Episodi

  • Jacquetta Megarry – Founding Rucksack Readers, Walking Adventures, and Building Confidence in the Outdoors

    Jacquetta Megarry – Founding Rucksack Readers, Walking Adventures, and Building Confidence in the Outdoors
    Jan 19 2026
    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 ageDream of hiking, trekking, or exploring the outdoorsAre curious about publishing guidebooks and sharing your knowledgeBelieve 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 JacquettaGrowing up in London and going to school thereLiving all her adult life in Scotland Living in EdinburghFounding Rucksack Readers a guidebook company Not being sporty or into the great outdoors at a young ageTurning 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 guidebookThis frustration lay dormant for 18 months Heading off to climb Mt Kilimanjaro for the first time and why the altitude was a great levellerHow 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 bodyBuilding self belief on the mountain How only 9 out of the 16 made it to the summitFeeling 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 lifeBecoming a publisher and having the confidence to think you can write a guidebook after one experienceDeciding 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 AmyCreating little map booklets for hikers (waterproof)Apps verses Guidebooks Planning a walk with ChatGPTThe structure of the guidebookMapping and keeping route information updatedBeing 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 ReadersWriting about the mistakes made in publishingTalking 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 70sThe joy of being a publisher and being able to follow her passionsFuture challenge and revisiting the Dales WaySuccession planning for Rucksack ReadersHaving a year of consolidation and looking after the futureHow to connect with Jacquetta and Rucksack ReadersDiscount 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 worldMistakes 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
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    41 min
  • Sabrina Pace-Humphreys – UTMB, Trail Running, and Building Community: The Journey of a Runner and Advocate

    Sabrina Pace-Humphreys – UTMB, Trail Running, and Building Community: The Journey of a Runner and Advocate
    Jan 15 2026
    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-HumphreysRun coach, personal trainer and community builder Advocate for representation in running Mum of 4, grandmother of 33rd time on the Tough Girl Podcast!Speaking with Sabrina on August 30th 2022The 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 years2023 Survivor! Not being able to hide being a hype woman! Why you will either love it or hate itBeing voted out in the 2nd week Why it was such a bizarre experience seeing herselfHaving an episode of poor mental health after the show and feeling out of controlUsing her voice to motivate a teamComing out of the low moments and the connection to running, community and friendships Her go to toolsUpdate on Black Trail RunnersRunning social runs with students of the global majorityCreating a sustainable charity and modelHERE FOR THE WOMEN'S RACEBeing 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 UTMBRunning stones and collecting them UK race - Arc of Attrition and Ultra Trail SnowdoniaApplying via the ballot The planning and preparation for UTMBB and C races, planning weekends in Snowdonia and FranceUsing an altitude chamber for training Booking accommodation for the UTMB a year in advanceFinancial access to races £15,000 for races, accommodations, travel costs, gear, supplements etcAugust on the start line of the UTMBWorking on a film to be released next yearNot wanting to let anyone downNot liking the pre-race faffWhy it was different to what she thought it would beThe brutal conditions and being timed out Tweaking her calf the week beforeThe weather challenges and the impact on the racersNot being able to get out of the slumpHow the race made her question everything Being supported by her husband and friendsBattling cutoffs Not having it in her and the end of the raceWorking on her running book!New Book: Start Where You Are: The Beginner's 5k Running Guide for WomenHow you can connect with SabrinaFinal words of advice and wisdomYou can do hard things Claiming the mantle - I am a runner Social Media Website: https://www.sabrinapacehumphreys.com/ Instagram: @sabrunsmiles New book: Start Where You Are: The Beginner's 5k Running Guide for Women
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    1 ora e 4 min
  • Becky Wandell – Reinvention, Solo Travel, and Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail at 55

    Becky Wandell – Reinvention, Solo Travel, and Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail at 55
    Jan 13 2026
    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-WestKnowing she always wanted to live by mountains Starting to work for the forest service in environmental programs Having a wonderful career and lifeNeeding to make a pivot in her life and needing to figure out what she really wanted to doJoining the Peace Corps at 47 Wanting to travel more, learn a new language and experience more of the worldDeciding to hike the Pacific Crest Trail at 55 from Mexico to CanadaGaining a huge amount of confidence Wanting to slow travel more and working as a tour guide in AlaskaLiving her dream and being the best beaky she can beThe pivot at 47The 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 thenSacrificing her dreams What the Peace Corps isLearning 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 momentsLosing 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 hikeNot having fears or concerns before the hikeLetting go of fearGetting her trail nameChallenging sections on the PCTWhy 700 miles in the desert was the real challenge Being supported by her friends during the tough momentsThe mental gameDoing hard things Writing a letter to herself Can she push her body that hard to make the hike happenPreparing for the trail really wellNeeding to hike her hike her wayLearning about her last nameSharing a little video from the end of the PCTFinally identifying as a tough girl How to connect with Becky Final words of adviceGive up the fear, your going to be ok Start planning, take the step. Social Media Blog: onthewingadventures.com Instagram: @beckysonthewingadventures
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    49 min
  • Denisa Krásná – Flow, Fear, and Female Adventure: Redefining Women's Stories in Extreme Sports

