Tough Girl Podcast

By: Sarah Williams
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  • Summary

  • The Tough Girl Podcast is all about inspiring and motivating YOU! I will be interviewing inspirational women from around the world, who’ve faced and overcome difficult challenges and situations, they will share their story, their knowledge and provide advice and essential tips for you to overcome your own personal challenges.
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Biographies & Memoirs Personal Success Social Sciences
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Episodes
  • Shafeeqah Gordon - Trail Runner from Cape Town, South Africa: Pushing Limits on the Trails and the Importance of Community

    Shafeeqah Gordon - Trail Runner from Cape Town, South Africa: Pushing Limits on the Trails and the Importance of Community
    Oct 15 2024
    In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we sit down with Shafeeqah Gordon, a passionate trail runner from Cape Town, South Africa. Shafeeqah shares her journey, from playing netball as a child to discovering the freedom and challenge of running through her university cross-country club. Over the years, running has become an integral part of her life, and she hasn’t looked back since. As a leader for Tuesday Trails, a group dedicated to the joy of trail running, Shafeeqah is all about building community and encouraging people to get outside. Her work as a mountain guide and sports scientist has equipped her with invaluable skills for tackling challenging terrains and pushing the limits in her races. From competing in prestigious races like the Ultra Trail Drakensberg 65km and the Ultra Trail Cape Town 55km, to conquering technical trails with a focus on strength and conditioning, Shafeeqah gives us insight into her training, race strategies, and the mindset needed to overcome physical and mental battles during ultra races. In this episode, Shafeeqah opens up about inclusion in the trail running community, the power of running to clear the mind, and her personal battles with self-doubt during tough moments in races. She also talks about her involvement in outdoor education through her Outdoor Education Hub, which will be relaunched in 2025 after a brief hiatus. Tune in to hear Shafeeqah’s thoughts on trail running, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and her final advice for anyone looking to take on their own running challenges! *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! Show notes Who is Shafeeqah GordonGroup Leader for Tuesday Trails IG @tuesdaytrails Being sports and playing netball from a young ageGetting into running via the cross-country club at university How running became apart of her lifeNever regretting a runThe difference between cross-country and trail runningMountain guide, outdoor educator and sports scientistStudying sports science at university. Specialising in strength and conditioning for running and netball playersThe outdoor education hubWorking a full time job in retailGetting qualified as a mountain guideWhy the marathon distance is the sweet spot. 42kmThe Cape Town Skyrace - The Sky Running Series Training for technical trailsBullet proof anklesWorking with a strength and conditioning coach and a run coachRunning mojoCalling a friend to schedule a run togetherRunning the Ultra Trail Drakensberg (UTD) 65kmUltra Trail Cape Town 55k (UTCT) The challenges of running further Figuring out nutrition and fuelling for the longer runsFitting in training around life Recovery?Trying not to take running too seriously Race strategy and wanting to get a better time than last yearFuture dreams and racesBatrun RaceRunning thoughts - thinking about everything and nothingBeing at war with herself during a tough race Inclusion in trail runningOutdoor Education Hub (on hiatus for the rest of 2024) but coming back in 2025How you can connect with ShafFinal words of advice Don’t listen to the demonsWhy it’s just important to get out there Social Media Personal Instagram: @shafgordon Outdoor Education Hub - We're an initiative focused on equipping people with knowledge & educational tools for the outdoors - making it a fun & safe space for all to enjoy Instagram: @outdooreducation_hub
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    40 mins
  • Amanda Harris: Overcoming Adversity with Adapted Cycling, Fundraising, and Inspiring Resilience After a Life-Changing Spinal Cord Injury.

    Amanda Harris: Overcoming Adversity with Adapted Cycling, Fundraising, and Inspiring Resilience After a Life-Changing Spinal Cord Injury.
    Oct 8 2024
    Join us on this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast as we explore the remarkable journey of Amanda Harris, an adapted cyclist and dedicated fundraiser who has embraced life's challenges following a spinal cord injury. Living in South Wales with her husband and two teenage children, Amanda's story is one of resilience, determination, and breaking down barriers. Originally from Devon and a law graduate from Cardiff University, Amanda has spent over 30 years in Wales. Her life took a dramatic turn after a serious bike accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury. Despite the life-altering event, Amanda's spirit remained unbroken. She spent nine months in the hospital, relearning basic skills and adapting to her new reality. Amanda's love for cycling was rekindled when she was gifted a recumbent bike, allowing her to take on new challenges and raise funds for charity. Her journey includes the ambitious goal of completing the Wales Coast Path (WCP) using a trike, wheelchair, and occasionally walking with crutches. Amanda's determination and adaptability shine as she navigates accessibility issues and relies on friends and family to assist with sections that are not accessible. In this episode, Amanda shares her experiences, from her early years in Devon to her life in Wales, her passion for cycling, and the various challenges she has undertaken. We delve into her methods for staying positive, setting tiny goals, and focusing on what she can achieve. Amanda's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of embracing life's challenges with a positive attitude. Tune in to hear Amanda's inspiring journey and her advice for women facing their own challenges. Discover how she continues to push boundaries and inspire others with her remarkable story of overcoming adversity and loving life. *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Who is AmandaLiving in South Wales with her husband and two teenage childrenOriginally growing up in DevonStudying Law at Cardiff University Living in Wales for over 30 yearsMeeting her husband at University Bringing her children up in Wales Still learning the Welsh Language Her early years and spending lots of time outside Not being particularly sporty or competitiveMaking walking plans for retirementGetting into cycling before her 40th birthday Signing up for a charity cycle ride Being in a bike accident which caused a spinal cord injury and multiple other injuries Not being able to feel her legs and knowing something serious had happenedSpending 9 months in hospital Having to learn everything againHow it changed her life What’s happened sinceDeciding to complete the Wales Coast Path (WCP) by trike, wheelchair and occasionally a few steps Being able to walk a few steps with crutchesWhy can’t I do this nowAccepting that there are some parts which are’t accessible Asking friends and family to walk that sections that aren’t accessible Accessibility on the Wales Coast PathResearch before taking on new sections Why everyone has different needs when it comes to access and accessibility The need for planning Needing to walk the path around work and needing support from other peopleCompleting approx 500 miles needing to do the North Wales SectionsRaising funds for charity Getting back into cycling and being gifted a recumbent bike Being involved in different cycling challengesWinning a competition with - Spinal Injuries Association Heading out to Portugal in May 2024 to ride 200 miles over 3 days!Having moments of doubtNot going into the dark placeFocusing on the positives and what she can do Giving things ago and saying yes to more things (such as doing this interview!)Wanting to take the tandem bike over to America to do a big ride with her husbandHow to connect with Amanda on line Final words of advice for women who are going through a challenging timeNot wanting to preach to people Try and stay positive Setting tiny, tiny goals in a notebook and how this helped during rehabFind out what works for you and focus on that Social Media Instagram: @amandah_trike Instagram: @amandascoastalchallenge
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    40 mins
  • Dena Lewis: Running for Resilience and Safety - Advocating for Women's Safety and Launching the Running Mate App.

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

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I Relate To This Tough Girl!

Very few podcasts can get me to laugh out loud. This was one. Thanks! Great !

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