Tough Girl Podcast

By: Sarah Williams
  • 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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Episodes
  • Caroline Soubayroux - 2024 Guinness world record holder for fastest couple circumnavigation by bike. Wife and mother working full-time and striving to inspire the next generation.
    Jan 7 2025

    In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Caroline Soubayroux—Guinness World Record holder, full-time project manager, wife and mother.

    Caroline takes us on a journey through her life, from her early days learning to ride a bike in France, to cycling 18,000 miles around the world alongside her husband, and finally navigating the challenges of balancing fitness, family life, and a demanding career.

    You’ll hear about the highs and lows of life on the road, the realities of cycling over 100 miles a day, and how Caroline transitioned into running after becoming a mother. Her story is raw, honest, and deeply inspiring—perfect for anyone striving to balance big dreams with everyday responsibilities.

    ***

    Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.

    Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.

    Thank you for your amazing support!

    ***

    Show notes

    • Who is Caroline
    • Being from France originally but now living in London
    • Working as a project manager for an investment bank
    • Cycling around the world with her husband
    • Her early years and learning how to ride a bike
    • Getting into cycling after meeting her husband
    • Getting into running later on it life
    • Doing a run commute to work
    • Learning to be independent on the bike
    • Her first race - Race Across France
    • How her confidence increased and why it was so transformative
    • Seeing an opportunity in 2019 to start planning a big cycle around the world
    • Turning the dream into a reality
    • Wanting to follow/respect the Guinness world record rules
    • Wanting to cycle 18,0000 miles
    • Trying to decide how long to take?
    • Having to make compromises
    • Becoming very focused on the record
    • Changing the start route and adapting to new rules and regulations regarding travel during covid
    • Leaving from London and cycling west to east and flying on to Canada
    • Deciding to cycle through Africa
    • The realities and what is going on behind the scenes
    • Stress
    • Life on the road and cycling 100+ miles per day
    • Cycling around the world and how it impacted on their relationship
    • Highlights and magical moments from the trip
    • Dealing with injury and illness
    • Money and paying for the challenge
    • The end of the trip and having mixed feelings
    • Why it’s hard getting back into reality because no one cares!
    • Wanting to have a family
    • Cycling and pregnancy
    • Deciding to stop cycling and take up running
    • What it was like after birth and dealing with high emotions
    • Focusing on the baby and being off social media
    • Using a running pram
    • Wanting to go on bike packing trips with the family
    • Fitting fitness and exercise into her life and what that looks like
    • How to connect with Caroline
    • Advice for working mums who want to take on new challenges

    Social Media

    Instagram: @caro_sbx

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    47 mins
  • Sarah Williams: Reflections on the South West Coast Path, Health, Money & Future Plans for 2025
    Jan 2 2025
    At the end of 2024, I wanted to take a moment to pause, reflect, and share some personal insights from the past six months. In this special solo episode, I open up about my experiences hiking the South West Coast Path, the lessons I’ve learned about health and fitness, and how I’m approaching financial planning and future adventures. From the challenges of dealing with health setbacks to the triumphs of completing tough hikes, this episode is an honest and raw look at my journey. I also delve into thoughts on ageing, longevity, and the exciting plans I have for 2025, including more adventures, personal growth, and professional goals. If you’re curious about what goes on behind the scenes of Tough Girl Challenges or simply want some motivation to tackle your own goals, this episode is for you. Join me for an honest conversation about health, money, and embracing the adventures ahead! *** Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women. Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! *** Show notes Welcome to the reflections episode Recording in the dead time between Christmas and New YearWho am I?The mission of Tough Girl ChallengesMaking assumptions - that you know a lot about me!Setting the sceneFocusing on the previous 6 months (August 2024 - December 2024)Home on the WirralThe restful, calm bedroom where I work from Giant map of the World Snake plant Peace Lilly Plant Living at home since 2014Keeping structured and focused during the interviewMy early 30s, banking, stress, travelling for 2 yearsSpending time in South America and designing life I wanted to lead How podcasting has changed my lifeStarting podcasting in 4th August 2015 Goodpods list Previous adventures and challenges Running challenges - Marathon des Sables Cycling challenges - Cycling from Vancouver to Cabo san Lucas 2018Hiking and thru-hiking Question from Adele Vickers How my adventures and challenges have evolved over time Feeling like a failure on the Appalachian Trail The importance of showing up even when you don’t feel like itNot enjoying the North Island of New Zealand (roads etc)Reflection on the Te Araroa Trail podcast episode Enjoying spending time in the wilderness, soloPursuing similar challenges in the future Adventuring over the past 18 months none stopAchieving everyday and feeling like I’m making progressWorking on balance Documenting the journey so farFocusing on the South West Coast Path, health, fitness, financial goals, new job and future goals Armchair Adventure Festival 2024 South West Coast Path (SWCP) Zoe Langley-Wathen Training and preparation for the SWCP Dealing with severe anaemia and not going into the hike fully fitDocumenting the trail daily and sharing on social media Sponsored by ZOLEO #ChallengeWithZOLEO Wearing INOV8 #gifted. Use TOUGHGIRL10 for a 10% discount Tooth pain, teeth issues, visiting the dentist, needing a filling and root canal…Accommodation, distances, costs, walking with friends on the SWCP (James, Zoe, Gigi)Level of enjoyment (71%) fatigue (44%), ease of terrain (48%)Ankle issues, and focusing on bullet proofing my ankles going forwardOverall throughs on the SWCP and why I highly recommend it as a hike The reality of what people think thru-hiking is versus what it is actually like out on the trailThe Salt Path - book & new film in 2025 Being home in September and focusing on health Scientific research into ageing at 44 and me turning 44 in 2025 Caroline Paul: How Outdoor Adventures Improve Life as We Age - Lessons from 'Tough Broad’. Discover how embracing bravery and the outdoors can lead to a fulfilling and adventurous life at any age.Ageing and adventuring - 16 adventures over the next 16 years 6 years until I’m 50 (WTF)Health, wellness & longevity Needing to put money into my SIPP (Private Pension - Self Invested Personal Pension)Needing to make more money, without losing my freedom Patrons & Patreon Getting back into strength training, working with Franco - https://www.humalforces.com/ Dr. Stacy Sims - Leading Global Expert on Female Physiology and Endurance Training. Author of ROAR. Lifting heavy weights, getting my protein in (with Protein Rebel)AIM Health where cutting-edge medical science meets holistic well-being Seeing Dr Cathy Treatment - Cryotherapy, Red Light Bed, Rebalance Bed, Hyperbaric Oxygen and Hydrogen Therapy & Compression Therapy Feeling Amazing!!What 2025 is hopefully going to look like…. Work at AIM until end of April 25 (also doing strength training, ...
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Prue Young: Triathlete and Critical Care Flight Paramedic Sharing Her Journey as an MS Warrior and Competing in the Ironman World Championships in Kona
    Dec 31 2024
    In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Prue Young, a remarkable triathlete and critical care flight paramedic who exemplifies resilience and determination. As a proud warrior living with multiple sclerosis (MS), Prue has not only faced personal challenges but has also triumphed in the world of endurance sports. From her journey as an athlete to competing in the prestigious Ironman World Championships in Kona, Prue shares her inspiring story of perseverance. As a New Zealand representative, she has pushed through the barriers of her diagnosis to achieve incredible feats, including completing Ironman events and other endurance challenges. Join us as Prue discusses her experiences in triathlon, the intersection of her career and athletic pursuits, and how she continues to inspire others in the face of adversity. This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of chasing your dreams against all odds! Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women. Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon! Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your amazing support! Show notes Who is PrueInsights into her childhood in rural Dunedin, New ZealandGrowing up with outdoor adventures like climbing trees, kayaking, skiing, and campingThe influence of her parents in fostering her love for the outdoorsHer involvement in sports during her school years, including water polo, hockey, and swimmingParticipation in the Duke of Edinburgh programme and how it introduced her to tramping and mountain bikingHer early aspiration to become a doctor, inspired by a childhood incidentWhy she shifted her career focus from medicine to paramedicineHow a suggestion to volunteer with St John Ambulance started her paramedic journeyPrue’s path from volunteering to becoming a fully qualified paramedicThe challenges of balancing work, study, and personal fitness while pursuing her paramedic degreeHow exercise became her outlet during busy and stressful periodsHer initial exposure to triathlons during high schoolThe role of a colleague in encouraging her to participate in a women’s triathlonOvercoming fears of road cycling and embracing triathlon trainingCompleting her paramedics internship and rediscovering her love for sportsWriting a bucket list and setting ambitious fitness goalsCompeting in New Zealand’s Coast to Coast multi-sport competitionThe components of the Coast to Coast eventHow Les Mills RPM classes rekindled her interest in bikingHer journey from gym fitness to full Ironman triathlonsFinding fulfilment in the outdoors through triathlons and endurance challengesHow triathlons helped her manage stress and stay physically activeThe importance of community and support in her sporting and professional lifeThe mental and physical challenges of transitioning to a high-intensity paramedic careerInsights into balancing career demands with maintaining personal fitnessHer reflections on resilience and adaptability through life’s challengesHow her love for the outdoors continues to shape her lifestyle and careerHow she discovered her love for triathlons and embraced the joy of physical challengesHer first Ironman experience in March 2018The balance between overcoming challenges and enjoying the process of competingThe influence of her postgraduate studies to her training routineReflections on her second Ironman and how pressure impacted her enjoyment and performanceBalancing work, study, and training while managing life changesHow she shifted her focus from Ironman to the Coast to Coast multi-sport eventThe new challenges she faced learning to kayakThe unique blend of skills and fitness required for both triathlons and multi-sport eventsHow Prue attempted to take on both the Coast to Coast and Ironman in 2021The impact of COVID-19 restrictions on events and how they reshaped her plansHow Prue’s journey took a major turn with the onset of symptoms leading to her MS (Multiple Sclerosis) diagnosisThe early signs of MS that she experienced, including changes in sensation and strengthPrue’s journey to understanding and managing her MS diagnosisThe importance of finding joy in the process, even amid setbacks and challengesHow Prue continues to approach life and sports with a positive and determined mindsetPrue’s journey to the Ironman World Championships and overcoming challenges like injury and fatigueWhat it was like competing in Kona during COVID-19Highlights of being part of an inspiring athlete ambassador panelThe joy and energy of the Ironman check-in process and race day atmosphereHer experiences with ...
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    1 hr and 7 mins

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Inspirational and amazing

I love this podcast and would wholeheartedly recommend following there is something for everyone! Whether you want to listen to cyclists, hikers, swimmers, rowers, mums, grandparents, every time that I listen I’m inspired and have more ideas and gets
Me one step forward in my own adventures.

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