    Denisa Krásná – Flow, Fear, and Female Adventure: Redefining Women's Stories in Extreme Sports
    Jan 6 2026
    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 authorHow fear, frustration, and failure can become tools for growthThe mental game behind highlining and extreme sportsStories of resilience, creativity, and empowerment from women across the globeWhy 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 DenisaGrowing up and living in the Czech Republic Working as a scholar at university Loving research and writing about her adventure Writing books and academic articlesHer early years growing up Travelling with her parents all the timeGoing 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 dayNew Book: Flow: Women's Counternarratives from Rivers, Rock, and SkyHow the book came about with her friend Alena Rainsberry Getting a grant to work on outdoor counternarratives Being do-ers and getting things doneReaching out to potential authors The gap in the literature What does counternarratives mean?What the typical story of success currently is in outdoor sportsWanting 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 wayWhy 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 BooksDenisa 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 fearHighlining and slacklining Her journey into highlining Buying a slackline during covidWhy the improvements were related to the frequency of training Having quick initial progressBeing introduced to the local slacklining community and getting a mentorThe state of flow Why flow is also a word game and why it has multiple meaningsThe photo on the cover of FLOW - with Brenda Gor What free style highlining is and how it is different from walkersThe 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 startWhy the start can be very painfulWhy you need to trust the process Focus on the positive thingsDon'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 partThe struggle at the end Fighting the doubts in her mind Why these sports are like a ...
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    48 min
  • Sarah Williams: Solo Reflections Episode, GR10, the Numbers and Plans for 2026

    Sarah Williams: Solo Reflections Episode, GR10, the Numbers and Plans for 2026
    Jan 1 2026
    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 2026Reflection blog post Looking at the numbers in 2025 - Because data sometimes tells the story better than feelings. Looking ahead to 2026Working in longer blocks Thinking in decades, not years2025 to 2035 - The purple decade Level 2 Psychology CourseThe importance of structureWhere it may leadConsistencyGym, Aim, Mone New Tough Girl Buffs!Adventure Funds and Emergency FundsEditing the GR10 vlogs!! (2 left to be edited) Booking in future guests for the Tough Girl PodcastEditing the SWCP VlogsConsistencyDigital clense - laptop and phone Boring…Need some magic, needing a timeline shiftNeeding for something to be differentThe power of reframing situationsContinuity or seasonsDo I need more down time?2 - Sarah's….Wanting to be busy and productiveWanting to be in my soft girl eraWhy a lot can change over the next 6 weeksWhat is going to happen?1Leaving it up to fate, the universe, to magicDrive it, make the decisions, you take the steps to make it happen, put in the workGetting intentional Ebbing and flowing between the twoThe journey I've been on, from where I've startedThe journey that you're onDealing with life curveballs Words of comfort The future is excitingGo in with our best foot forwardKeep positive, keep showing upThank 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
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    33 min
  • Dr Latika Nath – Nat Geo's Tiger Princess: Pioneering Conservation and Studying Big Cats in the Wild

