Tough Girl Podcast

Meet Dr. Shawna Pandya, Canada's first named female commercial astronaut and a leading figure in space medicine. From emergency medicine to aquanaut missions and suborbital research flights, Shawna has trained to thrive in some of the most extreme environments on Earth—and soon, in space. In this episode, she shares her journey from a childhood inspired by Dr. Roberta Bondar, through neuroscience and medical training, to testing spacesuits in zero gravity and completing multiple NEPTUNE aquanaut missions. We dive into: The challenges of spaceflight on the body and mind The "RIDGE" framework Radiation, Isolation, Distance, Gravity, Environment Using emergency medicine, diving, and piloting to build operational readiness Maintaining balance, avoiding burnout, and living a life aligned with values Preparing for her upcoming flight with Virgin Galactic Shawna's story is a masterclass in perseverance, curiosity, and aiming for the stars—literally. *** 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 *** Show notes Who is Shawna Being Canada's first named female Astronaut Her early years and growing up in the 90s Wanting to be an Astronaut since she was a child and being inspired by Dr. Roberta Bondar Simplifying things Wanting to follow in her footsteps Doing a neuroscience degree The influence of her parents Girl Guides of Canada Doing outdoor education during junior high and building her spirit of adventure Inheriting her work ethic from her parents - thinking the normal work day was from 7am to 10pm Sharing her goal and telling people what she wanted to achieve Taking a family trip to Australia at 12 years old and being obsessed with the Southern Night Sky Not knowing if it will work out or not - Having to love the grind and the journey Keeping focused on the goal Not letting other people opinions stop her Her parents wanting her to have a realistic career ambition The roadmap included medicine After doing her undergrad in neuroscience and applying for medical school Having a back up plan - just in case International Space University - Masters Program Asking medical school for a deferral Doing an internship at the European Space Agency European Space Centre and making a meaningful contribution to space medicine Dealing with criticism Having balance in her life and not suffering from burnout Pursuing the trajectory as a research astronaut - and still maintaining her clinical hours in emergency medicine Work life balance Why she does't burn out Living her life according to her values Having complete control over her schedule Being surrounded by good people Finding fulfilment and loving what she does Being inspired to be a better version of herself everyday Fitness and health in space Bone density and muscle mass Space Medicine The challenges of space flight environment and why it's trying to kill you The "RIDGE" Framework short for Space Radiation, Isolation and Confinement, Distance from Earth, Gravity fields, and Hostile/Closed Environments. Altered day night cycles - 1 sunrise/sunset every 90 mins - 16 sunrise - sunset cycles per 24hr period every and how it interferes with your sleep cycle Micro-gravity and how it affects your bodily systems Physical activity as therapy and using it as a way of investing in herself. The days she doesn't make it to the gym Needing to change something up - or end up burning out Learning diving skills and spending time underwater Looking for transferable skills Being operational good and a good team mate Operational environments: - emergency medicine, diving, sky diving and piloting The importance of having aqua-naught experience Going on 2 NEPTUNE Missions NEPTUNE (Nautical Experiments in Physiology, Technology and Underwater Exploration) Building her space flight readiness Learning to handle stress in challenging situations Why there is no room for ego Using emergency medicine as an example Escalation patterns of communication Question - Suggestion - Statement - Command Why there is a time and place for everything If everything is urgent - nothing is urgent! Urgency fatigue - not knowing what do first Being aware of what tools you have at your disposal High risk - high reward scenarios The countdown to flight Since 2021 - the launch of private companies into space Going to space for research What kind of astronaut do you want to be? Being a research astronaut Training flights as a team - and getting to fly with her good friends Kellie Gerardi Dr. Norah Patten Figuring out research priorities The outreach aspects of what they do Science diplomacy The lead up to the space flight Managing fears and concerns Having a job to do Being aware of the need to be prepared Deciding on the final payloads Dealing with periods in space Quick Fire Questions Being an evening person Not scheduling early morning meetings Starting her day at 9am Favourite movie and favourite space movie 2007 movie - Sunshine Book inspiration - Chris Hatfield - An Astronaut's guide to Earth Music inspiration - liking high adrenaline workout play lists Liking the John Wicks Soundtrack Beach or mountains.. Favourite food at home and in space High RPM skipping Rest and relaxation Her love for birds - having a 56g Lovebird - 'Jules' Mantra and words she lives by - 'You've got this" Words from mum - "Keep going" - "Keep moving" Words from dad - "What's the difference between success and activity? Success is eating tomato soup with a spoon, activity is eating tomato soup with a fork" How to connect and follow along on social media Final words of advice and wisdom for other girls who want to pursue Pick what you want to do, aim to be really, really good at it. Aim to become the hardest working person in the room. Because the work ethic is free. Work really hard to get to where you want to be and then act like you belong there, because you do. You just need to make space for yourself. Social Media Website: shawnapandya.com Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/shawnapandya Instagram: @shawnapandya Facebook: @shawnapandyaofficial

Jeannette McGill is a seasoned mountaineer and executive leader who, at 52, became the oldest South African woman to summit Everest in May 2025. With more than 30 years of global climbing experience—including leading expeditions across four continents—she knows deeply that the summit is never just about standing on top. Jeannette's journey is a testament to patience, resilience, and the quiet power of backing yourself, no matter how many setbacks you face. Beyond her personal achievements, she is passionate about demystifying the modern-day myths of Everest and advocates instead for the very real challenges mountain terrains face through climate change globally. Having been there herself, she brings an informed, honest perspective on what is truly happening above 8,000m. Today, Jeannette combines her love for high-altitude adventure with leadership on Boards and helping others explore their own limits. She also supports future generations through leading snow camps in the Victorian Alps and mountaineering scholarships, believing that mountains are powerful teachers of courage and humility. Her story is not just about conquering peaks but about becoming the kind of person who dares to try. We first spoke with Jeannette on 7th January 2021 - Jeannette McGill - 1st South African woman to summit Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world *** 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 *** Show notes Who is Jeanette Corporate executive, board director and most importantly a mountaineer South African by origin, located in Melbourne and spending up to 5 months in Nepal TGP Episode - January 7th 2021 - - 1st South African woman to summit Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world Her Mt. Everest dream A one day - someday project… How climbing Mt. Everest came to the forefront of her mind To be a real mountaineer you needed to tick Mt. Everest off the list Deciding to go in a different direction in 1995 The pivotal moment - university and having a career or entering the climbing competition Pursuing her career Was Mt. Everest a realistic goal? Growing into the project Adding Mt. Everest to the bucket list after covid Going through a back surgery and perimenopause and deciding that 2023 would be her Mt. Everest year Using Mera Peak as an acclimatisation strategy Getting sick and not recovering well, getting to camp 2 and not being able to continue. Heading back to Australia and deciding to go back in 2024 Deciding to gift herself the power of a mid-life sabbatical Exciting her role in December 2023 and starting to train properly for Mt. Everest in 2024 Joining a small team Mechanical failure on the mountain - her jumar not working and getting word that her house in Australia had burnt down. Getting to the South Col and not being in the right head space. Knowing she was making the right decision to turn around and head back down the mountain Dealing with the frustration and disappointment and why it was difficult Not being in a good head space. Needing to pivot and become nomadic during the winter Floundering and not knowing what was next Deciding that she would regret it if she didn't back herself one final time. Pivoting and making the best of the situation Having flexibility and deciding to do Mt. Everest one last time Figuring out where to do the winter work - in either Scotland or New Zealand Packing up and heading over to New Zealand to do training Doing more mountain work, on the NZ Alps in the South Island How it became a more personal/internal objective/goal What training looked like Working with a mental and physical coach Using Training Peaks Evoke Endurance Coach Returning to Manaslu in the fall of 2024 Muscle endurance - steep hills in NZ out of Queenstown carrying 20kgs Following a structured gym program Her 'A' Team Figuring out through processes and what could derail her Having cheat sheets e.g. a mopey list to keep her focused on her goal and what