Episodes

  • 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
  • Tinuke Oyediran: Adventure Presenter, Survivor UK Star. Committed to showing diverse audiences that anyone, regardless of background, can experience life to the fullest.

    Tinuke Oyediran: Adventure Presenter, Survivor UK Star. Committed to showing diverse audiences that anyone, regardless of background, can experience life to the fullest.
    Jun 10 2025
    In this episode, we sit down with Tinuke Oyediran, an extraordinary adventure presenter and thrill-seeking daredevil who’s breaking barriers in the world of extreme adventure. You may recognise Tinuke from her recent stint on Survivor UK on BBC1, but her journey goes far beyond reality TV. Tinuke is on a mission to show that anyone, regardless of background, can embrace life’s greatest adventures and that the most rewarding experiences often come from stepping out of your comfort zone. From sleeping on the side of a mountain and walking the wing of an aeroplane to climbing glaciers, surviving alone in the wilderness, and achieving three Guinness World Records as a professional roller skater, Tinuke's fearlessness knows no bounds. She’s dedicated to representing diverse audiences in extreme adventure TV, proving that anyone can push boundaries and live life to its fullest. In this inspiring conversation, Tinuke shares her journey, her passion for adventure, and her dedication to showing the world that exploration is for everyone. Tune in to hear how she’s challenging perceptions and proving that adventure truly has no limits. 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 TinukeProfessional Adventurer Being based in London, but spending time trying to get away from London Born and bread London Girl No 1 daredevil Lover of outdoor sports Adrenaline junkie by nature Getting out of her comfort zone is her favourite place to beHer early years growing upBeing encouraged to spend time outdoors Remembering a trip she did with her mum when she was 8 years oldBeing an adventure presenter and filming adventure vlogsWorking as a professional roller skaterGetting a couple of Guinness world records Dealing with a lot of personal tragedy Going into a dark hole for a couple of yearsStarting adventuring and getting outdoorsAdventure healing Getting through traumaApplying for Survivor (TV show UK 2023)What Survivor was like and why it was one of the most brutal things she’s doneTraining for Survivor?The 6 month audition processPsychological training - reading books on body language, interrogation techniques Competitive?!Loving healthy competition Being a very adaptable person Coming out a tougher personWhy the show is the showPlanning and preparing for the futureManifesting Having clear goals of what she wants to achieve in a short space of timeWorking on short term goals, so they happen within 6 monthsHaving tunnel vision focusTaking time out to vision board and really focus on what the next 6 months will look likeNeeding reward Why short term goals work for herWanting to climb Kilimanjaro Working with Intrepid Travel Spending time in Belize Working with the Noma CollectiveWriting a series of children’s adventure books The Grand Canyon Dealing with the cold - mind over matterIceland Adventure in 2025The Golden Circle in Iceland Advice for people to step outside their comfort zone Why the comfort zone is not your friendWhy you do just need to startYou have to do it!Dealing with failure and setbacksNot allowing herself to dwell to wallow Being inspired by Ness Knight DM Tinuke Adventure! How to connect with TinukeThe meaning behind her nameSpending time in Nigeria Words of adviceStart smallLife is too short not to take the scenic route. Life is for living The only thing you are going to regret is not giving things ago Social Media Instagram @tinuke_oyediran
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Ann Whatmore: A Fearless Adventurer Who Proves Severe Asthma Doesn’t Set Limits – Cycling 3000km Across the UK on a Recumbent E-Trike

