Hillary Allen – Ultrarunner and Author of Out and Back: A Runner’s Story of Survival Against All Odds
- Tough Girl
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Hillary Allen, famously known as the “Hillygoat,” is a world-class ultrarunner celebrated for her fearless climbs on steep, technical terrain. But in 2017, at the peak of her career as the #1 ultrarunner in the world, Hillary faced a life-changing setback: during a race in Norway, she fell 150 feet off a ridge, breaking 14 bones. Doctors told her she’d never run again.
Yet Hillary didn’t just defy the odds—she redefined them. Today, she’s back competing at the elite level and inspiring others to rewrite their own stories of resilience.
With a background in neuroscience and a master’s in physiology and structural biology, Hillary combines science, grit, and empathy in her work as an author, coach, and speaker.
Her book, Out and Back: A Runner’s Story of Survival Against All Odds, chronicles her incredible comeback.
In this episode, Hillary shares:
How her lifelong love of running and science shaped her journey
The mental and physical challenges of recovering from a life-threatening fall
Practical tips on mindset, self-belief, and self-compassion
Why she believes your best athletic days can be ahead of you
Whether you’re an athlete, adventurer, or someone looking to overcome setbacks in life, Hillary’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience, courage, and persistence can take you farther than you ever imagined.
🎙️ 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
Listen to Hillary Now!
Click here if you can't see the link below.
Show notes
Who is Hillary
Growing up in Boulder Colorado, USA
Being an athlete all her life
Coming from an outdoorsy, academic family
Describing herself as a science nerd
Currently in a Masters Program for Applied Sports Psychology
Having an older sister
Growing up camping with her family
Her parents both being professors
Studying chemistry and neuroscience
Not finishing her Phd
Getting her first running sponsorship
Her running journey to get to being a sponsored athlete
Starting running in graduate school
Needing an outlet to reset
Starting to run with a running group
Discovering the trail running scene
When things clicked after running a road marathon
Wondering if she could do it…
Being drawn to running and feeling satisfaction in the challenge
Working hard on her weaknesses
Working on her ability to run on technical trails and push herself when feeling tired
Getting into skyruning
Being named the Hilly Goat!
Why its a skill you need to practice
The challenges of 2017
Heading over to Europe to race
Thinking she was dying
Falling 150ft, breaking 14 bones, damaging ligaments and being lucky to be alive
Book: Out and Back: A Runner's Story of Survival Against All Odds
Being depressed
Starting to think about running again
Believe that your best athletic days are ahead of you
Helping her mindset and the mental side of the challenge
Working with a counsellor
Working past fear
Breaking her ankle and dealing with another injury
Going back to do the race again
Getting her nervous energy out
Closing the chapter off
Practical tips around mindset
The power of self compassion and self belief
The next plan/goals
Signing up for a road marathon in January
Working on building up some speed
Podcast - Trail Society
How to connect with Hillary
Final words of advice for other women
The importance of daily practices
Journalling
Mantra - believe your best athletic days are ahead of you
Affirmations - I am statements “I am a runner”
Start small, and start with self belief
Social Media
Website www.hillaryallen.com
Instagram @hillygoat_climbs
Facebook @hillaryallenrunner
Podcast - Trail Society
Feeling inspired week after week?
You can do 3 easy things to help me continue to grow the podcast!
Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes, so you won’t miss a single episode
If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a 5-star review on iTunes! I read every single comment!
Share the podcast with your friends, especially if you think it could help them, and spread the #ToughGirlPodcast love.
Your support helps me continue to grow the podcast and do inspiring things in this space! Already done all 3? You’re a rockstar! Thank you!
Want to do more?
Please become a Patron and donate US$5 a month to help fund the runnings costs. Thank you.
