Anna is based in London and back in the day she represented Great Britain at rowing, but after ‘retiring’ in her mid twenties, she started a “normal" job but the desire for adventure never left her. In 2013 she set out to cycle 11,000 miles through each and every state of the USA, and most recently she became the first person to run the whole length of New Zealand. Along the Te Araroa trail. She ran it solo and unsupported, stopping off to speak to over 4,000 school children on the way.  Show notes  -Anna share more about her background and what it was like growing up in the McNuff Family! -What it was like being the daughter of two Olympians -Why she wanted to be an Olympian -Representing Great Britain in rowing and making the decision to stop. -Losing her sense of identity and deciding who she was and what she wanted to do next -Entering the corporate world & being excited by it! -Trying to fit adventures in around her work -2013 - The urge for adventure became too much and she decided to scratch the itch!! -Why you always have a choice! -Making sacrifices to make her dream happen -The highlights from cycling America - from Alaska, to the National Parks -The challenges she faced during her cycle and how she overcame them.  -Coping with her emotions - The Snowball, The Doubtress, The Dream Dumpers -The post adventure blues & how to deal with them -Running the full length of New Zealand and how the challenge came about -Her mental and physical preparation for the challenge - Making herself ‘bomb proof’! -What she learnt most about her brain while out running  -#AnnaRuns -Her “cheerleaders” only day!!! -Why it was important for her to speak to children along the way to share her story with the goals of getting them excited about the planet. -Advice around failure and why it’s about perception and perspective. -Anna shares her mission for kids & adults -Her future challenge - An exclusive on the Tough Girl Podcast!!!   Anna is 100% passionate about the positive impact adventure and sports can have on the lives of young people. Anna uses her human powered journeys as a platform to inspire and motivate children, to get outside, and get exploring the world they live in.    To learn more about Anna visit her website www.annamcnuff.com. Anna is also on twitter @AnnaMcNuff - Give her a shout out once you’ve listened to this episode!   A massive thank you to everyone who has become a patron! You too can support the Tough Girl Podcast from as little as $2 to $5 per month!  CLICK HERE!   Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!