Sarah Williams: Reflections on the South West Coast Path, Health, Money & Future Plans for 2025

Author: Sarah Williams
Published: Thu 02 Jan 2025
Episode Link: https://toughgirlchallenges.libsyn.com/sarah-williams-reflections-on-the-south-west-coast-path-health-money-future-plans-for-2025

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!

***

Catch the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, dropping every Tuesday at 7 am UK time! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women.

Want to play a part in uplifting female representation in the media? Support the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon!

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.

Thank you for your amazing support!

***

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
Snake plant
Peace Lilly Plant
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
Goodpods list
Previous adventures and challenges
Running challenges - Marathon des Sables
Cycling challenges - Cycling from Vancouver to Cabo san Lucas 2018
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
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
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
South West Coast Path (SWCP)
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 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%)
Ankle issues, and focusing on bullet proofing my ankles going forward
Overall throughs on the SWCP and why I highly recommend it as a hike
The reality of what people think thru-hiking is versus what it is actually like out on the trail
The Salt Path - book & new film in 2025
Being home in September and focusing on health
Scientific research into ageing at 44 and me turning 44 in 2025
Caroline Paul: How Outdoor Adventures Improve Life as We Age - Lessons from 'Tough Broad’. Discover how embracing bravery and the outdoors can lead to a fulfilling and adventurous life at any age.
Ageing and adventuring - 16 adventures over the next 16 years
6 years until I’m 50 (WTF)
Health, wellness & longevity
Needing to put money into my SIPP (Private Pension - Self Invested Personal Pension)
Needing to make more money, without losing my freedom
Patrons & Patreon
Getting back into strength training, working with Franco - https://www.humalforces.com/
Dr. Stacy Sims - Leading Global Expert on Female Physiology and Endurance Training. Author of ROAR.
Lifting heavy weights, getting my protein in (with Protein Rebel)
AIM Health where cutting-edge medical science meets holistic well-being
Seeing Dr Cathy
Treatment - Cryotherapy, Red Light Bed, Rebalance Bed, Hyperbaric Oxygen and Hydrogen Therapy & Compression Therapy
Feeling Amazing!!
What 2025 is hopefully going to look like…. Work at AIM until end of April 25 (also doing strength training, editing podcast and vlogs etc), Travel/adventure from May to early September, work at AIM until next April 2026.
Summary of financial goals
Editing the Vlogs for New Zealand (22 for North Island and 27 vlogs for the South Island) and why I’m happy with what I’ve created.
Sponsorship for 2025 - podcast & vlogs with INOV8 & ZOLEO
Question around the feeling of failure - my response with tips and advice to help you
The power of REFRAMING
My failure in boxing
Plans for 2025 - English Camino in Spain, The Fisherman’s Trail in Portugal, spending time with Adelaide in Norway
Not feeling excited about doing a long hike such as the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
GR10 - Through the French Pyrenees: Le Sentier des Pyrenees.
10 year anniversary of the Tough Girl Podcast!
Final 2 questions - what have I changed my mind on in the last year and books I’ve been reading
Running a 100 miler…
THANK YOU for listening and supporting the Tough Girl Podcast
The 10 year anniversary, a change in branding and the next decade…
My word of 2025 - Longevity
Needing to put legacy plans in place
Connect with me and watch the vlogs on YouTube
Support the work I do via Patreon