new book, Start Where You Are: The Beginner's 5k Running Guide for Women.

Whether you're chasing your first 5k, dreaming of ultra distances, or passionate about creating inclusive running communities, Sabrina's insights, advice, and personal stories will inspire you to lace up and claim your mantle as a runner.

Listen to past episodes with Sabrina on the Tough Girl Podcast

July 7th 2020 - Sabrina Pace-Humpreys - Ultra runner, going from Anxiety to Accomplishment - Running the MDS

August 30th - 2022 - Sabrina Pace-Humphreys - Co-founder of Black Trail Runners and running Britain's most brutal race

***

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 Sabrina Pace-Humphreys
• Run coach, personal trainer and community builder
• Advocate for representation in running
• Mum of 4, grandmother of 3
• 3rd time on the Tough Girl Podcast!
• Speaking with Sabrina on August 30th 2022
• The final things we talked about - Back to the Trails, creating a vision board, wanting to participate in the UTMB race and wanting to write a 2nd book about running
• What's happened over the past few years
• 2023 Survivor!
• Not being able to hide being a hype woman!
• Why you will either love it or hate it
• Being voted out in the 2nd week
• Why it was such a bizarre experience seeing herself
• Having an episode of poor mental health after the show and feeling out of control
• Using her voice to motivate a team
• Coming out of the low moments and the connection to running, community and friendships
• Her go to tools
• Update on Black Trail Runners
• Running social runs with students of the global majority
• Creating a sustainable charity and model
• HERE FOR THE WOMEN'S RACE
• Being involved in a steering committee to get more women in the trail running space
• Creating the black and gold t-shirt - "Here for the women's race"
• Her journey to the UTMB
• Running stones and collecting them
• UK race - Arc of Attrition and Ultra Trail Snowdonia
• Applying via the ballot
• The planning and preparation for UTMB
• B and C races, planning weekends in Snowdonia and France
• Using an altitude chamber for training
• Booking accommodation for the UTMB a year in advance
• Financial access to races
• £15,000 for races, accommodations, travel costs, gear, supplements etc
• August on the start line of the UTMB
• Working on a film to be released next year
• Not wanting to let anyone down
• Not liking the pre-race faff
• Why it was different to what she thought it would be
• The brutal conditions and being timed out
• Tweaking her calf the week before
• The weather challenges and the impact on the racers
• Not being able to get out of the slump
• How the race made her question everything
• Being supported by her husband and friends
• Battling cutoffs
• Not having it in her and the end of the race
• Working on her running book!
• New Book: Start Where You Are: The Beginner's 5k Running Guide for Women
• How you can connect with Sabrina
• Final words of advice and wisdom
• You can do hard things
• Claiming the mantle - I am a runner

Social Media

Website: www.sabrinapacehumphreys.com

Instagram: @sabrunsmiles

New book: Start Where You Are: The Beginner's 5k Running Guide for Women

Becky Wandell is a Teacher, Writer, Tour Guide, Volunteer, and Solo Traveler. At 47, while weathering a difficult divorce and the death of four close relatives, she clawed her way up from the depths of grief and, in her words, set out to "find her way back to Becky again".

To do this, she quit her job, sold all of her belongings and charted a plan to complete a series of adventures she had always dreamed of doing. Joining the US Peace Corps, learning to speak Spanish and gaining her confidence in solo travel and living abroad set the stage for several years of living her best life throughout South America; a life rich with opportunities to learn, grow, serve others through volunteering, integrate deeply into cultures, and make connections - especially with women.

Then, in 2024 at the age of 55, she hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada.

It was there, with thousands of footsteps across the desert, over the mountains and back home to the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, she was finally able to release the last of her regrets, coming away from the trek feeling lighter, freer, more confident and beautiful than ever before.

Turns out, living life to the fullest and fulfilling all your dreams brings joy.

