EBR Women

Clare
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  • Health & Fitness

EBR Women is a podcast from Endurance Bike & Run exploring the relationship between endurance sport, wellbeing and the wider journey of life. Hosted by coach Clare Pearson, the podcast shares conversations with women from across the endurance community. From scholarship athletes to experienced competitors, each episode explores the realities of training, resilience, recovery and personal growth through sport. Endurance sport is rarely just about physiology. It is about how we manage effort, balance stress and recovery, and navigate the challenges that appear both in training and in life. Through thoughtful conversations and real experiences, EBR Women looks at how endurance sport can shape not only performance but also wellbeing and self-understanding.

Episodes

  1. Oct 21 ·  Video

    Philippa Battye: Fear, Freedom and Finding Your People | EBR Women

    Send us Fan Mail Architect, maker and ultra-endurance cyclist Philippa Battye joins Clare to talk about what years of racing, bikepacking and travelling by bike have taught her about fear, freedom, capability and community. Philippa has an extraordinary endurance CV. She was the first woman at All Points North in 2019, co-organised the inaugural GBDURO, has twice finished near the front of the Highland Trail 550, and was first woman home at Further Pyrenees in 2024.  Some of the most interesting parts of this conversation are about the races she didn’t finish, and learning to distinguish between enduring something difficult and accepting a level of fear or risk she no longer wants to live with for hours or days.  Philippa and Clare explore why ultra-endurance racing is about far more than fitness: judgement, adaptability and dealing with uncertainty often determine what happens when a race begins to unravel.  Philippa talks about returning repeatedly to the Pyrenees, developing a relationship with places rather than simply ticking off events, and how spending time outdoors has changed her perspective on what matters.     They also discuss Philippa’s work with The Adventure Syndicate, why cycling can be so empowering for women and girls, and the importance of seeing other women doing things that previously seemed out of reach. For Philippa, learning to fix a puncture, camp alone or deal with whatever happens on the road builds something much bigger than cycling ability: confidence in your own capability.    As she enters her 40s, Philippa talks openly about a changing relationship with performance. Racing no longer needs to dominate. Strength, longevity, work, travelling by bike and simply remaining physically capable for decades to come increasingly matter more.     Her advice to anyone wondering whether they are ready for something bigger is simple: find your people, don’t wait for the perfect moment, and have a go.     You can contact Clare by commenting here or emailing her at clare@enducrancebikeandrun.com You can find out more about Endurance Bike & Run coaching and clubs here: https://endurancebikeandrun.com/ You can sign up for our Friday Focus newsletter here: https://endurancebikeandrun.com/friday-focus-insights Thanks for listening.

  2. Oct 8 ·  Video

    Kate Hargreaves: Making Time for Adventure | EBR Women

    Send us Fan Mail Emergency medicine consultant and ultra-endurance athlete Kate Hargreaves joins Clare to talk about fitting big adventures around a demanding career, discovering a talent for going long, and why adventure matters more to her than racing. Kate came to endurance sport relatively late, progressing from teaching herself to run around a local reservoir to bike touring from Leeds to Cape Town, adventure racing, ultra-distance cycling and mountain running.  She talks about training around night shifts, learning when to train and when to rest, and how coaching helped her make better use of limited time.     They also revisit Kate’s remarkable 2024 Dragon’s Back Race, where she finished fourth woman and won the fifth stage, and discuss eating enough, physical robustness and the damaging assumption that there is a particular way an endurance athlete should look.    The conversation moves beyond racing too: multi-day journeys through the mountains, self-sufficiency, the freedom of travelling lightly by bike or on foot, and why “I don’t have time” needn’t automatically rule out the adventure you really want to have.  You can contact Clare by commenting here or emailing her at clare@enducrancebikeandrun.com You can find out more about Endurance Bike & Run coaching and clubs here: https://endurancebikeandrun.com/ You can sign up for our Friday Focus newsletter here: https://endurancebikeandrun.com/friday-focus-insights Thanks for listening.