she needed to do Heading back to Mt Everest in 2025 and wanting to do the Everest - Lhotse Double (having 2 permits) Acclimatising on Mt. Mera Peak Being an older climber and the changes she made Sleeping at camp 3 on her rotation Heading up to the balcony The challenge of the 2025 season Dealing with extreme winds and not being able to stand up Having to turn around - returning to her tent on the South Col and being hit with disappointment. Maybe climbing Mt. Everest just isn't going to happen again - shedding a tear Having her main sherpa needing to head back down to camp 2 Having the opportunity to go for the summit of Mt. Everest the following night Now or never!!!!! Starting to prepare, getting herself together and heading back to the balcony before reaching the summit Reaching the summit - A surreal, glorious moment. Crying on the summit and why she will never forget it The descent back to base camp - dealing with fatigue Being able to look after herself on the descent The afterwards - Relief? Adventure blues? The pressure on herself to achieve the goal Being at peace with herself Needing to rest this calendar year and savour her summit Wallowing in the peace and knowledge of achievement How to connect with Jeannette Final words of advice for other women who want to take on their own mountains and challenges Keep stretching your fear muscle Social Media Website: www.mcgillsmountains.com Instagram: @mcgills_mountains

Lauren Burnison is the founder of We Love Lucid, the UK's first alcohol-free travel company, and a trailblazer in the sober travel movement. From couch-surfing with nomads on the Mongolian steppe to snorkelling with sharks in Oman, Lauren has spent her life seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures—and this year, she took a two-month road trip through Spain and Portugal in a micro camper with her four-year-old daughter to celebrate ten years of sobriety. In this candid conversation, Lauren shares her journey from self-destructive habits to sobriety, how travel became her school of life, and the joys and challenges of being a single parent exploring the world. She talks about starting We Love Lucid, the lessons learned while traveling solo and with her daughter, and how adventure can transform the way we see ourselves. Explicit content: We touch on drugs, drinking, and addiction. *** 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 *** Show notes Who is Lauren Coming from Northern Ireland Originally 41 years old Founder of We Love Lucid - The UK's First Alcohol-free Travel Company Being a single mum to a very energetic 4 year old girl Being an aspiring writer Reflecting back on her early years Being very creative, loving animals, and growing up in the countryside Where her love of travel came from Starting to learn Spanish in school and how her teacher inspired her Having a knack for learning languages Finding a diary entry from when she was 15 years old Having an ambition to learn Spanish and French and wanting to live in Spain Getting to visit Spain at 16 on a sports camp Having her eyes opened and feeling invigorated while travelling on the road Why A'Levels were such a slog and hated being told what to do Being confident about travelling Deciding to travel around South America Getting into drugs and going down a self destructive path Heading back home to go to university Spending 6 months in Barcelona - working in a pizza restaurant and living in a tent Getting her degree Being taken further down the path and still being self destructive Making changes at 32 Wanting to explore and see more of the world - spending time in South Africa Getting in more and more trouble Turning 30 and heading to South Korea to work as an English Teacher Having the best and worst moments of her life Hitting rock bottom and deciding not to drink ever since Getting in trouble, and having the fear of losing her life Partying with Chinese Dwarfs Seeing how bad her behaviour had gotten Feeling and being alone on this part of the journey Drinking 4 nights a week The hardest part - being faced with this situation of not knowing who she was Who is Lauren? Having to deal with difficult emotions. Feeing so vulnerable The night she decided to quit drinking Creating 'We Love Lucid' and how it helped her stay connected with the sober community Visiting the vast empty spaces in Mongolia Growing up with horses and riding horses Wanting to ride horses in Mongolia and how it turned in to a trip of self discovery Trying to figure out the next steps Why life is not just good or bad - it's a mixture of everything Heading to the South of Spain and doing a workaday experience over there How the idea for - We Love Lucid came about Not having a positive view of sobriety Thinking about her experiences as a sober person travelling Starting to run the trips Why the trips are all about connecting with sober people Cycling from Beer to Soberton…. Why not all projects turn out how you want them to Not wanting to be a quitter Getting