    Ann Whatmore: A Fearless Adventurer Who Proves Severe Asthma Doesn’t Set Limits – Cycling 3000km Across the UK on a Recumbent E-Trike
    Jun 5 2025
    In this episode, we’re joined by the fearless Ann Whatmore, an adventurer who proves that asthma doesn’t have to set limits on what you can achieve. Ann has faced numerous health challenges, but rather than letting them hold her back, she’s embraced adventure in a big way. In May 2024, she cycled over 3,000km across the UK on her recumbent e-trike, “Bob,” completing a solo journey from Land’s End to Orkney before speaking at Yestival. This was no easy feat – Ann had only a sixth of her lung function available and had to rely on determination, resourcefulness, and a supportive community to make the journey possible. In this episode, Ann shares how she turned her dream into reality, navigating the ups and downs of planning such a massive adventure. She talks about the emotional and physical struggles of living with asthma, how she managed her condition on the road, and the lessons she learned along the way. Whether you’re living with a chronic condition, longing for adventure, or simply looking for inspiration to push through your own barriers, Ann’s story is one you won’t want to miss. Tune in to hear how Ann turned her “limitations” into an opportunity for growth and exploration, proving that the only true limits are the ones we place on ourselves. 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 Patron! 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 Ann Having numerous health issuesBeing based near the Jurassic Coast, UKLiving by the seaNot being able to explore the landscape as much as she would likeDeciding to get a 3 wheeled e-trike (called Bob)Wanting to say yes to adventure Getting asthma problems after the age of 18Being able to manage her condition at 19 Her early years growing up, being very sporty and outdoorsy Having horses and enjoying riding Getting covid on 21st march 2020 and how it impacted on her lung functionNot being able to walk up stairsBeing on high dose steroids and inhalersThe mental challenges of dealing with health issuesGrieving for the person she wasFinding out her lungs have been damaged and developing breathing pattern disorders Joining adventure book clubs and listening to podcastsBringing the adventures to her Finding positivity in other people adventures Looking for glimmers of hope Say Yes More TribeYestival - Dave Cornwaithe Losing her balance and co-ordination ability Finding out about trikesFree trike rehabilitation in Exeter Finding ways to fund her trikeThe price to have independence outsideBike to Work Scheme (UK) Having a bike fit check Going for short, local rides on flat groundFinding a little route and going out with her partner to gain confidence The plan for the adventure Taking a year to plan and how the journey changedBOOK: Britain Best Bike Ride: The ultimate thousand-mile cycling adventure from Land’s End to John o’ Groats - Hannah Reynolds & John Walsh Planning to cycle from Lands End to John O’GroatsWanting to see Skara Brae in the Orkneys Making herself accountability and standing up on stage at Yestival to announce her challengeDeciding to finish the challenge at Yestival Committing to the 2,000 mile adventure! Figuring out how to charge her bike batteryNot being able to wild camp and always needing to find a plug each dayThe reality of the challenge, compared to what she expectedHaving a supportive and encouraging partner Being able to enjoy it moreLoving the highlands How her perception changed of what she could do Dealing with the hills…The feelings of ‘awe’Focusing on the next goal, and breaking down the challengeThe kindness of strangers when you were at your lowestBig Sky Hideaway Adjusting back to normal life - after spending 50 days on the roadPacking up her e-trike to go home and heading back to workHaving 121 support The next challenge….Chase the Sun - 205 miles in 1 day The lessons learned from the experience Being vulnerable and asking for help when neededFundraising for Asthma + Lung UK Sea Swimming Ice mile swim…Social media…How to connect with AnnFind your community Figure out what you can do Learning how to ask for helpSaying yes to adventure and finding that supportFind your tribe, say yes more Social Media Website www.wanderingwhatmore.com
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Aisling Byrne: International Showjumper and Businesswoman on Surviving a Devastating Riding Accident and Defying the Odds to Walk and Compete Again

    Aisling Byrne: International Showjumper and Businesswoman on Surviving a Devastating Riding Accident and Defying the Odds to Walk and Compete Again
    Jun 3 2025

    In this powerful episode, we meet Aisling Byrne — an international showjumper, successful businesswoman, and an extraordinary example of resilience in the face of life-altering adversity. After a devastating horse riding accident left her with multiple broken bones, internal injuries, and the prognosis that she would never walk again, Aisling refused to accept defeat.

    Over the course of a gruelling three-year recovery, she not only walked again — she returned to the international showjumping circuit, proving that mindset, grit, and determination can overcome even the most impossible odds.

    In our conversation, Aisling shares her journey from a small-town Irish girl discovering horses for the first time to the elite competitive showjumping stage, and the mindset strategies that carried her through her darkest moments. We also dive into her life as a business owner, how she balances her entrepreneurial ventures with her sporting goals, and her advice for women navigating setbacks of any kind.

    Whether you’re facing a personal challenge, working toward a big goal, or simply in need of some serious inspiration, this episode will remind you of what’s possible when you choose to keep moving forward — no matter the obstacle.

