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
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