At the end of 2024, I wanted to take a moment to pause, reflect, and share some personal insights from the past six months. 


In this special solo episode, I open up about my experiences hiking the South West Coast Path, the lessons I’ve learned about health and fitness, and how I’m approaching financial planning and future adventures.


From the challenges of dealing with health setbacks to the triumphs of completing tough hikes, this episode is an honest and raw look at my journey. 


I also delve into thoughts on ageing, longevity, and the exciting plans I have for 2025, including more adventures, personal growth, and professional goals.


If you’re curious about what goes on behind the scenes of Tough Girl Challenges or simply want some motivation to tackle your own goals, this episode is for you.


Join me for an honest conversation about health, money, and embracing the adventures ahead!


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Your generosity helps shine a spotlight on female role models in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Join us in making a positive impact by visiting www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast (http://www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast) .


Thank you for your amazing support!


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Show notes


• Welcome to the reflections episode 

• Recording in the dead time between Christmas and New Year

• Who am I?

• The mission of Tough Girl Challenges

• Making assumptions - that you know a lot about me!

• Setting the scene

• Focusing on the previous 6 months (August 2024 - December 2024)

• Home on the Wirral

• The restful, calm bedroom where I work from 

• Giant map of the World (https://hovia.com/uk/wallpaper/designs/world-map/vintage-map)  

• Snake plant (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracaena_trifasciata)  

• Peace Lilly Plant (https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/peace-lilies)  

• Living at home since 2014

• Keeping structured and focused during the interview

• My early 30s, banking, stress, travelling for 2 years

• Spending time in South America and designing life I wanted to lead 

• How podcasting has changed my life

• Starting podcasting in 4th August 2015 (https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/2015)  

• Goodpods list (https://goodpods.com/podcasts/tough-girl-podcast-77307)  

• Previous adventures and challenges (https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/challenges)  

• Running challenges - Marathon des Sables (https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/marathon-des-sables)  

• Cycling challenges - Cycling from Vancouver to Cabo san Lucas 2018 (https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/2018challenge)

• Hiking and thru-hiking 

• Question from Adele Vickers 

• How my adventures and challenges have evolved over time 

• Feeling like a failure on the Appalachian Trail (https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/appalachiantrail)  

• The importance of showing up even when you don’t feel like it

• Not enjoying the North Island of New Zealand (roads etc)

• Reflection on the Te Araroa Trail podcast episode (https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/sarah-williams-te-araroa-trail-new-zealand)  

• Enjoying spending time in the wilderness, solo

• Pursuing similar challenges in the future 

• Adventuring over the past 18 months none stop

• Achieving everyday and feeling like I’m making progress

• Working on balance 

• Documenting the journey so far

• Focusing on the South West Coast Path, health, fitness, financial goals, new job and future goals 

• Armchair Adventure Festival 2024 (https://www.armchairadventurefestival.com/)  

• South West Coast Path (SWCP) (https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/)  

• Zoe Langley-Wathen (https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/zoe-langley-wathen)  

• Training and preparation for the SWCP 

• Dealing with severe anaemia and not going into the hike fully fit

• Documenting the trail daily (https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/single-post/swcpstats2024) and sharing on social media 

• Sponsored by ZOLEO #ChallengeWithZOLEO 

• Wearing INOV8 #gifted. Use TOUGHGIRL10 for a 10% discount 

• Tooth pain, teeth issues, visiting the dentist, needing a filling and root canal…

• Accommodation, distances, costs, walking with friends on the SWCP (James, Zoe, Gigi)

• Level of enjoyment (71%) fatigue (44%), ease of terrain (48%)

• An...