Now, Becky works as a seasonal Tour Guide in Alaska which allows her to spend the rest of the year living out of her backpack, always ready for the next 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 Becky
• Teacher, writer, solo traveller, volunteer and tour guide
• Starting her life in the Mid-West
• Knowing she always wanted to live by mountains
• Starting to work for the forest service in environmental programs
• Having a wonderful career and life
• Needing to make a pivot in her life and needing to figure out what she really wanted to do
• Joining the Peace Corps at 47
• Wanting to travel more, learn a new language and experience more of the world
• Deciding to hike the Pacific Crest Trail at 55 from Mexico to Canada
• Gaining a huge amount of confidence
• Wanting to slow travel more and working as a tour guide in Alaska
• Living her dream and being the best beaky she can be
• The pivot at 47
• The love letters….. the origin story to her relationship
• Giving up her dreams and "compromising"
• Typing out all the things that she wanted to do back then
• Sacrificing her dreams
• What the Peace Corps is
• Learning so much about herself, other people and cultures
• Living in Ecuador with a family and leaning the language
• Her new path and dealing with lonely moments
• Losing her parents
• Slow travel and volunteering around South America
• Workaway
• Spending 2 years travelling around Patagonia
• Her dream of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
• Feeling ready to take on the hike
• Not having fears or concerns before the hike
• Letting go of fear
• Getting her trail name
• Challenging sections on the PCT
• Why 700 miles in the desert was the real challenge
• Being supported by her friends during the tough moments
• The mental game
• Doing hard things
• Writing a letter to herself
• Can she push her body that hard to make the hike happen
• Preparing for the trail really well
• Needing to hike her hike her way
• Learning about her last name
• Sharing a little video from the end of the PCT
• Finally identifying as a tough girl
• How to connect with Becky
• Final words of advice
• Give up the fear, your going to be ok
• Start planning, take the step.

Social Media

Blog: onthewingadventures.com

Instagram: @beckysonthewingadventures

What does it mean to challenge the limits of both body and mind—and to redefine what success looks like along the way? Denisa Krásná, scholar, author, and adventurer from the Czech Republic, takes us on a journey into the world of women in extreme sports.

From her early days trekking with her parents to highlining hundreds of meters above the ground, Denisa has always been drawn to adventure, isolation, and pushing herself beyond comfort. She co-edited Flow: Women's Counternarratives from Rivers, Rock, and Sky, an inspiring anthology celebrating diverse women's voices in adventure sports—whitewater kayaking, climbing, mountaineering, and highlining—challenging stereotypes and redefining what it means to be successful in the outdoors.

In this episode, we explore:

• Denisa's path from scholar to adventurer and author
• How fear, frustration, and failure can become tools for growth
• The mental game behind highlining and extreme sports
• Stories of resilience, creativity, and empowerment from women across the globe
• Why inclusivity, mentorship, and community are key to thriving in adventure sports

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a woman seeking inspiration, or simply curious about the stories behind extreme adventure, Denisa's insights will leave you reflecting on your own limits—and inspired to push past them.

Tune in for a conversation about courage, flow, and the power of women redefining adventure on their own terms.

***

🎙️ 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 Denisa
• Growing up and living in the Czech Republic
• Working as a scholar at university
• Loving research and writing about her adventure
• Writing books and academic articles
• Her early years growing up
• Travelling with her parents all the time
• Going on trekking adventures around the world from places like lapland to Nepal
• Her love for being outdoors and being isolated
• Being introverted
• Wanting to talk to adults and discuss ideas
• Her passion for reading, researching and academics
• Being active every single day
• New Book: Flow: Women's Counternarratives from Rivers, Rock, and Sky
• How the book came about with her friend Alena Rainsberry
• Getting a grant to work on outdoor counternarratives
• Being do-ers and getting things done
• Reaching out to potential authors
• The gap in the literature
• What does counternarratives mean?
• What the typical story of success currently is in outdoor sports
• Wanting to show that success is something that should be defined by the individual - it should be fluid.
• Including stories from professional athletes who define success in the more conventional way
• Representation of women in adventure stories
• The stories that resonated and made her think in a different way
• Why every story can make you think
• The unique view of Rae Raptor aka Cheryll Glotfelty
• The advantages that her age gives her from money and time
• Talking about fear and how fear manifests in so many different ways
• Rocky Mountain Books
• Denisa view on fear and how she experiences it
• Why her view on fear is very rational and being able to distinguish between the objective and subjective fear
• Highlining and slacklining
• Her journey into highlining
• Buying a slackline during covid
• Why the improvements were related to the frequency of training
• Having quick initial progress
• Being introduced to the local slacklining community and getting a mentor
• The state of flow
• Why flow is also a word game and why it has multiple meanings
• The photo on the cover of FLOW - with Brenda Gor
• What free style highlining is and how it is different from walkers
• The mental side of highlining - zoning out
• The importance of preparing before you even get on the line
• Using rituals to get mentally into the right state of mind
• The number one cause of death in highlining
• Human mistakes and how it can happen to experienced professionals
• Why it's good to be slightly afraid
• Always respect that you are doing an extreme sport
• Why the mental game is different for everybody
• Needing to take a few steps to get into the mental zone
• Specific training needed for the sport
• Frustration with slacking and not seeing progress
• Why you should't give up when you first start
• Why the start can be very painful
• Why you need to trust the process
• Focus on the positive things
• Don't lean into the frustration
• Needing to work on the mental side of highlining
• Walking 200m lines and falling once at the end on the seemingly easy part
• The struggle at the end
• Fighting the doubts in her mind
• Why these sports are like a mirror into our inner selves
• Flow, Fear, Frustration, Falling - dealing with a sense of Failure
• The lessons learned from failure - Dorothea Hamilton
• Women being framed as too ambitious and that being seen as a negative
• Climbing half dome with Alena Rainsberry
• Why it was amazing and traumatic!
• How to connect with Denisa
• Final words of advice for other women who want to take on more adventure sports
• Why it's important to find people to do the activity with, people who support you and people who motivate you.
• Reading memoirs written by other women