    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 Aisling
    • Born and raised in Ireland
    • Being passionate about showjumping
    • Running a funding company and a travel company
    • Growing up in Ireland
    • Having 1 brother and supportive parents
    • Not growing up around horses
    • Going to the local equestrian centre
    • Riding the neighbours ponies
    • Getting her own pony at 11
    • Transitioning from riding ponies to horses
    • Enjoying the partnership with the horse
    • How showjumping works
    • Competition time and doing a course walk
    • What does it take to make a great show jumper
    • Needing determination and tenacity
    • The ability to work hard and learning from different people
    • Building a partnership with a horse
    • Figuring out what makes your horse tick
    • Making your horses as happy as possible
    • Having a near death experience
    • Breaking multiple bones and damaging internal organs
    • Being in a Portuguese hospital and people not realising the severity of the injury
    • Bleeding internally
    • Being able to detach herself from the situation
    • Calmness during emergency situations
    • Being very practical and level headed
    • The recovery journey - 3 years
    • Taking a long time to get off crutches
    • Staying positive (even if you have to fake it)
    • How mindset can speed up your physical recovery
    • Practical tips to manage levels of positivity so not to go to a dark place
    • Walking for the first time
    • Going to a specialist sports physio
    • Being told she would never be able to ride a horse again
    • First time getting back on a pony after the accident in 2018
    • Being lifted onto the pony with a forklift truck
    • Getting back into showjumping and competing again
    • Not sweating the small stuff
    • Not looking for perfection and how everything goes a little bit smoother
    • How the travel company works
    • Lending money to law firms
    • Advice for women who want to get into the world of showjumping
    • Wanting to get back to world ranking jumping
    • No age limit on showjumping
    • How to connect on social media
    • Words of advice for women who are dealing with a setback
    • Staying positive for others
    • Not having to do things - but getting to do things

    Social Media

    Instagram: @aislingbyrne1

    TikTok: @asheyb1
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Pamela Lee: Irish Offshore Sailor, World Record Holder, Empowering Women Through Sailing, Training for Route du Rhum 2026.

    Pamela Lee: Irish Offshore Sailor, World Record Holder, Empowering Women Through Sailing, Training for Route du Rhum 2026.
    May 29 2025
    In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Pamela Lee, a professional offshore sailor from Ireland who’s breaking records and barriers in one of the most extreme, male-dominated sports on the planet. Now based in Brittany, France—the heart of short-handed offshore racing—Pamela has carved out her path with grit, determination, and a clear vision for empowering women through sailing. Pam shares her journey from growing up beside the sea in Ireland to becoming the first Irish woman to skipper the Transat Jacques Vabre Race, setting three world records sailing around Ireland, and now training for the 2026 Route du Rhum, one of the toughest solo ocean races in the world. We dive deep into her early influences, the realities of offshore racing, learning French to break into the French sailing scene, and the financial, emotional, and physical challenges of pursuing elite-level sailing. From boat borrowing to breaking glass ceilings, Pamela opens up about the power of visibility, representation, and believing in your own potential—no matter how big the dream. Whether you're interested in sailing, women in sport, or chasing bold goals, this is an empowering and eye-opening conversation not to miss. *** 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 PamelaLiving and working in Brittany, FranceProfessional Off-shore Sailor Living in the mecca of off-shore sailing What short-handed sailing isSpeaking French and sailing in French Studying French at school and doing a French exchange The challenge of learning French The power of emersion when learning a language Growing up in Ireland (south of Dublin, on the South East Coast) beside the sea Having a dad who is a sailing fanatic Family holidays camping and sailing Opportunities to become a professional sailor?Adapting her mentality on how she wanted to live her lifeKnowing that a 9-5 job was not for herLiving in Sydney, Australia and wanting to sailSydney Hobart offshore sailing race Finding a boat to sail on Wanting to travel and to sail more Wanting to make a changeConsidering the possibility of becoming a professional sailor Getting her Yacht Master Qualification Getting the opportunity to move to FranceWanting to learn more skills and not getting to do those positions Reaching a glass ceiling and not seeing how to get to the next levelLooking for the next opportunity and heading back to Ireland to figure it outDiscussion around the Olympics and sailing (double handed offshore racing) Being part of a mixed sex duo Being invited to train for the Irish team for this potential eventHeading to France to trail for this type of racing Being exposed to the French offshore racing world Deciding to stay in France 2019 - 2020Setting 3 world records by sailing around Ireland and how the goal came about Fastest sailing around Ireland in a boat of 40ft or underSetting the record for double handed and the women’s record for racing around Ireland The covid years and going back and forth between France and Ireland Personal inner ambition and wanting to know what she could do Needing to get a boatBorrowing a boat and starting to train with it for racing around IrelandSpending several days at seas and racing 700 nautical miles in approx 3-4 daysFunding for sailingMaking a big media splash and getting your name out there with the record Getting women’s stories in main stream pressWomen’s voices and the progress being made in women’s sports and how they are represented The push towards progressThe Route du Rhum a transatlantic single-handed yacht race, which takes place every four years in November. Racing from France to the Caribbean solo - the longest and toughest trans-atlantic race Being the first Irish female to do the raceNeeding to qualify for the race (based on miles raced)Needed to race and train beforeStarting the project and finding their founding sponsor - DFDS Funding costs via sponsorship The dream budget and costs involved The stress of getting sponsorship and maintaining the relationship Filming a documentary with Musto (Sailing clothing brand) The importance of visibility and representation Being inspired by the sporting women in the Olympics The importance of PERSONAL challenges How to connect with Pam Words of advice for other women who want to go after their own goals Encouraging women to go after big goals and building a step by step progression planLisa - Life & Business Mindset CoachBuilding your ...
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • Bianca Fernandez-Clark: 7x Ironman Finisher and Founder of Fund Her Tri UK, Making Triathlon More Inclusive for Women.

