Tough Girl Podcast Charlotte Fisher – From Zero Running Experience to Elite Ultra Runner
From a council estate on the Isle of Wight to conquering some of Europe's toughest mountain ultras, Charlotte Fisher's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Less than three years ago, she had never run competitively. Today, she's a full-time ultra runner chasing elite races like UTMB and Western States 100, proving that it's never too late to find your path.
In this episode, Charlotte shares how a charity ultra challenge sparked her running journey, the lessons learned from 50km races to brutal 100-mile mountain ultras, and how running transformed her mindset, confidence, and life. She opens up about the highs, the lows, and the mental toughness required to push through physical limits — from hospitalised near-sepsis to standing on podiums in Europe's toughest races.
Whether you're a seasoned runner, an aspiring adventurer, or someone searching for purpose, Charlotte's story is a powerful reminder that mountains, miles, and mindset can transform your life.
What you'll hear in this episode:
- How Charlotte went from zero running experience to winning her first ultra
- Lessons learned from extreme races and mountain ultras
- Mental toughness, mindset shifts, and life transformation through running
- Training, fueling, and recovery strategies for endurance athletes
- Why adventure, self-discovery, and community make ultra running so addictive
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Show notes
Who is Charlotte?
- From the Isle of Wight, UK – where she now lives, works, and trains
- Runs her own dog-walking business
- On a mission to become a full-time professional ultra runner
- Began running less than 3 years ago, starting with a charity ultra with no running experience
Growing Up on the Isle of Wight
- Childhood on a council estate in a rural village
- Outdoor play, but no sporting background
- No sailing or traditional Isle of Wight coastal sports experience
- School pushed her toward law due to academic ability, despite being naturally creative
- Initially chased a law career for financial security, not passion
Leaving Home & Early Adulthood
- Moved to London at 19 for university
- Pivoted from law to Geography degree after a crisis of direction
- Took a gap year to travel and try to "find her path"
- Felt lost through early 20s — unsure of what she should be doing with her life
How Running Entered Her Life
- Started running in Feb 2022, almost accidentally
- Signed up for a 106km Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge with zero running background
- Motivation: Raise money for the hospice that cared for her Aunt Jane, and raise awareness for bowel cancer
- First ever long run attempt: a 35km treadmill run to "qualify" for a guided 50km group run
From First 50km to Winning 106km – All Within 12 Weeks
- Completed first 50km guided run with a coach – extremely tough but gave her belief
- Didn't run again for 6 months afterwards!
- Hired a coach and trained for 12 weeks for the Isle of Wight 106km race
- Won the race on her ultra debut — a shock to herself and everyone else
- Immediately hooked on ultras — discovered a talent for running "abnormally far"
Rapid Rise to 100 Miles & First Big Reality Check
- Next challenge: 100-mile North Downs Way (Centurion) just 6 months into running
- Won the race — but it was a harsh lesson in mental toughness and fuelling
- Ran through Storm Anthony — torrential rain, strong winds and brutal conditions
- Severe stomach issues, under-fuelled, no proper nutrition strategy
- Learned the importance of fuelling, hydration, and race strategy
Becoming a Mountain Ultra Runner
- Stepped up to technical mountain ultras with Ultra Trail Snowdonia (UTS)
- Originally entered the 100-mile UTS (one of Europe's toughest races) with no mountain experience
- Only 50% finish rate – often as few as 8 female finishers
- Multiple recce weekends in Snowdonia to train – huge learning curve
- 10 days before UTS she became seriously ill & hospitalised with suspected sepsis
- Still ran the race, finished near the back — emotionally tough but transformative
- Returned the following year 13 hours faster, finishing 3rd and becoming the only woman to finish the UTS 100 twice
Mindset & Transformation Through Running
- Running gave her purpose, discipline, and identity
- Sober for almost 2 years — running helped her leave behind her old lifestyle
- Mental health, confidence, and self-belief have skyrocketed
- Found something where hard work = reward — a completely new feeling after years of feeling lost
Training, Fueling & Recovery – What's Changed?
Then vs now:
Early Ultras
Now as an Elite Athlete
No fuelling strategy
Structured carb-based fuelling plan
No gels, random aid-station food
Precise nutrition to avoid GI issues
Minimal recovery
Dedicated recovery shakes & sports therapy
Little mountain experience
Regular training trips to European mountains
- Works with a sports therapist weekly during heavy blocks
- Body now adapts well to 100-mile training & recovery
- Enjoys the solitude, adventure, and freedom of trail running
Favourite Races & Future Goals
Dream Races:
- UTMB – Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (secured elite entry for 2026)
- Western States 100 (USA)
Confirmed Upcoming Races:
- UTMB Mallorca
- Arc of Attrition (January)
- Ultra Trail Snowdonia (May)
- UTMB Chamonix (August)
What Charlotte Loves About Ultra Running
- Adventure, exploration, and seeing the world on foot
- The community, the challenge, the self-discovery
- Prefers mountain ultras over flat/road or backyard ultras
- Loves the beauty, technicality, and grit of long-distance trail running
Where to Find Charlotte
Instagram: @charlottefisher (shares training, races, and inspiration)
Key Takeaways from Charlotte's Story
- You don't need a background in sport to become an athlete
- It's never too late to discover what you're meant to do
- You can start from zero — and still reach elite level with dedication
- Mountains, miles, and mindset can transform your life
Social Media
Instagram @charlottefisher