Sports
Megan is a runner, writer and adventurer from Manchester, UK. Megan in her own words: “I’m a relentless optimist who always tries to say yes to living life to the fullest. I was born hearing impaired, I am completely deaf in my left ear and partially hearing impaired in my right ear. In 2018, during one of the hottest heatwaves Britain has ever had, I ran from John O’Groats to Land’s End completely unsupported, becoming the youngest woman to do so. I covered around 1000 miles in 40 days and I’m now writing a book about it. I believe in being good and kind, I believe in saying yes and I believe in the power of positivity.” New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Make sure you hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out. The tough girl podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. To find out more about supporting your favourite podcast and becoming a patron please check out www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. *Please note during this episode we do talk about mental health, trauma, & PTSD. Show notes Moving to the Peak District, UK Growing up in Manchester Not really being that into sports at school Going to University in Wales Falling in love with the outdoors Stepping outside her comfort zone Getting to know new people Getting into running Signing up for the Manchester 10 Km Suffering a bad ankle injury Going through a difficult break-up Getting back into running after university Signing up to the Chester half marathon and the Manchester Marathon Loving running and deciding to run across the country Enjoying the process of running Deciding to run from John O’Groats to Lands End - the length of the UK The strategy for the run and wanting to camp at the start Figuring out the accommodation for the route Wanting to follow trails and try to avoid the roads as much as possible Feeling excited during the planning stage When reality for the challenge hit and starting to feel overwhelmed Reaction from friends and family Being hearing impaired and not being able to hear out of her left ear Fears and concerns before the run Being focused and dedicated to the challenge The start line! The top of the UK at John O’Groats Running with a hearing impairment The physical, mental and emotional challenges of the run Dealing with her period on the run The challenges of doing it solo and being alone A challenging day down in Cornwall Keeping the motivation going during dark times Letting things go and staying in the present Managing her period during the challenge The financial costs involved How the run has changed things afterwards Dealing with trauma and an iron deficiency Writing about the challenge and the struggles involved Final words of advice