  3. Sep 24 ·  Video

    Freya Mowbray - What It Takes to Keep Getting Better | EBR Women Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail Freya Mowbray joins Clare on the EBR Women Podcast to talk about her rapid progression in cross-country mountain biking, from coming into the sport relatively late to winning British Championships and Junior World Series races. They talk about learning the technical side of mountain biking, building confidence on difficult courses, racing internationally, balancing serious training with school, and why Freya prefers to race by feel rather than stare at power or heart-rate numbers. Freya also reflects on what she has learned from races that didn’t go well, the importance of supportive teams and coaches, and why having other women around matters so much in a sport where participation can drop sharply through the teenage years.    Freya also talks about recovering patiently from viral fatigue and looking ahead to the move into the Under-23 World Cup category, alongside studying maths through the Open University.

  4. Aug 28 ·  Video

    Karen Darke - Adventure, Mindset and Going Further Than You Think | EBR Women

    Send us Fan Mail Paralympic gold medallist, world-record holder and adventurer Karen Darke joins Clare to talk about her changing relationship with cycling, competition and challenge. Karen reflects on the mental work behind performing when it mattered at the Paralympics, learning to change her self-talk, knowing when commitment becomes too much, and rediscovering cycling as a way to explore, connect with people and spend time in nature. They also talk about Karen’s recent Cycle for Humanity — 1,500 km from Germany to Rome over 16 consecutive days — and an extraordinary year that has taken her from cycling across a frozen lake in Mongolia at -45°C to riding through Italy in temperatures above 40°C. It’s a conversation about curiosity, routine, resilience and the sometimes surprising ability of the body to adapt when we give it the chance.

  5. Jul 20 ·  Video

    Alli Holland - Still winning at 52: knee replacements, ultra cycling and staying active for life

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Clare talks with Alli Holland, ultra cyclist, former road racer, adventure racer, nurse, and long-time Endurance Bike & Run athlete. Since recording, Alli has finished first female in the Pan Celtic Short Race, adding another remarkable result to a cycling story that already includes winning the Pan Celtic long race, returning from two knee replacements, and continuing to compete at a high level in her 50s. Alli talks about finding cycling as a teenager, moving into running, adventure racing and road racing, then later discovering ultra-distance bikepacking. She also speaks openly about low energy availability, stress fractures, bone density, recovery, fuelling, strength training, and what it takes to stay active for life. Clare and Alli discuss: using the bike for freedom, adventure and escapemoving from road racing back into outdoor endurance eventsthe culture of weight, leanness and under-fuelling in endurance sportrecovering from low energy availability and rebuilding healthcoming back from two knee replacementswhy strength training matters, especially as we get olderthe appeal of ultra cycling and bikepackingcompetitiveness, curiosity and “making a nuisance” of yourselfconsistency, movement and staying active for the long termThis is a conversation about performance, health, ageing, resilience and the joy of still being able to ask: “I wonder if I can do that?” You can find out more about Endurance Bike & Run coaching and clubs here: https://endurancebikeandrun.com/ You can sign up for our Friday Focus newsletter here: https://endurancebikeandrun.com/friday-focus-insights Thanks for listening.

  6. Jul 8 ·  Video

    Karen Ekman - Racing Without Losing Yourself

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of EBR Women, Clare Pearson talks with Karen Ekman after her outstanding ride at the Trans Balkan Race. Karen is from Finland, and has spent many years living in Norway and Austria. Her route into adventure cycling has been long and winding: team sports, snowboarding, freeride competition, mountain biking, gravel riding, bikepacking, and now ultra-distance racing. Clare and Karen talk about her transition from long solo bikepacking journeys to ultra racing, including a 2,500km ride through Norway and Finland, and a four-month, 7,000km solo trip from Athens to Porto. Karen reflects on what she learned from freeride snowboarding, why she once stepped away from competition, and how ultra cycling has helped her rebuild a healthier relationship with racing. She talks openly about self-worth, pressure, curiosity, uncertainty, and learning to compete without losing sight of herself. The conversation also explores the Trans Balkan Race: the surprise of finding herself at the front, the mental effect of being described as “chasing”, the importance of food, sleep and self-care, and why taking care of yourself can be the fastest way forward in a multi-day race. This is a thoughtful conversation about bikepacking, racing, trust, uncertainty, mindset, and listening to the curious voice that asks what else might be possible. You can follow Karen on social media and also learn about her work as a cycling guide via the link: https://www.instagram.com/karenemiliae?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