to 70 miles….. Why it was a bit of a failure, but also a valuable lesson at the same time Riding up the East Coast of Korea on a bike to North Korea The goodness of people How travel and adventure changed after having her daughter Feeling as though her world has been shrinking How it affected her mentally - with not being able to travel The realities of being a single mum in Scotland How her life seems so normal Starting to go away with her daughter Being on a road trip in Portugal for 1/2 months Trying to escape the winter in the UK Needing to stay in the UK and going with that Starting to accept the reality Wanting to start her blog - "Adventures of a single, sober mum" Being able to afford a micro camper Why trips are a condensed school of life The beauty and joy of the quiet moments Walking with 12 women on the Santiago de Compostela Mandy Manners - Sober Coach She Recovers Foundation How to connect with Lauren The stigma around being a single parent Wanting to feel more empowered Final words of advice for other women Change is possible Being inspired by Terence McKenna Try something hard, push yourself out of your comfort zone. Social Media Website: www.welovelucid.com - The UK's First Alcohol-free Travel Company Instagram: @welovelucid Substack: adventuresofasobersinglemum.substack.com

In this Tough Girl Podcast EXTRA episode, we catch up with Helen Dainty — solo female cyclist, self-described "full-time global hobo," and one of the most committed long-distance bike travellers you'll ever meet. For the past decade, Helen has spent nine years on the road, travelling exclusively by bicycle and living on around £50 a week. She's cycled across Australia, ridden from London to Nordkapp and back, travelled extensively through the Middle East and North Africa — and in 2025 became the first woman to cycle across Libya. When war in Sudan forced her to abandon an overland route into East Africa, Helen adapted and rerouted — because that's what life on the road demands: flexibility, resilience, and the ability to trust the process. In this episode, we dive into what's happened since we last spoke in January 2022. From navigating complex visa systems (including Algeria and Libya), to travelling with police security details, being detained in Libya, and accepting incredible hospitality through the Warm Showers community — Helen shares the raw, practical realities of long-term cycle touring. We also talk about: The logistics of visas with a British passport Working with visa agents and last-minute plan changes Cycling in Algeria and Libya Budget travel (sticking to AUD $100 per week) Her bike setup — switching from chain to belt drive Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres and long-distance reliability Not collecting souvenirs and living with less Documenting her journey on YouTube (and the time spent editing!) Saying yes to unexpected opportunities Helen also opens up about going through perimenopause and menopause while cycling through deserts — dealing with extreme sadness, brain fog, hot sweats in the middle of the night, and coming out the other side feeling stronger and more balanced. At 47, she believes she has another strong decade of adventure ahead — and she's not slowing down. Looking forward, Helen plans to spend the next two years cycling down the west coast of Africa in an attempt to circle the continent, before eventually heading back towards Australia through Asia. Her advice for women wanting to do something different? Say yes to the opportunity — you can work out the details on the way. Accept without hesitation. Raw, honest, practical and deeply inspiring — this is a powerful catch-up with a woman who has built her entire life around two wheels. *** 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 *** Show notes Who is Helen Catching up since we last spoke Cycling through the Middle East and Africa TGP Episode - January 2022 - TGP Extra Episode - What's changed?! Going back to the start of 2022 Taking the ferry from Turkey to Lebanon Flying home to surprise her family for Christmas Setting off toward Iran in 2022 The practical side of travel - visa's, entering and leaving countries (with a British Passport) Saudi Arabia and Oman using a E-visa system Getting a visa for Algeria - paperwork, needing to be in your home country while applying for the visa, face to face visit to the Embassy in London Visa's for Libya - not being issues and needing to work with a contact to get a visa Using a visa agent - Tap Persia Last minute change of plans and trying to extend a 2 week visa while in the country - which proved impossible Booking accommodation to get the visa Cycle touring being a little stressful at times Cycling in Algeria for a few days and what the experience was like Warmshowers hosts Accepting hospitality Having an Algerian security detail (police) and what that entails Needing to trust the process Having her passport taken off her… Arrested/detained in Libya by the police Finding affordable