    Bianca Fernandez-Clark: 7x Ironman Finisher and Founder of Fund Her Tri UK, Making Triathlon More Inclusive for Women.
    May 27 2025
    Bianca Fernandez-Clark is a 7x Ironman finisher, Chair, and co-founder of Fund Her Tri UK, a charity on a mission to bring more women into triathlon and break down barriers in the sport. With no background in sport, Bianca laced up her trainers at age 29 to tackle a 10km as a way to manage her mental health. From there, she progressed to marathons and, in 2016, took on the challenge of learning to swim and cycle to complete her first triathlon. As a Black/mixed-race woman, Bianca has been vocal about the lack of diversity in triathlon, especially at long-distance events, and has worked to highlight the barriers faced by the Black community in accessing swimming. In 2022, she co-founded Fund Her Tri UK, and the organisation has been growing ever since, working hard to make triathlon more inclusive and accessible for women everywhere. By day, Bianca works full-time in the financial sector, but every spare moment is dedicated to continuing her own triathlon journey and supporting the work of Fund Her Tri UK. *** 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 BiancaBeing based in LondonBeing serious about the sport of triathlonStaring running at 29 and then moving into triathlon in 2016 Working full time in the financial servicesFounding Fund Her Tri UK - which aims to break down barriers and make the sport more accessible for womenBeing at advocate for women, especially women of colour Building a community to support women in the sport Growing up in the Dominican Republic Not being encouraged in sports from a young ageDealing with curly, afro hair Having zero background in sportsNot being naturally good at sportsWhat changed at 29 Living in Spain to study for her MastersHow running gave her a life lineGoing from the couch to 5k Crossing the finish line of her first 10K raceFeeling alive againNot falling in love with running straight awayGoing on a journey of self discoveryDeciding to sign up for her fist Marathon Discovering the group - the running bug in the UKMeeting a guy who could give her advice…Being with her partner for 10 yearsBeing a part of the running community Not being very fast and being more suited for endurance Getting into triathlonSigning up for swim classes and learning to ride a bike for the first timeDoing her first triathlon which was a women only event. Wanting to take on an ironman The stress of cutoffs The time commitment involved in training Making training work for her lifestyle Doing the best training that she can with the time she hasHaving a goal of finishing the raceMaking training part of her lifestyle Hair advice and tipsAlice DearingHairstyles for women in triathlonBlack women role models in the triathlon space Sika Henry The lack of swimming lessons for children How Fund Her Tri UK came aboutHeading to Kona, Ironman World Championships Using lockdown for fitness and training more Fund Her Tri, First sponsored Athlete - Naomi Rumble Coaching programs and having realistic training plans for women Speaking with British Triathlon Advocacy work and partnering with SheRaces Barriers for women in triathlon and writing a detailed 63 page report Making sure the sport also changes The plans for Fund Her Tri over the next few years Partnering with Muslim Sisters The diversity of Fund Her Tri Wanting to remove financial barriersWorking with brandsWorking on her personal goals and wanting to go back to KonaRecovering from a broken footHow to connect with BiancaFund Her Tri US - being closedFinal words of advice for women who do want to take on a triathlon “Fund Her Tri, Made me do it!” Social Media Website www.fundhertriuk.org Instagram @biancatriathlon @fundhertriuk
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • Harriet Frost: 2x Arc of Attrition 100 mile finisher, Race Director, Business Owner of Grit Culture, Co-parent of Sea+Flo supporting people to upgrade their periods.