  7. Jun 23 ·  Video

    Quinda Verheul - Bikepacking, Creativity and Riding a 6,000 km Circle Around Europe

    Send us Fan Mail Clare talks with Quinda Verheul, a long-distance cyclist, bikepacker, artist and creative currently riding a 6,000 km circle around Europe. Quinda shares how she moved from football and creative work into cycling, why bikepacking became such an important part of her life, and how riding long distances gives her space to think, process, create and connect with the world around her. They talk about: Quinda’s first major race at Atlas Mountain RaceCreating a 600 km circle in the Netherlands during COVIDHer current 6,000 km circle through EuropeThe tension between racing, adventure and letting go of pressureWhat it means to identify as an athleteBeing a woman travelling alone by bikeCreativity, movement and mental healthWhy adventure can be beautiful, messy and difficult at the same timeHow to start bikepacking without pretending it is always simpleThis is a thoughtful conversation about cycling, identity, creativity, fear, confidence and the value of making space for yourself through movement. You can follow Quinda’s current journey on Instagram: @quindaverheul_ You can sign up for the Endurance Bike & Run Friday Focus newsletter here: https://endurancebikeandrun.com/friday-focus-insights And you can find out more about Endurance Bike & Run coaching, clubs and resources here: https://endurancebikeandrun.com/ Thanks for listening.

  8. Jun 9 ·  Video

    Alice Segre - Bikepacking, Badlands and the Power of Support

    Send us Fan Mail Italian cyclist and bikepacker Alice Segre joins Clare on the EBR Women Podcast to talk about bikepacking, ultra cycling, representation and the power of support. Alice shares the story of her first improvised bikepacking trip across Korea, riding from Seoul to Busan on second-hand bikes with friends, backpacks and no tools. That experience opened up a love of travelling by bike, seeing places slowly, and connecting with people along the way. Clare and Alice also discuss solo travel, women’s cycling, Brava Cycling Club in Lisbon, the mental challenge of ultra racing, upcoming events including The GOATS and Badlands, and Alice’s documentary project Desert Lilies, which explores female perspectives in endurance sport. A thoughtful conversation about big rides, community, representation and why you do not have to do hard things alone. Find out more about Endurance Bike and Run: https://endurancebikeandrun.com You can find Brava Cycling Club on Instagram as @bravacyclingclub and the Desert Lilies trailer link is here: https://youtu.be/GzUn5wOOgJc?si=PZ-b63DRyZbN7jMT #EBRWomen #Bikepacking #UltraCycling

  9. May 20 ·  Video

    Claire Sharpe - Women Have Superpowers: Bikes, Confidence and Creating Space in Cycling

    Send us Fan Mail Claire Sharpe is a mountain bike guide and coach, trains mountain bike guides, runs the off-road cycling community All Terrain Adventures, and organises the Bristol Rally, a bikepacking rally in the south west of England. In this conversation, Clare and Claire talk about what stops women and marginalised genders from turning up to rides and events, and what organisers can do to make those spaces feel more welcoming. They discuss confidence, group culture, facilities, representation, and the small signals that tell people whether a space is really for them. Claire also shares her own route into cycling, from roller derby and giving up smoking, to gravel riding, bikepacking, wild camping and mountain biking. She talks about learning practical skills, managing fear, becoming more confident outdoors, and why sometimes the right group or event can be the thing that helps someone take the next step. This is a thoughtful conversation about access, adventure, confidence, and the power of creating spaces where more people feel able to begin. In this episode: Women and FLINTA riders in cycling Bikepacking and gravel riding The Bristol Rally Confidence, fear and belonging Wild camping and solo adventure Guiding, coaching and leadership Making cycling events more welcoming Why learning practical skills can extend your reach

