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/
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
What happens when a dream is so big, so audacious, that you commit to it long before you have the skills, money, or confidence to make it happen?
For Paula Ralph, that dream was to cycle from Cape Town, South Africa to Nordkapp, Norway— a 12,290 km journey across 17 countries. What began as a Guinness World Record attempt soon transformed into something far more powerful: a test of courage, resilience, and self-belief.
Paula set off with one goal — to become the fastest woman to complete the route. But along the way, reality hit hard. Injuries, financial setbacks, fear, loneliness, and a traumatic collision with a truck in Zambia forced her to confront a heartbreaking truth: the record might no longer be possible. At this crossroads, Paula had a choice — stop, or redefine what success looked like.
She chose to keep going.
In this episode, Paula shares the raw truth behind the miles: the moments of doubt, the joy of human connection, the quiet sunrises that kept her pedalling, and the inner strength she discovered when everything else was stripped away. Her story is not just about endurance on a bike — it’s about holding on to your “why” when the original plan falls apart.
If you’ve ever had a dream that felt too big, or found yourself at the edge of giving up, Paula’s journey will remind you that progress isn’t always measured in records — sometimes it’s measured in courage, growth, and the refusal to quit.
This episode is for you if:
- You’re chasing a big goal or adventure
- You’ve experienced setbacks or self-doubt
- You want inspiration to keep going when life gets tough
- You love stories of resilience, solo travel, and human grit
Ready to be inspired by what’s possible when you simply refuse to stop?
Hit play and let Paula take you on the road with her.
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/
Your support makes a difference. Thank you x
***
Show notes
- Who is Paula
- Doing the Long Ride - Cape Town to Nordkapp, Norway
- Being based in the UK
- Growing up in South Africa in the middle of nowhere
- Not being very adventurous
- Getting sporty in her adult years
- Getting married and putting on weight
- Deciding to join a gym to lose weight in
- Paying a Personal Trainer
- How her outlook on fitness changed
- Wanting to encourage other people to live a healthy life
- Getting into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Becoming a sports therapist in 2009
- Going into retail after college
- Getting her personal training qualifications
- Advice and tips for women who aren’t feeling comfortable in their body
- Encouraging women to find something they’d enjoy
- Getting the idea for the ride in 2020
- Being inspired by the longest walkable road in the world - from cape town to a tiny town in Russia
- Sharing her dream on Facebook
- Giving herself 4 years to plan and train
- Deciding to do a cycling camp in Italy
- Meeting her coach - Ian
- Deciding it was now or never and starting the ride
- The challenges of getting to the start line
- Getting divorced in 2012 and not having children
- The challenges of being self employed
- Struggling financially
- Creating a go fund me, to fund the challenge
- Wanting to start a foundation to help children in disadvantaged communities
- Needing to take a little diversion to get back on track
- The start line of the long ride
- Being driven to the start line at 5am
- Dealing with the nerves at the start
- Wanting to beat the record and complete the challenge in 72 days
- Not having a support crew anymore due to the sponsorship falling through
- Having an 8kg pack on her back while cycling
- Crossing the border into Botswana
- Her cycle route through Africa
- The anxiety heading up to the Ethiopia border
- Border crossing
- Heading through the Middle East and making it to Europe
- Mental resilience during the ride
- Reflecting on each day, how the day went and how she was feeling
- Why the only way is forward
- Smiling through the pain
- Being on the bike and where her focus was
- Getting hit by a truck in Zambia
- Needing to set the world record aside
- Feeling overwhelmed and not wanting to continue the ride - being completely done
- The end of the journey and knowing the end was insight
- Feeling proud of herself
- Going live on Instagram to thank everyone
- Adjusting back to life after the trip
- Leaving everything in the UAE
- Heading back to the UK after the ride
- Finding a contract job
- Trying to enjoy the downtime after the ride and struggling with not moving forward
- How to connect with Paula on social media
- Having her first account hacked on Instagram
- Fail to plan - plan to fail
- Why its all in the planning
- Be prepared to be adaptable
- Forge forward
Social Media
Instagram: @thelongridec2c.2
This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, I’m joined by Sharon Jessop — an ultra-endurance athlete, conservationist, keynote speaker, and serial entrepreneur whose running adventures are driven by a mission to protect rhinos in Africa.