accommodation Tourist sites in Algeria and Libya Not meeting other bike packers in Libya How it all happened…. Saying yes to opportunities as they present themselves Libyan Cycling Centre Starting to share videos on Youtube and documenting her trips Working on improving the sound quality Aiming for 8 min vlogs The time spend editing…. Sticking to her budget of AUD $100 a week The bike, the bike set up and new gear Changing from a chain to a belt drive Getting a new saddle - Repente What is a belt drive and needing a specific frame for it and how it works Why it's popular with long distance tourers Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires Not collecting souvenirs Day to day emotions and loving life on the road Not having any plans to stop cycling Heading into Western Africa - and taking 2 years to cycle down the coast Planning to cycle back to Australia through Asia 47 years old - another good decade ahead of her Going through menopause 3/4 years ago Not knowing what was happening in 2021/2022 and not undertaking that she was going through perimenopause Experiencing extreme sadness and brain fog Feeling more balanced and having less brain fog, and less depression bouts Having hot sweats in the desert, in the middle of the night Feeling glad to be on the other side of it Starting to think about bone density Cycling down the West Coast of Africa Using this downtime over winter to plan out her route and sort out visa's. Taking her dad to Ethiopia How to connect with Helen on social media and follow along with her journey 9,570 subscribers on YouTube - wanting to reach 10k! Final words of advice for women who want to do something different and take on new challenges Say yes to an opportunity -you can work out the details on the way Accept without hesitation! Social Media All links: helsonwheels.bio.link Instagram: @hels.on.wheels Facebook: @Helsonwheelswithmlt Youtube: @helsonwheels

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Chloe Stead — 42 years old and currently living in a rustic tiny shack in the bush in Tasmania with her husband — but her journey to this simple life has been anything but ordinary. Since 2008, Chloe has been living a travelling, nomadic lifestyle. After leaving school at 18 to join the Navy and later working in health and safety in Perth, Australia, she reached a quiet breaking point while staying at the Whim Creek Hotel in 2006. A simple but powerful thought surfaced: There has to be more to life than this. Within a week, she sold her house, packed up a shipping container, took her dog, and began driving solo around Australia with just $500 AUD — despite being petrified of sleeping in a tent. That leap of faith set the course for the next chapter of her life. But Chloe's story is not just about adventure — it's about grief, reinvention, and learning to live on her own terms. After the sudden death of her partner Willy in 2013, everything stopped. In the depths of grief, Chloe stepped away from social media, let go of her old life, and slowly began again. Meditation, yoga retreats, and eventually walking the Camino de Santiago in 2014 became turning points. Carrying everything on her back, she discovered a deep love for minimalism, simplicity, and self-reliance. Over the years, Chloe has: Walked multiple Caminos including the Camino del Norte, Camino Primitivo and Via de la Plata Hitchhiked and walked along the beaches of Uruguay Taken a 10,000km road trip with her dog Dexter Lived off less than $100 AUD per week Worked seasonally to fund months of adventure Cycled from Alaska to San Francisco (86 nights in a tent!) Walked the Wales Coast Path and the Portuguese Camino Chosen to stay off social media to be fully present on trail Now married, Chloe continues to design a life built around freedom, movement, and intentional simplicity. With big adventures planned for 2026 — including walking the South West Coast Path and the GR10 — she shares honestly about navigating partnership on trail, managing knee issues, strength training gains, and why getting to the start line is often the hardest part. This conversation is about: Letting go of possessions and expectations Living with uncertainty Processing grief through movement Creating "trail life" off-trail Why you don't need technology to experience adventure Trusting that the universe conspires to keep you going And why you should "give it a crack and get to the start line." Chloe's message is simple but powerful: Life is uncertain. Don't put things off. If there's something you want to do — take the plunge. *** 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 *** Show notes Who is Chloe 42 years old, currently living in Tasmania in a rustic tiny shack in the bush with her husband Living a travelling lifestyle since 2008 What was the lead up to making changes in her life Leaving school at 18 and joining the Navy 2006 living in Perth, Australia and having a job in health and safety Starting to feel different when staying at the Whim