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"Race Across the World Transformed Our Existence"

Competitors Cathie Rowe and Tricia Sail, supported by their camaraderie, emerged victorious in season 3 of the BBC program. Their victory brought about an uplift in their self-assurance and a strengthened self-belief.

Women Cathie Rowe and Tricia Sail, together with their friends, victoriously concluded season 3 of...
Women Cathie Rowe and Tricia Sail, together with their friends, victoriously concluded season 3 of the BBC show, attaining a boost in self-assurance and faith in their abilities.

"Race Across the World Transformed Our Existence"

"Race Across the World": Is It Really a Life-Changer?

Embarking on a journey with no phones, no internet, and tight budgets, teams compete to cross foreign countries in the popular TV series, "Race Across the World." But what is it really like to navigate through unfamiliar territories and push past your limits? Welsh pharmacy owner Cathie Rowe, 52, and Devon charity coordinator Tricia Sail, 51, share their experiences and revelations after winning Season 3 and breaking free from their comfort zones.

Tricia reminisces, "Race Across the World wasn't just another competition; it was a transformative experience for Cathie and me. Throughout our friendship, spanning almost 40 years, Cathie has consistently been my rock, encouraging me to break free from my self-imposed constraints. Entering us in the race was a testament to her unwavering support and belief in our ability to conquer whatever challenges lay ahead."

Taking on the challenge to traverse Canada by land, relying solely on a paper map, and adhering to daily food and travel budgets of £100, the two women, overwhelmed by menopause symptoms, never expected to find themselves in the spotlight. With symptoms such as night sweats, cognitive fog, and self-doubt, they felt ill-equipped to tackle such an endeavor.

Despite her visual impairments due to an eye condition she developed in her late 30s, Tricia found the inspiration she needed to explore the world again. The race ignited a burning passion within her, driving her to treasure the memories she created with Cathie.

Together, they ventured to Peru in 2022, trekking the Inca trail, and to a remote section of the Great Wall of China in 2023. Their shared experiences have been a source of joy, and they now find themselves working as guest speakers with P&O Cruises, embarking on trips to captivating destinations like Norway and Mauritius.

"Sharing these adventures with my best friend of nearly four decades has been an incredibly rewarding experience," Tricia confides. "We have ambitions to venture to Patagonia, Jordan's Petra, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Bhutan in our 50s. Our hearts are already brimming with anticipation for our next journey."

Rediscovering Canada

Overwhelmed by the magnitude of their accomplishment upon returning to Canada a year ago, Cathie reflects, "The realization of our triumph left us feeling profoundly changed. As we stood in silence, gazing upon the iconic lighthouse at Cape Spear, we recognized ourselves as individuals transformed by the challenges we faced and the confidence we fostered."

Inspiring others to break free from their comfort zones, Cathie urges, "If you're considering a big trip, be bold and trust in yourself. Growing older doesn't have to mean putting your dreams on hold."

First published in the July 2025 issue of woman&home magazine, this story serves as a testament to the transformative power of adventure, friendship, and tenacity. Sign up today to experience more stories that inspire and enrich your life!(Subscribe to the magazine for just £6 for six issues!)

  1. As they stood at the iconic lighthouse at Cape Spear after returning from the Race Across the World, Cathie and Tricia, now in their 50s, felt profoundly changed.
  2. In the transformative experience provided by 'Race Across the World', Cathie and Tricia found a renewed passion for adventure-travel, embarking on trips to captivating destinations like Peru, the Great Wall of China, Norway, and Mauritius.
  3. Although Tricia faced menopause symptoms and visual impairments, she was inspired to rediscover her love for travel, a fire ignited during the race.
  4. With their shared experiences on 'Race Across the World' as a foundation, Cathie and Tricia now work as guest speakers with P&O Cruises, promoting wellness, lifestyle, and cultural-travel.
  5. Despite facing uncertainties and challenges during the race, Cathie and Tricia, budding celebrities in their own right, now plan to embark on journeys to Patagonia, Jordan's Petra, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Bhutan.
  6. Inspiring others to embrace change and push past their self-imposed constraints, Cathie encourages those considering travel to be bold and trust in their own capabilities, arguing that growing older does not mean putting dreams on hold.

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