    Harriet Frost: 2x Arc of Attrition 100 mile finisher, Race Director, Business Owner of Grit Culture, Co-parent of Sea+Flo supporting people to upgrade their periods.
    May 20 2025
    Harriet Frost is a force of energy, endurance, and entrepreneurial grit. From completing the notorious Arc of Attrition 100-mile ultra twice, to directing multiple trail races, to co-founding a menstrual cup company focused on sustainable period care for athletes — Harriet is redefining what it means to pursue hard things, in business and on the trail. In this episode, Harriet shares her journey from growing up in Cornwall to discovering a love of endurance sport later in life — despite hating running at first. With no formal coaching, she’s built her own training strategy based on experience, discipline, and gut instinct — and it’s taken her to the finish lines of some of the UK’s most brutal ultra events. We also dive into the founding of Sea+Flo, a period care company created by women, for women, aiming to empower people to better understand and manage their menstrual health during sport. Harriet speaks candidly about the mental strength required to train alone, run in the dark, and manage periods while racing, as well as her mission to bring more female voices to the forefront of adventure and endurance media. This is a conversation about grit, vulnerability, and showing up — again and again — even when the path ahead is long, muddy, and uncertain. 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 Harriet?Completing her 2nd Arc of Attrition 100 mile ultraRace Director to 2 current races and soon to be a 3rdRunning her own business called, Grit Culture - focused on business management Launching a menstrual cup company called Sea+Flo in 2024 with her best friendDog mum to NovemberBeing surrounded by an amazing network of friends and familyHow things connect togetherSpeaking with Harriet mum, Theresa Frost on the Tough Girl Podcast Having parents to everyone Childhood and growing up in CornwallLearning resilience and grit from a young ageBeing supported by her parentsLoving school and heading off to University in Southhampton to study fashion and journalismNot really knowing what she wanted to doTravelling and working on super yachts Heading off to London for 3 years Spending time in Australia for 2 years, and New Zealand for 2 years, before moving back to CornwallHating running…. And finding running really hard Living in London and doing her first triathlon in 2012/2013Doing her first marathon during her first 100kRace to the Stones 2017 Doing her next ultra in 2023 - Isle of Wight in April Arc of Attrition on the South West Coast Path. 100 miles. Entering the raceThe Plague 64 miles race (toughest races she’s ever done) Planning her own training and talking things through with her mumGoing on how her body feels and past experience Working backwards from the race start dateFocusing on back to back runsThe mental toughness of training and training soloOut and back runs and the mental challengeKnowing there is still more in herFitting running into her lifeTraining in winter and in the dark The stress of running in the dark as a female and the wasted energyWhy it’s discipline over motivationRecovery…. And what it looks likeHaving big toe strainWhy the Arc was different in 2025 after being taken over by UTMB Feet and blistersNutrition, food, fuelling The struggle of eating foodPracticing eating on 20 milers Training and periods Sea + Flo reusable menstrual cup companyWhich menstrual cup?How using a menstrual cup came aboutPutting herself out there a bit moreWomen doing amazing things and not getting enough airtimeNikki Love breaking the women’s record for running across Australia “It’s not about beating the men it’s about winning for the women” - Hannah Paradise Jasmine Harrison - swimming the length of Great Britain and not being able to to get a book deal - The lack of stories of women in the news The women who inspire Harriet Lucy Gossage - “It’s a privilege to choose to suffer” How to connect with Harriet onlineFinal words of advice for women who want to pursue endurance sportsBeing inspired by Sarah WilsonBuilding your resilience in sport or physical challenges and how it can help you in your everyday lives Social Media Website grit-culture.com seaandflo.com Instagram @harriet__frost @grit.culture @seaandflo
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins