Bethan Taylor-Swaine - PhD candidate and feminist sociologist of sport studying the representations and identities of women in ultra marathon with a passion for diversity and inclusion in running.

Bethan is committed to challenging the way we talk about running to encourage as many people as possible to find joy in the experience. She’s an advocate for pace inclusion, spending time outdoors and living well in the world. Bethan in her own words: “I live in South London with my husband Mike, our daughter Evie and Loki the Brussels Griffon in a flat that has views over the whole city.  A few years ago I quit the city and went back to university to work on my PhD and I spend my days researching the representations and identities of women in ultra running in the Sport Business Research Centre at Birkbeck, University of London.  I’ve struggled with my wellbeing and mental health for most of my life. Over the years I’ve found things that have helped make things more manageable and I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learnt to help other people ‘Live Well In The World’.” *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.  By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Who is Bethan? Being a feminist sociologist of sport Her academic approach to her insights  Having a post modernist feminist perspective  Being an activist with an agenda Asking questions and wanting to learn and develop her thoughts  Sharing about her life on social media  Her manifesto and how it came about Managing her mental health  Wanting to live well in the world Managing the physical and mental stress, rest and energy Wanting to be content and to enjoy herself  Mindset, gratitude and connection The benefits of movement and why it always has a place in her life Feeling better in nature and spending time outside  Starting her running journey 10 years ago Being in her late 20s, in a difficult relationship and a stressful job Running in the dark in her old school t-shirt Knowing that running would change her life  Feeling good and capable Entering her first race and starting to run with other people Running her first half marathon and being inspired to run a marathon Doing her masters part time while working and how running had to take a backseat Running her first post baby marathon in April  Finishing up her PhD and running 30mins here and there to keep things ticking over Spending time around the running community  Having an emergency c-section and returning to physical activity at 6 weeks Working with a postnatal specialist Doing couch to 5k NHS App  Starting running too soon and getting injured and needing to postpone the October London Marathon Finding joy in running (Tina Muir) and why London was her ultimate Joy PB Using a run walk strategy and having a detailed plan in advance Doing her long runs during the week as that’s when she’s got childcare available  Doing her PhD studying the representations and identities of women in ultra marathon Quitting her job and becoming a full time academic  Wanting more women to take part in sport and physical activity  Why sports are not just a boy thing Post feminist narratives around participation in sports Will women outrun men? Black Trail Runners  The million dollar question!! (When will the PhD be finished?) What’s changed over the years and starting to understand post feminism more  The costs of running and why it’s not free Reductionist ideas and why we need to be mindful of what’s said and seen Why you can’t “just do it” The pressure for women to do a lot and to excel at what they do You can have it all…. Working with her partner to balance the challenges of life  Why your priorities can’t be everything How to connect with Bethan on the socials Final words of advice  Examine what your privileges are when it comes to sport and physical activity Avoid platitudes and how you can understand your journey better     Social Media Website: www.bethantaylorswaine.com Instagram:  @bethantaylorswaine  @feministsportsociologist