Beth French, an ultra-marathon open-sea ocean swimmer who was once a Buddhist nun, a single mother who home schools her autistic son and an adventurer who suffered from a crippling illness (M.E. aka Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) in her youth.  During this podcast we speak to Beth about her journey to swim across the seven most dangerous sea-channels in the world, an official challenge called ‘Oceans Seven'. For extreme swimmers it’s the ultimate test; only a handful of people have ever completed it, but it took them many years. In September 2016, Beth set out to become the first person ever to conquer Oceans Seven in a 12-months period. Her motivation: to prove to her autistic son that you are not determined by your circumstances and that you can fulfill your dreams and ambitions by confronting obstacles head on. Show notes Not living close to the water Self employed single mum who home schools her son with autistic needs and sea swims for sanity Having ME as a teenager… What life was like growing up - the challenges she faces and how she overcame them Not being able to walk.. Coping strategies to numb the pain Hitting rock bottom Going to see an alternative therapist  Being told it was her fault at 17 Writing a wish list  Having a wake up call and taking responsibility for her life Becoming a Buddhist Nun - meditating for 17 hours a day, 7 days a week for 6 months Having a 2 week holiday which turned into an 8 year adventure! Swimming in the ocean and falling in love with it Learning the mental side of endurance Being told she couldn’t have kids… Getting pregnant and being terrified Wanting to adventure with her baby Can she do it with a baby? How did she? Her version of motherhood The Channel Swim! Generating the right emotions to push her through How to be true to you and to live your truth Why you should be full of yourself Not celebrating Heading to Hawaii for the winter What’s going on inside her head while she’s swimming Tattoos and why she has them Vulnerability as a strength and what’s she learn’t Why she stopped her last project - Oceans 7 Going for the world record and pulling the plug on it Making the toughest decision she has even made The next challenge/adventure! Top tips… advice.. Learn more about Beth via her social media channels- see below!   “I'm in it to swim it and it's not over till I run out of water.”    Social Media   Website - http://bethfrench.co.uk Twitter - @bethsbigswim  https://twitter.com/bethsbigswim Instagram - @bethfrenchlives  https://www.instagram.com/bethfrenchlives/ Facebook  @bethfrenchlives https://www.facebook.com/bethfrenchlives/    On Thursday - hear more from Beth on Tough Girl Extra - The Quick Fire Round!!