Sharon Jessop – Ultra-Endurance Runner & Conservationist: Running 3,500 Miles Across Africa for Rhino Conservation

This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm joined by Sharon Jessop — an ultra-endurance athlete, conservationist, keynote speaker, and serial entrepreneur whose running adventures are driven by a mission to protect rhinos in Africa. From growing up barefoot in the South African bush to covering over 3,500 miles across some of Africa's wildest landscapes, Sharon has used her extraordinary endurance to raise awareness and funds for rhino conservation. Her journey is as inspiring as it is challenging, blending adventure with purpose. In this episode, Sharon shares how she turned her love of running into a powerful tool for wildlife conservation, the highs and lows of multi-day expeditions, and the unforgettable encounters she's had along the way — from navigating tough terrain to seeing Africa's incredible wildlife up close. We also explore her personal story, the losses that have shaped her, and how she finds motivation and meaning in every mile.  Whether you're drawn to ultra-running, conservation, or simply pursuing your passions with purpose, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight.  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 Sharon Living in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape of South Africa  Her passion and obsession with rhinos  Running for Rhinos Growing up barefoot in the brush Being 16 and her first experience seeing a rhino Deciding to study law…. Hosting a television show Going back to conservation Making changes to her life at 48 Always being a runner Discovering her ability to run long distances day after day  Losing her dad and good friend to cancer in 2017 Running from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth  How one running expedition led to the next  The mental side of running and why its super important  Doing the running expedient in her mind, before she even starts Her motto - Failure is not an option  Running multiple half marathons (2020) for rhino conservation  What have I committed to? Having a really big WHY And why it makes it easier  Not wanting to let the rhinos down  Planning and logistics for the expeditions  Having the accommodation and food sponsored  Travelling with a small team 2022 adventure  Recovery each day Not being a big supplement taker Believing in real food  Trying to stay away from processed food  Taking electrolytes The importance of hydration and fuelling your body The importance of sleep and its impact on recovery  The magical moments while out running  Being scared of ostriches and baboons  The 5 animals - Lions, Elephants, Rhino, Buffalo and  Leopard The adjustment back to 'normal' life Starting training for Comrades Marathon in 2026  Row for rhinos  Ted X talk in San Diego - The Race for Green Spaces and Wild Places  Where do the funds raised go Self funding her running expeditions  Future projects for the Rhinos  The Great World Race - 7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 7 Days  How to connect with Sharon and her projects  Final words of advice  Using affirmations and why we need more women doing these adventures  Be Brave, Be Fearless, Be Bold.   Social Media Website: www.sharonjessop.com  Instagram: @runwildwithsharon  Facebook: @sharon.jessop1  YouTube: @sharonjessop1