top of page
Search


Hilde Dosogne – Marathon Woman 366: Running 366 Marathons in a Year at Age 55 to Break a Guinness World Record
At age 55, Belgian runner Hilde Dosogne set out to break boundaries — and did just that.
In 2024, she ran 366 marathons in 366 days, earning her the title of Guinness World Record holder for most consecutive marathons in a year.
What makes Hilde’s journey so extraordinary is not just the distance she covered, but the relentless dedication she showed while working part-time and managing her daily life with laser-focused discipline.
Sep 16, 20255 min read


Dr. Rosa Vasquez Espinoza – National Geographic Explorer, Amazon Scientist & Advocate for Indigenous Wisdom and Biodiversity
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we journey into the heart of the Amazon and the mind of a remarkable woman pushing the boundaries of science, culture, and conservation—Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza.
Rosa is a Peruvian chemical biologist, National Geographic Explorer, UN Harmony with Nature Scientist, and the founder of Amazon Research Internacional.
Sep 9, 20253 min read


Sophie Pierce - First person with Cystic Fibrosis to row an ocean
Sophie Pierce is a 32-year-old social worker from Pembrokeshire, West Wales, who made history in March 2025 as the first person with Cystic Fibrosis to row an ocean.
Diagnosed at just 3 months old, Sophie has lived with the challenges of a genetic condition that affects her lungs and digestive system and once carried a life expectancy of under 30 years. But Sophie’s story is not defined by limitation—it's a bold testament to resilience, courage, and the power of hope.
Sep 2, 20254 min read


Emma Wilkinson – Freelance Health Journalist, Ultra Runner & Co-Author of Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport
Emma Wilkinson is a freelance health journalist, ultra runner, mother of three, and co-author of the empowering book Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport.
Emma’s journey into ultra running didn’t begin until her 40s, but once she discovered the joy of going long and slow, there was no turning back.
Aug 26, 20254 min read


Lily Canter – Ultra Runner, Women’s Running Coach & Co-Author of Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport
Lily Canter is ultra runner, women’s running coach, journalist, and passionate advocate for gender equality in sport. As co-author of the groundbreaking book Ultra Women, Lily is helping to challenge outdated narratives and spotlight the women redefining endurance running.
Lily didn’t grow up considering herself sporty, but after joining a triathlon club in her 30s, she discovered a love for running that quickly evolved into a passion for ultras.
Aug 19, 20254 min read


Tania Carmona – First Mexican Athlete to Complete the 5 Deserts Grand Slam: Ultrarunner, Coach, and Podcaster
Tania Carmona is a trailblazing ultrarunner, endurance coach, entrepreneur, and the first Mexican athlete to complete the 5 Deserts Grand Slam. From swimming as a national-level athlete in Mexico to conquering some of the toughest environments on Earth, Tania’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless curiosity.
Aug 12, 20253 min read


Day 7-10: Walking 🥾GR20 ‘Toughest Hike in Europe’ Corsica 🇫🇷 10 Days!
🌟 By Day 7, I was deep into the rhythm of the GR20 — tired legs, early starts, and incredible mountain views that made it all worthwhile. This stretch brought tougher terrain, wild weather, and some unforgettable moments. Here’s the breakdown of my stats and experiences from Days 7 to 10. Let’s keep going! 🗺️⏱️🌟
Aug 8, 20254 min read


Day 1-6: Walking 🥾GR20 ‘Toughest Hike in Europe’ Corsica 🇫🇷 10 Days!
✨ The GR20 is often called Europe’s toughest trek — and it definitely made a bold first impression. From dramatic climbs to jaw-dropping Corsican landscapes, the first six days were a test of both endurance and mindset. In this post, I’m sharing my daily stats, trail highlights, and honest thoughts from Days 1 to 6. Let’s dive in! 📊📍✨
Aug 8, 20256 min read


From Dream to Reality: 10 Years of Tough Girl Challenges
In 2014, I sat down to write my very first blog post. I was still trying to piece together who I was and what I wanted my life to become. I’d left my banking job in 2013, taken a “gap year” to travel, explore, and breathe — but eventually, the big questions found me again.
What am I doing? Where am I going? What do I want my life to be?
Tough Girl Challenges was born out of that space of uncertainty, curiosity, and deep desire for change.
Aug 6, 20253 min read


Dr. Sarah Ruggins – Record-Breaking Endurance Cyclist on Pushing Limits, Managing Pain, and the Power of Aggressive Patience
Dr. Sarah Ruggins is a high-achieving investment professional, academic powerhouse, and now a record-breaking ultra-endurance cyclist. From her early days as a national-level track athlete in Canada to surviving complex PTSD and rebuilding her life, Sarah’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and radical self-belief.
Aug 5, 20254 min read


Sarah Williams - 800th Episode Special – 10 Years of the Tough Girl Podcast, 7,400 Miles of Adventure & What’s Coming Next!
I can’t quite believe it, but here we are — the 800th episode of the Tough Girl Podcast!
In this special solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes for a personal catch-up and reflection on everything that’s happened so far in 2025 — from January through to August. I talk about what life has looked like lately (yes, still living at home with my parents!), working part-time at AIM Health, the adventures I’ve been on, the challenges I’ve faced, and the exciting things co
Aug 4, 20257 min read


Tia Banks – From Pro Athlete to Mountaineer: Climbing the 7 Volcanic Summits and Teaching Resilience Through Adventure
Meet Tia Banks—a former professional basketball player turned mountaineer and certified resilience expert. Based in Texas, Tia is on a bold mission to climb all seven volcanic summits, one on each continent, using her journey as a platform to inspire strength, courage, and mental resilience.
Aug 4, 20253 min read


Sharon Evans – Walking New Zealand’s 3,000km Te Araroa Trail at 58 and Inspiring Women to Embrace Outdoor Adventure
Sharon Evans, also known as the Free Wheeling Kiwi, is a 58-year-old adventurer, storyteller, and passionate advocate for women embracing the outdoors, especially later in life.
Sharon shares the incredible story of walking the full Te Araroa Trail, a 3,000km thru-hike stretching the length of New Zealand. Alongside her partner, she tackled harsh weather, blisters, foot pain, and relentless terrain—proving that age is no barrier to adventure.
Aug 4, 20253 min read
bottom of page