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

 New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.

 Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.

 Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x

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