Creek Hotel Thinking that there has to be more to life 100 things to see and do in Australia before you die Selling her house within a week, filling up a shipping container Taking her dog and starting to drive solo around Australia Being encouraged by a friend - to just do it! Not being in tune with herself Highlights from spending time on the road, driving around Australia Starting off with $500 AUD and getting a job Spending the trip just driving around Being petrified of staying in a tent Pitching her tent and staying in it for the first time Meeting a boy, Willy (which wasn't part of the plan!) Deciding to move to New Zealand (2009 - 2010) Backpacking around Europe for 3 months Planning every day and having a very tight schedule Feeling disheartened with her experience Needing to do something spontaneous Backpacking around Cambodia for 3 weeks with no plan Seeing a flyer about yoga and meditation Struggling with mental health and things in life Doing a yoga retreat in Australia and doing a deep dive into meditation Starting to work in farming around Australia 2013 and the year of her 30th birthday Deciding to go to South America to visit Machu Picchu Willys death and how it stopped everything Not knowing how to cope The funeral and not wanting to live where she was living or work where she was working Getting rid of her phone and getting off social media Starting again and wanting to forget Needing to deal with the grief Going back to mediation and doing a workshop which helped Learning about the Caminos in Spain Walking the camino in April 2014 (The way of st James) Not knowing what she was doing and carrying far too much stuff Learning a lot on the way Not being very open on the French Camino Learning a lot from Willys death and making a promise to him Doing what she wanted to do with her life - no excuses Falling in love with a minimalistic, simple way of life Waling with everything on her back and how it agreed with her Finding her passion and purpose Living this simple life Needing to create trail life, while off trail 2016 - waling the Camino del Norte and the Camino Primitivo 2017 - hitchhiked and walked along the beaches in Uruguay Feeling safe and not feeling alone 2018 - ten years since starting her nomadic journey and taking a 10,000km road trip with her dog - Dexter Needing to sort out her stuff in the shipping container Feeling so much lighter without all of her possessions Losing Dexter in 2019 Doing a silent retreat in Bali Wanting to do a 5 year walk around the world Not having any more responsibility and having ultimate freedom Working in Tasmania in 2020 and dealing with Covid and why it was so difficult Buying a block of land and a 1976 Volkswagen Kombi Van Self reliance and simplicity 2022 and the world starting to open up again Starting to work again to make money and giving up on the idea of the 5 yr walk around the world Her 40th birthday and wanting to walk 2,000km to celebrate it Meeting Will 2023 - Walking the Wales Coast Path and the Portuguese Camino Discovery the Tough Girl Youtube Channel! Buying the Cicerone - Wales Coast Path Guidebook Trying to plan the first few days Wild camping on her first night How things just kept working out Heading to Bali in 2024 Doing some backpacking in 2025, throughout Vietnam, Laos and Thailand Needing to thru hike these caminos by herself Finishing the Camino Via de la Plata. Getting married! Being the planner in the relationship Deciding to do a bike trip in America - cycling from Alaska to San Fransisco (86 nights in the tent) The challenges of adventures with a partner and navigating them together Needing to focus more on recovery and needing to put more effort into training before adventures Adventures booked for 2026 - Walking the SWCP and the GR10! Starting 1st June! Thinking this is crazy and how am I going to do this! Why you just need to start and the rest will unfold Why getting to the start line is always tricky - mentally Noticing her improvements in running at park run after strength training Having some knee problems Starting on the creatine and having more energy during the summer The South West Coast Path Not being on social media and being in the moment. Final words of advice for other women who want to live life differently and live life on their own terms Life is pretty uncertain, and definitely our time here is uncertain. Don't put things off to the future. If there's something that you want to do, take the plunge. The universe conspires to keep you going Learning to live with less over the years and how money has become more abundant Working for 6/7 months of the year, and 1 month of earnings goes towards her future Living off less than $100 AUD a week Stopping working after earning $20,000 dollars and coming back to a $3,000 dollar tax cheque Give it a crack - get to the start line. Keep that dream at the front of your mind Don't be afraid NOT to use technology on trails - walking the trails with just a guidebook or map Social Media None.