JENNY TOUGH

The endurance athlete on a mission to run across a mountain range on every continent discusses positivity and the lessons that helped her survive lockdown

What’s been your most challenging moment?

When I was running across Kyrgyzstan, I made a massive navigational error, went down the wrong valley and set off a few landslides. Ahead was a cliff edge leading into a pretty gnarly whitewater river; the only other way forward was to climb a mountain. I was thinking: “All directions would definitely kill me if I got it wrong.” I decided to go with the climb, and it was a like a prolonged near-death experience. It was a mistake that could have cost me everything. I decided that as soon as I got out of that valley, I was going to leave and go home.

When I got to the top, after what felt like hours, I just collapsed and had a little cry. And then as soon as I was done crying, I fixed my ponytail, got up, kept on running and just went back to business.

What is the most extreme place you’ve visited?

I ran across the Bolivian Andes — which was a world first — and it was way more extreme than I ever thought it would be. Some sections were incredibly remote; then there was the altitude and the weather. I still look back on that leg and think: “Oh my god, I can’t believe I actually survived that.”

How do you go about planning an adventure?

It starts with a lot of daydreaming. I think one of my best time-wasting hobbies is staring at maps. And then you start to wonder, what’s it actually like there? Is it possible to get around? What vehicle would I use? Could I do it on foot or do I need skis? You just start filling in all those little details until you have a complete route in front of you that you want to attempt.

What’s your approach to packing?

Go as light as possible. Besides the camera, everything I’m taking has to be integral to my survival. And then, obviously, it’s got to be equipment that’s completely reliable — or at least reparable with duct tape.

What inspires new adventures for you?

A desire to see what’s around the next corner. I want to see every part of the planet and I want to meet the people on it. But also, within myself, I want to know what challenges I can actually accomplish and how much further I’m able to push myself. It’s all about wanting to know more, to know what else is out there.

INTERVIEW: ANGELA LOCATELLI