What happens when a dream is so big, so audacious, that you commit to it long before you have the skills, money, or confidence to make it happen? For Paula Ralph, that dream was to cycle from Cape Town, South Africa to Nordkapp, Norway— a 12,290 km journey across 17 countries. What began as a Guinness World Record attempt soon transformed into something far more powerful: a test of courage, resilience, and self-belief.

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.

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.

Sherry Cardona is an ultra-endurance cyclist, content creator, and adventure seeker who thrives on pushing her limits.

Shannon Hogan is no stranger to pushing physical and mental limits. A seasoned ultra runner, mountain biker, and open-water swimmer, she has

Claire in her own words: “I have always been a highly motivated person, but when I was younger, I was highly motivated to self destruct!"

Lael Wilcox is an ultra-endurance bike packer from Alaska. In racing, she’s excited to compete against the whole field and sometimes wins ov