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.

From a council estate on the Isle of Wight to conquering some of Europe’s toughest mountain ultras, Charlotte Fisher’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Less than three years ago, she had never run competitively. Today, she’s a full-time ultra runner chasing elite races like UTMB and Western States 100, proving that it’s never too late to find your path.

This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, I’m joined by Sharon Jessop — an ultra-endurance athlete, conservationist, keynote speaker, and serial entrepreneur whose running adventures are driven by a mission to protect rhinos in Africa.

Robyn Godfrey is an accomplished runner, pacer, RRCA Certified Level 1 coach, and motivational speaker who began her running journey at the age of 47.

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Julie Weiss — also known as The Marathon Goddess. Julie’s story is one of resilience, healing, and purpose. After losing her father to pancreatic cancer, she set out on an extraordinary mission: to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks, raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research along the way. Her journey captured hearts around the world — from the Today Show and O Magazine to countless finish l

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 As co-author of the groundbreaking book Ultra Women, Lily is helping to challenge outdated narratives and spotlight the women redefining endurance running.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.

Meet Ioana Barbu—an unstoppable ultra runner with big goals, bold energy, and a fierce belief in betting on herself. After winning the Ice Ultra (230km at the Arctic Circle) and the Highland Ultra (125km in the Scottish Highlands) in 2025—each by hours and against stacked fields—Ioana is now going all-in to complete the entire Beyond the Ultimate series in one calendar year. That means racing across jungles, deserts, mountains, and ice—self-funded, self-motivated, and 100% c

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by the incredible Rebecca Devereux — a dedicated mum, a full-time vet, and a passionate trail and ultra runner. Rebecca shares her journey into endurance running, her training highs and lows, and what it took to place third in one of Britain’s most brutal races — the Montane Winter Spine Sprint, a 46-mile challenge across the rugged Pennine Way in the depths of winter.

Harriet Frost is a force of energy, endurance, and entrepreneurial grit. From completing the notorious Arc of Attrition 100-mile ultra twice, to directing multiple trail races, to co-founding a menstrual cup company focused on sustainable period care for athletes — Harriet is redefining what it means to pursue hard things, in business and on the trail.

Alexandra Garcia’s journey into the outdoors began in adulthood, after relocating from Puerto Rico to Virginia, USA. What started as a personal reconnection with nature quickly turned into a deep passion for endurance challenges that test both body and mind.

Rahema Mamodo is a mum of three, a passionate runner, and a trailblazer for women in sport. Growing up in Portugal and now based in Birmingh

Renee McGregor is a world-renowned sports dietitian, ultra-runner, and advocate for women in sport. With over 20 years of experience working

Charlotte Bowens: Founder of Conscious Gear and trailblazing innovator behind VestaPak, the world's first plus-size hydration vest.