From growing up barefoot in the South African bush to covering over 3,500 miles across some of Africa’s wildest landscapes, Sharon has used her extraordinary endurance to raise awareness and funds for rhino conservation. Her journey is as inspiring as it is challenging, blending adventure with purpose.
In this episode, Sharon shares how she turned her love of running into a powerful tool for wildlife conservation, the highs and lows of multi-day expeditions, and the unforgettable encounters she’s had along the way — from navigating tough terrain to seeing Africa’s incredible wildlife up close.
We also explore her personal story, the losses that have shaped her, and how she finds motivation and meaning in every mile.
Whether you’re drawn to ultra-running, conservation, or simply pursuing your passions with purpose, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight.
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/
Your support makes a difference. Thank you x
Show notes
- Who is Sharon
- Living in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape of South Africa
- Her passion and obsession with rhinos
- Running for Rhinos
- Growing up barefoot in the brush
- Being 16 and her first experience seeing a rhino
- Deciding to study law….
- Hosting a television show
- Going back to conservation
- Making changes to her life at 48
- Always being a runner
- Discovering her ability to run long distances day after day
- Losing her dad and good friend to cancer in 2017
- Running from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth
- How one running expedition led to the next
- The mental side of running and why its super important
- Doing the running expedient in her mind, before she even starts
- Her motto - Failure is not an option
- Running multiple half marathons (2020) for rhino conservation
- What have I committed to?
- Having a really big WHY
- And why it makes it easier
- Not wanting to let the rhinos down
- Planning and logistics for the expeditions
- Having the accommodation and food sponsored
- Travelling with a small team
- 2022 adventure
- Recovery each day
- Not being a big supplement taker
- Believing in real food
- Trying to stay away from processed food
- Taking electrolytes
- The importance of hydration and fuelling your body
- The importance of sleep and its impact on recovery
- The magical moments while out running
- Being scared of ostriches and baboons
- The 5 animals - Lions, Elephants, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard
- The adjustment back to ‘normal’ life
- Starting training for Comrades Marathon in 2026
- Row for rhinos
- Ted X talk in San Diego - The Race for Green Spaces and Wild Places
- Where do the funds raised go
- Self funding her running expeditions
- Future projects for the Rhinos
- The Great World Race - 7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 7 Days
- How to connect with Sharon and her projects
- Final words of advice
- Using affirmations and why we need more women doing these adventures
- Be Brave, Be Fearless, Be Bold.
Social Media
Website: www.sharonjessop.com
Instagram: @runwildwithsharon
Facebook: @sharon.jessop1
YouTube: @sharonjessop1
Meet Regine Goh, a national triathlete and endurance athlete from Singapore who has spent her life mastering the art of consistency, resilience, and performance.
From starting competitive swimming at just four years old to transitioning into triathlon, Regine has learned firsthand the power of showing up, pushing through plateaus, and enjoying the process every step of the way.
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, Regine shares her journey of balancing elite-level training with a professional career, the mental and physical lessons she’s learned along the way, and how the principles of endurance sports can help anyone sustain productivity, build confidence, and achieve ambitious goals.
Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, a professional, or someone striving to be more consistent in your life, Regine’s insights are a masterclass in resilience, focus, and long-term growth.
***
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/
Your support makes a difference. Thank you x
Show notes
- Who is Regine
- Living in Singapore
- National athlete specialising in the sport of triathlon
- Starting off in the sport of swimming at 4 years old
- Really enjoying spending time in the water
- Knowing all the strokes at 8 years old and starting to do competitive swimming
- Being spotted by a swim coach
- Enjoying the grind of swimming and making new friends
- Doing a decade of hardcore competitive swimming
- Joining the Singapore Sports School (boarding school)
- Starting to plateau in swimming and making the transition to triathlon at 16
- Trying open water swimming
- Dealing with the plateau of not improving in her sport
- Having understanding coaches
- Starting to ask herself, why she was doing the sport
- Figuring out what her motivations where
- Figuring out her goals did not align with her core values
- Reflecting back on why she got into sport in the first place
- Deciding to take running a bit more seriously
- Why her cycling journey was a bit scary
- Getting into road cycling at 19
- Why it was a steep learning curve
- Wanting to prove everyone wrong and make it to the national team
- Making the national team for triathlon
- Getting burnt out in swimming chasing the goal of reaching the national team
- The importance of showing up every day and trying your best
- The mindset change when moving over to triathlon
- Getting some good mentors
- Enjoying the process at every step
- Gen Z perspective on mental health
- Zone 2 training, Periodisation, Progressive overload
- The importance of focusing on recovery
- Fuelling and eating the right foods
- Being here for the long game
- Sleep as a performance enhancing drug!