    Dr Latika Nath – Nat Geo's Tiger Princess: Pioneering Conservation and Studying Big Cats in the Wild
    Dec 30 2025
    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 catsYou're curious about conservation and sustainabilityYou want inspiration from a trailblazing woman in a male-dominated fieldYou'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 LatikaWorking 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 sustainabilityWorking 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 ParkDeciding at 6 years old that she wanted to be an ecologist Being encouraged to pursue her dreamsPeople in the 1970s not knowing what an ecologist wasNot being able to study the subjects she wanted toBeing a girl in a male dominated fieldBeing the first woman in the world to study tigersMoving over to the UK to continue her education at Bangor University, WalesDoing her masters thesis on elephant and human conflict in Indian How elephants follow the old memoriesHer passion and interest in tigersWanting to study snow leopards initiallyTerrorism in Kashmir and how it changed the direction of her lifeBeing inspired by Dr HS PablaThe tiger population in India currently Project tiger - being responsible for the conservation of the tiger in the wildBeing 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 developedDiscovering new knowledge about tigersSeeing tigers using toolsHow tigers eat porcupines The expedition logisticsLessons learned from female tigers The biggest danger to tigers going forwardHow to combat poaching Getting the nickname - The Tiger PrincessBeing 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 importantWhat's next for Dr LakitaWriting her next bookHaving a photography expedition in London in June 2026How to connect with Dr LakitaFinal words of advice around following your passions and interestsHaving 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
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    38 min
  • Kaytlyn Gerbin – Motherhood, Mountains, and 100-Mile Runs: Her Ultra Running Comeback

    Kaytlyn Gerbin – Motherhood, Mountains, and 100-Mile Runs: Her Ultra Running Comeback
    Dec 23 2025
    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 distancesOvercoming setbacks, starting over, and learning to meet herself where she isThe mental strategies that help her tackle 100-mile races and multi-day alpine challengesBalancing motherhood with elite-level runningHer 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 KaytlnUltra runner and trail runner for the North FaceLiving in the foothills outside of Seattle, USHaving a degree in Bioengineering and previously working as a scientist Having her first daughter, 14 months agoReflecting back on her childhood and early yearsGrowing up in rural USBeing the oldest of four and being very active as a kidHow her running journey progressedPlaying soccer in high schoolBeing good at running on the field, but not enjoying the running for trainingMaking friends with other students at college who ranDiscovering her running talent in her mid-twentiesEntering her first small, local race and finishing 2nd femaleHaving fun and feeling strong while running Finding her distance Loving the 100 mile distance Figuring out training for racesThe longer she ran, the stronger she felt Feeling overwhelmed by the running distances Having to start over with her runningRemembering how hard it is to start running again after set backsHaving a hard time with running Never having a running coach and getting to make all the rulesTracking 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 runningStaying humble with her runningWhy the hardest part of the race, is just before it startsThe anxiety before a race, struggling to sleep and eat beforeStaying relaxed while running and settling into the run after 50kRunning through the nightTaking some time before doing the hard thing, and thinking about the mental challenges which may come up and how to handle itRunning a 220 mile race over 4 daysDealing 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 itTaking a step back from the running during pregnancy Not feeling the pressure to go back to runningHer 'A' race in 2025Tor des Geants 330km race in Italy Winning the Cascade Crest 100 mile race Seeing the 2nd placed woman - starting to raceWanting to run hand and push herselfPlans for 2026Applying for Hardrock 100 mile raceWanting to go back and race at UTMB Having a pregnancy deferral for UTMB How to connect with KaytlynAdvice for women wanting to take on a 100 mile race Social Media Instagram @kaytlyn_g
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    47 min
  • Sheryl Ramstad – Surviving the Impossible: A 1% Miracle, Radical Resilience, and Rebuilding Life After a Plane Crash

    Sheryl Ramstad – Surviving the Impossible: A 1% Miracle, Radical Resilience, and Rebuilding Life After a Plane Crash
    Dec 16 2025
    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. *** 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, USBeing retired and writing her first book Surviving her first solo plane flight at 29 years oldHow this impacted how she lived the rest of her lifeLeaving work and no longer having an excuse not to write her storyHaving 3 adult children and 6 grandchildren Having the book published in late January of 2025The key moment when life changedChanged her focus from survival to serviceBeing grateful for everyday and wanting to make her life meaningful for herself and for othersSupporting burn survivors in Lima, PeruBeing given a 1% chance of survivalThe importance of her faith, friends and family Applying for nursing school at 62Learning new skills Instead of asking why me - I ask - what's nextLooking towards the futureHaving a strong family support systemHaving her faith to fall back onReflecting back on writing her bookWhy it's been a life long processServing Books for Africa Deciding to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in AfricaDeciding what to do with lifeFollowing a few simple principlesLiving 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 tryGoing back to school at 62 and being a student againDon't be afraid to ask others for helpGetting back on a plane Mental health and support for people going through traumatic experiences Raising her children What's nextBeing a life long learnerMaybe writing another bookWanting to encourage people to live their life full throttleWhy it's a matter of perspective How to connect with SherylHow to buy her bookBeing happy to connect with peopleFinal words of advice for women listeningDon'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
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    46 min