Social Media

Website: www.riversrocksky.com

Instagram: @vegi.deni.slacks

Book: Flow: Women's Counternarratives from Rivers, Rock, and Sky

Happy New Year! I'm taking a moment to look back at the last six months of 2025—what's worked, what hasn't, and what the numbers tell me about the year so far. I reflect on the journey I've been on, the adventures, the challenges, and the mindset shifts that have shaped my life.

I talk about working in longer blocks, thinking in decades not years, and the balance between pushing hard and giving myself space to rest. I share what I'm learning about consistency, structure, and getting intentional with my time, energy, and goals.

I also get real about needing magic, wanting change, and how to show up even when life throws curveballs. If you're looking for a little reflection, motivation, and some Tough Girl honesty, this episode is for you.

Thank you for all your support! Love Sarah x

***

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

• Happy New Year - Welcome to 2026
• Reflection blog post
• Looking at the numbers in 2025 - Because data sometimes tells the story better than feelings.
• Looking ahead to 2026
• Working in longer blocks
• Thinking in decades, not years
• 2025 to 2035 - The purple decade
• Level 2 Psychology Course
• The importance of structure
• Where it may lead
• Consistency
• Gym, Aim, Mone
• New Tough Girl Buffs!
• Adventure Funds and Emergency Funds
• Editing the GR10 vlogs!! (2 left to be edited)
• Booking in future guests for the Tough Girl Podcast
• Editing the SWCP Vlogs
• Consistency
• Digital clense - laptop and phone
• Boring…
• Need some magic, needing a timeline shift
• Needing for something to be different
• The power of reframing situations
• Continuity or seasons
• Do I need more down time?
• 2 - Sarah's….
• Wanting to be busy and productive
• Wanting to be in my soft girl era
• Why a lot can change over the next 6 weeks
• What is going to happen?1
• Leaving it up to fate, the universe, to magic
• Drive it, make the decisions, you take the steps to make it happen, put in the work
• Getting intentional
• Ebbing and flowing between the two
• The journey I've been on, from where I've started
• The journey that you're on
• Dealing with life curveballs
• Words of comfort
• The future is exciting
• Go in with our best foot forward
• Keep positive, keep showing up
• Thank you for your support
• Thank you to the amazing women who have shared their story on the podcast
• How can I live my life differently?
• Scrolling through the past episodes on the website
• Evergreen episodes
• Thank you!

***

Previous Reflections/Solo Episodes

Jan 2nd 2025 - Sarah Williams: Reflections on the South West Coast Path, Health, Money & Future Plans for 2025

Aug 1, 2024 - Sarah Williams: Reflecting on the Past 6 Months and Future Plans for 2024 – Insights, Challenges, and Adventures.

Mar 14, 2024 - Sarah Williams - Reflections & Learnings from the 3,000km Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand.

Nov 2, 2023 - Sarah Williams - Planning and Preparation for thru hiking the 3,000 km Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand. #ChallengeWithZOLEO

Sep 10, 2023 - Sarah Williams - Solo Reflections: A Look Back at the End of 2022, Adventures and Challenges in 2023

Aug 4th 2022 - Sarah Williams - Reflects on the end of 2021 and the start of 2022.

Aug 4th 2021 - Sarah Williams - Reflects on the end of 2020 and the start of 2021.

Aug 7th 2020 - Sarah Williams - Reflections on 2019 & and the start of 2020.

Aug 4th, 2019 - Sarah Williams - Reflections on 2018 and the start of 2019. Plus plans for Tough Girl Challenges.

Dec 25, 2018 - Sarah Williams - Cycling the Pacific Coast Highway & Baja Divide

Sep 4, 2018 - Sarah Williams - Planning and Preparation for the Pacific Coast Highway & the Baja Divide!

Sep 19, 2017 - Sarah Williams - Thru hiking the Appalachian Trail (2,190 miles) in 100 days!

Apr 26, 2016 - Sarah Williams - Shares her journey of getting to the start line of the Marathon des Sables (MDS) & running the toughest footrace on earth!

Social Media

Instagram @toughgirlchallenges

Facebook @toughgirlchallenges

Youtube @toughgirlchallenges

Patrons www.patreon.com/c/ToughGirlPodcast

From the jungles of India to the global stage of wildlife conservation, Dr Latika Nath has spent her life studying and protecting big cats, becoming the first woman in the world to study tigers in the wild. Known as Nat Geo's "Tiger Princess," she shares stories from deep in the forests where she observed tigers using tools, hunting porcupines, and navigating complex human-wildlife conflicts.

In this episode, Latika takes us on her journey from a childhood spent exploring the outdoors to pursuing her dream in a male-dominated field, studying elephants and tigers in the wild. She shares the challenges of working in remote areas, the lessons learned from female tigers, and her tireless efforts to combat poaching.

We also dive into her work as a conservation photographer, using images to tell stories that inspire action, and her advice for women and girls aiming to make their mark in conservation. Latika's story is one of courage, dedication, and the belief that one person's passion can make a world of difference.

This episode is for you if:

• You love wildlife and big cats
• You're curious about conservation and sustainability
• You want inspiration from a trailblazing woman in a male-dominated field
• You're motivated by stories of courage, resilience, and following your passions

***

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 Latika
• Working as a Conservation Ecologist and conservation photographer
• Being based out of Indian
• Studying big cats all over the world
• Using her photography to share stories about conservation
• Working as an expert on Tourism and sustainability
• Working with the Indian Planning Commission as an in-house advisor
• Being an only child and spending most of her time outdoors
• Living close to a National Park
• Deciding at 6 years old that she wanted to be an ecologist
• Being encouraged to pursue her dreams
• People in the 1970s not knowing what an ecologist was
• Not being able to study the subjects she wanted to
• Being a girl in a male dominated field
• Being the first woman in the world to study tigers
• Moving over to the UK to continue her education at Bangor University, Wales
• Doing her masters thesis on elephant and human conflict in Indian
• How elephants follow the old memories
• Her passion and interest in tigers
• Wanting to study snow leopards initially
• Terrorism in Kashmir and how it changed the direction of her life
• Being inspired by Dr HS Pabla
• The tiger population in India currently
• Project tiger - being responsible for the conservation of the tiger in the wild
• Being the only person in the park and being truly on her own in the wild with the animals
• What it was like studying the tigers and the relationships that developed
• Discovering new knowledge about tigers
• Seeing tigers using tools
• How tigers eat porcupines
• The expedition logistics
• Lessons learned from female tigers
• The biggest danger to tigers going forward
• How to combat poaching
• Getting the nickname - The Tiger Princess
• Being filmed by National Geographic for a 1hr documentary
• Advice and tips for women and girls who want to enter the space of conservation
• Advice for women around self belief and self confidence and why there work is important
• What's next for Dr Lakita
• Writing her next book
• Having a photography expedition in London in June 2026
• How to connect with Dr Lakita
• Final words of advice around following your passions and interests
• Having good days and bad days - go one day, one step at a time and why it can make a big difference
• Hang in there and take that one step everyday

Social Media

Website: www.latikanath.com

Instagram: @latikanath

Facebook: @nathlatika

What does it take to return to the top of the ultra running world after major life changes and a "career-ending" surgery? Kaytlyn Gerbin knows.

In this episode, Kaytlyn shares her journey from a scientist with a love for the outdoors to a world-class trail and ultra runner. Growing up active but without formal running experience, she discovered her talent in her mid-twenties and quickly fell in love with the 100-mile distance. Since then, she's set course records, tackled some of the most technical alpine trails in the Pacific Northwest, and stood on podiums at legendary races like UTMB, Western States 100, and Transgrancanaria.

But Kaytlyn's story isn't just about running. It's about resilience, reinvention, and balance. After the birth of her daughter Era in 2024 and undergoing surgery to correct hip dysplasia—a procedure many thought would end her running career—Kaytlyn came back stronger than ever, winning the Cascade Crest 100 and taking on the epic 330km Tor des Geants race in Italy.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• How she discovered her running talent and found her passion for ultra distances
• Overcoming setbacks, starting over, and learning to meet herself where she is
• The mental strategies that help her tackle 100-mile races and multi-day alpine challenges
• Balancing motherhood with elite-level running
• Her plans and goals for 2026, including Hardrock 100 and UTMB

Whether you're an aspiring ultra runner, a parent chasing big goals, or someone who loves stories of grit, perseverance, and adventure, Kaytlyn's story will inspire you to push your limits—on the trails and in life.

Tune in to hear how Kaytlyn combines mountains, motherhood, and science-backed training to redefine what's possible, one long run 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 Kaytln
• Ultra runner and trail runner for the North Face
• Living in the foothills outside of Seattle, US
• Having a degree in Bioengineering and previously working as a scientist
• Having her first daughter, 14 months ago
• Reflecting back on her childhood and early years
• Growing up in rural US
• Being the oldest of four and being very active as a kid
• How her running journey progressed
• Playing soccer in high school
• Being good at running on the field, but not enjoying the running for training
• Making friends with other students at college who ran
• Discovering her running talent in her mid-twenties
• Entering her first small, local race and finishing 2nd female
• Having fun and feeling strong while running
• Finding her distance
• Loving the 100 mile distance
• Figuring out training for races
• The longer she ran, the stronger she felt
• Feeling overwhelmed by the running distances
• Having to start over with her running
• Remembering how hard it is to start running again after set backs
• Having a hard time with running
• Never having a running coach and getting to make all the rules
• Tracking her training
• Meeting yourself where your at ie being ok with walking
• Bringing in science to her running?
• Lessons on failure and how it applies to running
• Staying humble with her running
• Why the hardest part of the race, is just before it starts
• The anxiety before a race, struggling to sleep and eat before
• Staying relaxed while running and settling into the run after 50k
• Running through the night
• Taking some time before doing the hard thing, and thinking about the mental challenges which may come up and how to handle it
• Running a 220 mile race over 4 days
• Dealing with the guilt of being away from her baby while running
• Anticipate what some of the mental challenges might be during a race and how best to approach it
• Taking a step back from the running during pregnancy
• Not feeling the pressure to go back to running
• Her 'A' race in 2025
• Tor des Geants 330km race in Italy
• Winning the Cascade Crest 100 mile race
• Seeing the 2nd placed woman - starting to race
• Wanting to run hand and push herself
• Plans for 2026
• Applying for Hardrock 100 mile race
• Wanting to go back and race at UTMB
• Having a pregnancy deferral for UTMB
• How to connect with Kaytlyn
• Advice for women wanting to take on a 100 mile race

Social Media

Instagram @kaytlyn_g

Sheryl Ramstad's story is nothing short of extraordinary. After surviving a catastrophic plane crash with less than a 1% chance of survival, Sheryl's life was forever changed. What began as her first solo flight at age 29 became a harrowing journey through life-threatening burns, multiple surgeries, overwhelming grief, and two years of excruciating rehabilitation.

But this isn't just a survival story—it's a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the unbreakable human spirit.

In this powerful conversation, Sheryl shares how she transformed unimaginable trauma into a life of purpose, service, and adventure. From shifting her mindset from "Why me?" to "What's next?" to supporting burn survivors in Peru, going back to school at 62, raising three children, becoming a grandmother, and even climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro—Sheryl embodies what it means to live fully, bravely, and without regrets.

With her first book "Living Life Full Throttle: Surviving, Serving, and Summiting" published in January 2025, Sheryl reflects on a decades-long journey of healing, reinvention, and choosing courage over fear. Her story will inspire you to embrace challenges, pursue new beginnings at any age, and live life full throttle.

If you're looking for a reminder of what's possible—even in your darkest moments—this episode will stay with you long after you've listened.

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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 Sheryl
• Being based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US
• Being retired and writing her first book
• Surviving her first solo plane flight at 29 years old
• How this impacted how she lived the rest of her life
• Leaving work and no longer having an excuse not to write her story
• Having 3 adult children and 6 grandchildren
• Having the book published in late January of 2025
• The key moment when life changed
• Changed her focus from survival to service
• Being grateful for everyday and wanting to make her life meaningful for herself and for others
• Supporting burn survivors in Lima, Peru
• Being given a 1% chance of survival
• The importance of her faith, friends and family
• Applying for nursing school at 62
• Learning new skills
• Instead of asking why me - I ask - what's next
• Looking towards the future
• Having a strong family support system
• Having her faith to fall back on
• Reflecting back on writing her book
• Why it's been a life long process
• Serving
• Books for Africa
• Deciding to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa
• Deciding what to do with life
• Following a few simple principles
• Living life with no regrets
• Better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all
• Do nothing in moderation - give your whole heart to everything that you want to try
• Going back to school at 62 and being a student again
• Don't be afraid to ask others for help
• Getting back on a plane
• Mental health and support for people going through traumatic experiences
• Raising her children
• What's next
• Being a life long learner
• Maybe writing another book
• Wanting to encourage people to live their life full throttle
• Why it's a matter of perspective
• How to connect with Sheryl
• How to buy her book
• Being happy to connect with people
• Final words of advice for women listening
• Don't be guided by your fear, be guided by the facts and the evidence - do what you feel led to do, so you don't go to your grave with any regrets.

Social Media

Website: www.sherylramstadauthor.com

Book: Living Life Full Throttle: Surviving, Serving and Summiting A Memoir

Hillary Allen, famously known as the "Hillygoat," is a world-class ultrarunner celebrated for her fearless climbs on steep, technical terrain. But in 2017, at the peak of her career as the #1 ultrarunner in the world, Hillary faced a life-changing setback: during a race in Norway, she fell 150 feet off a ridge, breaking 14 bones. Doctors told her she'd never run again.

Yet Hillary didn't just defy the odds—she redefined them. Today, she's back competing at the elite level and inspiring others to rewrite their own stories of resilience.

With a background in neuroscience and a master's in physiology and structural biology, Hillary combines science, grit, and empathy in her work as an author, coach, and speaker.

Her book, Out and Back: A Runner's Story of Survival Against All Odds, chronicles her incredible comeback.

In this episode, Hillary shares:

• How her lifelong love of running and science shaped her journey
• The mental and physical challenges of recovering from a life-threatening fall
• Practical tips on mindset, self-belief, and self-compassion
• Why she believes your best athletic days can be ahead of you

Whether you're an athlete, adventurer, or someone looking to overcome setbacks in life, Hillary's story is a powerful reminder that resilience, courage, and persistence can take you farther than you ever imagined.

***

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 Hillary
• Growing up in Boulder Colorado, USA
• Being an athlete all her life
• Coming from an outdoorsy, academic family
• Describing herself as a science nerd
• Currently in a Masters Program for Applied Sports Psychology
• Having an older sister
• Growing up camping with her family
• Her parents both being professors
• Studying chemistry and neuroscience
• Not finishing her Phd
• Getting her first running sponsorship
• Her running journey to get to being a sponsored athlete
• Starting running in graduate school
• Needing an outlet to reset
• Starting to run with a running group
• Discovering the trail running scene
• When things clicked after running a road marathon
• Wondering if she could do it…
• Being drawn to running and feeling satisfaction in the challenge
• Working hard on her weaknesses
• Working on her ability to run on technical trails and push herself when feeling tired
• Getting into skyruning
• Being named the Hilly Goat!
• Why its a skill you need to practice
• The challenges of 2017
• Heading over to Europe to race
• Tromsø Skyrace
• Thinking she was dying
• Falling 150ft, breaking 14 bones, damaging ligaments and being lucky to be alive
• Book: Out and Back: A Runner's Story of Survival Against All Odds
• Being depressed
• Starting to think about running again
• Believe that your best athletic days are ahead of you
• Helping her mindset and the mental side of the challenge
• Working with a counsellor
• Working past fear
• Breaking her ankle and dealing with another injury
• Going back to do the race again
• Getting her nervous energy out
• Closing the chapter off
• Practical tips around mindset
• The power of self compassion and self belief
• The next plan/goals
• Signing up for a road marathon in January
• Working on building up some speed
• Podcast - Trail Society
• How to connect with Hillary
• Final words of advice for other women
• The importance of daily practices
• Journalling
• Mantra - believe your best athletic days are ahead of you
• Affirmations - I am statements "I am a runner"
• Start small, and start with self belief

Social Media

Website www.hillaryallen.com

Instagram @hillygoat_climbs

Facebook @hillaryallenrunner

Podcast - Trail Society

Lani Woods is a passionate cyclist, adventurer, and creative force behind a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts. Known for blending her love of cycling with a flair for design, Lani leads initiatives like Triple Crown Adventures to inspire others to explore the world on two wheels. Whether organizing group adventures in Hawaii or crafting unique cycling gear, she's dedicated to building an inclusive, adventure-loving community.

* Marked as explicit — just one F bomb!

***

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 Lani
• Being based in Hawaii
• Being a full time adventurer
• Loving to travel and explore
• Being a curious soul
• Growing up in Southern California
• Not being athletic when she was younger
• Getting into athletics in her 30s
• What happened in her 30s
• Having kids at a young age and being in a long term relationship
• Deciding to leave an abusive relationship
• Wanting to feel stronger and release the relationship stress
• Getting back into running and how it made her feel better
• Getting back into the gym and how it helped her mental health
• Deciding to try an obstacle course race
• Dealing with injury and needing to rehab after 3 surgeries
• Getting into bike riding
• Deciding to ride 20 miles to the beach and back
• Feeling the rewards after doing something hard
• Deciding to ride a 100 miles
• Being inspired by the Race Across America
• The self confidence piece
• Being attracted to challenge
• Gaining new knowledge about cycling
• Hosting 2 podcasts :-
• Podcast - Unrelenting Humans
• Podcast - Black with Endurance
• Joining Major Taylor Cycling Club, Los Angles
• Riding from San Francisco to Los Angles
• Wanting to do more business with women
• Tripe Crown Adventures - where the name came from (the California triple crown, riding 3 double centuries in a year)
• Adventure Femmes
• Hosting her first event in Hawaii
• Honolulu Century Ride
• Lanikai Pillbox Hike
• New event happening in 2026
• Training….
• Working with different mentors
• How many bikes…
• Making the decision to move to Hawaii
• Dealing with the heat in Hawaii
• Bucket list races
• Being in a place where she knows what she's capable of and want she can accomplish
• Wanting to create her own challenges
• Wanting to create more than be apart of other people races and challenges
• Her love for road cycling
• Travelling in Europe
• Bike packing adventures?
• Lael Wilcox
• Jenny Graham
• Lael Rallies
• How to connect with Lani
• Final words of advice for women who want to get into cycling and go on more adventures
• Stay curious, fail big and don't wait for anyone else
• Don't be afraid to make your own way—do what you feel is right for you.

Social Media

Instagram

@lanitheadventurer @triplecrownadventures @adventurefemmes

From a council estate on the Isle of Wight to conquering some of Europe's toughest mountain ultras, Charlotte Fisher's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Less than three years ago, she had never run competitively. Today, she's a full-time ultra runner chasing elite races like UTMB and Western States 100, proving that it's never too late to find your path.

In this episode, Charlotte shares how a charity ultra challenge sparked her running journey, the lessons learned from 50km races to brutal 100-mile mountain ultras, and how running transformed her mindset, confidence, and life. She opens up about the highs, the lows, and the mental toughness required to push through physical limits — from hospitalised near-sepsis to standing on podiums in Europe's toughest races.

Whether you're a seasoned runner, an aspiring adventurer, or someone searching for purpose, Charlotte's story is a powerful reminder that mountains, miles, and mindset can transform your life.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• How Charlotte went from zero running experience to winning her first ultra
• Lessons learned from extreme races and mountain ultras
• Mental toughness, mindset shifts, and life transformation through running
• Training, fueling, and recovery strategies for endurance athletes
• Why adventure, self-discovery, and community make ultra running so addictive

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 Charlotte?

