Jen Scotney boasts an impressive record as an ultrarunner with podium finishes in the 108-mile Montane Winter Spine Challenger South and the 190-mile Northern Traverse. She is host of the Resilience Rising Podcast, a running coach, writer, Mountain Leader and yoga teacher, which have followed her career as a human rights lawyer. Jen has appeared in magazine features for Runner’s World, Trail Running and Women’s Running. She has been a guest host on the Wild Ginger Running YouTube channel, and a previous guest on the Tough Girl Podcast. Jen crewed for John Kelly’s successful Pennine Way fastest known time as well as for his Wainwrights Round in the Lake District. She grew up in the Peak District and now lives in the Scottish mountains with her husband Marcus and Sherlock the beagle. Running Through the Dark is her first book. *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Who is Jen Scotney Intro from 2018 TGP episode So much has changed in 6 yearsA new introduction for nowBeing based in the Scottish HighlandsNot running anymore and what happenedChatting with Mimi Anderson No longer clinging onto the identity of being a runnerSelf worth in relation to challenges and big runsUsing writing as a tool to help processHer dream of wanting to run the Pennine WayGetting a book deal and starting to write stories of runnersGoing through a period of chronic illnessWanting to share her story and get it out of her head500 words a dayRelief and fear of finishing the bookGrief and lossHanding over control Recovering from chronic illnessResilience Starting the Resilience Rising PodcastsWhy messiness is part of resilience. Taking the time to process and accept what’s happenedNot signing up for the suffering Having a good time while runningWhy low points in a race are not comparable to real life challengesExternal validationWhat bring joy and happiness todayTeaching yoga and growing fruit and vegMaking changes in her life and doing a pivotGetting ok with uncertainty and changeChoosing the uncertainty and being open to what comes upAdvice for letting go of control Joining the local mountain rescue team in Scotland Working through a skill list and having monthly training Managing negative thoughts Dealing with 2 knee replacementsLooking for her limit and finding out what she can doStart where you arePlans for 2025 - goal setting or going with the flowPracticing yoga for 15+ yearsBeing a qualified Yin Yoga teacherYoga Nidra and permission to restPushing back again busyness and perfection Relax and do more yoga Stop trying to be productiveWhat needs to be let go offBeing in the momentKeep connected to Jen Final words of advice Social Media Website: www.jenscotney.com Instagram: @jenscotney X/Twitter: @jenscotney Vertebrate Publishing Books to inspire your next adventure. Based in Sheffield, the Outdoor City. Instagram @vertebrate_publishing X/Twitter: @VertebratePub Book: Running Through the Dark: The rise and fall of an ultrarunner. Ultrarunner Jen Scotney has achieved podium finishes in some of the UK’s toughest races and now has her sights firmly set on the Pennine Way. In Running Through the Dark, Jen talks about her ambitions, not just to run the 268-mile Pennine Way but to take the record as the fastest woman to do so. But that didn’t happen. Nothing went according to plan. The Jen the world knew was a successful lawyer and running coach – all photoshoots and finish-line smiles – but the truth was much darker. The real Jen Scotney, the one she hid from everybody, suffered with chronic fatigue, debilitating injuries, tragedy, grief and at times had a will so beaten down by setbacks that there just didn’t seem any point in going on. But she did go on. Running Through the Dark is Jen’s account of her ultra-journey. Playing out on the moors of the Pennines, the fells of the Lake District and the mountains of Wales and Scotland, this is much more than a running book, it is a story about resilience, about never giving up, and about battling through the night and always believing that there will be a new dawn.