- Being a working professional and managing her training
- Doing morning and evening training sessions
- The importance of planning ahead to get your training sessions in
- Managing stress
- Control what you can control
- Working with a coach
- Empowering aspiring professionals to boost consistency and sustain productivity using the principles of endurance sports
- Consistency and it’s importance
- The compounding effect of training
- Communication expectations
- Favourite moments from swimming and triathlon
- Her short term and long term goals
- Thinking about doing an ironman and returning to open water swimming
- Wanting to complete the English Channel Crossing
- The Oceans Seven in swimming
- The importance of having big, ambitious goals
- How to connect with Regine
- Final words of advice for women and girls to follow their passion in endurance sports
- Have fun and enjoy the process
Social Media
Instagram: @weezuine.tries
Facebook: Regine Goh (吴宣萱)
LinkedIn: Regine Goh
Anna Humphries is an adventurer, expedition leader, and founder of The Mountain Girl, whose life is dedicated to getting people outdoors and showing them what’s possible when you push past your comfort zone.
A trained Mountain Leader, Scout Leader, and key member of the Bear Grylls Survival Academy team, Anna has designed and led survival programmes across the UK and around the world. Her work spans everything from logistics and programme development to standing on the frontlines with groups of young people, teaching them resilience and grit in the wild.
Adventure runs through her veins. She has hiked to Everest Base Camp, raced through the National Three Peaks Challenge multiple times — her fastest in under 20 hours — and was part of the first female team to Stand Up Paddle Board across the English Channel. Whether it’s trail running, paddle boarding, or exploring high peaks, Anna thrives on testing her own limits while inspiring others to do the same.
Through The Mountain Girl, Anna champions accessibility in the outdoors, especially for women and young people. She believes in the power of nature to build confidence, connection, and courage.
Her mission is simple: to encourage more people to experience the wild, to discover their inner strength, and to prove to themselves that they are tougher than they think.
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/
Your support makes a difference. Thank you x
Show notes
- Who is Anna
- Founder of Mountain Girl
- Growing up close to the Malven Hills
- Being the role model that she needed when she was growing up
- Her early years
- Having an older sister and a twin sister
- Why the Malvens were an adventure playground for her
- Why her teenage years were tough
- Not being in love with herself
- Never feeling as though she fitted in
- Losing her way
- Role models
- Trying 27 jobs….
- Dealing with the doubt in her brain
- The stories she was telling herself
- Describing yourself in different adjectives
- Wanting to be strong and adventurous
- Starting to follow people who inspired her on instagram
- Needing to lose weight and feeling unhealthy
- Tapping into her inner child
- Taking 2 years to lose weight, and getting rid of the hate in her head
- Adventure - Love - Happiness
- I am - I am - I am
- Developing Mountain Girl
- Duke of Edinburgh Award
- Receiving her gold award
- Volunteering in Scouts
- Badge motivation!
- Starting to head off on her own adventures
- Getting her qualifications and upping her skills
- Becoming a Mountain Leader and how it opened up future opportunities
- Future events happening in 2026
- Visiting Mt. Everest Base Camp
- Setting herself big challenges
- Wanting to share her adventures
- Being adventure driven and not ego driven
- Paddle Boarding across the English Channel
- Becoming a SUP coach
- Overcoming her fear of heights
- Taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge
- The importance of rewards
- How you can connect with Anna
- Final words of advice
- Be the person you needed when you were growing up
- Start to explore social media see what it going on
- Find the inspiration and follow it
- BE IT!!!
Social Media
Website www.themountaingirl.co.uk
Instagram @themountaingirluk
Facebook: @themountaingirluk
Bear Grylls Survival Academy - beargryllssurvivalacademy.com/