• From the Isle of Wight, UK – where she now lives, works, and trains
• Runs her own dog-walking business
• On a mission to become a full-time professional ultra runner
• Began running less than 3 years ago, starting with a charity ultra with no running experience

Growing Up on the Isle of Wight

• Childhood on a council estate in a rural village
• Outdoor play, but no sporting background
• No sailing or traditional Isle of Wight coastal sports experience
• School pushed her toward law due to academic ability, despite being naturally creative
• Initially chased a law career for financial security, not passion

Leaving Home & Early Adulthood

• Moved to London at 19 for university
• Pivoted from law to Geography degree after a crisis of direction
• Took a gap year to travel and try to "find her path"
• Felt lost through early 20s — unsure of what she should be doing with her life

How Running Entered Her Life

• Started running in Feb 2022, almost accidentally
• Signed up for a 106km Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge with zero running background
• Motivation: Raise money for the hospice that cared for her Aunt Jane, and raise awareness for bowel cancer
• First ever long run attempt: a 35km treadmill run to "qualify" for a guided 50km group run

From First 50km to Winning 106km – All Within 12 Weeks

• Completed first 50km guided run with a coach – extremely tough but gave her belief
• Didn't run again for 6 months afterwards!
• Hired a coach and trained for 12 weeks for the Isle of Wight 106km race
• Won the race on her ultra debut — a shock to herself and everyone else
• Immediately hooked on ultras — discovered a talent for running "abnormally far"

Rapid Rise to 100 Miles & First Big Reality Check

• Next challenge: 100-mile North Downs Way (Centurion) just 6 months into running
• Won the race — but it was a harsh lesson in mental toughness and fuelling
• Ran through Storm Anthony — torrential rain, strong winds and brutal conditions
• Severe stomach issues, under-fuelled, no proper nutrition strategy
• Learned the importance of fuelling, hydration, and race strategy

Becoming a Mountain Ultra Runner

• Stepped up to technical mountain ultras with Ultra Trail Snowdonia (UTS)
• Originally entered the 100-mile UTS (one of Europe's toughest races) with no mountain experience
• Only 50% finish rate – often as few as 8 female finishers
• Multiple recce weekends in Snowdonia to train – huge learning curve
• 10 days before UTS she became seriously ill & hospitalised with suspected sepsis
• Still ran the race, finished near the back — emotionally tough but transformative
• Returned the following year 13 hours faster, finishing 3rd and becoming the only woman to finish the UTS 100 twice

Mindset & Transformation Through Running

• Running gave her purpose, discipline, and identity
• Sober for almost 2 years — running helped her leave behind her old lifestyle
• Mental health, confidence, and self-belief have skyrocketed
• Found something where hard work = reward — a completely new feeling after years of feeling lost

Training, Fueling & Recovery – What's Changed?

Then vs now:

Early Ultras

Now as an Elite Athlete

No fuelling strategy

Structured carb-based fuelling plan

No gels, random aid-station food

Precise nutrition to avoid GI issues

Minimal recovery

Dedicated recovery shakes & sports therapy

Little mountain experience

Regular training trips to European mountains

• Works with a sports therapist weekly during heavy blocks
• Body now adapts well to 100-mile training & recovery
• Enjoys the solitude, adventure, and freedom of trail running

Favourite Races & Future Goals

Dream Races:

• UTMB – Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (secured elite entry for 2026)
• Western States 100 (USA)

Confirmed Upcoming Races:

• UTMB Mallorca
• Arc of Attrition (January)
• Ultra Trail Snowdonia (May)
• UTMB Chamonix (August)

What Charlotte Loves About Ultra Running

• Adventure, exploration, and seeing the world on foot
• The community, the challenge, the self-discovery
• Prefers mountain ultras over flat/road or backyard ultras
• Loves the beauty, technicality, and grit of long-distance trail running

Where to Find Charlotte

Instagram: @charlottefisher (shares training, races, and inspiration)

Key Takeaways from Charlotte's Story

• You don't need a background in sport to become an athlete
• It's never too late to discover what you're meant to do
• You can start from zero — and still reach elite level with dedication
• Mountains, miles, and mindset can transform your life

Social Media

Instagram @charlottefisher