  10. May 6 ·  Video

    Dilara Tuna - Running Towards Adventure

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of EBR Women, Clare Pearson talks with ultra cyclist, trail runner and EBR Scholar Dilara Tuna. Originally from Germany and now based in Brussels, Dilara’s route into endurance sport has been anything but conventional. Before long-distance cycling and ultrarunning, there was a childhood shaped by horse riding, responsibility, bad weather, and learning to keep going because the job still had to be done. That attitude now carries into bikepacking races, mountain trails and long unsupported adventures. Dilara has recently finished first female at ACT3 in Belgium and is preparing for the Trans Balkan Race, a demanding off-road bikepacking race across the Balkans. Last year she was also the second female finisher and 8th overall at GranGuanche. But this conversation is not about results. Clare and Dilara talk about curiosity, confidence, learning through experience, the cost and complexity of endurance sport, and what it means to stop keeping yourself small. Dilara reflects on why she is drawn to new places and unfamiliar routes, how she approaches big challenges without over-controlling every detail, and why structured support through the EBR Scholarship felt like the right next step. It is a thoughtful conversation about adventure, self-belief, and the quiet work of becoming a more capable athlete. Listen if you are interested in: ultra cycling, trail running, bikepacking, women in endurance sport, confidence, coaching, and long-distance adventure.

  11. Apr 8 ·  Video

    May Jackson - From Gymnastics to Endurance Cycling - EBR Women

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of EBR Women, Clare Pearson speaks with May Jackson, a Colorado-based endurance cyclist and one of our 2026 EBR Women scholars. May’s background in competitive gymnastics continues to shape her approach to cycling, bringing a strong sense of discipline and a natural competitive edge. She balances her development as an endurance athlete alongside full-time work, building her training around the realities of everyday life rather than ideal conditions. In this conversation, Clare and May explore her progression into endurance cycling, her experience in events such as Leadville, and the challenges of moving beyond a plateau after years of self-coached training. They also discuss the role of coaching, consistency, and practical strategies around training and nutrition when time and energy are limited. EBR Women is a podcast from Endurance Bike & Run exploring the relationship between endurance sport, wellbeing and the wider journey of life.

  12. Mar 9 ·  Video

    Leanne Wrightson - Founder of Blooming Wild Adventures and EBR Scholar

    Send us Fan Mail In the first episode of EBR Women, Clare Pearson speaks with Leanne Wrightson, owner of Blooming Wild Adventures and one of the 2026 EBR Women scholars. Leanne’s journey into endurance cycling began after a period of burnout in her late twenties, when reconnecting with the outdoors became an important part of rebuilding her life. What started as a way to regain balance gradually grew into a passion for bikepacking and ultra-distance cycling. In this conversation, Clare and Leanne explore how endurance sport can support mental wellbeing, the challenges of confidence and imposter syndrome in ultra events, and the realities of balancing training with work and life commitments. They also discuss Leanne’s work helping other women discover bikepacking through Blooming Wild Adventures, creating supportive spaces for people to begin their own journeys in cycling and the outdoors. EBR Women is a podcast from Endurance Bike & Run exploring the relationship between endurance sport, wellbeing and the wider journey of life.

  • 12 Episodes

About

EBR Women is a podcast from Endurance Bike & Run exploring the relationship between endurance sport, wellbeing and the wider journey of life. Hosted by coach Clare Pearson, the podcast shares conversations with women from across the endurance community. From scholarship athletes to experienced competitors, each episode explores the realities of training, resilience, recovery and personal growth through sport. Endurance sport is rarely just about physiology. It is about how we manage effort, balance stress and recovery, and navigate the challenges that appear both in training and in life. Through thoughtful conversations and real experiences, EBR Women looks at how endurance sport can shape not only performance but also wellbeing and self-understanding.

Information

  • Creator
    Clare
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 EBR Solutions
  • Show Website
    EBR Women